Golf Bag, Golf Cart Assembly and Coupling Arrangement Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a golf bag assembly and/or a golf cart assembly. In particular the present invention relates to a golf bag assembly and a golf cart assembly that are able to cooperate to provide a golf bag cart arrangement that is compact.

Background

[0002] Golf carts, also known as golf buggies or golf trolleys, are popular with the majority of golfers that do not wish to carry their golf bags containing their golf clubs whilst playing a round of golf or who do not wish to use a motorised golf buggy. A golf bag may be simply strapped to a cart, which typically has two or more wheels, and the golfer proceeds to pull the cart along in front or behind them making transporting the bag of golf clubs around a golf course significantly easier than directly carrying them the distance which can involve travelling for around 5 to 9 kms.

[0003] There are many styles of golf cart that are in common usage today, many of which collapse to a certain extent so as to reduce their size for transportation to and from the golf course. However, the majority of golf carts do no collapse to a sufficient extent to allow multiple golf bags and carts to be stowed in a typically sized boot of a vehicle. Nor do such golf carts reduce sufficiently in size to enable them to be stowed as luggage on a plane with relative ease.

[0004] Numerous attempts have been made to reduce the size of golf carts to make them more suitable for travel. One attempt included directly coupling wheels onto the sides of a golf bag which significantly reduced the overall size of the combined cart and bag arrangement. However, such an arrangement does not provide sufficient width between the wheels when pulling the golf bag to provide a stable platform where such a golf bag often topples over when negotiating undulating terrain as is often found on a golf course.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a golf cart assembly or a golf bag and cart assembly that is sufficiently compact for travelling requirements and which still provides sufficient stability when in use on a golf course. [0006] Additionally, there is a need for a golf cart assembly that is suitable for use with different styles of golf bags.

Summary

[0007] According to one aspect there is provided a cart assembly for coupling to a golf bag, the cart assembly being moveable between a collapsed state and a deployed state, the cart assembly including : a main body portion including one or more coupling portions for coupling the main body portion to a golf bag; a handle member including a handle at one end and a connection point at the other end for coupling the handle member to a spacer member which is coupled to the main body portion wherein the handle member is able to pivot about the connection point which moves the cart assembly from the collapsed state, where the handle member is located adjacent the main body portion, and the deployed state, where the handle member extends away from the main body portion; and, two wheel supporting members each including a wheel coupling point at one end for cooperating with a wheel, and a connecting arrangement at the other end for coupling the wheel supporting members to the main body portion, wherein each wheel supporting member is able to pivot about the connecting arrangement coupled to the main body portion which moves the cart assembly from the collapsed state, when each wheel support member is located adjacent to the main body portion, and the deployed state, where each wheel support member extends away from the main body portion.

[0008] In one form the spacer member is coupled to the main body portion at an upper region of the main body portion and wherein the spacer member spaces the handle member from the main body portion when the cart assembly is in the deployed state. In one form the spacer member extends away from the main body portion at an angle between about 75° and 150° when the cart assembly is in the deployed state.

[0009] In one form the cart assembly further includes a locking member configured to hold the cart assembly in the deployed state. In one form the locking member engages with a locking portion of the handle member to hold the cart assembly in the deployed state. In one form the locking portion of the handle member is in the form of an elongate protrusion, or spike, extending from the base of the handle member in a downward direction away from the connection point. [0010] In one form the locking member is in the form of an elongate portion hingedly connected at one end to the main body portion at a point below the spacer member wherein the locking member includes an engagement region along its length spaced from the one end connected to the main body portion, the engagement region configured to engage with the locking portion of the handle member. In one form the locking member includes an actuator configured to release the cart assembly from being held in the deployed state.

[0011] In one form as angle formed between the locking member and the locking portion of the handle member when engaged with the locking member is less than 90°. In one form the angle formed between the locking member and the locking portion of the handle member when engaged with the locking member is greater than 70°.

[0012] In one form the cart assembly further includes a third wheel support member coupled to the lower end of the main body portion wherein the third wheel support member provides a wheel coupling point for locating a third wheel wherein the third wheel is able to move relative to the main body portion between a deployed position wherein the third wheel extends beyond the base of a golf bag coupled to the cart assembly and a retracted position wherein the third wheel is adjacent the main body portion.

[0013] According to another aspect there is provided a connector for coupling a golf bag to an item, the connector including : a main element portion substantially corresponding in shape to a portion of the golf bag, the main element portion adapted for attachment to the portion of the golf bag, and a connection region for coupling the connector to an item.

[0014] According to another aspect there is provided a connector for coupling a golf bag to an item, the connector including : a main element portion adapted for attachment to a portion of the golf bag, and a connection region for coupling the connector to an item.

[0015] In one form the item is a golf cart assembly and wherein the golf cart assembly includes a coupling portion configured to connect with the connector.

[0016] In one form the main element portion further includes at least one edge adjacent at least one side of the connection region. In one form the connection region further includes at least one edge defining a recess between the edge and the golf bag. In one form the at least one edge is configured substantially as a flange.

[0017] In one form the flange provided by the one or more edges defines a recess in space between the flange and the golf bag, when the connector is attached thereto.

[0018] In one form the connection region includes two edges. In one form the main body portion includes two edges located on either side of and adjacent the connection region.

[0019] In one form the coupling portion includes a shaped region which corresponds to the shape of the recess. In one form the coupling portion includes a locking element which can move into and out of the recess of the connector, the locking portion connecting the coupling portion to the connector when moved into the recess. In one form the coupling portion includes a female receiving portion with an internal thread which corresponds to a thread around a male coupling member located on the item.

[0020] In one form the portion of the golf bag is a neck portion and/or a base portion of the golf bag. In one form the portion of the golf bag is located in the neck portion and/or the base portion of the golf bag.

[0021] In one form the connector is attached to the golf bag by fasteners. In one form the connector is attached to the golf bag by an adjustable strap that loops around the golf bag.

[0022] In one form the connector includes a hook member extending from an upper portion of the connector wherein the hook member is configured to straddle a rim portion of the golf bag. In one form the connector includes a hook member extending from an upper portion of the connector wherein the connector is configured to straddle a rim portion of the golf bag with the located on an opposite surface of the golf bag to the connection region. In one form a tightening member is placed over at least a portion of the connector to apply a compressive force between the hook member and the connector to increase the attachment of the connector to the golf bag. In one form a tightening member is placed over at least a portion of the connector to apply a force between the hook members and the connection region.

[0023] According to another aspect there is provided a connector for coupling a golf bag to an item, the connector including : a channel portion, a throat portion, and a seat portion located on the opposite side of the throat portion to the channel portion, wherein the connector is adapted for attachment to a portion of the golf bag.

[0024] In one form the item is a golf cart assembly, and wherein the golf cart assembly includes a coupling portion configured to connect with the connector. In one form the coupling portion includes one or more pegs. In one form the channel throat portion is narrower in width than the diameter of the pegs, and the seated portion has a profile substantially sized the same as the diameter of the pegs.

[0025] In one form the pegs are configured to attach the coupling assembly to the connector by the following steps: aligning the pegs with the channel portion and sliding the pegs along the channel portion; applying sufficient force such that the pegs move from the channel portion past the throat portion and into the seat portion.

[0026] In one form the connector is attached to the golf bag by fasteners. In an alternative form, the connector is attached to the golf bag by adjustable straps that loop around the golf bag.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0027] In order to enable a clearer understanding of the present invention, one or more preferred embodiments will hereinafter be described with reference to the attached drawings, and in those drawings:

Figure 1: Is a view of an embodiment of the cart assembly in the collapsed position;

Figure 2: Is an alternative view of the embodiment of figure 1 ;

Figure 3: Is an alternative view of the embodiment of figure 1 ;

Figure 4: Is an alternative view of the embodiment of figure 1 ;

Figure 5: Is an alternative view of the embodiment of figure 1 ;

Figure 6: Is a view of an embodiment of the cart assembly in the deployed position;

Figure 7: Is an alternative view of the embodiment of figure 6;

Figure 8: Is an alternative view of the embodiment of figure 6;

Figure 9: Is an alternative view of the embodiment of figure 6;

Figure 10: Is a view of an embodiment of the outward portion of a connector piece;

Figure 11: Is a view of an embodiment of the inward portion of the connector piece;

Figure 12: Is a view of an embodiment of the connector piece; Figure 13: Is a view of an embodiment of the connector piece;

Figure 14: Is an alternative view of the embodiment of the connector piece of figure 13;

Figure 15: Is a view of the embodiment of the connector piece of figure 13 when straddling the rime of a golf bag;

Figure 16: Is a view of the embodiment of the connector piece of figure 13 with a tightening member;

Figure 17: Is a view of an embodiment of a coupling assembly;

Figure 18: Is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a connector piece engaged with an embodiment of the coupling assembly;

Figure 19: Is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the coupling assembly;

Figure 20: Is a view of an embodiment of a hinged support member in the deployed position;

Figure 21: Is a view of an embodiment of a hinged support member in the collapsed position;

Figure 22: Is a view of an embodiment of a support member with clips;

Figure 23: Is an alternative view of an embodiment of a support member with clips;

Figure 24: Is an alternative view of an embodiment an insertion;

Figure 25: Is a view of an embodiment of an underside recess with an indent;

Figure 26: Is a view of an embodiment of the detachable projection;

Figure 27: Is another view of an embodiment of the support member with the detachable projection clipped into place;

Figure 28: Is a view of an embodiment of the support member with a detachable member in place in an underside recess;

Figure 29: Is a view of an embodiment of the connector with clips;

Figure 30: Is a view of an embodiment of the handle arrangement in the deployed position;

Figure 31: Is a view of an embodiment of the handle arrangement transitioning from the collapsed position into the deployed position;

Figure 32: Is a view of an embodiment of the handle arrangement transitioning from the collapsed position into the deployed position;

Figure 33: Is a view of an embodiment of the handle arrangement transitioning from the collapsed position into the deployed position;

Figure 34: Is a view of an embodiment of the handle arrangement in the deployed position; Figure 35: Is a schematic of the handle arrangement;

Figure 36: Is a schematic plan view of the handle assembly including the toothed coupling;

Figure 37: Is a view of the handle arrangement with the toothed coupling released;

Figure 38: Is a view of the handle arrangement with the toothed coupling retighten after repositioning the handle member;

Figure 39: Is a view of an embodiment of the wheel member with a wheel fitted to the axel portion and the brake assembly in a disengaged position;

Figure 40: Is a view of an embodiment of the wheel member with a wheel fitted to the axel portion and the brake assembly in an engaged position;

Figure 41: Is a view of an embodiment of the third wheel assembly;

Figure 42: Is a view of an embodiment of the third wheel assembly in the collapsed position;

Figure 43: Is a view of an embodiment of the upper rank and pinion of the third wheel assembly including the actuator and the shaft member;

Figure 44: Is a view of an embodiment of the third wheel assembly in an intermediate position;

Figure 45: Is a view of an embodiment of the third wheel assembly in a deployed position;

Figure 46: Is a view of an embodiment of the wheels nestled together in a manner suitable for stowage.

Parts List

10 Golf Bag

11 top portion of golf bag

12 neck portion of golf bag

13 bottom portion of golf bag

14 base portion of golf bag

15 underside of golf bag

16 underside recess of golf bag

17 rim of golf bag

18 projection from underside recess

19 indent in underside recess

101 shallow surface of projection from underside recess

102 abutting surface of projection from underside recess

103 insert piece

20 Cart Assembly

21 main body portion

22 upper portion of main body portion

23 lower portion of main body portion

24 neck portion of main body portion

25 base portion of main body portion

26 support member

27 support member hinge

28 pegs

200 clips

201 channel portion of clips

202 throat portion of clips

203 seat portion of clips

204 projection from support member

205 indent in support member

206 shallow surface of projection from support member

207 abutting surface of projection from support member

208 insert piece

209 detachable projection Coupling Assembly

rigid element

locking element

releasing side of locking element engaging side of locking element key

mechanism

mechanism button Handle Arrangement

Spacer member

handle member

locking member

locking portion of handle member spacer member hinge

handle member hinge

locking member hinge

clip

locking member hole

handle Connector Piece/ Connector main element

connection region

edges of connecting region

outward portion

inward portion

recess

fastener holes

rests

strap mounts

adjustable strap

hook members

tightening members

locating grooves

connector adapted to couple with pegs 605 clips

606 channel portion of clips

607 throat portion of clips

608 seat portion of clips

609 flange/projection from connector

70 axel portion of wheel member

71 wheel member

72 wheel member hinge

73 rigid support structure/support

74 ball joint

75 wheel

76 toothed coupling

77 collapsible support

78 separating portion

79 groove

80 Third Wheel Assembly

81 third wheel bracket

82 third wheel member

83 locating rod

84 magnets

85 shoulder

86 third wheel hinge

90 lower rack

91 lower pinion

92 upper rack

93 upper pinion

94 shaft member

95 actuator

1000 Brake Assembly

1001 brake element

1002 brake cable

1003 brake handle Description

[0028] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a better understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0029] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[0030] According to one embodiment and in reference to figures 1 to 5, there is provided a cart assembly 20 including a main body portion 21 which is configured to situate adjacent to a golf bag 10 when coupled thereto. The main body portion 21 is a elongated member sized substantially to the vertical length of a golf bag 10 and configured to locate at a side portion of the golf bag.

[0031] By way of clarification, an upward direction is defined as that in the direction of the top of a golf bag 10 when seated on its underside 15. It is in the top portion 11 of a golf bag 10 in which clubs are inserted and removed. Conversely, a downward direction refers to the direction toward the underside of the golf bag 10. These same definitions apply to the golf cart assembly 20 when coupled to the golf bag 10. Similarly, the outer portion of the golf bag 10 at its upward extreme is termed the neck 12, and the outer portion of the golf bag at its downward extreme is termed the base 14.

[0032] In the above manner, an upper portion 22 of the main body portion 21 is that in the upward direction. The lower portion 23 of the main body portion 21 is that in the downward direction. A middle portion exists between the upper and lower portions of the main body portion. A neck portion 24 of the main body portion 21 refers to that at or adjacent to the neck portion 13 of the golf bag 10 when the main body portion 21 is coupled thereto. Similarly, the base portion 25 of the main body portion 21 is at or adjacent to the base portion 14 of the golf bag 10.

[0033] In a broad embodiment of the present invention, a golf cart assembly 20 is described which may be moved between two primary positions; a collapsed position and a deployed position. In the collapsed position, the components of the cart assembly 20 are configured into a position to reduce the space occupied by the assembly 20, and to provide a substantially flat profile which may be positioned along the side of the golf bag 10. Various views of an embodiment of the cart assembly 20 in the collapsed position are shown in figures 1 to 5. The collapsed position is ideal to store the cart assembly when not in use, either when attached to the golf bag unattached as shown in figures 1 to 5.

[0034] When the cart assembly 20 is in the deployed position, all components of the cart assembly are configured for the assembly to fulfil its functional role as a golf cart. Various views of an embodiment of the cart assembly in the deployed position are shown in figures 6 to 9.

[0035] According to a particular embodiment, the main body portion 21 may be coupled to the golf bag 10 at locations proximate to both ends of the elongated member comprising the main body portion 21. In an exemplary form, a coupling assembly 30 at the neck portion 24 of the main body portion 21 couples with a connector piece 60 at the neck portion 12 of the golf bag 10. The connector 60 includes a main body element 61 and a connecting region 62 which may protrude from the main body element 61. The connector piece 60 may be configured with a main body element with a curvature adapted to substantially conform with a curved surface of a golf bag 10.

[0036] Different embodiments of the connector piece 60 are feasible, certain embodiments including a raised connecting region 62 characterised by a cross sectional area, as taken substantially tangential to the curvature of the main body element 61 at that location, which reduces progressively from the outwardly facing portion 64 of the connector, towards the inwardly facing portion 65 which may be engaged with the golf bag 10. By way of clarification, figure 10 depicts a particular embodiment of an outward portion 64 and figure 11 depicts a particular embodiment of an inward portion 65.

[0037] Otherwise stated, the edges 63 of the connecting region 62 angle inwardly towards the golf bag 10, offering a recess 66 between the outward portion 64 of the connecting region 62 and the golf bag 10. In an alternative form, the edge of the connecting region are configured as a flange so as to define a square recess between the outwardly facing portion 64 of the connecting region 62 and the golf bag 10.

[0038] The embodiment of figure 10 provides a connector piece configured to be fixedly attached to the neck portion 12 of the golf bag 10. In other embodiments addressed elsewhere, the connector piece consistent with figure 10 can be located at the base portion 14 of the golf bag 10. The main element 61 of the connector 60 takes on a curved profile adapted to engage cooperatively with the curved profile of the neck portion 12 or the base portion 14 of a golf bag 10. The connector 60 includes several holes 67 through which fasteners, for example, screws or rivets, can be placed to attach to the connector 60 to the golf bag 10. Figure 11 provides a rear view of the connector piece 60.

[0039] The connector piece 60 of figure 10 requires holes to be placed in the golf bag to fasten the connector piece thereto. Alternative embodiments have been devised to provide for a connector piece 60 with the same functional properties regarding the connecting region 62 that can be fitted and removed from a golf bag 10 without altering the golf bag or placing holes in the golf bag. Figure 15 details such an embodiment which is mounted to the golf bag 10 by an adjustable strap 600. This connector piece 60 can be configured with the same curved profile as the fastened connector piece such that it sits positioned flush with the curvature of the neck portion 12 of the golf bag 10. Strap mounts 69 are provided such that an adjustable strap can be placed therethrough. The strap 600 loops around the neck portion 12 of the golf bag 10 where it is fixed tightly to hold the connector piece 60 into position. The strap 600 can be fixed into position by various means, including Velcro or buckles to tightly hold the strap and connector piece 60 in place. To further ensure that the strap mounted connector piece 60 remains in place, a portion or portions of the connector piece in contact with the golf bag 10 can be configured with rests 68 formed from a material that provides friction, offering resistance against the connector piece 60 slipping from the desired position when held in place by the straps 600. The rests 68 can be further configured with a tread or pattern that increases friction between the rests and the golf bag 10.

[0040] A further embodiment that removably positions the connector piece 60 at the neck 12 of the golf bag 10 without altering the golf bag is shown in figures 13 to 16. This connector piece 60 is configured with hook members 601 emerging from an upper portion of the connector piece, the said hook members locating behind the inward portion 65 of the connector piece 60. The hook members engage with the rim 17 of the golf bag 10 such that the hook members 601 straddles the rim 17 and an adjacent portion of the golf bag 10, thus placing the connector in position at the neck portion 12 of the golf bag. Otherwise stated, the connector 60 is configured to seat over a rim 17 of a golf bag 10, such that when seated, the hook members 601 are positioned on an opposite surface of the golf bag 10 to the inward portion 65. Similar to the other connector pieces 60 herein described, the connector piece of figures 13 to 16 can be configured with a curved profile adapted to the curvature of the neck portion 12 of the golf bag 10 so that the connector piece 60 sits flush against the neck portion 12 when held in place by the hook members 601 engaged with the rim 17 of the golf bag. To provide a tight connection between the connector piece 60 and the golf bag 10, the hook members 601 can be angled towards the inward portion 65 of the connector piece and configured with a bias such that when the connector is in position at the neck portion 12 of the golf bag 10, the hook members 601 act towards the inward portion 65 disposed on an opposite surface of the golf bag 10, such the connection piece effectively squeezes against the golf bag 10, securing it thereto. In embodiment particular, a tightening member 602 can be placed over at least a portion of the main element 61 of the connector 60 and hook members 601 to increase the squeezing effect between the inward portion 65 of the connector 60 and the hook members 601 thus increasing the grip provided by the hook members 601 and the golf bag 10. As shown in figure 16, the tightening member may consist of a rigid structure formed of resilient wire which may seat over the connector pieces and is biases such that the tightening member increases the force acting between the hook members 601 and the inward portion 65.

[0041] The connecting region 62 of any of the connectors 60 herein described are configured to engage attachably with the coupling assembly 30 of the main body portion 21. In the embodiment shown in figure 17, the coupling portion has a rigid element 31 and locking element 32. The rigid element 31 is configured to slot within one of the recesses 66 of the connecting region 62, such that when fitted with the recess 66, the rigid element 31 will restrict the coupling assembly 30 from moving outwardly away from the connector 60.

[0042] Still referring to the non-limiting embodiment of figure 17, the locking element 32 is rotatably coupled to the coupling assembly 30. The locking element 32 is configured with a engaging side 35 characterised by protruding further from the axis of rotation than releasing side 34. An open position of the locking element 32 is characterised by the releasing side 34 positioned in opposition to the corresponding edge 66 of the connecting region 62 of the connector 60. This configuration allows the locking element 32 to seat alongside one recesses 66 of the connecting region 62, whilst the rigid element 31 seats within the recess 66 of the other side. Rotating the locking element 31 brings the locking element 31 into a locked position whereby the engaging side 35 of the locking element 32 is brought into position inside the recess 66 of the connecting region 62, by virtue of the protrusion of the engaging side 35 of the locking element 32. By this manner, both recesses 66 are engaged, one with the rigid element 31, and the other with the engaging side 35 locking element 32. The coupling assembly 30 is thus locked into position with the connector piece 60. Figure 18 details a schematic of the coupling assembly 30 attached to the connector piece 60, showing both the rigid element 31 and the engaging side 35 of the locking element engaged the recesses 66 of the connecting region 62.

[0043] Other embodiments of the locking element are possible in accordance with the present invention. An example of an alternative embodiment includes a locking element 32 in the shape of a disk with a flat portion characterised by a smaller diameter than the round portion. In this embodiment, the flat side would form the releasing side 34 and the rounded portion would form the engaging side 35.

[0044] Referring to figure 19, the locking element 32 is biased into the locked position, and is connected to a key 36 which operates the rotation of the locking element 32. In the embodiment of figure 19, the key 36 is in the form of a handle allowing the locking element 32 to be rotated from the locked position in which it is biased, through to the open position. In a certain embodiment, rotating the locking element 32 into the open position engages a mechanism 37 which counteracts the bias towards the locked position and holds the locking element 32 in the open position. This mechanism 37 is released by a button 38 located in a region of the coupling assembly 30 which is adjacent to the connecting region 62 of the connector 60 when the coupling assembly 30 is attached thereto. In this fashion, the coupling assembly 30 will automatically lock onto the connector 60 in the following manner. Firstly, the key 36 is used to rotate the locking element 32 into the open position, with the mechanism 37 holding the locking element 32 in place by counteracting the bias acting towards the locked position. The rigid element

31 is then brought into place within the recess 66 of the corresponding side 63 of the connecting region 62. As the releasing side 34 of the locking element 32 is brought into place alongside the recess 66 of the corresponding side 63 of the connecting region 62, the button 38 will press against the surface of the connecting region 62 of the connector 60. Depression of the button 38 will release the mechanism 37 holding the locking element 32 in the open position, with the locking element 32 subsequently rotating under bias through to the closed position. By virtue of the larger protrusion of the engaging side 35 of the locking element 32, the locking element 32 situates within the recess 66 of the connecting region 62. In this manner, both the rigid element 31 and the locking element

32 are engaged with the recess 66 of the connecting region 62, thereby coupling the connector 60 to the coupling assembly 30. Rotation of the key 36 to the open position will then withdraw the locking element 32 from the recess 66, thus allowing decoupling of the coupling assembly 32 from the connector 60.

[0045] In the embodiment of figures 20 and 21, a support member 26 is hinged to the base portion 25 of the main body portion 21. The support member hinge 27 is configured to allow the support member 26 to travel through two positions; a collapsed position where the support member rests substantially parallel to the elongated main body portion 21, and a deployed position where the support member rests substantially perpendicular to the main body portion 21. Figure 20 shows the support member 26 in the deployed position, while the collapsed position can be seen in figure 21.

[0046] Referring now to figures 25 and 28, the shape of the support member 26 is configured to engage with a corresponding recess 16 in the underside 15 of the golf bag 10. Recesses such as this are becoming increasingly commonplace as a design feature to facilitate attachment of a variety of golf cart designs. In this embodiment, the cart assembly 20 can be coupled to the underside 15 of the golf bag 10 where the underside recess 16 of the golf bag 10 is engaged with the support member 26 in the deployed position. This arrangement causes the underside of the golf bag to rest upon the support member 26 at the base region 25 of the main body portion 21. As the support member 26 is engaged with the underside recess 16, movement between the cart assembly 20 and the bag 10 is restricted. Then, by engaging the coupling assembly 30 at the neck 24 of the main body portion 21 to the connector 60 as hereinbefore described, the cart assembly 20 is securely attached to the bag 10 at both the base region 25 and neck region 24 of the main body portion 21. The underside recess 16 may include holes which are configured to engage with corresponding lugs on certain embodiments of the support member 26, further restricting the scope for movement between the underside recess and the support member when attached thereto.

[0047] An alternative embodiment of the support member 26 is shown in figures 22 and 23. Here the hinge 27 is replaced by pegs 28 which extend perpendicularly from the main body portion 21 at or about the same location as the support member hinge 27. In this embodiment, the support member 26 is adapted with clips 200 to engage with the pegs 28. As shown in figure 23, the clips 200 include a channel portion 201 which converges in width towards a throat portion 202. On the opposite side of the throat portion 202 to the channel portion 201 is the seat portion 203. The throat portion 202 can be configured with a width smaller than the diameter of the pegs 28, whereas the seat portion 203 can be configured as a profile of a circular section substantially matched in diameter to the diameter of the pegs 28. By this arrangement, the support member 26 can be attached to the pegs 28 by aligning the channel portion 201 with the pegs 28 and applying a downward force. The pegs 28 will then slide up the channel portion 201 towards the throat 202. By applying sufficient force to push the pegs 28 past the throat portion 202, the pegs 28 will come to reside within the seat portion 203. As the profile of the seat portion 203 is adapted to the diameter of the pegs 28, and the width of the throat portion 202 is smaller than the diameter of the pegs 28, the pegs will securely reside in the seat portion 203. As the seat portion 203 is substantially circular in profile, the support member 26 can rotate between the collapsed and deployed position in a similar fashion to the hinged support member hereinbefore described. To remove the support member 26 from the pegs 28, an upward force is applied to the support member to move the pegs past the throat portion 202. The pegs 28 then slide through the channel portion 201, thus removing the pegs 28 from the clips 200 of the support member 26.

[0048] Although the support member 26 is restricted in movement when engaged with the underside recess 26, some slippage between the two may still occur. In a particular embodiment, the underside recess 16 is supplemented by a projection 18. In this embodiment, the support member 26 is configured with an indent 205 that is adapted such that when the support member 26 resides within the underside recess 16, the projection 18 resides within the indent 205 to prevent the support member 26 from moving away from the recess 16 and hence, preventing the golf cart assembly 20 from moving away from the golf bag 10 when attached thereto.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the projection 18 is configured as a wedge shape with a shallow surface 101 and an abutting surface 102. The shallow surface 101 is located at the portion of the projection 18 nearest to the cart assembly 20 and the abutting surface 102 is located at a portion of the projection 18 furthest from the cart assembly 20. The shallow surface 101 is substantially at the same height as the surrounding recess 16 such that the wedge shaped projection 18 rises from the shallow surface 101 to the abutting surface 102, with the abutting surface 102 raised prominently from the surrounding recess 16. By this arrangement, when the support member 26 is slid into the recess 16, the support member 26 initially comes into contact with the shallow surface 101. As the support member 26 continues to slide into the recess 16, it slides up over the wedge shaped projection 101 until the indent 205 is in place over the projection 18. At this point, the indent 205 will come to rest over the wedge shaped projection 18, with the abutting surface 102 of the projection 18 coming to rest against the adjacent surface of the indent 205, preventing the support member 26 from sliding out of the recess 16 unless the indent 205 is lifted over the abutting surface 102 of the projection 18. When the indent 205 of the support member 26 is positioned over the projection 18 thus preventing the support member 26 from sliding out of the recess 16, the coupling assembly 30 at the neck portion 24 of the golf cart assembly 20 can be coupled with the connector piece 60 at the neck portion 12 of the golf bag 10, thus fixedly engaging the cart assembly 20 to the golf bag 10 with limited play for the golf cart assembly 20 to move or slip relative to the golf bag 10. Many other arrangements and shapes of the projection 18 and indent are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as herein described.

[0050] Although many modern golf bags are manufactured with an underside recess suitable to engage with a support member, the projection 18 may require an adaption to a standard underside recess. This can be achieved by a insert piece 103, which may be formed from a substantially flat member configured to fit within the underside recess 16. Figure 24 shows an embodiment of an insert piece 103 with a wedge shaped projection 18. The insert piece 103 can be configured with the projection 18, such that when the insert piece 103 is located in the recess 16, the projection 18 will also be located within the recess 16. The insert piece 103 can be a preformed member that can be held in place within the underside recess 16 by a double sided adhesive means, or any other suitable means. Alternatively, a golf bag 10 with an underside recess 16 manufactured with the projection 18 could be used to achieve this embodiment.

[0051] A potential drawback to configuring the underside recess 16 with a projection 18 is that the projection 18 may interfere with the use of golf carts 20 that do not have a corresponding indent 205 in the support member 26. A particular embodiment to overcome this is to invert the configuration of the embodiment described above such that the support member 26 includes a projection 204 to couple with an indent 19 formed into the underside recess 16. This configuration would allow support members 26 with or without the projection 204 to reside within the underside recess 16.

[0052] In an adaptable embodiment, the support member 26 can be configured with an indent 205 or orifice suitable to engage with a projection 18 on the underside recess 16. In this embodiment a detachable projection 209 is configured to clip into the indent/orifice 205 of the support member 25, as shown in figure 26 This configuration allows the support member 26 to possess either the projection 209 or indent 205 as required to engage with an underside recess 16 configured with either an indent 19 or projection respectively 18. Figure 27 depicts the detachable projection 209 clipped into place in the indent 205 of the support member 26. Figure 28 shows the support member 26 with an attachable projection 209 engaged in the underside recess 16.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment, in place of or in addition to the described support member 26 coupling the base portion 25 of the main body portion 21 may be equipped with a coupling assembly 30 like that already described herein for the neck portion 24 of the main body portion 21. In such an embodiment, another connector 60 would be located at the base portion 14 of the golf bag 10 for connection to a coupling assembly 30 at the base portion 25 of the main body portion 21. The connector may be the fastened connector piece or a connector piece secured by an adjustable strap, as herein before describe in relation to connector pieces located at the neck region of the golf bag. Such embodiments may be useful where the golf bag is not equipped with an underside recess.

[0054] In a further embodiment, a connector 604 can be provided at the base region 14 of the golf bag 10 with clips 605 which are adapted to couple with a cart assembly 20 configured with pegs 28 at the base portion 25 of the main body portion 21 as hereinbefore described. An embodiment of connector 604 is shown in figure 29. These clips 605 may be configured identically to the embodiment of the support member 26 configured to attach to the pegs 28 as described above. The clips 605 include a channel portion 606 which converges in width towards a throat portion 607. On the opposite side of the throat portion 607 to the channel portion 606 is the seat portion 608. The throat portion 607 may be configured with a width slightly smaller than the diameter of the pegs 28, whereas the seat portion 608 may be configured with a profile of a circular section substantially matched in diameter to the diameter of the pegs 28. By this arrangement, the connector 604 can be attached to the pegs 28 by aligning the channel portion 606 with the pegs 28 and applying a downward force. The pegs 28 will then slide up the channel portion 606 towards the throat 607. By applying sufficient force to push the pegs 28 past the throat portion 607, the pegs 28 will come to reside within the seat portion 608. As the profile of the seat portion 608 is adapted to the diameter of the pegs 28, and the width of the throat portion 607 is smaller than the diameter of the pegs 28, the pegs will securely reside in the seat portion 608. To remove the pegs 28 from the connector 604, the pegs 28 are moved downward relative to the connector 604 with sufficient force to move the pegs 28 past the throat portion 607. The pegs 28 then slide through the channel portion 606, thus removing the pegs 28 from the clips 605 of the connector 604 at the base region 14 of the golf bag 10. A connector 604 according to this embodiment may be fastened to the golf bag 10, or ideally held in place with and adjustable strap 600. Strap mounts 69 are provided to the connector such that an adjustable strap 600 can be placed therethrough. The strap 600 loops around the base portion 12 of the golf bag 10 where it is fixed tightly to hold the connector piece 604 into position. The strap 600 can be fixed by various means, including Velcro or buckles to tightly hold the strap and connector piece 604 in place. To further ensure that the strap mounted connector piece 604 remains in place, a portion or portions of the connector piece 604 in contact with the golf bag 10 can be configured with rests 68 formed from a material that provides friction, offering resistance against the connector piece 60 slipping from the desired position when held in place by the straps 600. The rests 68 can be further configured with a tread or pattern that increases friction between the rests and the bag. Furthermore, the connector piece 604 can be fitted with a flange 609 or projection which extends substantially perpendicular to connector piece 604 such that the flange 609 locates underneath the golf bag 10. This flange 609 acts to prevent the connector 604 sliding upwards, thus providing a more stable attachment of the connector pieces 604 to the bag 10. This embodiment may be useful to provide for a coupling between the base region 14 of the golf bag 10 and the cart assembly 20 where there is no recessed portion 16 on the underside 15 of the golf bag 10.

[0055] Referring now to figure 30, a handle arrangement 40 is located proximate to the neck portion 24 of the main body portion 21 of the cart assembly 20. The handle arrangement 40 has three primary components; the spacer member 41, the handle member 42 and the locking member 43. The handle arrangement 40 is configured to move between a collapsed position with the handle member 40 positioned substantially downward and adjacent the length of the main body portion 21, and a deployed position with the handle member 42 extending substantially upward from the neck portion 24 of the main body portion 21.

[0056] The spacer member 41 is hinged 45 at one end to the main body portion 21 of the cart assembly 20. In the collapsed position, the spacer member 41 locates substantially alongside the main body portion 21, with the elongate dimension of the spacer member resting along the length of the main body portion. In the deployed position, the spacer member 41 extends away from the main body portion 21 in a generally perpendicular direction. By way of a spring or otherwise, the spacer member 41 may be biased in the deployed position. [0057] Shown in the embodiment of figure 30 is the position of the spacer member 41 when the cart assembly 20 is in the deployed position. This arrangement offsets the location of the handle member 42 from the golf bag, which allows for a clearance between golf clubs in the bag 10 and the handle member 42.

[0058] In an example embodiment, a small protrusion from the spacer member 41 is configured to interact with a corresponding protrusion within the spacer hinge 45. By this arrangement, contact between these two protrusions provides a mechanical stop to prevent the spacer element 41 extending beyond the deployed position under the influence of the imposed bias. In this way, the spacer element does not travel beyond more than 130 degrees around the spacer hinge 45.

[0059] At the other end of the spacer member 41 to the spacer hinge 45, the spacer member 41 is hinged 46 to the handle member 42. Two small protrusions from the handle member 42 are configured to engage with corresponding protrusions from the spacer member 41 to provide mechanical stops to limit the movement of the handle member 42 relative to the spacer member 41. The first mechanical stop limits the travel of the handle member 42 downwardly, such that it cannot be positioned below a plane substantially perpendicular to the spacer member 41 as depicted in figure 30. The second mechanical stop limits the travel of the handle member 42 upwardly, such that it cannot be positioned beyond a plane broadly perpendicular to the long axis of the spacer member 41, as depicted in figure 42.

[0060] When the cart assembly 20 is in the collapsed position, both the spacer member 41 and the handle member 42 are folded downwardly in a position broadly parallel to the main body portion 21, as shown in figures 1 to 5. In a particular embodiment, a small clip 48 located on a lower portion of the main body 21 portion engages with the handle member 42. This clip 48 holds the handle arrangement 40 in the collapsed position, counteracting the bias applied to the spacer member 41 which exerts an upward force on the spacer member 41, and the rest of the handle arrangement 40 attached thereto.

[0061] Releasing the clip 48 begins the transition to the deployed position of the cart assembly. The bias on the spacer member 41 will move the spacer member 41 upwardly towards the deployed position. Although this arrangement operates under bias, it may be necessary for the operator of the cart assembly 20 to assist the transition from the collapsed position to the deployed position by moving the handle 50 upwards.

[0062] As the spacer member 41 moves toward the deployed position, the mechanical stop between the spacer member 41 and the handle member 42 prevents the handle member 42 from travelling below a position essentially parallel to the spacer member 41. In this fashion, the bias imposed on the spacer member 41 is mechanically transmitted to the handle member 42 such that both the spacer member 41 and the handle member 42 will arrive at a position broadly perpendicular to the main body portion 21 with assistance from the bias imposed on the spacer member 41. This position is termed the intermediate position and is depicted in figure 17.

[0063] Located below the spacer member 41, also hinged 47 to the main body portion is the locking member 43. In some embodiments, the locking member 43 has a contoured groove running the length of its long axis and has a hole 49 at the end furthest from the main body portion 21. The locking member 43 may be biased in the upward direction, such that when the handle arrangement 40 is in the intermediate position, the locking member 43 rests against the underside of the spacer member 41 and the handle member 42.

[0064] At one end of the handle member 42 is the handle 50. At the other end of the handle member 42, extending from the handle member hinge 46 is locking portion 44 of the handle member 42. In the depicted embodiments, the locking portion 44 is in the form of a spike, although many other arrangements may be possible. Referring to figure 17, the locking portion 44 is tucked within the spacer member 41 when the handle arrangement 40 is in the intermediate position.

[0065] From the intermediate position the handle assembly 40 is brought into the deployed position by moving the handle 50 upwardly. The transition of the handle assembly to the deployed position is shown by figures 31 to 34.

[0066] Moving the handle 50 upwardly moves the handle member 42 beyond the position in line with the spacer member 41 where it rests in the intermediate position due to a mechanical stop. As the handle member 42 is moved upwardly, the locking portion 44 of the handle member 42 will move to a position incident on the locking member 43. as shown in figure 33. [0067] Continuing to lift the handle member 42 will move the locking portion 44 in an arc around the handle hinge 46. The travel of the locking portion 44 will push against the locking member 43, acting against the upward bias imposed on the locking member 43. In the embodiment of figure 33, the locking member has a groove or contour, guiding the travel of the tip of the locking portion 43 as it travels along its arc. Once the tip locking portion 44 travels all the way along the locking member 43, it will seat in the hole 49 of the locking member 43. The upward bias of the locking member 43 will move this member upwardly around the locking portion 44, thus holding the handle member 42 in the deployed position, as shown in figure 34.

[0068] Surprisingly, it has been found that the relative angles between the elements of the handle arrangement 40 are crucial to create a handle arrangement that is rigid when in the deployed position. The mechanical stops hereinbefore described fix the position of the spacer member 41 relative to the main body portion 21 and fix the locking portion of the handle member 44 when the handle arrangement is in the deployed position. This positioning of the handle arrangement 40 is fixed by the locking member 43 engaging with the locking portion 44, preventing the handle arrangement 40 from moving back towards the collapsed position. For this position to be rigid, the angle between the locking portion 44 and the locking member 43 is configured to be slightly less than 90 degrees, as depicted in figure 35. Configuring the angle at less than 90 degrees will allow the locking member 43 to rotate further under the influence of the bias on the locking member or due to part wear or distortion. This will effectively lengthen the distance between locking member hinge 47 and the axis of the locking portion 44, thereby maintaining tightness and rigidity in the handle arrangement 40. If the angle was around 90 degrees or slightly greater, the effective length would shorten and the locking portion would not be held by the hole in the locking member 43 under pressure. If the angle is too much less than 90 degrees, a shear force between the locking portion 44 and the hole in the locking member 43 may arise due to the weight of the handle member 42. This shear force may be sufficient to overcome the bias in the locking member, and the locking member may release under load. It has also been found to be beneficial to configure the hole of the locking member 43 as egg shaped, with the narrow end closest to the main body portion 21 when the handle arrangement 40 is in the deployed position. This arrangement allows the narrow end to offer additional contact area to the locking portion 44, thereby minimising distortion or slackening of the rigid handle arrangement 40 while under load, while the wider end of the egg shaped hole can easily clear the locking portion 44 as the locking member 43 rotates into position around the locking portion.

[0069] To release the cart assembly 20 from the deployed position, the locking member 43 is moved downwardly to disengage the locking portion 44 from its seat in the hole 49 of the locking member 43 as the handle member is moved from its deployed position. In the embodiment of figure 34, a tab on the locking member 43 at the portion distal to the hinge 47 facilitates this action. The handle assembly 40 can then be positioned downwardly into the collapsed position and held in place by the clip 48. Figure 1 shows the cart assembly 20 in the collapsed position. In the embodiment of figure 1, the broad nature of the handle member 42 shields and protects the other components of the cart assembly 20 when the cart assembly is connected to a golf bag. In a preferred embodiment, the handle member 42 is made of carbon fibre to reduce its weight which provides the advantage of stabilising the golf bag 10 in the deployed position.

[0070] Shown in the embodiment of figure 36 is a coupling 76 between the handle member 42 and the locking portion 44 of the handle member. In this embodiment, the coupling is a toothed coupling 76, which can be broken to allow adjustment of the angle between the locking portion 44 and the handle member 42. In this manner, when the handle assembly 40 is locked in the deployed position, the coupling 76 can be broken and the handle member 42 position can be adjusted relative to the spacer member 41 to change the pitch of the handle member 42. The feature is useful to adjust the height of the handle 50 to accommodate golfers of differing proportions. Tightening the coupling 76 will then lock this position into place, such that the cart assembly 20 can be collapsed and re-deployed with the handle 50 being at the same height as adjusted with the coupling 76. Figure 37 shows the toothed coupling 76 being released by operating a handle configured to tighten/loosen the coupling. Figure 38 shows the toothed coupling being retightened, with the position of the handle member 42 lowered .

[0071] Referring again to figure 6, in a middle portion the main body portion 21 of the cart assembly 20 are the wheel members 71. These members 71 are hinged 72 to the main body portion 71 on an angle, such that they splay outwardly to the deployed position as shown in figure 6. A collapsible support 77 exist between the two wheel members to prevent them from over extending while traversing the rough terrain of a golf course. In the shown embodiment, the collapsible support 77 is simply a length of wire rope, though other embodiments are possible. When in the collapsed position, the wheel members 71 rest alongside the lower portion 23 of the main body portion 21, as shown in figure 1.

[0072] Referring again to figure 6, rigid support structures 73 are fixed at one end to a mid portion of the wheel members 71. These supports 73 are fixed to the wheel members with a ball joint 74, allowing three dimensional play between the supports 73 and the wheel members 71. The supports 73 are fixed at their other end to the spacer members 41. In the embodiment shown, the supports 73 are fixed to an end portion of the spacer member 41, proximate to the handle hinge 46. The supports 73 are also fixed at this location by way of a ball joint 74 to allow three dimensional play between the spacer member 41 and the supports 73.

[0073] The rigid nature of the supports 73 mechanically transmits the motion of the spacer member 41 to the wheel members 71. By this manner, moving the spacer member 41 upwardly from the folded position to the deployed position also lifts the wheel members 71 from the collapsed position to the deployed position. Conversely, moving the spacer member 41 downwardly to the collapsed position will cause the supports 73 to push the wheel members 71 to their collapsed position.

[0074] An axel portion 70 of the wheel member 71 extends from the wheel member 71 in a direction substantially parallel to the long axis of the wheel member 71. The wheels 75 are coupled to this axel portion 70.

[0075] Referring to figures 39 and 40, a brake assembly 1000 is hinged on the wheel member at a position opposite the wheel 75. When the brake assembly 1000 is engaged, the brake element 1001 rotates about its hinge such that it extends between the spokes of the wheel 75, preventing rotation of the wheel 75. The brake assembly 1000 is controlled by a brake handle 1003 located on the handle 50. A brake cable 102 communicated between the brake handle 1003 and the brake element 1001. The brake handle 1003 can be locked in the engaged position, allowing the cart assembly 20 to be parked on an incline.

[0076] Referring now to figure 41, a third wheel bracket 81 is located at the base portion 25 of the main body portion 21. A locating rod 83 extends from a third wheel member 82 for insertion into the bracket 81. Magnets 84 in both the bracket 81 and the opposing face of the third wheel member 82 hold the third wheel assembly 80 in place. The bracket 81 is configured to rotate around a third wheel hinge 86.

[0077] When in the collapsed position as shown in figure 41, the bracket 81 is aligned broadly perpendicular to the main body portion 21 in the direction away from the golf bag 10. When the third wheel member 82 is coupled with the bracket 81 whilst in the collapsed position, the third wheel member and third wheel itself are aligned substantially perpendicular to the main body portion 21, as shown in figure 42. This arrangement aids the stability of the golf bag 10 and cart assembly 20, as the third wheel member 82 supports the bag before the cart is moved into the deployed position.

[0078] A lower pinion gear 91 is situated coaxial with the third wheel hinge 96. The lower pinion 91 engages with a lower rack gear 90 located within the main body portion 21. The lower rack 90 is coupled to shaft member 94 connected to an upper rack gear 92 located at a mid portion of the main body portion 21. The upper rack 92 engages with a upper pinion gear which is operated by an actuator 95, as shown in figure 43. Turning the actuator translates the upper rack 92 and shaft member 94. This in turn translates the lower rack, thus rotating the lower pinion. By this method, the third wheel bracket and attached member can be moved between the collapsed and deployed state. Figure 44 shows the third wheel assembly 80 in an intermediate position and figure 45 shows the third wheel in the deployed position.

[0079] Figure 45, shows the third wheel member in the deployed state, in which the third wheel locates underneath the underside 15 of the golf bag 10. When in this position, a contoured shoulder 95 of the third wheel member 92 butts against the lower extreme of the main body portion 21. This features holds the third wheel member in place with the third wheel bracket, preventing the third wheel member falling off when the car assembly is in use.

[0080] In an embodiment, the wheels 75 can be configured to couple together when removed from the golf cart 20. This arrangement makes for easier storage of the wheels 75 when the cart assembly 20 is collapsed and is particularly advantageous for stowing the wheels in the boot/trunk of a vehicle. Additionally, the third wheel and third wheel member 82 may be configured to fit within the diameter of the wheel 71, further preventing the wheels and third wheel from moving about when stored in a vehicle, for example. This arrangement is shown in figure 46. In a particular embodiment, the portion of the wheels 71 which couple together are the same portions which attached to the axel portion 70. This configuration protects the orifices which attach to the axel 70 from debris. In an example embodiment, the hub of the wheel member can be configured with a partial flange arrangement, allowing the wheels 71 to be coupled by aligning the partial flanges to the spaces between the partial flanges and applying a twisting force.

[0081] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0082] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0083] Finally, it is to be understood that the inventive concept in any of its aspects can be incorporated in many different constructions so that the generality of the preceding description is not to be superseded by the particularity of the attached drawings. Various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.