The present invention relates to a golf trolley, more specifically to a collapsible self- propelled golf trolley, which can pass as a piece of carry-on baggage during air travel in its collapsed configuration.

Background of the invention

During the later years, there has been an increasing popularity of golf and an increasing number of people travelling to play golf. In the same period, the number of self-propelled golf trolleys, which are able to follow the player more or less automatically, has also increased significantly.

Some problems of such self-propelled golf trolleys, however, are that they are relatively large and heavy, which means that it is both relatively expensive and cumbersome to bring such trolleys when travelling to play golf.

Brief description of the invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf trolley, which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of golf trolleys known in the art.

The present invention relates to a collapsible self-propelled golf trolley, which is telescopic collapsible in more than one direction.

In an embodiment of the invention, the golf trolley comprises a substantial cylindrical central part

- two side wheels arranged on respective side wheel axles, which side wheel axles are telescopically inserted into the two ends of the central part, respectively a main frame extending radially from the central part in a substantially upward direction under normal use of the golf trolley, which main frame comprises at least two, preferably three, telescopic parts telescopically inserted into one another

- a bottom frame extending radially from the central part in a substantially forward direction under normal use of the golf trolley, which bottom frame comprises at least two telescopic parts telescopically inserted into one another a nose wheel arranged on or in relation to the outermost telescopic part of the bottom frame wherein, in a collapsed transport configuration of the golf trolley, the bottom frame can be folded upwards or the main frame can be folded forwards so that the bottom frame and the main frame extend in substantially parallel directions. A golf trolley with a construction as described above is advantageous in that it makes it possible to obtain a very compact golf trolley in the collapsed configuration while having a full-size and full functioning golf trolley in the expanded configuration.

In an embodiment of the invention, the nose wheel is arranged on a flange foldably connected to the outermost telescopic part of the bottom frame

Arranging the nose wheel on a foldable flange further increases the compactness obtained in the collapsed configuration of the golf trolley. In an embodiment of the invention, the golf trolley further comprises

- two electric motors for driving the two side wheels, respectively, which

electric motors are arranged within the respective side wheel axles one or more batteries for driving the electric motors, which batteries are arranged within one of the telescopic parts of the golf trolley, preferably within the outermost telescopic part of the bottom frame. Using individual motors for the two side wheels enables for steering the golf trolley by controlling the motors individually. Arranging the motors as well as the one or more batteries within the telescopic parts of the golf trolley further increases the compactness of the golf trolley.

In an embodiment of the invention, the weight of which is less than or equal to 10 kg, preferably less than 9 kg.

In an embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the golf trolley in a fully collapsed configuration do not exceed 550 mm x 400 mm x 220 mm.

Keeping the weight and dimensions of the collapsed golf trolley within these limits ensures that it can be brought as carry-on baggage during air travel with substantially all airline companies in the world.

In an embodiment of the invention, the golf trolley further comprises at least one of the following: a handle foldably arranged on or in relation to the outermost telescopic part of the main frame

collapsible bag holders arranged in relation to the outermost telescopic parts of the bottom frame and the main frame, respectively

mounting positions for accessories, such as an umbrella, a cup holder and/or a bottle holder

Such elements increase the usability of the golf trolley. In some embodiments, the collapsible bag holders are replaced by elastic straps.

In an embodiment of the invention, the golf trolley further comprises an antenna and the necessary electronic components for wireless

communication with a remote control

a remote control, potentially provided with a belt clip, for steering the golf trolley

In an embodiment of the invention, the remote control comprises a steering knob for steering the golf trolley to the left or to the right by rotating the steering knob in one direction or the other, respectively

- a speed control knob for increasing or decreasing the speed of the golf trolley by rotating the speed control knob in one direction or the other, respectively one or more function buttons for activation of different functions relating to the motion of the golf trolley, the number of consecutive activations of a given function button deciding, which function associated with this specific function button is to be activated, wherein the functions include one or more of the following: o a stop function, in which the golf trolley stands still with the electric motors working as brakes

o a free-wheeling function, in which the golf trolley can be pushed or pulled around with minimal resistance from the electric motors o a follow function, in which the golf trolley automatically follows the player by continuously locating the position of the remote control relative to the golf trolley and calculating, for instance using linear spline functions, a path to be followed

o a remote steering function, in which the motion of the golf trolley can be controlled by means of the steering knob and the speed control knob A remote control designed like described above enables an intuitive and easy control of the motion of the golf trolley. If the remote control is suspended from the belt of the player, the golf trolley can be controlled by using only one hand without even having to look at the remote control.

In an embodiment of the invention, the golf trolley further comprises a motor control system with an accelerometer working in three-dimensions, which is arranged to control the motor of the golf trolley in such a way that it is ensured that the golf trolley does not tip over in any direction.

In this way, the golf trolley can be used on even relatively steep slopes without any risk that it should tip over in any direction, i.e. neither forward, backward nor to one of the sides.

In an aspect of the invention, it relates to a remote control, potentially provided with a belt clip, for steering a self-propelled vehicle driven by electric motors, such as a golf trolley, wherein the remote control comprises a steering knob for steering the vehicle to the left or to the right by rotating the steering knob in one direction or the other, respectively

a speed control knob for increasing or decreasing the speed of the vehicle by rotating the speed control knob in one direction or the other, respectively one or more function buttons for activation of different functions relating to the motion of the vehicle, the number of consecutive activations of a given function button deciding, which function associated with this specific function button is to be activated, wherein the functions include one or more of the following: o a stop function, in which the vehicle stands still with the electric

motors working as brakes

o a free-wheeling function, in which the vehicle can be pushed or pulled around with minimal resistance from the electric motors a follow function, in which the vehicle automatically follows the holder of the remote control by continuously locating the position of the remote control relative to the vehicle and calculating, for instance using linear spline functions, a path to be followed

a remote steering function, in which the motion of the vehicle can be controlled by means of the steering knob and the speed control knob

The figures In the following, a few exemplary embodiments are described in further detail with reference to the figures, of which is a perspective view of a golf trolley according to an embodiment of the invention as seen obliquely from behind, is a schematic view of the side wheel part in the expanded configuration of a golf trolley according to an embodiment of the invention, is a schematic view of the same side wheel part in the collapsed configuration of the golf trolley, is a schematic view of a foldable handle of a golf trolley according to one embodiment of the invention, is a schematic view of a foldable handle of a golf trolley according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 4a shows schematically the cross-sectional profile of the telescopic parts of the main frame and/or the bottom frame according to a first embodiment of the invention, shows schematically the cross-sectional profile of the telescopic parts of the main frame and/or the bottom frame according to a second embodiment of the invention, shows schematically the cross-sectional profile of the telescopic parts of the main frame and/or the bottom frame according to a third embodiment of the invention, shows schematically the cross-sectional profile of the telescopic parts of the main frame and/or the bottom frame according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, shows schematically the cross-sectional profile of the telescopic parts of the main frame and/or the bottom frame according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, is a schematic top view of the bottom frame and the side wheel part of a golf trolley according to an embodiment of the invention in its expanded configuration, is a perspective detail view of the nose part of the bottom frame of a golf trolley according to an embodiment of the invention, is a side view of a fully expanded nose wheel of a golf trolley according to an embodiment of the invention, is a side view of a the same nose wheel when partly expanded, is a side view of the same nose wheel when fully collapsed, Fig. 7d is a schematic view of another way to fold the nose wheel away according to another embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 8a is a side view of a fully collapsed golf trolley according to an

embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 8b is a front view of the same collapsed golf trolley,

Fig. 9 is a side view of a fully expanded golf trolley according to an

embodiment of the invention, and

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a remote control for a golf trolley according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the invention

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a golf trolley 1 according to an embodiment of the invention as seen obliquely from behind. It is seen, how the construction is centred about a central part 2, in each end of which is arranged a side telescopic wheel axle 4 holding a side wheel 3. The main frame consists of an innermost telescopic part 5, a middle telescopic part 6 and an outermost telescopic part 7 inserted into one another, and the bottom frame consists of an innermost telescopic part 9 and an outermost telescopic part 10 inserted therein. A set of bottom bag holders 13 are arranged near the flange 12 for the nose wheel 11.

Furthermore, it is illustrated how a handle 8 is foldable connected to the outermost telescopic part 7 of the main frame in such a way, that when the handle 8 is folded in, it can slide into the middle telescopic part 6 of the main frame together with the outermost telescopic part 7 thereof. Finally, the figure illustrates how a set of top bag holders 14 arranged near the top of the outermost telescopic part 7 can be folded out to hold the top of a golf bag 21 (not shown in this figure) to be carried by the golf trolley 1. In the illustrated

embodiment, these top bag holders 14 are inwardly spring-loaded in order to squeeze around the normal clamping positions on the golf bag 21. In order to ensure a secure grip on the golf bag 21, the top bag holders 14 can be covered on the inside with so- called "high grip" rubber. The two bag holder arms are mechanically interconnected in such a way, that when one of the arms is forced outwards, the other arm follows. This ensures that the top bag holder 14 can be opened with one hand, while the other hand may be used for holding the golf bag 21.

In less costly embodiments of the invention, the top bag holders 14 can be replaced by one or more elastic straps to be mounted around the top of the golf bag 21. Figs. 2a and 2b illustrate schematically, how the telescopic side wheel axles 4 can be placed in an expanded configuration and in a collapsed configuration, respectively. In the expanded configuration, the distance between the outsides of the two side wheels 3 is typically around 700 mm, whereas in the collapsed configuration, it is less than 400 mm. In some configuration, the side wheels 3 can be dismounted from the side wheel axles 4 so that the dimensions of the collapsed golf trolley 1 can be kept within even the most rigid limits for carry-on baggage.

Figs. 3a and 3b show schematically two different embodiments of the handle 8 being foldably hinged to the lowermost edge (like in Fig. 1) and to the uppermost edge of the outermost telescopic part 7 of the main frame, respectively. In both cases, the handle 8 is arranged so that, when it is folded in, it is able to follow the outermost telescopic part 7 of the main frame into the middle telescopic part of the main frame, when the golf trolley 1 is collapsed. Figs. 4a-4e illustrate schematically five different possible cross-sectional profiles of the telescopic parts 5-7 of the main frame and/or the telescopic parts 9, 10 of the bottom frame according to different embodiments of the invention. The illustrated profiles are only illustrative since, in principle, any hollow profile can be used.

Fig. 5 is a schematic top view of the bottom frame and the side wheel part of a golf trolley 1 according to an embodiment of the invention in its expanded configuration. Apart from the already mentioned central part 2, side wheels 3 and side wheel axles 4, this figure illustrates how the bottom frame consists of an innermost telescopic part 9 and an outermost telescopic part 10, a nose wheel 11 being arranged on a flange 12 foldably connected to the outermost telescopic part 10 of the bottom frame.

Fig. 6 is a perspective detail view of the nose part of the bottom frame of a golf trolley 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this figure, the nose wheel 11 has been omitted so that it is more easily seen, how the flange 12 for the nose wheel can be folded in along the outermost telescopic part 10 of the bottom frame.

Furthermore, this figure illustrates how a set of bottom bag holders 13 are arranged near the flange 12 for the nose wheel 11. The configuration and construction of these bottom bag holders 13 is similar to the configuration and construction of the top bag holders 14 as described above.

Just like the top bag holders 14, the bottom bag holders 13 can be replaced by one or more elastic straps to be mounted around the bottom of the golf bag 21 in order to reduce the costs. Figs. 7a-7c illustrate schematically the nose wheel 11 of a golf trolley 1 according to an embodiment of the invention in a fully expanded configuration, in a partly expanded configuration and in a fully collapsed configuration, respectively.

Fig. 7d illustrates schematically another way to fold the nose wheel 11 away according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the flange 12 for the nose wheel 11 is not folded but rather rotated so that the nose wheel 11 ends up on the inner side of the outermost telescopic part 10 of the bottom frame.

Figs. 8a and 8b are side views of a fully collapsed golf trolley 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, this configuration can be obtained by performing the following steps: releasing a lock holding the main frame 5, 6, 7, 8 in its unfolded position folding in the handle 8 to be parallel with the outermost telescopic part 7 of the main frame

sliding the outermost telescopic part 7 of the main frame into the middle telescopic part 6 of the main frame

sliding the middle telescopic part 6 of the main frame into the innermost telescopic part 5 of the main frame

- folding the innermost telescopic part 5 forwards to a direction substantially parallel to the bottom frame, thereby locking the three telescopic parts 5, 6, 7 of the main frame in the collapsed transport configuration

releasing a lock keeping the nose wheel 11, the nose wheel flange 12 and the bottom frame 9, 10 in the expanded configuration

- folding the flange 12 with the nose wheel 11 in between the bottom bag

holders 13 as illustrated in Figs. 7a-7c

sliding the outermost telescopic part 10 of the bottom frame into the innermost telescopic part 9 of the bottom frame, thereby locking the nose wheel 11 and the bottom frame in the collapsed transport configuration - sliding the side wheel axles 4 into the central part 2, thereby locking them in the collapsed transport configuration

In other embodiments, the golf trolley 1 can be provided with a number of additional locks for keeping it in its expanded configuration and the procedure for collapsing the golf trolley 1 can look like this: releasing a lock holding the handle 8 in its unfolded position and folding in the handle 8 to be parallel with the outermost telescopic part 7 of the main frame

releasing a lock holding the outermost telescopic part 7 of the main frame in its expanded position and sliding it into the middle telescopic part 6 of the main frame

releasing a lock holding the middle telescopic part 6 of the main frame in its expanded position and sliding it into the innermost telescopic part 5 of the main frame

releasing a lock holding the innermost telescopic part 5 in its operational position and folding it forwards to a direction substantially parallel to the bottom frame, thereby locking the three telescopic parts 5, 6, 7 of the main frame in the collapsed transport configuration

releasing a lock keeping the nose wheel 11 in its expanded configuration and folding the flange 12 with the nose wheel 11 in between the bottom bag holders 13 as illustrated in Figs. 7a-7c

releasing a lock holding the outermost telescopic part 10 of the bottom frame in its expanded position and sliding it into the innermost telescopic part 9 of the bottom frame, thereby locking the nose wheel 11 and the bottom frame in the collapsed transport configuration

releasing locks keeping the side wheel axles 4 in their expanded

configurations and sliding them into the central part 2, thereby locking them in the collapsed transport configuration Fig. 9 is a side view of a fully expanded golf trolley 1 according to an embodiment of the invention carrying a golf bag 21. Apart from the already described elements of the golf trolley 1, this figure illustrates how handle 8 can be provided with a number of mounting positions 15 for different accessories (not shown), such as for instance an umbrella, a cup holder and or a bottle holder. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a remote control 16 for a golf trolley 1 according to an embodiment of the invention comprising a steering knob 17, a speed control knob 18 and two function buttons 19, 20 for controlling the motion of the golf trolley 1. In a preferred embodiment, the remote control 16 is equipped with a belt clip (not shown) so that it can be suspended from the belt of the golf player, in which position it can easily be handled using only one hand and without even looking at the remote control 16.

List of reference numbers

1. Golf trolley

2. Central part

3. Side wheel

4. Telescopic side wheel axle

5. Innermost telescopic part of main frame

6. Middle telescopic part of main frame

7. Outermost telescopic part of main frame

8. Handle

9. Innermost telescopic part of bottom frame

10. Outermost telescopic part of bottom frame

11. Nose wheel

12. Flange for nose wheel

13. Bottom bag holders

14. Top bag holders

15. Mounting position for accessories

16. Remote control

17. Steering knob

18. Speed control knob

19. First function button

20. Second function button

21. Golf bag