A Carrier For Golf Accessories

Abstract

A carrier for golf clubs and accessories. The carrier has a semi-rigid or rigid body (3) defining a main storage compartment, the main storage compartment containing a tapered storage compartment (21) and two side compartments (23, 25). A width WI of the tapered storage compartment (21) at or towards a top of the tapered storage compartment is greater than a width W2 of the tapered storage compartment (21) at or towards a base of the tapered storage compartment. Each side compartment (23, 25) has a width W4 at or towards a base of said side compartment that is greater than a width W3 at or towards a top of that side compartment.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a wheeled carrier for carrying golf clubs and other accessories.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Golf bags typically contain a compartment for golf clubs and number of auxiliary pockets for organising and storing golf accessories and personal effects.

[0003] However, because of these peripheral pockets and external stand legs or wheels, golf bags are generally unsuitable for transporting golf clubs and accessories, particularly by aircraft. For protection during transportation, golf players commonly place their golf bag within a second travel bag for transportation. This requires owning and storing an extra bag, and adds to the weight of the bag for transportation.

[0004] Further, golf bags are generally not suitable for transport on the outside of an automobile because they are not weather proof or easy to secure to the vehicle.

[0005] It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to overcome one or more of the above disadvantages and/or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

[0006] In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A first aspect of the invention provides a carrier for golf clubs and accessories. The carrier comprises a semi-rigid or rigid body defining a main storage compartment, the main storage compartment containing a tapered storage compartment and two side compartments. A width of the tapered storage compartment at or towards a top of the tapered storage compartment is greater than a width of the tapered storage compartment at or towards a base of the tapered storage compartment. Each side compartment has a width at or towards a base of said side compartment that is greater than a width at or towards a top of that side compartment.

[0008] In an embodiment, each side compartment comprises a door that is accessible from a front of the carrier. Each side compartment door may be hinged at an outer side of the carrier so to be openable outwards to display the contents of the respective side compartment. Each side compartment door preferably comprises a latch that is pivotable to latch and unlatch the door relative to the carrier body. In an embodiment, each side compartment door comprises a diaphragm, and the latch is configured to pivot upon a user pressing the diaphragm inwards.

[0009] In an embodiment, the tapered storage compartment comprises a plurality of partitions, for example to define spaces for receiving shafts of individual golf clubs. The partitions may be formed at least in part by an end cap at a top end of the tapered storage compartment, the end cap having a plurality of apertures. Alternatively or additionally, the partitions may be formed at least in part by walls that extend along at least a major part of the length of the tapered compartment. In an embodiment, the partitions define fifteen sub-compartments or spaces.

[0010] The body of the carrier may be substantially rigid to form a hard shell carrier. For example, the carrier body may comprise ABS, ABS/PPMA laminate, or polycarbonate.

[0011] In an embodiment, the carrier is configurable to a travel mode in which the body is substantially weather resistant.

[0012] In an embodiment, the carrier is a wheeled carrier with wheels at a base of the carrier body and a lid handle on the lid of the carrier. The carrier is configurable to a travel mode in which the carrier can be wheeled by tilting the carrier and pulling on the lid handle.

[0013] The carrier is preferably a wheeled carrier. In an embodiment, the carrier has wheels at a base of the carrier body at or towards a rear side of the carrier, and a pull handle at or towards a top of the body at or towards a front side of the carrier.

[0014] In an embodiment, a forward-rearward depth of the tapered storage compartment at or towards the top of the tapered compartment is substantially the same as its depth at or towards the base of the tapered storage compartment. A depth of each side compartment at or towards the top of said side compartment may be substantially the same as its depth at or towards the base of said side compartment. In some embodiments, the two side compartments are symmetrical.

[0015] In an embodiment, each side compartment has a door, with a part of each compartment door positioned on a front side of the carrier body, and a part of each compartment door is positioned on a respective left or right side of the carrier body when the doors are closed. Each compartment door is preferably hinged to the respective left or right side such that the compartment door is openable outwards to provide access to the respective compartment.

[0016] In an embodiment the carrier comprises two opposed recesses for receipt of a mounting system for attaching the carrier to a motor vehicle, golf push cart, or a golf ride on cart.

[0017] A second aspect of the present invention provides a carrier for golf clubs and accessories, comprising a body, a carrier lid, and a lock mechanism. The body defines at least one storage compartment, the compartment having a door. The lock mechanism is adjustable between a first configuration in which the compartment door and lid are both unlocked, and a locking configuration for locking both the compartment door and the lid.

[0018] In an embodiment, the lock mechanism comprises an actuator to adjust the lock mechanism, wherein a first position of the actuator corresponds to the first configuration of the lock mechanism, and adjusting the actuator adjusts the lock mechanism to its locking configuration. In an embodiment, the actuator is a rotary actuator, and rotating the actuator through 180 degrees adjusts the lock mechanism to its locking configuration. Alternatively, the actuator may be a different type of actuator, such as a linearly movable actuator for example.

[0019] In an embodiment, the lock mechanism is adjustable to an intermediate configuration to unlock one of the lid and the compartment door and lock the other of the compartment door and the lid. The intermediate lock configuration preferably locks the lid and unlocks the compartment door. In an embodiment, the lock mechanism comprises a rotary actuator to adjust the lock mechanism, wherein a first position of the rotary actuator corresponds to the first configuration of the lock mechanism, and rotating the actuator through 90 degrees adjusts the lock mechanism to its intermediate configuration, and rotating the actuator through a further 90 degrees adjusts the lock mechanism to its locking configuration. Alternatively, the actuator may be a different type of actuator, such as a linearly movable actuator for example.

[0020] In an embodiment, the lock mechanism comprises a plurality of pivotable lugs that are configured to engage the lid, and wherein the lugs are pivoted inwards in the first configuration of the lock mechanism and pivoted outwards in the locking configuration. The lugs may be coupled to the rotary actuator by way of a cable and a toothed rack.

[0021] The lock mechanism may comprise at least one slide bar that is movable up and down relative to the carrier body. In the first configuration of the lock mechanism, the position of the slide bar allows the carrier door to be latched closed and opened, and in the locking configuration, the position of the slide bar prevents the carrier door being opened if it is latched closed or latched closed if it is open. The at least one slide bar may be coupled to the actuator by a cable.

[0022] In an embodiment, the carrier has two compartment doors and the lock mechanism is configured to lock both doors in the second lock position. In such an embodiment, the lock mechanism may comprise two slide bars, each associated with a respective compartment door. The two slide bars may be coupled to each other by a cable. The two slide bars may be coupled to the actuator by the cable.

[0023] In an embodiment, the position of the actuator is lockable with a key.

[0024] In an embodiment, the lid is removable.

[0025] In an embodiment, the carrier body is rigid.

[0026] In an embodiment, the carrier is configurable to a transportation mode in which the carrier is substantially weather proof.

[0027] In an embodiment, the carrier is configured to carry golf clubs and accessories both with the lid on the carrier body and with the lid removed.

[0028] A third aspect of the present invention provides a carrier for golf clubs and accessories. The carrier comprises a body having a primary storage compartment for golf clubs, and a secondary compartment with a compartment door. When the door is closed, a part of the compartment door is positioned on a front side of the carrier body, and a part of the compartment door is positioned on a lateral side of the carrier body. The compartment door is hinged to the respective lateral side such that the compartment door is openable outwards to provide access to the respective compartment.

[0029] In an embodiment, the carrier comprises left and right side storage compartments, each side compartment having a respective compartment door. When the doors are closed a part of each compartment door is positioned on a front side of the carrier body, and a part of each compartment door is positioned on a respective left or right side of the carrier body. Each compartment door is hinged to the respective left or right side such that the compartment door is openable outwards to provide access to the respective compartment.

[0030] The side storage compartments and compartment doors may be symmetrical.

[0031] In an embodiment, the carrier comprises a central compartment, the central compartment being tapered such that a width of the central compartment at or towards a top of the central compartment is greater than its width at or towards a base of the central compartment. In such an embodiment, each side compartment has a width at or towards a base of the side compartment that is greater than its width at or towards a top of said side compartment.

[0032] In an embodiment, the central compartment is accessible from a top of the carrier, and the side compartments are accessible from the front of the carrier.

[0033] In an embodiment, the hinge of the or each side compartment door comprises an elastomeric overmould hinge.

[0034] In an embodiment, the or each side compartment door comprises a latch that is pivotable to latch and unlatch the door relative to the carrier body.

[0035] In an embodiment, the or each side compartment door comprises a diaphragm, and the latch is configured to pivot upon a user pressing the diaphragm inwards.

[0036] In an embodiment, the or each door is configured to open to allow access to the respective compartment from a front of the carrier when the rear of the carrier is secured to a push cart or ride on cart.

[0037] The carrier may comprise accessory holders positioned on an inside of the or each compartment door, or features for attaching said accessory holders. The accessory holders may be attachable and removable from the or each door by way of a snap-fit connection. The accessory holders may comprise ball holders for receiving golf balls, golf tees, markers and/or other accessories

[0038] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a compartment for golf clubs comprising a main compartment and two rigid or semi-rigid partition members within the main compartment and attached to walls of the main compartment. Each partition member has two elongate panels at substantially 90 degrees to each other forming a corner, and wherein a corner of one panel is attached to the corner of the other panel to form four sub-compartments.

[0039] In an embodiment, each partition member has five elongate panels at substantially 90 degrees to each other forming four corners, and wherein two corners of one panel are attached to two corners of the other panel.

[0040] In an embodiment, the panels form a top-hat shape.

[0041] In an embodiment, the partition members define six sub-compartments. However, the partition members may define more or fewer compartments. A preferred embodiment compartment comprises five partition members, and the partition members define 15 sub-compartments.

[0042] The partition members comprise plastic sheet such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0043] The attached corners may be welded or sewn together, or the attached corners comprise overlapping portions that are joined by a wire or plastic rod.

[0044] At least some of the panels may be tapered from a width at the top of the panel that is wider than a width at a bottom of the panel. In an embodiment, the partition members each comprise at least one transverse panel and at least one forward-rearward panel, and wherein the transverse panels are tapered from a width at the top of the panel that is wider than a width at a bottom of the panel.

[0045] The carrier may have a top end cap at the top of the main compartment, having a plurality of apertures that are aligned with the sub compartments. The carrier may additionally comprise a bottom end cap, with the partition members are positioned between the top and bottom end caps.

[0046] In an embodiment, the walls of the main compartment comprise ribs or protrusions and wherein the partition members are attached to the ribs or protrusions. In an embodiment, the main compartment is tapered such that a width of the main compartment at or towards a top of the main compartment is greater than a width of the main compartment at or towards a base of the main compartment.

[0047] Embodiments of the first, second, and third aspects may comprise the features described above in relation to the fourth embodiment. Features of any of the aspects may be combined in different embodiments of the invention.

[0048] The term `comprising` as used in this specification and claims means `consisting at least in part of`. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term `comprising`, other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as `comprise` and `comprised` are to be interpreted in a similar manner.

[0049] It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

[0050] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0051] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[0052] As used herein the term `(s)` following a noun means the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

[0053] As used herein the term `and/or` means `and` or `or`, or where the context allows both.

[0054] The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0056] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment wheeled carrier in a transportation mode;

[0057] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the carrier of FIG. 1, showing the lid removed and the left side door open;

[0058] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view corresponding to FIG. 2 but showing the right side of the carrier;

[0059] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the carrier of FIGS. 1 to 3, in a transportation mode;

[0060] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the carrier in the transportation mode;

[0061] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the carrier of FIGS. 1 to 5;

[0062] FIG. 7(i) is a left side elevation view of the carrier in the transportation mode, FIG. 7(ii) is a top section view of the carrier body taken through line S1-S1 of FIG. 7(i), and FIG. 7(iii) is a rear section view taken through line S2-S2 of FIG. 7(i);

[0063] FIG. 8 is a top section view of the carrier body, similar to the view in FIG. 7(ii), but with the left side door open;

[0064] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view showing the top of the carrier body with the lid unlatched and lifted;

[0065] FIGS. 10(i) and 10(ii) are partial section views of the top and bottom halves, respectively, of the carrier taken through a vertical mid plane of the carrier;

[0066] FIGS. 11(i) and 11(ii) are top section views showing the lid locking mechanism, taken through line S3-S3 of FIG. 7(i), where FIG. 11(i) shows the lock mechanism configured to release the lid, and FIG. 11(ii) shows the lock mechanism configured to engage the lid;

[0067] FIG. 12 is a partial front view of the carrier of FIGS. 1 to 11(ii), with the left door open, including partial section views showing the side door latch mechanism and the lid locking mechanism configured to unlock the lid and the side doors;

[0068] FIG. 13 is a similar view to FIG. 12, but with the lock mechanism configured to lock the lid and unlock the side doors;

[0069] FIG. 14 is a similar view to FIGS. 12 and 13, but with the lock mechanism configured to lock both the lid and the side doors;

[0070] FIGS. 15(i) to (iii) are schematic views of the rotary actuator and rack block of the lock mechanism, where FIG. 15(i) shows the actuator in a first, position unlocking position, FIG. 15(ii) shows the actuator in a second position locking the lid but not the side doors, and FIG. 15(iii) shows the actuator rotated to a third position to lock both the lid and side doors;

[0071] FIG. 16 is a partial front section view of the carrier, showing the lid and side door lock mechanism and the side door release handles, with the lid and the side doors unlocked;

[0072] FIG. 17 is a partial section view showing the rim at the base of the lid;

[0073] FIGS. 18(i) to (vi) are schematic views showing an exemplary construction of the golf club sub-compartments for the carrier of FIGS. 1 to 17, where FIG. 18(i) is a top plan view of the sub-compartments at a top of the central tapered compartment, FIG. 18(ii) is a plan view of the sub-compartments towards a bottom of the central tapered compartment, FIG. 18(iii) is an enlarged detail plan view of one of the piano-hinge type joins between sub-compartments, FIG. 18(iv) is a partial perspective view of some sub compartments showing the piano-hinge type joins, FIG. 18(v) is a schematic showing the shape of the front-rear sub-compartment walls, and FIG. 18(vi) is a schematic showing the shape of the transverse sub-compartment walls;

[0074] FIGS. 19(i) and 19(ii) show exemplary golf ball, tee, and marker holders for attachment to the carrier side doors, where FIG. 19(i) is a plan view of the ball holders, and FIG. 19(ii) is a side section view of the ball holders taken through S4 in FIG. 19(i);

[0075] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the carrier of FIGS. 1 to 17 with the lid removed and the side doors open and containing the golf ball, tee, and marker holders of FIGS. 19(i) and 19(ii);

[0076] FIGS. 21(i) to 21(iii) show the carrier with the side doors open, where FIG. 21(i) is a perspective view in the configuration of FIG. 20 attached to a push cart and containing golf clubs and accessories, FIG. 21(ii) is a front view of the carrier with the golf clubs and cart hidden schematically showing the internal partitions in the side compartment, and FIG. 21(iii) is a side view corresponding to FIG. 21(ii);

[0077] FIGS. 22(i) to 22(iv) are schematic views showing a pull handle for the carrier, where FIG. 22(i) is a plan view with the pull handle in an in-use position, FIG. 22(ii) is a rear view with the carrier shell hidden, showing the pull handle in an in-use position relative to the central tapered compartment, FIG. 22(iii) is a partial left side view showing the pull handle rotated inwards to allow the lid to be placed on the carrier, and FIG. 22(iv) is a side view showing the pull handle in an in-use position;

[0078] FIG. 23 is a schematic side view showing the pull handle in use to wheel the carrier, for example, to a golf course; and

[0079] FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the lid handle in use to wheel the carrier in a transportation mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0080] FIGS. 1 to 21 illustrate a wheeled carrier 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wheeled carrier 1 comprises a carrier body 3 and a base 5, which together define a main storage compartment, and a removable lid 9 that covers the storage compartment.

[0081] The carrier body 3 comprises a front cowl 3a, a rear cowl 3b, and right and left side doors 11a, 11b that are hinged relative to the carrier body 3. The carrier 1 comprises a lock mechanism that, in a described embodiment, is operated by a rotary actuator 15 for locking the lid 9 to the carrier body 3 and locking the right and left side doors 11a, 11b closed. The base 5 of the carrier 1 comprises wheels 7 adjacent to the rear side of the carrier to enable the carrier 1 to be wheeled around.

[0082] The carrier body 3, base 5, and lid 9 preferably comprise a self-supporting rigid or semi-rigid material. A rigid or semi-rigid material is generally more durable and provides better protection to items stored in the carrier 1 than a textile or other flexible material, particularly during transportation.

[0083] The main storage compartment contains a central chassis 22 that defines a central storage compartment 21 and right and left side compartments 23, 25. The central storage compartment 21 is tapers inwards from the top 21a of the compartment to the base 21b of the compartment. Referring to the section view in FIG. 7(iii), the central chassis 22 is tapered such that the width W1 at or towards the top 21a of the central compartment 21 is greater than the width W2 at or towards the base 21b of the central compartment 21. Preferably the width W1 is at least 1.5 times the width W2, more preferably W1 is about 1.6 to about 1.8 times the width W2.

[0084] The right and left side compartments 23, 25 are formed on the right and left sides of the central chassis 22, between the chassis 22 and the carrier body shell 3. The side compartments 23, 25 are tapered outwards from the top of the side compartment 23, 25 to the base of the side compartment 23, 25 in a complementary fashion to the tapering of the central compartment 21. That is, referring to the section view in FIG. 7(iii), a width W3 at or towards the top 23a, 25a of each side compartment 23, 25 is less than a width W4 at or towards the base 23b, 25b of the respective side compartment 23, 25. The two side compartments 23, 25 are preferably symmetrical. Preferably the width W4 is at least 1.2 times the width W3, more preferably W4 is about 1.4 to about 1.5 times the width W4

[0085] Bulky items such as apparel and drink bottles may be stored towards the base of the side compartments, where the compartments are wider. In preferred embodiments, the two storage compartments each have a capacity of about six to ten litres.

[0086] The angle of the taper along the central chassis 22, and thereby the right and left compartments 23, 25, may be constant, or may vary along the length of the chassis 22. By way of example, the included angle between the side walls of the central compartment may be between 4 degrees and 15 degrees.

[0087] The depth D1 (FIG. 8) of the tapered central compartment 21 and the depth D2 of the side compartments 23, 25 in the forward/rearward direction of the carrier is substantially the same at or towards the top 21a, 23a, 25a of the compartments as the depth D2 at or towards the base 21b, 23b, 25b of the respective compartment 21, 23, 25.

[0088] The central compartment 21 is accessible from a top of the carrier body 3 when the lid 9 is removed. The tapered central compartment 21 is configured to hold golf clubs. The larger top end 21a of the tapered central compartment allows easy club entry and access, and the narrower lower end 21b of the tapered central compartment compacts the golf clubs to small footprint to maximise storage for other items.

[0089] An exemplary embodiment carrier to accommodate standard 1200 mm long golf clubs has an overall height of about 1250 mm, and an overall width and depth of about 280 mm. However, alternatively the carrier 1 could be longer, for example 1350 mm long to accommodate oversize 1300 mm long golf clubs. The length of the carrier body 3 of a carrier for 1200 mm clubs may be the same as the length of the carrier body of a carrier for oversize clubs, but the lid 9 may be longer on the carrier for the longer clubs.

[0090] The tapered central compartment 21 comprises fifteen sub-compartments 30 for receiving individual golf clubs. The sub-compartments 30 are formed by partitions. The partitions comprise walls 35 (FIGS. 10(i) and 10(ii)) that extend down from an end cap 27 positioned at the top of the central chassis. The walls preferably extend down at least a major part of the length of the central compartment 21. In the embodiment shown, the walls 35 extend substantially the length of the central compartment 21.

[0091] The end cap 27 comprises dividers 28 that form fifteen apertures 29 for receiving the handles of golf clubs or other elongate items such as umbrellas. The end cap 27 also comprises side recesses 31 for storing other items such as score cards, balls, tees, other accessories, wallets, or cell phones, or other personal effects. In the embodiment shown, the end cap 27 is constructed from top and bottom components 27a, 27b to accommodate the locking mechanism described below.

[0092] A soft elastomeric over-mould 33 at least partly covers the end cap dividers 28 to protect items within the sub-compartments 30. This over-mould 33 minimises noise from items within the central compartment 21 vibrating or knocking against the end cap dividers 28. The side recesses 31 may also comprise an elastomeric overmould (not shown) to provide improved friction to minimise slippage of items such as golf balls or cellular phones from the recesses if the carrier 1 is tilted.

[0093] The partition walls 35 extend internally into the central compartment 21 from the end cap dividers 28 such that the end cap apertures 29 are aligned with the sup-compartments. Having internal partition walls 35 along at least a major part of the central compartment 21 advantageously keeps clubs separate from each other, minimising interference of clubs with each other when they are being placed in or removed from the carrier 1. The base 5 of the carrier forms a lower end cap and base for the central compartment 21 and the internal partition walls are positioned between the top end cap 27 and the base 5.

[0094] Preferably the walls 35 comprise a self-supporting semi-rigid or rigid material such as a plastic. Alternatively, the walls may comprise a flexible material such as a fabric.

[0095] The sub-compartments 30 may all be the same size, or may be of varying sizes. The embodiment shown has fifteen sub-compartments 30; alternatively there may be more or fewer sub-compartments. In the embodiment shown, the sub-compartments 30 each have a length L1 of about 800 to 900 mm.

[0096] FIGS. 18(i) to 18(vi) illustrate an exemplary construction of the internal partition walls 35. The partitions comprise a plurality of folded wall members 35. Each wall member 35 has a plurality of 90 degree folds forming corners and defining transverse panels 35a, and front-rear pointing panels 35b. The transverse wall panels 35a are tapered as shown in FIG. 18 (vi), from a width W5 at or towards their upper end, to a narrower width W6 at or towards their lower end, to accommodate the transverse taper of the central chassis 22 and compartment 21. The front-rear wall panels 35b are rectangular and substantially the same width W7 along their length (FIG. 18(v)).

[0097] In the embodiment shown, the central compartment 21 contains five wall members 35. Four of these panels 35 are folded to form a top-hat like shape in cross section, with three tapered transverse panels 35a and two parallel forward pointing panels 35b. The forward-most wall member 35 may only comprise four panels--two tapered transverse panels 35a and two forward pointing panels 35b.

[0098] Alternatively, there may be more or fewer wall members and panels. For example, the central compartment 21 may comprise two wall members, each folded to form a single corner and two panels. The corners of the two wall members would be connected to form four sub-compartments.

[0099] With reference to FIGS. 18(i) to 18(iv), each of the panel folds 35 has a plurality of cut-outs or notches 39. The cut-outs or notches 39 on adjacent panels 35 are complementary such that they receive complementary portions 41 of the adjacent panel fold so the panels 35 overlap. A pin or wire 37 is placed between the overlapping portions 41 of adjacent panels to join the panels forming a hinge similar to a `piano hinge`, and thereby forming the sub-compartments 30. This method of constructing the sub compartments advantageously results in a light weight construction. Alternatively the panels may be welded, sewn, or otherwise bonded together.

[0100] The central chassis 22 comprises inwardly protruding ribs 40 or other protrusions for locating, connecting to, and supporting the walls 35.

[0101] The right and left side compartments 23, 25 each have a respective compartment door 11a, 11b to provide access to the side compartments 23, 25 from the front FS of the carrier 1. The compartment doors 11a, 11b wrap around the front and the respective side of the carrier 1 such that part of each compartment door 11a, 11b is positioned on a front side FS of the carrier body 3, and a part of each compartment door 11a, 11b is positioned on a respective right side RS or left side LS of the carrier body 3.

[0102] Each compartment door 11a, 11b is hinged to the respective right or left side RS, LS of the carrier 1 about a substantially vertical hinge 12a, 12b, so that the compartment doors 11a, 11b open outwards in an opposed, splayed manner. When the compartment doors 11a, 11b are open, the right and left side compartments 23, 25 are accessible from the front of the carrier 1.

[0103] FIGS. 2, 3, and 8 show the carrier 1 with the left compartment door 11a open. The hinged edge 12a of the left door 11a extends along a major part of the length of the side compartment 25 to provide a large opening into the side compartment 25. The large opening enables a major part and the contents of the compartment 25 to be visible and provides easy access to the compartment 25 from the front as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. Front access is advantageous for when the carrier 1 is secured to a push cart (FIG. 21(i)) or ride on golf cart.

[0104] The compartment door hinges 12a, 12b preferably comprise over mould hinges as illustrated in FIG. 8. For example, the side door hinges 12a, 12b may comprise an injection moulded elastomer hinge, bonded into the respective rigid door 11a, 11b. An over mould hinge enables the side doors 11a, 11b to be opened up through about 180 degrees so that the door 11a, 11b rests against the respective side LS, RS of the carrier 1. When the carrier is tilted back, for example on a push cart, the doors stay in the splayed open position to display and provide easy access to the contents of the side compartments from a forward direction (FIGS. 21(i) and 21 (ii)).

[0105] Each side door 11a, 11b comprises a latch mechanism 41 for securing and releasing the side door 11a, 11b. The latch mechanism 41 comprises a latch member 43 that is pivotably mounted to the side door 11a, 11b at two pivots 47. The latch member 43 comprises two integral catches 45 at opposite ends of the latch member 43, which project from the body of the latch member 43 towards the central chassis 22 at an angle of about 120 to 150 degrees from the body of the latch member 43. The catches 45 are movable into engagement with respective recesses or apertures 49 provided on the central chassis 22. In the embodiment shown, the recesses or apertures 49 comprise a lip 50.

[0106] The latch mechanism 41 is operable by an elastomer or rubber diaphragm button 13a, 13b that is flush with the outer surface of the carrier 1. Pressing the diaphragm 13a, 13b rotates the latch member 43 about its pivots 47, moving the catches 45 from an engagement position to a disengaging position in which the catches 45 are out of engagement with the recesses 49. A torsion spring (not shown) at the latch pivots 47 biases the latch member 43 towards the engagement position. The head of the catch 45 and the lip 50 or edge of the aperture 49 preferably have curved or angled surfaces so as the side door 11a, 11b is pushed close, the catch 45 contacts the lip 50 and the latch member 43 rotates away from the engagement position enabling the catch to clear the lip 50 and the door to close. Once the lip is cleared, the torsion spring(s) causes the catch 45 to snap back into the engagement position to engage the lip 50 and hold the door 11a, 11b closed.

[0107] The compartments 23, 25 may comprise organisational features, accessory holders, or internal pockets for organising objects contained in the compartments. In the embodiment shown, the inside of the left side door 11a has a golf ball holder 41 for holding and displaying golf balls tees, markers and divot forks. The left side compartment 25 comprises two dividers 201 that create three storage areas 203a, 203b, 203c within the left side compartment 25. These storage areas 203a, 203b, 203c can be used to hold items that may be needed or used while playing golf so they are visible when the side doors 11a, 11b are open. For example, food, drink bottles, clothing, sunscreen, or sunglasses. The dividers 201 keep items in the storage areas 203a, 203b, 203c separate from each other.

[0108] The dividers 201 are angled at an angle .alpha. of between about 30 and about 60 degrees, and preferably about 45 degrees to the wall of the carrier body 3 (FIG. 21(iii)) such that the dividers 201 are approximately vertical when the carrier 1 is tilted rearwards 45 degrees on a push-cart 200 (FIG. 21(i)). In this configuration, the storage areas 203a, 203b, 203c can be vertically accessed. However, if the carrier 1 is used in a substantially vertical configuration, the incline of the dividers 201 will prevent items falling out of the side compartments easily.

[0109] The lower storage area 203c extends into the base 5 of the carrier 1. Clothing and wet-weather gear may be stored in this lower compartment 203c, out of the way. The clothing may be placed in a wet-weather pod 205 or bag to keep it dry from any water that enters the side compartment 21.

[0110] In the embodiment shown, only the left side compartment 25 is comprises storage dividers 201. However, alternatively both compartments 23, 25 may have dividers 201, or neither compartment may have dividers. The compartments may contain more or fewer than two dividers 201, for example, they may have three dividers 201. The dividers 201 may be fabric members that are sewn to lining fabric in the respective side compartment 23, 25. Alternatively they may comprise any other suitable material such as a plastic or mesh and may be bonded or otherwise connected to the inside of the side compartment. In one embodiment, the dividers are removable for cleaning.

[0111] An exemplary embodiment golf ball holder 51 is shown in FIGS. 19(i) and 19(ii). The holder 51 comprises cups 53 for receiving golf balls 59. Each cup 53 has two resilient tabs 53a that extend and curve over a portion of the golf ball 9 to hold the ball in the cup 53, even when the holders 51 are vertical. These tabs 53a flex as the ball 59 is placed in or removed from the cup 53. In one embodiment, the walls of the cups 53 and the tabs 53a comprise 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm thick plastic.

[0112] Slots 55 are provided on two sides of each cup 53, to receive golf tees. The inner surface of each slot 55 has a compliant overmould surface for gripping the tees. Each slot in the embodiment shown is sized to hold two tees and is suitable to hold standard tees, blade tees, and may also receive flat ball markers.

[0113] Accessory holders such as the golf ball holders 51 may be removably attachable from the side doors 11a, 11b, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, for example by screwing, bolting, or by way of a snap-fit connection, or they may be permanently attached. The golf ball holders 51 shown have apertures 61 for screwing the ball holders 51 to the side doors 11a, 11b. A user may attach 1, 2, 3, 4, or another number of ball holders 51 or other accessory holders to the inside of one or both doors 11a, 11b.

[0114] Lock Mechanism

[0115] The carrier lid 9 is removable from the carrier body 3 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The lid is lockable to the carrier body 3 to secure the bag. Similarly, the two side doors 11a, 11b, can be locked in their closed position to secure the bag. The lid is typically removed during a game of golf and secured to the carrier body 3 when the carrier 1 is in storage or for transport.

[0116] The lock mechanism comprises a actuator 15 that, in the form shown, is a rotary actuator that is rotatably mounted to a front side FS of the carrier body 3, towards the top of the carrier body 3. The rotatable actuator 15 is rotatable to lock the lid 9 and the side doors 11a, 11b to the carrier body 3. The lock mechanism is a two-stage mechanism. A first rotary position of the actuator 15 (FIGS. 2, 3, 9, 15(i), and 16) unlocks the lid 9 and side doors 11a, 11b. Rotating the actuator 15 through 90 degrees to a second intermediate rotary position (FIGS. 13 and 15(ii)) keeps the lid 9 locked to the carrier body 3 but unlocks the side doors 11a, 11b to allow access to the side compartments 23, 25. Rotating the actuator 15 through a further 90 degrees from the second position to a third rotary position (FIGS. 14 and 15(iii)) unlocks both the lid 9, so it can be removed, and the side doors 11a, 11b so they can be unlatched.

[0117] The lid locking functionality of the lock mechanism will now be described with reference to FIGS. 11(i), 11(ii), 15 and 17. A slide rack 71 and first cable 63 couple the rotary actuator 15 to four lugs 65. The lugs 65 are arranged at 90 degrees to each other and positioned towards four respective corners of the carrier top end cap 27b. Each lug 65 is pivotable relative to the end cap 27 about a pivot 67, between a retracted position shown in FIG. 11(i) and a protruding position shown in FIG. 11(ii).

[0118] A first end 63a of the cable is connected to a right end of the slide rack 71. The cable 63 extends from the slide rack 71, outside the perimeter of the top of the central chassis 2, and around the perimeter of the pockets 31 in the end cap. The cable 63 is fixed to each lug 65 via a swivel clamp boss 68. The second end 63b of the cable is connected to a left end of the slide rack 71 such that the cable 63 and the slide rack 71 form a loop.

[0119] The lugs 65, cable 63, and slide rack 71 are housed in the end cap 27, between the top and bottom end cap components 27a, 27b. The end cap 27 comprises a slot 73, which the slide rack 71 is slidable in.

[0120] An underside of the slide rack 71 and the rotatable actuator 15 each have a plurality of teeth 72, 75 that are configured to engage between the first and second positions of the rotatable actuator 15, as shown in FIGS. 15(i) and 15(ii). Rotating the actuator 15 from the first actuator position (FIGS. 11(i) and 15(i)), through 90 degrees to the second position (FIGS. 11(ii) and 15(ii)) causes the slide rack 71 to move from left to right in the slot 73. As the slide rack 71 moves from left to right in the slot 73, the cable 63 pulls on the lug swivel bosses 68 to pivot the lugs 65 outwards about their pivots 67. As the lugs 65 pivot outwards as shown in FIG. 11(ii), a portion of each lug 65 protrudes from a respective slot 77 in the end cap 27.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 17, the lid 9 has a lower rim 79. The rim 79 comprises locating tabs 81 that protrude down from the rim 79. These tabs are received by complementary recesses 83 in the end cap 27 to assist positioning the lid 9 on the carrier body 3 and to prevent rotation of the lid 9. The inside of the lid rim 79 forms an inwardly extending lip 80. When the lugs 65 are pivoted to their protruding positions, they engage the lip 80 of the lid rim 79 to secure the lid to the carrier body 3.

[0122] Further rotation of the actuator 15 past its second position does not cause slide rack 71 to slide further because past that second position the actuator teeth 75 and the rack teeth 72 are not engaged. Therefore, movement of the rotary actuator between the second position shown in FIG. 15(ii) and the third position shown in FIG. 15(iii) does not cause any further adjustment of the lid locking mechanism. The rotary actuator 15 may comprise a stop-tab 76 that abuts the end of the slide rack 71, as shown in FIG. 15(iii), when the actuator 15 is in the third position to prevent further rotation of the rotary actuator 15.

[0123] The rotary actuator 15 is also coupled to a lock mechanism for the side doors 11a, 11b, which will now be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16. The side door lock mechanism comprises two slide bars 85a, 85b, which are each longitudinally slidable in a respective channel 87a, 87b in the wall of the chassis 22. The slide channels 87a, 87b are aligned with the recesses or apertures 49 for the side door catches 45, such that the catches 45 extend into the respective channel 87a, 87b when they engage the chassis 22.

[0124] A second cable 89 is connected at a first end of the cable to a top of the left slide bar 85a. The opposite cable end is connected to a top end of the right slide bar 85b. Between the slide bars 85a, 85b, the cable 89 extends over a roller 91 (FIG. 16 and shown schematically in FIGS. 12 to 14) that is provided on the rear of the rotary actuator 15 and spaced from the actuator pivot 90. As the rotary actuator 15 is rotated, the roller 91 moves in an arc 92 about the actuator pivot 91. In the first actuator position shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 12, and the second actuator position shown in FIG. 13, the roller 91 has moved 90 degrees through the arc 92, but is at substantially the same height above the slide channels 87a, 78b so does not increase the tension in the cable 89.

[0125] As the rotary actuator 15 is rotated to the third position (FIG. 14), the roller 91 moves a further 90 degrees in the arc 92 about the actuator pivot 91 such that is higher above the slide channels 87a, 78b than in the first and second actuator positions. This tensions the cable 89, pulling the slide bars 85a, 85b up in their respective channel 87a, 87b.

[0126] The slide bars 85a, 85b each have two notches 95. In the first and second positions of the rotary actuator 15, when the slide bars 85a, 85b are at the bottom of their respective slide channels 87a, 87b these notches 95 align with the apertures 49 in the chassis 22 and carrier body 3 to permit the catches 45 on the side doors 11a, 11b to enter those apertures and engage the respective lip 50.

[0127] In the third actuator position, when the slide bars 85a, 85b are pulled to a higher position, the notches 95 are no longer aligned with the recesses or apertures 49 in the chassis 22. If the doors 11a, 11b are closed and the catches 45 are engaged, the slide bars 85a, 85b will slide over the catches 45 so the latch members 43 can no longer rotate to release the catches 45 and open the doors 11a, 11b. If the doors 11a, 11b are open when the rotary actuator 3 is moved to its third position, the slide bars 85a, 85b will partly block the apertures 49 so that the catches 45 cannot enter the apertures or recesses 49 to close the door 11a, 11b.

[0128] Springs 93a, 93b bias the slide bars 85a, 85b downwards so that the bars will return to their lower, unlocked position when the rotary actuator 15 is rotated back to the first or second actuator position.

[0129] The rotatable actuator 15 may comprise a key lock 97 for locking the position of the rotary actuator to lock the carrier lid 9 and side doors 11a, 11b closed. Preferably, the key lock 97 is a United States Transport Security Administration (TSA) approved lock for the purposes of air travel.

[0130] Rather than having a rotary actuator, the lock mechanism may have a different type of actuator such as a linearly movable actuator for example. In that embodiment, linear movement of the actuator by a user will adjust the lock mechanism between the various described configurations; i.e., the first, unlocked configuration, the intermediate configuration, and the locking configuration. The features and functionality of the lock mechanism with the alternative type of actuator will otherwise be as described herein for the rotary actuator.

[0131] Operation

[0132] The base 5 of the carrier 1 comprises two wheels 7 enabling the carrier 1 to be pushed or pulled. The wheels 7 are mounted to an axle housing 99 that in turn is connected to the rear of the base 5. The rear of the base 5 is shaped accommodate a part of the wheels within the envelope of the carrier 1.

[0133] The top of the carrier body 3 comprises a pull handle 101 that is pivotally attached to the tapered central chassis 22 at a pivot 103. The handle 101 is movable to an in-use position shown in FIGS. 22(i), (ii), and (iv), where it extends over the front edge of the carrier body 3 so a user can pull the carrier 1 along on its wheels 7 with the carrier 1 tilted rearwards. FIG. 23 schematically shows transport of the carrier 1 in this manner when the carrier 1 is full of golf clubs 105.

[0134] The handle 101 is pivotable to a storage position shown in FIG. 22(ii) where it is within the envelope of the carrier 1 allowing the lid 9 to be placed on the carrier body 3.

[0135] The carrier 1 may also comprise one or more handles 17, 19 on the exterior of the carrier for ease of handling when the carrier 1 is in the transportation mode. In the embodiment shown, the carrier 1 has a handle 19 on the top of the lid and a handle 17 on the front of the carrier body 3. The handles preferably do not protrude from the envelope of the carrier 1 to minimise risk of the handles catching during air travel when the carrier 1 is in the transportation mode. For example, the front handle 17 is flush with the front FS of the carrier, and the front cowl 3a of the carrier body 3 has a recess 18 to enable the flush handle 17 to be grasped. Similarly, the rear cowl 9b of the lid is shaped to accommodate the top handle 19 substantially within the envelope of the carrier 1.

[0136] In the transportation mode, the carrier 1 can be tilted rearwards and wheeled by a user grabbing the handle 19 and pulling the carrier along on its wheels 7 as shown in FIG. 24.

[0137] The carrier base 5 comprises a protrusion 20 for resting on the ground to support the carrier 1 in an upright orientation. However, the protrusion 20 also acts as a finger grip for lifting the carrier 1.

[0138] In the embodiment shown, the rear of the carrier 1 comprises top and bottom recesses 107, 109 (FIGS. 4, 5, 10(i), 10(ii), 11(i), and 11(ii)) for receipt of a mounting system for securing the carrier to a golf cart, push cart (FIG. 21(i)), or other vehicle with a suitable mounting accessory. The carrier 1 has an aerodynamic shape that makes it suitable for mounting to the roof of a vehicle. However, other types of attachment features may be provided, or the carrier may not have any specific attachment features.

[0139] Construction and Materials

[0140] The exterior hard shell of the exemplary embodiment carrier 1 is constructed from a plurality of separately moulded pieces 9a, 9b, 3a, 3b, 11a, 11b, 5. These pieces are joined together and sealed such that the carrier 1 is substantially weather resistant or watertight in the transportation mode at atmospheric pressures. For example, front and rear lid cowls 9a, 9b, and the front and rear carrier body cowls 3a, 3b are joined by an aluminium extrusion 111 with an elastomer seal 113 attached to the extrusion 111 to cover and seal the join (FIG. 8).

[0141] Some embodiments may have an elastomer seal between the lid 9 and the carrier body 3 to increase weather tightness. The edges of the side doors 11a, 11b or the edges of the corresponding aperture in the carrier body 3, are also surrounded by an elastomer seal 14 that is compressed when the respective side door 11.a, 11b is closed to seal the respective side compartment 23, 25. Preferably the seals are adequate to prevent water ingress into the side compartments 23, 25.

[0142] The seals 14, 113 may comprise a polyamide thermoplastic (TPA) elastomer, rubber, silicon, or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), for example.

[0143] The carrier shell components 9a, 9b, 3a, 3b, 11a, 11b, 5 and the tapered chassis 22 preferably comprise a hard shell, rigid or semi-rigid material. For example, ABS, ABS/PPMA capped, polycarbonate, polypropylene or nylon. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier shell components 9a, 9b, 3a, 3b are thermo-formed hard-shell monolithic plastic components comprising ABS sheet or Polycarbonate sheet such as ABS/PMMA.

[0144] However, these shell components could be injection moulded using Polypropylene, Nylon, ABS or other polymers. In a preferred embodiment components 11a, 11b, 5 and the tapered chassis 22 are injection moulded in Polypropylene, ABS, Nylon or other suitable polymers. Alternatively, all these components 9a, 9b, 3a, 3b, 11a, 11b, 5 and the tapered chassis 22 could comprise aluminium or carbon fibre. Any of the components may be injection moulded or fabricated from sheet metal or plastic, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0145] The lid rim 79 and the top cap 27 of the carrier body similarly preferably comprise injection moulded plastic.

[0146] Plastic components may be injection moulded with varying amounts of glass fill for strength.

[0147] The wheels 7 preferably comprise aluminium rims and elastomer tyres. However, alternatively the rims may comprise polyamide and glass fibre, or polypropylene or nylon with or without glass fibre.

[0148] The pull handle and ball and tee holders are preferably single-piece injection moulded plastic components.

[0149] In one embodiment the panels 35 comprise 0.38 mm thick polypropylene and the total weight of the internal partitions is about 350 g. Alternatively, the panels could comprise polyethylene or other plastic sheet.

[0150] However, the carrier 1 and its component parts may comprise other suitable materials or a combination of one or more materials. Such suitable materials would be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0151] Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. The terms `front`, `rear` left' and `right` are relative and described with reference to the drawings.

[0152] For example, the carrier 1 may not comprise a removable lid 9. Instead the lid 9 may be hinged to the carrier body 3. The wheels 7 may be adjustable or removable or otherwise positioned. The carrier 1 may comprise further compartments, or sub compartments for additional storage.

[0153] In the above described embodiment, the central tapered compartment is formed from a rigid chassis 22. Alternatively, the central tapered compartment may be formed by internal walls or partitions within the carrier body 3. The shape of the carrier shell and body 3 may vary from that shown in the Figures.

Claims

1-32. (canceled)

33. A carrier for golf clubs and accessories, comprising a body having a primary storage compartment for golf clubs, and a secondary compartment with a compartment door, wherein when the door is closed, a part of the compartment door is positioned on a front side of the carrier body, and a part of the compartment door is positioned on a lateral side of the carrier body, and wherein the compartment door is hinged to the respective lateral side such that the compartment door is openable outwards to provide access to the respective compartment.

34. The carrier of claim 33, comprising left and right side storage compartments, each side compartment having a respective compartment door, wherein when the doors are closed a part of each compartment door is positioned on a front side of the carrier body, and a part of each compartment door is positioned on a respective left or right side of the carrier body, and wherein each compartment door is hinged to the respective left or right side such that the compartment door is openable outwards to provide access to the respective compartment.

35. The carrier of claim 34, wherein the side storage compartments and compartment doors are symmetrical.

36. The carrier of claim 34, further comprising a central compartment, wherein the central compartment is tapered such that a width of the central compartment at or towards a top of the central compartment is greater than its width at or towards the a base of the central compartment, and wherein each side compartment has a width at or towards a base of the side compartment that is greater than its width at or towards the a top of said side compartment.

37. The carrier of claim 36, wherein the central compartment is accessible from a top of the carrier, and the side compartments are accessible from the front of the carrier.

38. The carrier of claim 34, wherein at least one of the side compartments comprises at least one divider to define two or more storage areas.

39. The carrier of claim 38, wherein the or each divider is at an angle of about 45 degrees to a wall of the respective side compartment.

40. The carrier of claim 33, wherein the hinge of the or each side compartment door comprises an elastomeric overmould hinge.

41. The carrier of claim 33, wherein the or each side compartment door comprises a latch that is pivotable to latch and unlatch the door relative to the carrier body.

42. The carrier of claim 41, wherein the or each side compartment door comprises a diaphragm, and wherein the latch is configured to pivot upon a user pressing the diaphragm inwards.

43. The carrier of claim 33 wherein the or each door is configured to open to allow access to the respective compartment from a front of the carrier when the rear of the carrier is secured to a push cart or ride on cart.

44. The carrier of claim 33, comprising accessory holders positioned on an inside of the or each compartment door, or features for attaching said accessory holders.

45. The carrier of claim 44, wherein the accessory holders are attachable and removable from the or each door by way of a snap-fit connection.

46. The carrier of claim 44, wherein the accessory holders are ball holders for receiving golf balls, tees, markers and/or divit forks.

47-60. (canceled)

61. A carrier for golf clubs and accessories, comprising: a body that defines at least one storage compartment, the compartment having a door; a carrier lid; and a lock mechanism; wherein the lock mechanism is adjustable between a first configuration in which the compartment door and lid are both unlocked, and a locking configuration for locking both the compartment door and the lid.

62. The carrier of claim 61, wherein the lock mechanism is adjustable to an intermediate configuration to unlock one of the lid and the compartment door and lock the other of the compartment door and the lid.

63. The carrier of claim 62, wherein the intermediate lock configuration locks the lid and unlocks the compartment door.

64. The carrier of claim 61, wherein the lock mechanism comprises an actuator to adjust the lock mechanism, wherein a first position of the actuator corresponds to the first configuration of the lock mechanism, and adjusting the actuator adjusts the lock mechanism to its locking configuration.

65. The carrier of claim 61, wherein the lock mechanism comprises at least one slide bar that is movable up and down relative to the carrier; wherein in the first configuration of the lock mechanism, the position of the slide bar allows the carrier door to be latched closed and opened; and wherein in the locking configuration the position of the slide bar prevents the carrier door being opened if it is latched closed or latched closed if it is open.

66. A carrier for golf clubs and accessories, comprising a semi-rigid or rigid body defining a main storage compartment, the main storage compartment containing a tapered storage compartment and two side compartments, wherein a width of the tapered storage compartment at or towards a top of the tapered storage compartment is greater than a width of the tapered storage compartment at or towards a base of the tapered storage compartment, and wherein each side compartment has a width at or towards a base of said side compartment that is greater than a width at or towards a top of that side compartment.