The present invention relates to inter alia an assembly of a trolley and a golf bag, wherein the trolley comprises a frame with a frame element which extends in a length direction of the golf bag between a rolling member coupled to the frame at a lower side of the golf bag and an engaging element coupled to the frame, wherein the golf bag is coupled with the frame element.

Trolleys find wide application in golf, both recreational and

professional, as a practical means of allowing a usually relatively heavy golf bag filled with a set of golf clubs to be moved on or near the golf course.

Trolleys come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Usually, a trolley consists of a frame which couples a set of rolling members such as, e.g., wheels, with a handle, handlebar or other engaging part which the user of the trolley can engage in order to manually wheel, by push or pull force, the frame with rolling members rolling over the ground. Typically, the frame has a rod, tube or similar strong elongate frame element which extends between at least one wheel and the engaging part, and to which the golf bag can be attached. For a good stability and steerability of the trolley, in most cases, further a set of rear wheels is provided which is coupled to the frame element by means of an arm. While these trolleys in themselves function very well for the purpose of moving a golf bag over a golf course, an inherent drawback is that the assembly of golf bag and trolley constitutes a relatively sizeable entity taking up a lot of space. Specifically during transport of the trolley to and from the golf course, this is far from ideal. That's why in practice, for the purpose of transport, the trolley and the golf bag are often mutually detached so that, separately from each other, they fit more easily into a trunk or other storage space of the transportation means concerned.

To further simplify transportation, trolleys have been developed that, after detachment of the golf bag, are at least in part collapsible or foldable. For instance, it is well known to couple the rear wheels with respective arm hingedly to the frame to bring the rear wheels with arms in a storage condition at least substantially parallel to the frame element. Also, it is known to hinge the frame element and the engaging part together so that they are adjustable between a use condition in which the engaging part and the frame element are approximately in line with each other and a storage condition in which the engaging part and the frame element are at least substantially parallel next to each other. While these known foldable trolleys thus have a more compact storage condition, a size of the trolley and golf bag assembly, in which the trolley usually cannot be brought into the storage condition, has not essentially changed. Thus, in most cases, the trolley and golf bag still need to be detached from each other prior to transport. Such detachment of trolley and bag prior to transport requires, certainly in case of frequent use, time-consuming additional operations and moreover contributes to a faster wear of the golf bag as well as the trolley.

One object, among others, the present invention thus sets itself is to meet this disadvantage by providing an assembly of trolley and golf bag that specifically has an improved storage condition. In particular, the golf bag and trolley are then tuned to each other so as to have in the assembly a more compact storage condition without thereby compromising the important favorable properties of the assembly in the use condition.

To meet the object contemplated, an assembly of the kind described in the preamble is characterized according to the invention in that the golf bag defines a channel open at a frame side of the golf bag, which extends in the length direction between a closed bottom face of the golf bag at the lower side and a top face of the golf bag, with the frame element being received at least partly within the channel.

The provision of the frame element, which forms a considerable part of the trolley, in the channel between the bottom face and top face of the golf bag, with the golf bag thus situated in part around the frame element, results in a compact whole of trolley with golf bag in both the transport condition and the use condition. An important and surprising aspect in that regard is that a design of the golf bag and a product space defined therein can be tuned to a design and dimension of the frame element so that a placement of the frame element in the channel within an outer

circumference of the golf bag need not result in a smaller product space in the golf bag. Thus, for instance, a further saving of space is realized in a preferred embodiment of the assembly which according to the invention is characterized in that the golf bag comprises a product space for holding therein one or more products, in particular a set of golf clubs, with the product space provided at least in part on both sides of the frame element in the golf bag.

While the trolley and the golf bag of the assembly according to the invention need to be detached from each other less regularly by virtue of the better storage condition, it is preferred for the trolley and the golf bag to be mutually coupled detachably, so that the golf bag and trolley can be detached from each other to allow their being cleaned, maintained, replaced or stored independently of each other. In a particular embodiment, the assembly according to the invention, to that end, is characterized in that the frame element is guidable from an open lower side of the channel at the bottom face of the golf bag in the length direction through the channel. Thus, with a simple operation, the golf bag in which the channel is defined can be slid over the frame element to mutually couple the golf bag and the trolley or to detach them from each other. To counteract any accidental detachment of the golf bag and trolley, it is preferred to provide locking means which lock up the frame element in the channel. Thus, for instance, at an end of the frame element, at the lower side, a supporting body may extend sideways from the frame element, on which the golf bag, by its bottom face, is supported. The supporting body then forms a stop which prevents a further sliding of the golf bag over the frame element, whereby the golf bag at least in the length direction is automatically correctly positioned over the frame element. Upon a correct positioning of the golf bag over the frame element, the locking means may realize a preferably manually unlockable locking between the golf bag and the trolley. Thus, the locking means may comprise, for example, snap means which effect a manually undoable snap connection between the golf bag and the frame element.

In a further preferred embodiment, the assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the channel and an outer circumference of the frame element are at least substantially complementarily shaped, with the frame element fitting within the channel at least substantially free from play. As a result, upon a placement of the golf bag over the frame element, the golf bag and trolley adjoin each other tightly and free from play, which is of benefit to a durability of the assembly and prevents any shaking or otherwise unwanted moving of the golf bag relative to the frame.

A further preferred embodiment of the assembly according to the invention has as a characterizing feature that the frame element and the engaging element are hingedly coupled together and that the frame element comprises over at least a part of a length thereof in the length direction an open space to receive therein at least in part the engaging element in a storage condition. By starting from a frame element that itself in the length direction defines an open space in which the engaging element of the trolley fits at least in part, a particularly compact whole of the assembly in the storage condition can be realized, with the engaging element partly or wholly disposed in the space of the frame element within the channel of the bag. To set the assembly from the storage condition into the use condition, the engaging element to that end can be engaged by a user and be pulled out of the space of the frame element until an angle of the engaging element with respect to the frame element realizes a height of an engaging part on the engaging element above the wheels of the trolley as desired by the user. To counteract the engaging element of the assembly accidentally moving from the storage condition into the use condition, it is preferred to provide further locking means which are able and configured to retain the engaging element in the storage condition in the space of the frame element. The locking means can for instance realize, in the storage condition, a blocking of a hinge between the engaging element and the frame element so that the engaging element and the frame element in the storage condition cannot accidentally pivot relative to each other. In a further preferred embodiment, the further locking means are manually undoable to release the engaging element from the storage condition out of the space of the frame element and to set it via a rotation movement into the use condition. In a particular embodiment, spring means are provided which are functionally coupled with the further locking means and are able and configured to keep the engaging element under spring tension in the storage condition in the space of the frame element. By the spring means, upon an unlocking of the further locking means, a movement of the engaging element out of the frame element under spring pressure will be realized, allowing the engaging element to be relatively simply engaged by a user of the assembly to set the engaging element from the storage condition into the use condition. An unlocking mechanism that takes care of the unlocking of the further locking means is preferably activatable from an engaging part by which a user of the assembly engages the engaging element. Thus, for instance, a switch or push button may be provided which is connected with the unlocking mechanism, allowing a user to manually undo a blocking of the hinge pin between the engaging element and the frame element. Thus, by a simple turning of a switch or pressing of a push button, an unlocking of the engaging element and the frame element is possible, so that from the compact storage condition the assembly is simply and quickly adjustable to the use condition, in running order, to allow the assembly to be wheeled over a ground surface. After use, the assembly is also easily adjustable from the use condition into the storage condition by pivoting the engaging element into the space in the frame element, with the further locking means, e.g., a snap member, retaining the engaging element in the space. In the storage condition, which is particularly compact due to the engaging element being received in the frame element and the frame element being incorporated in the channel defined by the golf bag, the assembly can be put away in a space intended for the purpose, and in particular in a trunk of a car or similar transportation means.

In a practical embodiment, the assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the frame element comprises a longitudinal u-profile which is at least substantially completely received in the channel. A longitudinal u-profile is eminently suitable as a frame element, the 'backbone' of the assembly, to which the golf bag can be coupled, since such a profile combines a reliable strength and durability for carrying the golf bag thereon with a practical space in which the engaging element is at least in part receivable in the storage condition to realize a particularly compact whole of the assembly. A thickness of the profile and a type of material thereof can then be tuned to each other and to an application thereof to obtain a reliable and durable frame element. Alternative 'open' profiles that are also suitable include, for example, but not exclusively, a v-profile and a w-profile. It is also possible for the frame element to comprise a cavity- including longitudinal profile, for example, a tube or pipe having a

quadrangular or round cross section, which profile comprises movable parts, for example, a valve part, defining an opening to the cavity through which the engaging element is insertable into the cavity.

A further preferred embodiment of the assembly according to the invention has as a characterizing feature that the rolling member is adjustably coupled to the frame element and is adjustable between a condition rollable under the bottom face of the golf bag and a condition retracted at least substantially completely into the channel above the bottom face. The rolling member may for instance be provided at an end of a drive body, such as a drive rod, which drive body is provided in a lowermost portion of the channel and is axially movable therethrough between the retracted condition in which the drive body and the rolling member are completely in the channel and the rollable condition in which at least the rolling member is released from the channel at the lower side. Being able to thus retract the rolling member provides a further saving of space of the assembly in the storage condition and moreover provides to the rolling member within the channel protection from outside influences, so that a risk of the rolling member being compromised, for instance, the rolling member breaking off, is minimized in the transport condition.

In a further preferred embodiment, the assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the rolling member is a front rolling member and that the frame is provided with a set of rear rolling members, wherein each of the rear rolling members is coupled to the frame element with interposition of a respective hinge arm and is adjustable between a use condition located remote from the front rolling member and a storage condition located parallel to the front rolling member. The set of rear rolling members provides more stability to the trolley during use thereof. By hingedly coupling these rolling members to the frame, with the rolling members in the storage condition of the assembly being placed parallel to each other, a compact assembly in the storage condition is practicable.

A particular embodiment of the assembly according to the invention has as a characterizing feature that between the hinge arms of the rear rolling members and the engaging element, setting means are provided which are able and configured to, upon an adjustment of the engaging element from the storage condition to the use condition, move the hinge arms with rear rolling members from the storage condition to the use condition. Thus, with an adjustment of the engaging element from the storage condition into the use condition, automatically a deployment or setting-out of the hinge arms of the rear rolling members is realized. The user does not need to perform any further operation to that end. Locking means may be provided which are able and configured to lock the hinge arms with rear rolling members at least in the use condition to prevent any accidental collapse of the hinge arms to the storage condition. The locking means can comprise, for example, adjustable blocking means which block a rotation of the hinge arms about a hinge pin on the frame.

In a further particular embodiment, the assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the rear rolling members in the storage condition are on both sides of the front rolling member, while a distance between the rear rolling members is at least substantially equal to a thickness of the frame element. The rear rolling members in the storage condition then lie against an outer side of a lowermost part of the frame element under the golf bag to form a particularly compact whole in the storage condition.

In a further preferred embodiment, the assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the top face of the golf bag comprises a plate body provided with one or more openings to pass one or more products therethrough into the product space of the golf bag, which plate body extends between a free upper end of a rear wall of the golf bag at the frame side and a free upper end of a front wall of the golf bag, provided parallel opposite to the rear wall, the plate body being adjustable relative to the frame element between a first position in which the plate body extends at least substantially transversely to the length direction of the frame element and a second position in which the plate body extends at least substantially parallel to the length direction. By an adjustment of the plate body, the front wall and rear wall of the golf bag are adjusted relative to each other, which in the use condition of the assembly means that an angle of the plate body with openings relative to a product space provided in the golf bag is such that products can easily be guided through the openings to bring the products into the product space or to take them out of it. It is then simple, for instance, to take a golf club out of the golf bag, or to put it away in it. In the transport condition of the assembly, however, the angle of the plate body with openings relative to the product space is such that a passing of the products through the openings is not properly possible. Products provided in the product space, such as a set of golf clubs, which extend in part through the openings, are thereby fixed for the most part, so that a moving of the products in the product space in the storage condition, which could lead to the products being compromised, is prevented.

A particular embodiment of the assembly according to the invention has as a characterizing feature that between the plate body and the engaging element further setting means are provided which are able and configured to, upon an adjustment of the engaging element from the storage condition to the use condition, set the plate body from the second position into the first position. By an adjustment of the engaging element from the storage condition to the use condition, for instance by a pivoting of the engaging element out of the space of the frame element, the plate body in the top face of the golf bag is automatically adjusted from the second position into the first position, in which an angle of the plate body with openings relative to the product space is such that products can be easily led through the openings to bring the products into the product space or to take them out of it. A separate operation of the user of the assembly to that end is not necessary.

In a further practical embodiment, the assembly according to the invention is characterized in that the further setting means comprise a drive shaft which is coupled with the frame element in a manner movable in the length direction.

The present invention furthermore relates to a trolley as applied in or applicable in the above-described assembly. The invention relates in particular also to a trolley for a golf bag which is able and configured, by having a frame with specific frame element that can be received in a channel provided in the golf bag, to realize a relatively compact assembly of trolley and golf bag according to the present invention. The present invention also relates to a golf bag as applied in or applicable in the above- described assembly. In particular, the invention relates to a golf bag which at a frame side defines a channel in which a frame element of a trolley for a golf bag can be received, so that the golf bag with such a trolley can form a relatively compact assembly.

It is noted that while the invention has been described herein on the basis of an assembly of a golf bag and a trolley, it will be clear that the invention extends to basically any bag that can be advantageously used in an assembly with a trolley, while the bag is not exclusively intended to transport a set of golf clubs, but, for instance, can also transport other products.

Further, it is noted that the above-described technical features of the golf bag and trolley can also be advantageously used per se in a golf bag and/or trolley of a different configuration, i.e., the individual technical features may, if desired, be isolated from their context and be applied alone, and, if desired, be combined with one or more of the above-mentioned features.

Thus, the present invention further relates to a golf bag comprising a top face, provided with openings, at an upper side of the golf bag, an opposite bottom face at a lower side of the golf bag and a sidewall extending between the top face and the bottom face around a product space, wherein the sidewall at a frame side of the golf bag defines a channel that extends in a length direction between the bottom face and the top face, and wherein a frame element open at the frame side is received at least partly within the channel, which frame element at a first end at the lower side of the golf bag is connected to a rolling member and at an opposite second end is connected to an engaging element which engaging element is hingedly adjustable relative to the frame element between a storage condition in which the engaging element is received at least largely within the frame element and the channel, and a use condition, set out relative to the frame element, in which the golf bag is wheelable over a ground surface. Same as with the assembly according to the invention, providing the frame element in a channel between the bottom face and top face of the golf bag provides a particularly compact storage condition of the golf bag, the more so because in addition the engaging element can then, in the storage condition, be set within a receiving cavity defined by the frame element in the channel of the golf bag. An important and surprising aspect is that a design of the golf bag and a product space defined therein can be tuned to a design and dimension of the frame element so that a placement of the frame element in the channel within an outer circumference of the golf bag need not result in a smaller product space in the golf bag. Thus, for instance, a further saving of space is realized in a preferred embodiment of the golf bag which is characterized according to the invention in that the golf bag comprises a product space for holding therein one or more products, in particular a set of golf clubs, the product space being provided at least in part on both sides of the frame element in the golf bag.

The golf bag according to the invention differs from the assembly according to the invention in that the frame element, rolling member and engaging element are an integral part of the golf bag, so that for use the golf bag can be applied entirely as a stand-alone unit. For the purpose of wheeling the golf bag, a separate trolley is no longer required then. In a practical embodiment of the golf bag, it comprises a hinged coupling between the engaging element and the frame element, so that the engaging element is adjustable between the storage condition and the use condition by means of a simple hinging movement, for instance, by engaging a free end, located opposite the hinged coupling, of the engaging element, such as a handle or other engaging part, and rotating the engaging element relative to the frame element by means of a push or pull force. The frame element can be an integral part of a stiff framework giving at least the sidewall of the golf bag shape and firmness. A relatively soft and/or flexible body, such as one or more layers of a textile or different type of fibrous cloth, may be provided over the stiff framework, for instance stretched over it, to close the product space and to give the golf bag a desired 'feel', that is, its tactile quality, and appeal.

In a further preferred embodiment, the golf bag according to the invention is characterized in that manually operable or activatable adjusting means are provided which are able and configured to realize an adjustment of the golf bag between the storage condition and the use condition through a single adjustment operation of a user. Thus, an adjustment of the rolling member at the first end of the frame element between the use condition, in which the rolling member is positioned at the underside of the golf bag so as to be rollable over a ground surface, and the storage condition, in which the rolling member is pulled up relative to the underside of the golf bag within a circumference of the golf bag, may be coupled and tuned by the adjusting means to an adjustment of the engaging element between the use condition and the storage condition, so that a single adjustment of the engaging element by a user results in the complete readying-for-use of the golf bag from the compact storage condition. An example of a coupling between the engaging element and the rolling member is a push or drive element, for example, a rod, which is axially movable through at least a part of the channel. The golf bag can thus, from the compact storage condition in which the golf bag looks like a conventional golf bag, be brought through a single, simple adjusting operation of the user into the mobile use condition in which the golf bag looks hke an assembly of trolley and bag.

The invention will be further elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment which is represented in a drawing. In the drawing: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a trolley in collapsed position;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the trolley of Fig. 1 in a partly extended position;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the trolley of Fig. 1 in an extended position;

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of a rear side of an assembly of trolley and golf bag in a storage condition;

Fig. 4B shows a perspective view of a front side of the assembly of Fig. 4A in a storage condition;

Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of a rear side of the assembly of

Fig. 4A in a use condition;

Fig. 5B shows a perspective view of a front side of the assembly of Fig. 4A in a use condition;

Fig. 6 shows a top plan view of the trolley of Fig. 1 in the extended position.

It is noted that the figures only concern representations of a preferred embodiment of the invention, and that they are given by way of a non- limiting exemplary embodiment. Specifically, some parts and dimensions may be represented exaggeratedly to a greater or lesser extent for the sake of clarity.

Shown in Figures 1 to 3 in a perspective view and in Figure 6 in a top plan view is a trolley 1 which is adjustable between a collapsed position as shown in Fig. 1 and an extended position as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 6. For the purpose of illustration and clarification, a partly extended intermediate position of the trolley is shown in Fig. 2. The trolley 1 comprises a frame 2 with a frame element 3 in the form of an elongate u-profile which extends in a length direction from a first end at a lower side on which a front wheel 4 is provided to a second end at an upper side on which a plate body 11 of a golf bag is provided. The plate body 11 of the golf bag is shown here to clarify a mutual coupling between the frame 2 of the trolley 1 and the golf bag. Adjacent the plate body, an engaging element 7 of the trolley 1 is coupled to the frame. The engaging element 7 comprises an elongate arm 8 which is connected to the u-profile with interposition of a hinge pivot. At a free end of the arm 8, the engaging element 7 comprises an engaging part 9 in the form of a handle which a user of the trolley 1 can engage to wheel the trolley 1 in the use condition over a ground surface. Due to the engaging element 7 extending hingedly from the frame, a user can position the engaging part 9 at will at an appropriate angle and desired height relative to the front wheel 4 to allow the user by way of the engaging part 9 to wheel the trolley over a ground surface in a comfortable manner.

At an upper side of the frame adjacent the plate body 11, further, second hinge arms 30, 31 are coupled to the u-profile 3. Provided on the free ends of the hinge arms 30,31 are, respectively, a first rear wheel 5 and a second rear wheel 6. In the storage condition of the hinge arms 30,31 the ends on which the wheels 5,6 are provided are proximal to the lower side of the trolley 1. As is shown in Figure 4A, the hinge arms 30,31 in the storage condition extend at a back of the assembly along the rear wall 12 of the golf bag. As is shown in Figure 5A, in the use condition the ends of the hinge arms on which the wheels 5,6 are provided run away from the rear wall 12, and are located remote from the front wheel 4. As a result, the trolley is stably supported on a ground surface by the three wheels 4,5,6. The hinge arms 30,31 are carried by the u-profile 3, and are coupled via a sliding guide to be adjusted between the storage condition and the use condition. Further, the sliding guide is operationally connected with the hinge pivot of the engaging element 7, so that the hinge arms 30,31 with wheels 5,6 can be adjusted by a rotation movement of the engaging element 7 about the hinge pivot. A user of the trolley can thus, with an adjustment of the engaging element, directly operate the hinge arms 30,31 with wheels 5,6.

The u-profile defines a space in the length direction, into which fits at least a part of the arm 8 of the engaging element 7. From the use condition, the engaging element 7 can be rotated about the hinge pivot into the storage condition in which the engaging element 7 is located, by a part of the arm 8, within the space defined by the u-profile, as shown in Figure 1. As a result, at the back, the engaging element 7 abuts relatively flat against the u-profile, resulting in a compact whole of the trolley.

The u-profile 3 is so strong that a golf bag filled with a complete set of golf clubs can be carried thereon without any problems.

The plate body 11 is further shown in Figures 4 and 5 as part of a golf bag 10. The plate body 11 here extends between a free upper end of a rear wall 12 of the golf bag at the frame side and a free upper end of a front wall 13 of the golf bag provided parallel, opposite to the rear wall. The rear wall 12 comprises a central part which, with respect to flanking edge parts of the rear wall, at the frame side, is staggered towards the front wall, thereby defining a channel extending in the length direction between the edge parts. The channel then provides sufficient space to receive therein the u-profile 3 of the trolley 1 at least substantially completely. Upon a placement of the golf bag 10 over the u-profile 3, the golf bag then extends by its edge parts on both sides along the frame element up to the back. As is shown in

Figure 4, the assembly in the storage condition, at the back, is at least substantially flat, without appreciably projecting parts. Due to the frame of the trolley 1 falling substantially within an outer circumference of the golf bag 10, a flat and compact whole is realized in a transport condition of the assembly. This flat and compact whole is further realized in that the assembly in the transport condition has a substantially equal outer circumference throughout the length thereof. Thus, the wheels 4, 5 and 6 in the transport condition are within the dimensions of the outer circumference of the golf bag. To this end, the front wheel 4 is received in the space of the u-profile 3, while the rear wheels 5 and 6 are positioned parallel to the front wheel on both sides of the frame element. The golf bag leaves sufficient space clear for this purpose at the location of the wheels at the lower side. Above the wheels 5 and 6, the golf bag by its edge parts extends laterally out from the frame element to realize a larger product space.

The golf bag comprises along substantially a full length thereof a product space between the rear wall 12 and front wall 13 in which one or more products can be provided. In the product space, for example, a bundle of shaft receptacles may be provided, which shaft receptacles extend from the bottom to the top along the walls 12, 13. In each shaft receptacle a golf club 20 can be received by the shaft thereof. A part of the product space extends on both sides along the channel defined by the rear wall of the golf bag, up to the edge parts of the rear wall.

The rear wall 12 of the golf bag is shorter than the front wall 13. As a result, the heads of the golf clubs 20 in the storage condition can be nested between the upper ends of the walls 12, 13. In the use condition, at a presentation plane formed by the plate body 11, the golf clubs 20 can be easily taken out of the product space and reinserted into it.

The golf bag 10 is furthermore provided with flexible side panels, in this exemplary embodiment formed from fabric. It is noted that the golf bag 10 may additionally be provided with a covering guard, not represented in the figures for ease of reference, for covering a top face of the golf bag, to protect the heads of the golf clubs 20. Further, the product space may be a single, relatively large storage space, or the product space may involve a plurality of smaller storage spaces, while the golf bag 10 may for instance be additionally provided with a variety of compartments for taking along, for example, golf accessories, items of clothing, food and drinks.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments discussed here, but that many implementation variants are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.