GOLF CART

Abstract

A golf cart assembly for holding and transporting golf clubs having a support rod, at least one base for supporting the clubs, a restraining member for securing at least one of the golf clubs and a wheel for rolling transport of the assembly. The support rod including a single rod extending from a base to a height sufficient to be grasped by a cart user generally without bending. The golf club base fixed to the rod for supporting the rod in a substantially upright position while at rest. The restraining member directly fixed to the rod and disposed a distance from the base. The distance between the restraining member and the base being sufficient to stabilize a golf club resting on the base. The wheel being rotationally secured to the base.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a golf cart assembly for holding and transporting golf clubs. More particularly, the invention pertains to a light-weight and/or portable cart for carrying golf clubs without a golf bag.

Conventional rolling hand carts used for transporting golf clubs generally work in combination with a removable golf bag. It is the golf bag that directly engages and holds the golf clubs, while the cart provides a means for transporting the bag. However, the weight and bulk of the bag together with the cart can be cumbersome. Additionally, many contemporary golf bags are designed to hold numerous clubs and accessories, which can be difficult to transport, even when carried on a rolling cart.

Alternatively, rolling hand carts for carrying golf clubs without the need for a golf bag are known. However, while eliminating the need for a golf bag these carts are still rather bulky. Generally, such carts include an open frame for restraining the clubs which extends from a handle to a pair of wheels. The frames include large flat panels or sets of tubular struts that ensure durability and stability for the cart while adding to its overall weight and size. Also, these carts use long sleeves or complex sets of mechanisms for holding and supporting the golf clubs, which further add to overall size of the assembly.

Thus, it is desirable to provide a golf cart assembly which overcomes the shortcomings found in the prior art as set forth above while also providing an easily portable assembly for holding and transporting golf clubs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes a golf cart assembly for holding and transporting golf clubs. The assembly includes at least one base, a restraining member, a single cart rod and at least one wheel. The base supports an end of each of golf club. The restraining member mechanically secures at least one of the golf clubs and is disposed a distance from the base. The distance being sufficient to stabilize a golf club resting on the base. The single cart rod extends from the base to the restraining member. The rod further extends to a height sufficient to be grasped by a cart user generally without bending. The base is fixed to the rod for supporting the rod in a generally vertical position while the assembly is in an upright position. The restraining member is directly fixed to the rod for maintaining the stabilizing distance between the base and the restraining member. The wheel is rotationally secured to the base permitting rolling transport of the assembly in a non-resting disposition.

Additionally, the assembly can include a restraining member that directly engages at least a portion of the at least one golf club when the golf club is secured by the restraining member. Also, the restraining member can include a generally planar member and at least one bracket for restricting movement of the golf clubs, the planar member secured to the rod and supporting the bracket. The base can include more that one compartment for separating the clubs. Also, the base can be formed to provide fluid drainage therefrom and the drainage can be provided by at least one aperture in the base. Further, the assembly can include a handle for manipulating the assembly, where the handle is secured to the rod.

Another aspect of the present invention involves a collapsible golf cart assembly for holding and transporting golf clubs. The assembly includes at least one collapsible cart rod, a base and a restraining member. The cart rod is adjustable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration. The base supports the golf clubs and is fixed to the rod for supporting the rod in a generally upright position when the assembly is at rest. Also, when in at least the extended configuration the rod extends from the base to a height sufficient to be grasped by a cart user generally without bending. The restraining member mechanically secures at least one of the golf clubs. The restraining member is secured to the rod such that when the rod is in the extended configuration the restraining member is spaced away from the base. Adjustment of the rod toward the collapsed configuration moves the restraining member closer to the base.

Yet another aspect of the present invention involves a collapsible golf cart assembly including at least one collapsible cart rod adjustable between an extended and at least one collapsed configuration. When in the extended configuration, the rod extends from a base to a height sufficient to be grasped by a cart user generally without bending. When in the collapsed configuration the rod extends no more than half that height. Also, at least one base is included for supporting an end of each of the golf clubs. The base is fixed to the rod for supporting the rod in a generally vertical position while the assembly is not grasped by the user. Additionally a restraining member is provided for mechanically securing at least one of the golf clubs. In the extended configuration, the restraining member is disposed a first distance from the base. In the collapsed configuration the restraining member is disposed a second distance from the base, wherein the first distance is substantially greater than the second distance.

Additionally, adjustment of the rod can change a length of the rod. Also, the length can include a first length in the extended configuration and a second length in the collapsed configuration. The second length can be less than half the first length. Further, the collapsible golf cart can include at least one wheel rotationally secured to the base permitting rolling transport of the assembly. The wheel can also be removeably secured to the base and/or sized to fit within the base. In the collapsed configuration, the rod can be sized to fit within the base. Also in the collapsed configuration, the rod can be positioned at least partially within the base. Further, the rod can be pivotally secured to the base. Further still, the restraining member can be removeably secured to the rod. Yet further still, at least one wheel can be rotationally secured to the base permitting rolling transport of the assembly in a non-resting disposition.

It is desirable to provide a golf cart assembly that is light-weight, portable and does not need to be used in combination with a golf bag. It is further desirable to provide a golf cart assembly that is intended to easily carry less than a full set of golf clubs loaded. Preferably, the assembly provides simplified support structures and mechanisms for holding and transporting a plurality of golf clubs. It is further desirable to provide a golf cart assembly which is collapsible, thus selectively reducing its overall size and adding to its portability.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a golf cart assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top perspective view of the lower portions of the golf cart assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another top perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with golf clubs loaded thereon.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a golf cart assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the golf cart assembly of FIG. 4 with the support rod in a collapsed configuration and both the handle and club shaft bracket removed.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the golf cart assembly of FIG. 4 with the support rod collapsed and pivoted into the support base and the handle, club shaft bracket and wheels removed.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the collapsed golf cart assembly of FIG. 6 with the handle, club shaft bracket and wheels disposed within the support base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Often when playing or practicing golf payers find it desirable to carry less than a full set of clubs. For example, when playing pitch-and-putt players will only use a small fraction of the clubs they normally carry. Also, as conventional golf bags are able to hold so many clubs and accessories, they can get weighty and difficult to carry. Thus, a player may not always wish to carry or haul his or her fully loaded bag. Thus, it would be desirable to have an improved golf cart for easily transporting golf clubs without a golf bag. Also, it would be desirable if such an improved golf cart were light-weight and easily stored when not used.

With reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a golf cart assembly 10 including a base 100, support rod 200 and restraining member 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The base 100 is also preferably provided with wheels 130 mounted thereon. The assembly 10 is shown in an at rest position, with the rod 200 extending generally vertically from the base 100. Rod 200 can be designed to rest slightly pitched from true vertical in order to help balance the assembly when it is loaded with golf clubs. The base 100 is preferably grounded by the wheels 130 in the back corners and two or more support posts 140 in the front. However, the support provided by posts 140 could be integrated into the structure of base 100 or eliminated entirely, as long as the assembly 10 can maintain a similar at rest position holding an assortment of golf clubs.

The support rod 200 is preferably a single rod extending from the base 100 to a height sufficient to be grasped by a cart user without bending. The rod 200 is preferably composed of a light-weight and durable material, such as graphite, metal, plastic or composite of similar materials. Also, the rod 200 can be formed by a unitary element that is continuous across it length or a series of elements secured to one another to collectively extend from top to bottom as shown.

The support rod top 202 preferably includes a handle 250. Although optional, the handle 250 preferably helps a user maintain a good grip on the assembly 10. The handle 250 can be made of the same material as the rod 200 or other known suitable materials. Also, the handle 250 can be more or less rigid than the rod 200. Additionally, the handle 250 can include ergonomics features, such as a customized surface 252 and/or an end loop 255. The surface 252 can be flexible, textured and/or contoured to improve a user's grip thereon. Further, it should be understood that the handle 250 can alternatively have a more simple or complex shape than that shown. The handle 250 is preferably secured to the rod top 202, although it could also be integrally formed therewith. Various known means for securing a separable handle 250 can be employed, such as a mating threaded or frictional engagement or a quick-disconnect feature between the rod 200 and the handle 250. Regardless, the handle 250 should preferably be both axially and rotationally securable relative to the rod 200.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lower portion 208 of the support rod 200 is preferably secured directly to the base 100. It is desirable that the rod 200 and base 100 be secured in such a way as to prevent, limit or restrict pivotal movement there between. Rod 200 is secured to base 100 with a nut/bolt fastener 102, which extends through both rod 200 and base frame 110. However, it should be understood that rod 200 and base 100 could alternatively be secured by other known means. Also, although the lower portion 202 of rod 200 is shown secured to the outside of base 100, it could alternatively be mounted onto the inside of the base 100. Further, rod 200 could be supported to a bracket or flange, which protrudes into or from the base 100.

Added support elements, such as bracers 210 can be provided to further prevent, limit or restrict such pivotal movement. The bracers 210 are preferably secured at one end to the rod 200 and at the other end to the base 100. The bracers 210 can be made of a rigid material in the form of a rod or bracket, providing support in both tension and compression. However, the bracers 210 can alternatively be made of a material, such as a wire or string, providing only tensile support. While the bracers are shown as being secured to the outside of base 100, they could alternatively be mounted to an inner portion of the base 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, Base 100 provides support for one end of the golf clubs 20 held by the assembly 10. The inner compartments 115 are generally open on top for receiving an end of a golf club 20. Preferably, the golf clubs 20 are loaded into the assembly 10 with the golf club heads oriented on top as shown. This club configuration allows a user to easily read the club head labels or markings, which identify and distinguish each club. However, compartments 115 can be designed to accommodate one or more club heads, so the clubs 20 could be loaded inverted from that shown.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is the retaining member 300 with golf clubs 20 secured therein. The clubs 20 are supported by base 100 at one end and retaining member 300 at an intermediate portion or opposite end of each club. While retaining member 300 is secured to rod 200, it can alternatively be secured to the rod 200 higher or lower than that shown. Nonetheless, it is desirable that retaining member 300 be disposed a sufficient distance from base 100 to provide stability to a club carried by the assembly.

Referring again to FIG. 1, restraining member 300 includes a generally planar member 305, which is directly secured to rod 200. The planar member 305 supports a set of generally U-shaped brackets 310 which each hold a portion of a golf club shaft or handle inserted therein. It should be understood that a greater or lesser number of brackets 310 can be provided. For example, the number of brackets 310 can coincide with the number of compartments 115 in base 100. The brackets 310 are designed to receive the shaft of a golf club 20 through its two protruding tabs. Alternatively, if the clubs are loaded with the heads on the bottom, the brackets 310 could receive either the shaft or portion of the handles. Preferably, the act of inserting the shaft/handle of a golf club 20 into a bracket 310, forces the tabs to at least temporarily move away from one another until the club 20 is fully seated within the bracket 310. In this way the bracket 310 is designed to trap or mechanically secure the club shaft/handle

It should be understood that although U-shaped brackets 310 are shown, other means of securing the club shaft/handles could be provided. For example, rather than brackets 310, planar member 305 could be provided with a series of straps or bands which individually hold each club. Also, rather than a set of protruding brackets 310, planar member 305 could be designed with similar U-shaped recesses that are adapted to receive and hold a golf club shaft/handle. As a further alternative, brackets 310 could be replaced by fixed loops or sleeves sized to have the handles and shaft inserted therein.

Referring again to FIG. 2, base 100 preferably includes a base frame 110 which defines one or more inner compartments 115. While the frame 110 is shown to be an open box-like structure with rigid side walls, it could be designed with a less rigid structure. For example, the frame 110 could be made of a flexible web, such as fabric or mesh, which is reinforced by wire or similar elements maintaining the generally box-like shape. Also, the side walls of the frame 110 need not be solid as shown. In fact, the frame 110 could alternatively be formed by a wire box frame with open sides. As yet a further alternative, frame 110 could have a shape other than a box or rectangle, as long as it is capable of supporting and maintaining golf clubs thereon.

FIG. 2 also shows support posts 140 attached to an extension member 104. While support posts 140 could be secured directly to frame 110, extension member 104 allows the posts 140 to be position further away from the frame 110, thus providing more stability to the assembly. Alternatively, extension member 104 could be adjustable to slide out from under frame 110, like a drawer, providing a customizable feature to the assembly.

Also, frame 110 is shown to be divided by separators 112 which define five compartments 115 within frame 110. The side walls of the frame 110 and the compartments 115 help keep the golf clubs on the base 100. As discussed with respect to the frame 110 above, the separators 112 could be made of either a rigid or flexible material. Also, each separator 112 could be formed only by a wire or a bar spanning between the front and back walls of the frame 110.

The base 100 is also preferably formed to provide fluid drainage therefrom. In this way any liquid that enters compartments 115 will not remain therein. Such drainage is preferably provided by apertures 122 that penetrate base floor member 120. Alternatively, floor member 120 could be formed of a mesh of breathable fabric that allows liquids to pass therethrough.

FIGS. 4-7 show an alternative collapsible golf cart assembly 11 including a base 101, support rod 201 and restraining member 301, in various stages from fully extended to fully collapsed. The assembly 11 is also preferably provided with wheels 131, adjustable support posts 141, straps 211 and a handle 251 similar to the previous embodiment. Support rod 201 is preferably a telescoping tubular member. The rod 201 is preferably formed by a series of axially aligned concentric tubular rods 203, 205, 207, such that the smaller rods can nest inside the larger ones when collapsed into one another. The rod 201 is preferably adjustable between a fully extended configuration, as shown in FIG. 4, and a fully collapsed configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, and various positions there between. It should be understood, however, that each of the adjustable elements described herein could individually be designed into the earlier embodiment, to provide an adjustable assembly in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 further shows that handle 251 and restraining member 301 are removable elements, which can be removeably secured to rod 201 by various known means. Alternatively, these elements 251, 301 could be fixedly secured to rod 201 and would move along with upper rod 207 when collapsed.

FIG. 6 also shows handle 251 and restraining member 301 removed from the assembly, as well as wheels 131. Restraining member 301 is shown turned 90° to illustrate planar member 306 and brackets 311. Also, support posts 141 are shown in a more retracted position. Preferably, support posts 141 can fully retract flush with the outer surface of base 101. Additionally, with the wheels 131 removed, the mounting bracket 150 is visible. In this alternate embodiment, the mounting bracket 150 secures the rod base 221 of rod 201 to the assembly base 101. Further, mounting bracket 150 preferably includes pivotally folding hinge 152 that allows collapsed rod 201 to be folded into base 101 as shown. A latching element (not shown) should be provided that retains mounting bracket 150 in one or more of the positions shown, particularly the fully deployed/extended configuration.

Alternatively, rod 201 could be fixedly secured to the rear portion of frame 111 and a forward portion of the frame 111 could pivotally fold toward the rod and the rear portion to achieve a similar result as to that described above. Preferably, frame 111 can be at least selectively configured to provide sufficient support to maintain support rod 201 and clubs 20 upright when needed.

Mounting bracket 150 is shown to include wheel support bracket 155. Preferably, bracket 155 is formed with a quick-release/assembly feature for removing and remounting wheels 131. Alternatively, such a bracket or feature can be formed directly into the side walls of base 101.

FIG. 7 further shows the entire assembly 11, with various elements collapsed into and/or placed inside base 101. In this way the entire assembly 11 is a fully collapsed configuration is very portable, does not take-up a lot of space and can appear like a small case. In particular, the wheels 131 and handle 251 can be disconnected from rod 201 and stored inside base 101. Also, FIG. 7 shows how rod 201 folds into base 101. Preferably, an aperture 105 is provided in the back wall of base frame 111. When folded into a closed position, bracket 150 limits the rod's 201 pivotal movement but allows rod base 221 to pivot through the aperture 105 so that collapsed rod 201 can fit inside base 101. Alternatively, bracket 150 and/or hinge 152 could be designed and configured to leave little or no gap between the wheel support portion of bracket 150 and the base frame 111. Additionally, restraining member 301 is shown disposed within base 101. Whether fixedly or removeably secured to rod 201, restraining member 301 could preferably be placed in the position shown.

While various embodiments of the present invention are specifically illustrated and/or described herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that various other changes and modifications may be affected herein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, and that it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A golf cart assembly for holding and transporting golf clubs, said assembly comprising:

at least one base for supporting an end of each of said golf clubs;

a restraining member for mechanically securing at least one of said golf clubs, said restraining member disposed a distance from said base, said distance being sufficient to stabilize said at least one golf club resting on said base;

a single cart rod extending from said base to said restraining member, said rod further extending to a height sufficient to be grasped by a cart user generally without bending, said base fixed to said rod for supporting said rod in a generally vertical position while said assembly is in an upright position, said restraining member directly fixed to said rod for maintaining said stabilizing distance between said base and said restraining member; and

at least one wheel rotationally secured to said base permitting rolling transport of said assembly in a non-resting disposition.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said restraining member directly engages at least a portion of said at least one golf club when said golf club is secured by said restraining member.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said restraining member includes a generally planar member and at least one bracket for restricting movement of said golf clubs, said planar member secured to said rod and supporting said bracket.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said base includes more than one compartment for separating said clubs.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said base is formed to provide fluid drainage therefrom.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein said drainage is provided by at least one aperture in said base.

7. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a handle for manipulating said assembly, said handle secured to said rod.

8. A collapsible golf cart assembly for holding and transporting golf clubs, said assembly comprising:

at least one collapsible cart rod adjustable between a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration,

at least one base for supporting said golf clubs, said base fixed to said rod for supporting said rod in a generally upright position when said assembly is at rest, whereby when in at least said extended configuration said rod extends from said base to a height sufficient to be grasped by a cart user generally without bending; and

a restraining member for mechanically securing at least one of said golf clubs, said restraining member secured to said rod whereby when said rod is in said extended configuration said restraining member is spaced away from said base and adjustment of said rod toward said collapsed configuration moves said restraining member closer to said base.

9. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 8, wherein said adjustment of said rod changes a length of said rod.

10. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 9, wherein said length includes a first length in said extended configuration and a second length in said collapsed configuration, whereby said second length is less than half said first length.

11. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 8, further comprising at least one wheel rotationally secured to said base permitting rolling transport of said assembly.

12. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 11, wherein said wheel is removeably secured to said base and sized to fit within said base.

13. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 8, wherein in said collapsed configuration, said rod is sized to fit within said base.

14. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 8, wherein in said collapsed configuration, said rod is disposed at least partially within said base.

15. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 8, wherein said rod is pivotally secured to said base.

16. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 8, wherein said restraining member is removeably secured to said rod.

17. A collapsible golf cart assembly for holding and transporting golf clubs, said assembly comprising:

at least one collapsible cart rod adjustable between an extended and at least one collapsed configuration, whereby when in said extended configuration said rod extends from a base to a height sufficient to be grasped by a cart user generally without bending, and whereby when in said collapsed configuration said rod extends no more than half said height,

at least one base for supporting an end of each of said golf clubs, said base fixed to said rod for supporting said rod in a generally vertical position while said assembly is not grasped by said user; and

a restraining member for mechanically securing at least one of said golf clubs, whereby in said extended configuration said restraining member being disposed a first distance from said base and in said collapsed configuration said restraining member being disposed a second distance from said base, wherein said first distance is substantially greater than said second distance.

18. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 17, further comprising:

at least one wheel rotationally secured to said base permitting rolling transport of said assembly in a non-resting disposition.

19. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 17, wherein said restraining member including at least one generally planar member and at least one bracket for restricting movement of said golf clubs, said planar member secured to said rod and supporting said bracket.

20. A collapsible golf cart according to claim 17, wherein said restraining member is removeably secured to said rod.