Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a golf bag and buggy combination and particularly, though not exclusively, to a combination in which the buggy is adapted so that it can be collapsed and retained within the bag.

Background Art Many types of collapsible golf buggy arrangements are known. In general, collapsed buggies must be transported separately from the golf bag and are accordingly cumbersome and space consuming. US 4,396,205 and US 4,455,230 both describe golf bag and buggy mechanisms in which the buggy collapses upwardly into a moulded recess in the bag, but in both cases the wheels remain parallel during collapse. Accordingly a deep recess is required in the bag to accommodate the wheels. This results in a different and awkwardly shaped golf bag than the conventional shape usually required by golfers. Also, because the mechanisms maintain the wheels in parallel during collapsing an unavoidable minimum length mechanism is prescribed and hence an additional long storage recess occupying considerable space in the bag is also necessary. It would be advantageous to minimise the space requirements of a collapsed buggy mechanism for use in a bag that does not deviate in size to any significant extent from existing golf bags.

Summary of the Invention In a first aspect the present invention provides a golf bag and buggy combination, the buggy having a pair of support wheels, wherein the buggy is adapted for movement between:

a buggy erect position in which the buggy supports the bag and axles of the wheels are generally aligned; and a buggy collapsed position in which the buggy is positioned for retention within the bag and the axles of the wheels are no longer aligned.

With the present invention the buggy can be collapsed so that the wheels can be positioned flat against and within the bag outer lining thereby occupying little space and enabling a substantially uniform sized golf bag to be used with the mechanism.

Preferably the buggy is attached to the bag and is itself moveable between the buggy erect and collapsed positions. The buggy can include a framework having the two, (optionally detachable) , wheels formed thereon and a portion of the framework itself can be moved in use between the erect and collapsed positions. Such movement of the framework can be achieved either manually (ie. by hand) or by moving a handle that interacts with the moveable portion of the framework and that slides up and down longitudinally within the golf bag to activate the framework movement.

The moveable portion of the framework can be defined by a pair of linkage mechanisms, each engageable with a respective wheel to cause a change in its inclination with respect to the remainder of the framework as the buggy is moved between the erect and collapsed positions.

In addition, the golf bag and buggy combination can include a collapsible seat that can be retained within the bag in a seat collapsed position, but can be, for example, pivoted outwardly therefrom and erected into a generally horizontal seat for use by a user.

In a second aspect the invention provides a golf bag and seat combination wherein either or both of the bag and seat are adapted such that;

(i) in a seat erect position the seat is

posi ionable to support a user of the golf bag; and

(ii) in a seat collapsed position the seat is positionable for retention within the bag.

Preferably the seat can be mounted to the framework within the bag and is preferably as defined for the first aspect .

In a third aspect the present invention provides an end cap for a golf bag, the cap having one or more holes through which golf club shafts can extend, the or each hole being provided with a deformable material against which the or each shaft can rest, in use the deformable material being positioned and adapted such that a respective shaft or shafts lie thereagainst so as to be generally restricted from lateral movement at the hole(s) .

Such an end cap provides additional protection for each golf club during use by restricting its movement within the bag and hence minimising contact with and damage to other clubs during use. Also, the deformable material can prevent or reduce the unsightly scuffing of golf club shafts at the hole(s) (and this is particularly advantageous when carbon fibre or graphite shafts are employed) .

The deformable material can be shaped so that two or more clubs can be positioned to extend through the or each hole and the material can also be shaped to generally minimise contact of adjacent club heads. This can prevent club head damage. The deformable material can be formed integrally with the end cap or can be formed as a separate insert that is releasably attachable to a periphery of each hole.

In a fourth aspect the invention provides a golf bag and buggy combination, the buggy including a handle that is moveable relative to the remainder of the buggy, and wherein the buggy is moveable between: a buggy erect position in which the buggy supports

the bag ; and a buggy collapsed position in which the buggy is positioned for retention within the bag; and wherein movement of the buggy between the erect and collapsed positions is caused by said relative movement of the handle .

Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1 to 3 show perspective views of one type of golf bag and buggy combination according to the invention in sequential stages of collapse;

Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional side elevation of the combination of Figures 1 to 3 when in the collapsed position;

Figure 5 shows an alternative configuration to that of Figures 1 to 4 for a preferred golf bag and buggy combination according to the invention, in sequential stages of erection from left to right;

Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a preferred golf bag with a preferred end cap according to the invention;

Figure 7 shows a perspective detail of the end cap of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows an end view in part section of the end cap of Figure 6 when fitted to a golf bag; Figure 9 shows a side schematic and assembled view of the golf bag of Figure 6 with a pair of golf clubs arranged therein;

Figures 10 to 12 show in detail a variation on the mechanism of Figure 5, the drawings in sequence showing progressive stages of collapse of a further buggy

mechanism according to the invention; and

Figures 13 to 15 show, in detail, a further alternative configuration for a golf bag and buggy combination according to the invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring to the drawings, a golf bag and buggy combination 10 includes a golf bag 12 having an end cap 13 and an internal frame arrangement 14 formed therein. The frame is centred on a longitudinal member 15 that is fixed in relation to the bag, and a pair of golf buggy legs 16 are pivotally mounted to angled members 17 of the frame by pivot pins 18. The legs have a pair of wheels 20 respectively and rotatably mounted to remote opposing ends thereof on axles which are generally aligned. The wheels can be detached from the legs (as described below) . Also, a support wheel 21 is rotatably mounted to the bag base and supports the erected bag when standing (ie. together with wheels 20) .

A buggy handle 22 is slidable within the golf bag and is supported by the internal frame when sliding at a slide coupling 24, the coupling in turn being fixedly connected to the longitudinal member 15. The internal end of the handle 22 is provided with a bracket 26 that is rotatably mounted thereto. The other end of the bracket is rotatably attached to a pivot rod 28 and the opposite end of the pivot rod is rotatably mounted to the longitudinal member 15 via a second fixed bracket 30.

Also, a pair of opposing connecting rods 32 are pivotally mounted on either side to bracket 26, and each is also pivotally mounted at its opposite end to a respective buggy leg 16. The opposite end of handle 22 is provided with a grip 34, and the handle slides through a rubber sealing boot 36 (the function of which is described below) . Finally, a collapsible seating arrangement 40 is

mountable to the internal frame arrangement 14. The seating arrangement includes a seat 42 having opposing seat halves 43,44. The seat halves are hingedly mounted along opposing adjacent edges to seat support bar 46 (shown in Figure 2) . The support bar can in turn be pivoted in relation to the internal frame arrangement (as described below) .

Use of the golf bag and buggy combination 10 and associated seating arrangement will now be described firstly with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

In Figure 1, the combination is shown in the fully erected position. In this position, the combination can be used by a golfer in the conventional manner, with each golf club being arranged in the bag (eg. as shown schematically in Figure 1) .

To collapse the golf bag and buggy, the user firstly detaches the wheels 20 from the ends of golf buggy legs 16 (in a movement indicated by arrows W) . The user then pushes downwardly on handle 18 (via grip 34) in the direction of arrow P. (In some arrangements the user would release a locking catch prior to pushing although, in more preferred embodiments, the erected configuration may be "unlocked" when a certain predetermined force in the direction of arrow P is exerted by a user or when the handle is rotated a predetermined amount.) As the handle is pushed downwardly, the free end thereof via bracket 26 acts on pivot rod 28, causing it to pivot downwardly in the direction indicated by arrow D. At the same time, the connecting rods 32 are caused to move and act on legs 16 so that the legs pivot generally upwardly (ie. towards the bag) . These movements continue until the configuration as shown in Figure 2 is reached.

In Figure 2, it can be seen that as a result of the downward sliding of the handle, wherein the handle movement is somewhat constrained by the slide coupling 24, the handle lower end has been caused to move away

from longitudinal member 15, with this sliding movement being continually supported within and by slide coupling 24. The bracket 26 at the end of the handle has moved outwardly away from the frame arrangement to a maximum distance as shown in Figure 2 (ie. when pivot rod 28 is generally orthogonally disposed to member 15) , whereas the grip has been caused to move in an opposite arc shown by arrow G. This movement of the handle is taken up by the sealing boot 36 which maintains a covered closure at the end cap 13 (ie. for safety and aesthetic purposes) .

Further downward sliding of the handle causes the bracket 26 and pivot rod 28 to travel in the direction of arrow T until the configuration shown in Figure 3 is reached. In Figure 3, the handle is shown in a fully "slid-down" position. The bracket 26 has been brought into engagement once again with the longitudinal member 15 after having travelled further (in a manner indicated by arrow U) . Further downward sliding of the handle is thereby prevented. The right leg is thus brought to its final collapsed position; (the left leg has been removed from Figure 3 for clarity and to show the detail of the collapsed configuration of the frame arrangement; in the collapsed configuration the left leg assumes the same configuration to the right leg on the opposing side) .

Referring to Figure 4, the collapsed form of the frame, leg and buggy arrangement now reached is shown. This flat configuration enables the simple manufacture of a golf bag that is virtually standard size and yet that accommodates the collapsed arrangement and also accommodates the full range of movements of the buggy mechanism during collapsing and erection sequences. For example, the bag can be provided with a side accommodation pocket 48, that allows the full range of movement of the handle, the frame arrangement and the legs during collapsing and which is also adapted for

SUBSTTTUTESHEET(RULE26)

having the wheels stored therein after collapsing (as shown) .

Referring once again to Figures 1 to 3 in sequence, the collapsing of seat 42 will now be described. In Figure 1, the seat is shown in its generally horizontal and useable orientation (ie. where it can be sat upon by a user) . In order to collapse the seat for storage within the bag, the halves 43,44 are pivoted upwardly around the support bar 46 in the direction of arrows S. The seat halves then reach the position as shown in Figure 2. In this position, the seat halves can be pivoted around a hinge 50, attached to the internal frame arrangement, in the direction of arrow I so that the seat is moved into the position shown in Figures 3 and 4. It should also be appreciated that movement of the handle can also actuate movement of the seat between the erected and collapsed positions thereof.

Although not shown in Figures 1 to 4 (but see Figure 6) a longitudinal channel formed by a pair of longitudinal dividers arranged on opposing sides of the frame can be formed in the bag. The handle, seat and frame arrangement can be retained within this channel during collapsing and when finally collapsed to separate off the collapsing buggy mechanism from surrounding golf clubs in use.

Figure 5 shows a slightly different configuration to that shown in Figures 1 to 4. Again, the collapsing and extension mechanism of the golf buggy can be actuated by the handle, (or may be actuated by a separate mechanism or by manual actuation) . However, in Figure 5 the wheels are not removed prior to, during or after collapsing/erection. The collapsed buggy is stored within a pocket 60 of bag 62. Moving from left to right in Figure 5, a zipper 64 in the pocket is progressively opened to reveal the collapsed buggy mechanism. Once the pocket is opened, the mechanism is then activated (eg. by

being pulled outwardly by a user) to cause the legs 66 to pivot outwardly whilst wheels 68 simultaneously swivel about a universal-type joint 70 and linkage arrangement 72. The actuation of the legs and linkage arrangement 72 is effected by a mechanism housed within housing 74, and this mechanism can be activated by a number of means, including downward movement of a handle, manual activation (eg. pulling on legs 66) or by a motor etc. The advantage of the mechanism shown in Figure 5 is that it can be quickly accessed and erected (eg. by a simple pulling action) . In addition, very little space in the golf bag is occupied by the collapsed configuration. Similar mechanisms to that shown in Figure 5 are described below in greater detail with reference to Figures 10 to 12, and Figures 13 to 15.

Referring to Figures 6 to 8, a modified end cap arrangement 80 for a golf bag 82 will now be described. The end cap includes a moulded end 84 having six holes 86 formed therein. Each hole includes a downwardly projecting rim 88 to which a respective moulded soft insert 90 can be attached. The soft insert can be formed from a polymeric foam material (eg. polyurethane or polyethylene foam etc) , or alternatively the entire end cap 80 can include or can be manufactured from a deformable material rather than employing separate inserts. In this regard, a variation in density of polymer through the end cap (ie. in cross-sectional profile) can be employed to achieve, in the end cap material, deformability around the holes and material rigidity and support away from the holes .

Attachment of the insert is best illustrated in Figure 7, wherein insert 90 includes a moulded groove 92 and the rim 88 is then friction, interference or adhesively fitted within this groove.

Each insert is provided with one or more scalloped

regions 94 for receiving therein the respective shaft of a golf club. When the golf bag is in its normal inclined orientation (eg. as shown in Figure 1) a golf club shaft rests within a respective scalloped region and is thus separated from an adjacent golf club extending through the same hole 86. A plurality of longitudinal dividers 95 arranged lengthwise within the golf bag combine and align with the respective inserts and scalloped regions such that each golf club is separated from adjacent club(s) . Separation is further assisted by ridges 96 formed in each divider.

In Figure 8, golf clubs 1 through to 9 can be arranged with woods, a putter P, a sand wedge S and a pitching wedge. The configuration of Figure 8 has the capacity to store up to 16 golf clubs (although 14 golf clubs are normally prescribed by golf regulations) .

In addition, the golf bag can be provided with two central dividers 97 which define a longitudinal channel

98 through the golf bag (see also Figure 8) . This longitudinal channel can be sized to house the collapsible buggy mechanism and collapsible seating arrangement as described above in Figures 1 to 4 and below in Figures 10 to 15.

The inserts 90 (or unitary moulding) is typically plastically deformable to some extent at the holes 86 to generally assist in preventing lateral movement of the golf clubs in use (ie. to prevent side to side movement during transportation and when bearing the golf bag over different types of terrain) . Figure 9 shows a further variation of the golf bag 82 where a spacer or false bottom 99 is arranged at base

99 of the golf bag. This enables differing protrusions of the golf clubs to be achieved (eg. to raise the height of the clubs at the back portion of the moulded end (eg. the woods relative to the irons) ) .

Referring now to Figures 10 to 12, a detailed

description of an alternative mechanism to that shown in Figure 5 is now provided. The golf bag and buggy 100 has a central fixed frame member 102 mounted therein and an elongate handle 104 slideable in the bag and slidingly supported by the frame member 102. The handle 104 can be fixed at various extended or recessed positions by a clip bracket 106. The handle may also be used to activate the collapsible buggy mechanism (as previously described) .

An orthogonal extension 108 fastened (eg. welded) to the frame member 102 extends laterally across the golf bag (eg. through space 98) . On opposing sides of this extension, a universal-type coupling 110 is rotatably mounted thereto. The universal coupling can rotate about the orthogonal extension via pin 112 in a manner indicated by arrows R. This pin 112 is doubly inclined with respect to the axis of an intermediate actuated arm 116. This allows the orientation of the intermediate actuated arm 116 (ie. when collapsed as viewed in end elevation along the frame member 102) to be the same orientation (ie. parallel) as the central frame member. A universal coupling is provided for each wheel 114 and the wheel is attached thereto via the intermediate actuated arm 116.

Each actuated arm 116 comprises a relatively long section 118 and a relatively short section 120 hingedly attached to each other at hinge 122. Long section 118 is pivotally attached at an opposite end to the coupling 110 to pivot in the manner indicted by arrows P (Figure 11) . The opposite end of each short section 120 is provided with a pin axle 124 and on which each wheel can be centrally mounted for rotation thereabout.

A spring 126 extends between the short and long sections, adjacent to the hinge, and tends to urge the short section towards the long section for a predetermined range of hinge opening (ie. so that the wheel is generally urged to the position shown in dotted

outline in Figure 12) . However, when the short and long sections are pivoted towards being longitudinally aligned (ie. to ultimately define a straight and combined arm 116) then the spring assumes a position that tends to urge or maintain the actuated arm in this latter straight orientation. In other words, the spring is positioned to be double acting.

Figure 12 shows a detail of the buggy in a generally collapsed orientation (but does not show the bag) . As the buggy is erected, the wheels are caused to move outwardly, moving through the configuration shown in Figure 11 until the configuration shown in Figure 10 is ultimately reached. During this movement, the lefthand wheel moves outwardly in one direction (ie. into the page) whereas the righthand wheel moves outwardly in the opposite direction (ie. up from out of the page) until the wheels are outwardly located on opposing sides of the mechanism, with their pin axles being generally aligned on a common axis. To bring about the required simultaneous pivoting motion and rotating motion arc (ie. that also causes the wheels to face outwardly when erected) , an extra or second linkage arm 128 is provided for each actuating arm 116. The second linkage arm includes a strut 130 and a short connecting segment 132. The segment 132 is fastened to short section 120 (ie. it does not rotate or move in relation to section 120) . However, the strut 130 is pivotally connected both to the opposite end of the segment 132 (ie. at second hinge 132) and to the frame member 102 via a bracket hinge 136. The second link arm constrains the motion of the actuating arm 116 during buggy erection (and collapse) so that the wheel is caused to be twisted (rotated) until the orientation shown in Figure 10 is reached, (and, conversely, ensures that the collapsed configuration shown in Figure 12 is reached when the buggy mechanism is collapsed) .

In the collapsed configuration the mechanism with the wheels attached thereto can be compactly stored within a pocket 140 of the bag (the pocket being shown schematically in Figure 10) . This pocket can include a zipper arrangement or equivalent, (such as a Velcro® fastening arrangement) to enable opening and closing thereof, (ie. similar to that shown and described in Figure 5) .

The mechanism described in Figures 10 to 12 provides a unique collapsing and erection sequence of a golf buggy mechanism wherein a very close packed arrangement (shown in dotted outline in Figure 12) is achieved, and whereby the wheels 114 are brought into close proximity to the frame member 102. Referring now to Figures 13 to 15, a further alternative golf bag and buggy combination is shown. This mechanism for attaching the buggy to the bag is of a simple configuration and operation and is ideal for manual operation. The mechanism 200 is attached to golf bag 202, and includes a longitudinal frame member 204 extending lengthwise through the bag.

Fastened (eg. welded) to the frame member 204 is a bracket 206 which extends from opposing sides of the frame member to open sleeve supports 208.

The supports each receive therein a respective leg 210, and the opposing end of each leg has an axle 212 extending therefrom to which is attached a respective wheel 214. Each leg is, indirectly, pivotally mounted to the frame member.

Referring to Figures 14 and 15, which show in detail respectively front and side elevations of the mechanism 200, each leg 210 is pivotally mounted via pin 216 to plate 218. Each leg can pivot with respect to the plate as indicated by respective arrows P (Figure 14) .

The opposite end of the plate is provided with a

SUBSnTUTESHEET(RULE26)

bush 220, and a pin 222 extends through a flange 224 and thence through the bush 220 to pivotally attach the plate 218 to the flange 224. The flange is in turn fastened (eg. welded) to frame member 204 (as best shown in Figure 15) .

When the legs have been pivoted towards each other

(ie. in the directions indicated in Figure 14) then the legs and plate can be pivoted around pin 222 upwards to be parallel to frame member 204 (as indicated by arrow U in Figure 15) .

Conversely, when each leg is pivoted outwardly (ie. from its position in Figure 14) it is received in a respective sleeve support 208. The leg engages against a stop 226 (eg. formed from a polymeric or rubber type material) and its further outward pivotal movement is thereby prevented. Also, when the legs are retained within their respective sleeve supports, they cannot be pivoted upwardly about pin 222 (ie. in the direction of arrow U) because the sleeve support prevents pivoting motion in this direction.

The plate is provided with a lug 228 extending from bush 220, and when the legs have been pivoted downwardly from the frame member to align with the position shown in Figure 15, the lug engages against bracket 206 to prevent further pivoting beyond this position.

In use, the wheels (previously removed from the axles 212) together with the collapsed frame, are stored within a pocket on the side of bag 202. The pocket is opened, the wheels removed, and then the legs together are pivoted downwardly away from the frame member 204 (in a direction opposite to arrow U) . Each leg is then opened outwardly pivoting around pin 216 (in a direction opposite to arrow P) until it is received in its respective sleeve support and engages against stop 226. In this position, the wheels 214 can then be attached to their respective axles 212, and the buggy is thus

erected. Collapsing of the buggy is merely an opposite procedure to this described sequence.

Various components of the above described arrangements can be formed from plastics material. In one preferred variation, key components of the golf bag are formed from plastics aside from some structural members of the internal frame arrangement . The internal frame arrangement structural members are preferably formed from a light weight and strong metallic material (eg. an aluminium or alloy) or a light weight steel alloy.

Whilst the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments it should be appreciated that it can be embodied in many other forms.