A cart that combines the utilities of a conventional three-wheeled pushcart and golf bag into a single piece of equipment. The cart comprises a collapsible three wheeled configuration and push bar. These collapsible mechanisms enable the cart to be transformed into two positions: folded or extended. The cart is also equipped with 14 individual slots (pipes) for holding a standard set of golf clubs. Two tool belts are also attached to each side of the cart for personal storage. In an extended position, the cart is designed to be used for walking as one would when using a “pushcart and bag combination”. In a folded position, the cart can be mounted securely onto the back of a motorized cart for riding, similar to a conventional golf bag. This compact folded position is also intended for the purpose and convenience of storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A) Field of Invention

The game of golf mainly involves the golf course, the golfer, and the golf related equipment. My invention pertains to the golf equipment, specifically for transporting golf clubs and golf related accessories during the play of a golf round. Today, golf clubs are being carried on the golf course by a variety of golf bags. These golf bags come with either hand and/or shoulder straps. Golfers who choose not to manually carry their golf bags are limited to a few alternatives below:

1) Strap the golf bag to a conventional wheeled push or pull cart.

2) Strap the golf bag to the back of a motorized cart for riding.

3) Hire a caddy to carry the golf bag. This option, unfortunately, is very limited since most public golf courses do not have a personal caddy program.

Riding a motorized cart is a more popular choice for most golfers. For those that enjoy walking the course, using a conventional pushcart is the more practical option. Unfortunately, this choice comes with many disadvantages and inconveniences. Storage is the biggest hassle. Carrying a cart in your trunk at all times is an inconvenience as it leaves little room for additional storage space. With the need for having a golf bag, clubs and carts, it is nearly impossible to fit four sets of cart and bag combinations into the trunk of a standard midsize car. This is problematic if you need to carpool with your playing partners. Although modern carts have been redesigned to fold into smaller configurations, nonetheless, no matter how small, it is an additional piece of equipment that you need to store. Another disadvantage is the lost of time. Assembling and disassembling the equipment before and after the round is very time consuming. A golfer must first set the cart from a folded to extended position; then proceed to taking the steps necessary to make sure the bag is properly and securely engaged into the extended cart. After the round of golf, the golfer needs to reverse this time consuming process again in order to store away the two cumbersome pieces of equipment. These disadvantages often steer the golfer away from walking during their round of golf. For this very reason, I was inspired to invent a golf cart that will allow a golfer to walk or ride with a single piece of equipment. I would like to refer to this invention as an all-in-one cart. In a folded position, it is about the size of a conventional golf bag. It will fit securely behind a motorized cart just like a golf bag would without disassembling or removing any components. In an extended position, the cart will operate just like a golf bag strapped onto a three-wheeled pushcart.

The overall objective of the present invention is to provide a convenient thus practical alternative to the traditional method of using conventional “golf bag and pushcart combination”.

The following are 15 specific objectives and advantages of the present invention:

1. (Objective) is to design a cart that has collapsible mechanism that can be transformed into a folded or extended position in very few and simple steps, using minimal efforts.

2. (Objective) is to provide the cart with braking capability, which allows the golfer to set the cart in park as needed when used in walking mode during the round.

3. (Objective) is to provide an alternative to a “bag & cart combination” that is easy and convenient to use with just a few simple, straight forward operational steps.

4. (Objective) is to have the cart, at folded position, fit securely on any standard motorized cart as it would with any average golf bag.

5. (Objective) is to save storage space by having just one piece of equipment that does both jobs.

6. (Objective) is to provide a walking cart that will fit golfers with various heights through the use of an adjustable push bar configuration.

7. (Advantage) is, at an extended position, the large wheelbase created by the three wheels provides excellent stability when rolling around the unpredictable terrain on the golf course.

8. (Advantage) is with the three wheel design, the cart is self-stabled thus making it easy to maneuver and saves energy.

This stability also allows the cart to run on its own with forward momentum or going down the slopes on the golf course

9. (Advantage) is that the three wheels are always parallel, even during transitional, making it easy to fold and extend the cart.

10. (Advantage) is that the multi-lightweight material construction such as aluminum and plastic or like materials results in a sturdy, yet lightweight cart, which can be easily handled by any average golfer.

11. (Advantage) is that the design and positioning of the clubs on the cart will make it easy for the golfer to easily keep track of the clubs while playing the game. Each club holding slot can only hold one club, forcing the golfer to keep the clubs separated. This unique position of the club holding slots makes it effortless to keep the golf clubs organized.

12. (Advantage) is allowing the golfer to have convenient access to the two most used golf clubs in a round of golf, the putter and his/her favorite chipping wedge. The two slots are located in the middle of the cart, isolated from the rest of the other 12 golf clubs.

13. (Advantage) is having the removable side plastic pipes and tool belts which allow the golfer to conveniently clean or wash these components. Different color and material options will also be available for personalization.

14. (Advantage) is that the Operating Handle on the cart can also be used as additional leverage when handling the cart.

15. (Advantage) is economical by saving money not paying for a riding cart rental fee.

In conclusion, with innovative design and easy to operate folding mechanisms, it is an object of my invention to provide a practical alternative for a golfer who wants to enjoy the game by walking without dealing with the hassle from the conventional method of using a “golf bag and pushcart” combination. I am hopeful that this will help eliminate the traditionally perceived hassle of walking. I am also hopeful that the ease and convenience of the present invention will help encourage the golfer to walk more often, which is a healthier way to enjoy the game and also save money from not renting the motorized golf cart.

B) Background and Description of Prior Art

Over the years, the golf bag designs have continued to evolve. They are available in smaller and lighter sizes. Some golfers, however, still prefer the oversized cart bag for its storage capacity. The disadvantage of the golf bag, regardless of its size is its portability. A golfer walks an average of five miles during a round of golf (source: Ask.com). To cover this distance, a golfer will either have to manually carry the golf bag or rely on other assisted means such as a wheeled or motorized cart. Although the golf bags themselves are lighter and smaller, with the clubs added, it becomes heavy and cumbersome to haul around. There are also many other golf bag designs with collapsible wheels such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,299 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,730 B2. However, these designs only have two wheels. The disadvantage of using a two-wheeled golf bag or cart is apparent. It is not self-stabled. The golfer has to hold on to the handle and keep the bag balanced at all times when it is in motion, just as one would, when handling a traveling luggage. This is the very same reason why a three-wheeled cart, such as U.S. Pat. No. 8,191,920 B2 is more preferred over a two-wheeled pull cart. The design of a three or four wheeled cart has also evolved and improved over the years. For the convenience of handling and storage, modern carts are lighter and more compact in a folded position. Regardless of its size and weight, the main disadvantage of these carts is storage. It is an additional piece of equipment that you have to transport when traveling to a golf course in your vehicle. From personal experience, when carpooling with my playing partners, it is nearly impossible to fit four fully loaded golf bags and four carts in a trunk of a mid-sized car. With an increasingly competitive market, cart makers are continuing to push the envelope for more compact and lighter carts. Nevertheless, the disadvantage of these carts is, ironically, their existence.

Recent inventions with 3 or 4-wheeled golf bag & cart combination have also been introduced. As seen in U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,562 B1 this design can solve similar problems with the “cart and bag combination”. However, this current invention will not fit on the back of a motorized cart without the hassle of disassembling major components of the design. Thus, it creates an unwanted, added inconvenience factor.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

By combining the major benefits of a traditional golf bag and the functionality of a three-wheeled cart into an ALL-IN-ONE CART, the objective of my invention is to provide a practical and smart alternative to the use of a conventional golf bag and cart combination when enjoying this beautiful game of golf. In summary, the cart comprises three wheels1a&1band a push bar assembly all are equipped with collapsible mechanism. The cart is to be folded into two positions, folded for storage & riding and extended for walking.

Through the use of the axles and brackets, the rear wheels are installed onto the side struts. The struts are then installed onto the struts brackets, which are then attached to the lower v-base structure via the tallest lower side-pipe connectors. The remaining front wheel is installed into the y-arm5which, in turn, is attached to the lower v-base structure. This lower v-base structure is attached to the metal pipe spine. The push bar assembly is attached to the body of the cart through the use of the push bar base brackets and lower linkage elbow brackets. The upper v-base structure completes the physical construction of the cart. Similar to the lower v-base structure, it is connected to the body of the cart via the metal pipe spine. The cart is also equipped with detachable side plastic pipes. They are removable for the purpose of cleaning and replacement in case of damage. A hand brake is also installed on the cart as needed when used in walking mode. In addition, the cart has two tool belts designed to efficiently hold a majority of a golfer's must have's such as golf balls, tees, gloves, divot fixer, range finder, bottled water, wallet, cell phone, and keys. Removal of the tool belts will not directly affect the structural integrity of the cart's design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A cart shown inFIG. 1comprises eleven major structural components that make up the body of the cart. The following sections will further describe these components and their intended functions within the design of the present invention:

1) THE THREE WHEELS1aand1bas shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3come with foam-filled, lightweight, and maintenance-free tires. Wheels1aare attached to the cart through the use of the wheels' rear axles2bwhich in turn are connected to rear wheel brackets3as shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3. The brackets3are then connected to the two side struts4inFIG. 3. The side struts4are connected to the side strut brackets8ainFIG. 12. The side strut brackets8aare attached to the tallest of the lower side-pipe connectors16binFIG. 12. The side-pipe connectors16bare then attached to the two sides of the lower V-Base structure18shown inFIG. 10. The front wheel1bis attached to the cart through the use of the front wheel axle2ainFIG. 2. The axle is then attached to the Y-arm5inFIG. 2. The Y-arm5is attached to body of the cart with the use of center hinge7ainFIG. 5&FIG. 20and swivel joint7binFIG. 5&FIG. 19. The center hinge7ais connected to the body of the cart at the center of the lower v-base structure18shown inFIG. 5&FIG. 20. The three wheels1aand1bare designed to remained parallel to each other at all times, even during transition. Thus, they rotate on the same axis, allowing the cart to travel in a straight line while it is in use as walking mode shown inFIG. 6. The broad triangular distances between the three wheels in a fully extended, walking mode position as shown inFIG. 7provides a sturdy and stable support base. This enables the cart to be self-stabled during movement. In addition, it saves the golfer energy by not having to support or balance the cart at all times. This self-stability also allows the cart to run on its own with forward momentum or rolling down the slopes on the golf course.

2) THE STRUTS4as shown inFIG. 2&FIG. 3support most of the cart's weight at an extended position. These four side struts work in conjunction with the side brackets8ashown inFIG. 3andFIG. 15to make up the two collapsible positions of the cart: folded (for storage and riding) and extended for walking.

3) SIDE STRUT BRACKETS ASSEMBLY8a-8dand9a-9cshown inFIG. 10,FIG. 11, andFIG. 12. The two brackets are equipped with lock hatches8b&8cshown inFIG. 10,FIG. 11, andFIG. 12. An additional component of the strut bracket8ais the lock pin assembly9a-9calso shown inFIG. 10,FIG. 11, andFIG. 12. This lock pin and hatch assembly work together to secure the struts in their folded (storage and riding) and extended (walking) position.

4) Y-ARM ASSEMBLY5,6, and7a-7bis shown inFIG. 3,FIG. 5,FIG. 19, andFIG. 20. The front wheel1bis installed to this y-arm, supporting the remaining of the cart's weight at an extended position. A swivel joint7bconnects the y-arm to the center hinge7aas shown inFIG. 20. The y-arm spring-load6shown inFIG. 20constantly pulls on the y-arm5making it want to snap into two possible ends, the front (extended position) or the back (folded position). In the extended position shown inFIG. 3, the upper part of the y-arm will rest firmly on lower v-base crossbar24as shown inFIG. 9,FIG. 15, andFIG. 19. This constant pulling motion will help secure the y-arm5and the front wheel1bwhen the front wheel is lifted for steering purposes in walking mode. In the folded position shown inFIG. 13andFIG. 19, the spring-load6pulls the y-arm in-ward towards the center cavity of the cart, keeping the front wheel1bpressed firmly against the metal pipe spine15bshown inFIG. 19. This constant pulling motion will also help secure the y-arm5in this position allowing the cart to be folded at its most compact position for riding on a motorized cart and storage.

5) THE PUSH BAR ASSEMBLY10a-10f,11a&11b,12a-12f,13, and14a-14dshown inFIG. 21. The u-shape ergonomic operating handle13inFIG. 21, at an extended walking mode position, is design to be held with the golfer's hands in their most natural position possible, as if one is reaching out for a handshake. As shown inFIG. 1at the top of the u-shape operating handle13, a detachable and adjustable umbrella holder28bcould also be added to hold the umbrella28ato provide shading as needed. In a folded position shown inFIG. 13, this operating handle13can be used as extra leverage when lifting the cart or stowing it away in a trunk of a car after use. The operating handle is to be mounted on to the upper push bar10bshown inFIG. 21. Another component of the push par assembly is the scorecard console14a-14dshown inFIG. 2andFIG. 18. This component is equipped with scorecard straps14b, pencil straps14c, and golf tee holders14das shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 18. The most important component of the push bar assembly is the adjustable dial plate assembly12a-12fshown inFIG. 4,FIG. 7,FIG. 19,FIG. 21. The lock pin12dcomes with a knob12bshown inFIG. 21. The pin12dand knob12balong with the spring-load12f(not shown) is installed inside the pin housing12cshown inFIG. 2&FIG. 21. Together with the joint hinge10fshow inFIG. 19andFIG. 21, the dial plate assembly enables the push bar10b&10cshown inFIG. 21to set in four desired prefixed positions12eusing the lock pin12dand adjustable prefixed positions12eshown inFIG. 21. The lowest prefixed adjustable position12eshown inFIG. 19is used to set the push bar in its most compact position (folded) as shown inFIG. 13&FIG. 19. The three remaining prefixed adjustable positions (grouped together)12eas shown inFIG. 21is use to set the push bar to three different desired positions to accommodate the golfer's height. The push bars10b&10care joined together by the use of the joint hinge10fas shown inFIG. 9,FIG. 19, andFIG. 21. The base of lower push bar10cis connected to the cart through the use of the base bracket10aas shown inFIG. 9&FIG. 21. The entire push bar10b&10cshown inFIG. 21is also attached to the body of the cart via the metal pipe spine15ausing the linkage elbow brackets10d&10eshown inFIG. 21and linkage joint11a& linkage elbows11balso shown inFIG. 21. Linkage joint11ahas built-in friction for positional placement allowing the push bar assembly to stay put when in folded position. At an extended position shown inFIG. 4, the push bar will maintain this position because the linkage elbows11bwill snap to lock position when they are fully stretched. In this extended position shown inFIG. 3, the golfer can apply downward pressure on the operating handle13shown inFIG. 3to lift the front wheel1bfor steering and maneuvering the cart.

6) LOWER V-BASE STRUCTURE18shown inFIG. 10andFIG. 13supports the lower structural integrity of the cart. Most major components mentioned in this section are directly connected to this structure. Specifically, the side strut brackets assembly8a-8d,9a-9cshown inFIG. 10andFIG. 10, the y-arm5assembly5,6, and7a-bshown inFIG. 3,FIG. 5,FIG. 19, andFIG. 20, the base brackets10ainFIG. 11, and the metal pipe spine15ashown inFIG. 11. The lower v-base structure has a total of thirteen pipe connectors. Two sets of six side-pipe connectors16band one center-pipe connector16dshown inFIG. 6. These connectors are used in conjunction with the twelve upper center-pipe connectors16aand upper center-pipe connector16cshown inFIG. 2to hold the detachable plastic pipes22in place shownFIG. 6. The front-center of the lower v-base structure18forms a crossbar24as shown inFIG. 9,FIG. 15, andFIG. 19. This crossbar functions as a stopper for the y-arm5shown inFIG. 9. In the extended position, the back of the y-arm5will rest firmly against this crossbar24as shown inFIG. 9,FIG. 15, andFIG. 19. At the bottom of the lower v-base structure18, two rubber liners23are installed as shown inFIG. 19andFIG. 23to provide a buffered, dampening contact surface with the ground as apposed to exposed metal. In a folded position shown inFIG. 13, the lower v-shape structure18base forms a stable self-standing v-base that is broad enough to accommodate the weight of the fully loaded cart. Yet, it is compact enough fit on most motorized cart's platform.

7) UPPER V-BASE STRUCTURE17as shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 5has a total of thirteen pipe connectors16aand16c, mirroring the positions of the lower pipe connectors16band16dmentioned in the lower v-base structure18shown inFIG. 4. The pipe connectors comprises two sets of six side-pipe connectors16aand one center-pipe connector16cshown inFIG. 6. These connectors are used in conjunction with the twelve lower side-pipe connectors16band lower center-pipe connector16dshown inFIG. 2. These13connectors16a-16dshown inFIG. 2work in conjunction to hold the detachable plastic pipes22in place shownFIG. 6. Two of the upper side-pipe connectors16alocated on the rear of the v-base structure, come with an elongated body16eas shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 17. This added surface is designed for the motorized cart's strap to fasten against to keep the cart secured during the ride.

An impact absorber20shown inFIG. 8andFIG. 15is also attached to the front of the upper v-base structure17. This impact absorber20will be the only upper contact point between the cart and motorized cart. When the cart is strapped on to the motorized cart, it will press against the back of the motorized cart, absorbing all the rattles and bumps from the motorized cart during the round of golf. The two front and rear sets of upper side-pipe connectors16aare equipped with tool belt brackets19a&19bshown inFIG. 13&FIG. 15. The tool belts25shown (only one side) inFIG. 1come with two sets of strings25band25calso shown inFIG. 1. The strings upper strings25bwill be tied into the brackets19a&19bholding the tool belt25securely in place on the cart as shown inFIG. 1. The lower strings25ccan be used to tie to the front and rear side pipes22shown inFIG. 1

The upper v-base structure also has two openings: One is the metal pipe spine15ashown inFIG. 15. The other is the upper center-pipe connector16c. Both of these openings are strategically placed to hold the two most frequently used golf clubs in an average round of golf, the putter and chipping wedge. Unless the golfer hits a hole-in-one, he/she will need to reach for the putter on every hole. The wedge, also referred to as a lob, sand, or gap wedge is typically used for the shorter approach shots. Most golfers, when missing their long approach shot on to the putting green, they have a favorite go-to wedge used for these recovery shots. Like the putter, that go-to wedge gets used a lot and often together. Therefore, the placement of these two clubs on the cart (isolating them from the other clubs) makes it easy for the golfer to identify and grab them as needed. The putter, by nature, typically has a larger grip size will be held in the said pipe spine. The go-to wedge will be held in the other said center side pipe.

Additionally, a lift bar21is mounted to the upper v-base structure17as shown inFIG. 2. This lift bar21, in conjunction with the operating handle13, as shown inFIG. 13is used for lifting and handling the cart in all positions, mainly to lift the cart for storage when it is in a folded position.

8) THE METAL PIPE SPINE15ashown inFIG. 2,FIG. 9, andFIG. 16comes with a rubber ring liner15bshown inFIG. 2,FIG. 13, andFIG. 14to soften the impact and rattling noise created by the steel putter shaft against the inner cylinder wall of the metal pipe. Beside providing a place holder for the putter, its main purpose is to connect the upper and lower v-base structures17&18together as shown inFIG. 2. The metal pipe spine15aliterally functions as a spine of the present invention. With the detachable plastic pipes22not permanently glued on, the metal pipe spine15ais the main support of the entire cart structure. It also works in conjunction with the push bar assembly10a-10f,11a&11b,12a-12e, and13shown inFIG. 8&FIG. 21to assist with steering and maneuvering during walking mode.

9) DETACHABLE PLASTIC PIPES22as shown inFIG. 1,FIG. 3andFIG. 13. These lightweight pipes are made from durable plastic or like materials. They are removable for the purpose of cleaning and replacing in case of damage. This is to be expected since the cart will typically be stored in a trunk of a car, causing physical contact with surrounding objects and vehicular structures. These plastic pipes22also provide leverage for the tool belt bottom strings25cto be tied to, securing the tool bets25ain place as shown inFIG. 1.

These pipes22are to be attached to the side-pipe connectors16a-16dby applying a light coat of rubber cement or like temporary adhesive as needed.

10) HAND BRAKE ASSEMBLY29a-29gas shown inFIG. 2,FIG. 9, andFIG. 20. During a round of golf, a golfer will often need to park the cart preventing it from rolling away. Thus a hand brake assembly29a-29gis provided. The hand brake lever29fis conveniently located within arm's reach as shown inFIG. 9. The brake pin29ashown inFIG. 9works in conjunction with the spring-load29cshown inFIG. 9will push forward towards the front tire1aapplying enough pressure to create friction between the brake pin29aand tire1ato stop the tire from rolling. As shown inFIG. 9, the brake cable29dengages the brake lever29fand brake pin29aallowing the two components to work simultaneously. As shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 20, the cable brackets29eare strategically positioned to secure the brake cable29dagainst the cart's body. The brake spring-load29cis nestled inside the brake pin housing29bas shown inFIG. 9. The brake lever housing29gshown inFIG. 9has a built-in lock hatch to help engage and release the brake lever as needed. Also shown inFIG. 9, the spring-load29cworks in conjunction with the brake pin29a, the brake cable29d, and brake lever29fto release and engage the brake pin29aas needed by the golfer.

11) TOOL BELTS25aas shown inFIG. 1(the second tool belt on opposite side is not shown). These tools belts are add-on attachments and play no structural roles in the bodily construction of the cart. There will be one tool belt on each side of the cart. The tool belts25aare attached to the cart through the use of strings25b&25clocated at the four corners of each tool belt. The top strings25bare tied to the front and rear tool belt brackets19a&19bas shown inFIG. 1&FIG. 15. The bottom strings25care to tie around the front and rear removable plastic pipes22as shown inFIG. 1.

Together, the two tool belts will provide storage space for your wallet, keys, cellular phone, golf balls, gloves, tees, water bottle, and other small to medium golf-related items. With the option to be removed independently without compromising the structural integrity of the cart, the tool belts can be taken off for cleaning. Different color and material options will also be available for personalization.

The following sections will further elaborate on the functionality of the cart and the role of the major components mentioned above.

Using the cart require the golfer to be able to lift about 25-30 lbs (although the cart itself is compact and lightweight, with the clubs and accessories added, it would require some physical strength to handle). To use the cart, assuming the cart is fully installed and in folded position, the golfer will insert the golf clubs into the 14 pipes22&15aas seen inFIG. 15. All irons, drivers, and fairway woods/hybrid clubs should be inserted into the side plastic pipes22. The putter and chipping wedge should be inserted into the two center pipes, with the putter going in the larger pipe15ashown inFIG. 15. The next step is to load the golf related accessories and items into the two tool belts25ashown inFIG. 1. From this folded position, the cart is ready to be used for riding on a motorized cart. The cart is to be strapped onto the motorized cart with the impact absorber20pressed against the body of the motorized cart. The cart strap is to be slid underneath the tool belt through a gap between the tool belt and side plastic pipes22. The strap will then wrap around the back of the golf cart, gripping against the leverage platform16eshown inFIG. 17. From here, the cart strap can then be fastened, securing the folded cart onto the back of the motorized cart.

To use the cart for walking, the following four steps will help transform the cart from folding to a fully extended position.

Be sure the folded cart is placed on an open and flat surface. 1). Hold the lift bar21and tilt the cart 45 degrees to one side. 2). Using the opposite hand and flip the positional lock pin9cshown inFIG. 10&FIG. 12upward. This will disengage the lock pin9cfrom the lock hatch8bshown inFIG. 10. 3). Once the lock pin9cis off to the side, grab the side struts4shown inFIG. 10&FIG. 12and pull them about 90 degrees downward. 4). Once the upper strut passes the secondary set of lock latch8cshown inFIG. 11, flip the positional lock pin9cinward. The lock pin9c, with help from the spring-load9bshown inFIG. 11, will snap onto the lock latch8cfirmly securing the struts in this extended position. Repeat this4step process for the opposite side until the two side struts and rear wheels are in a fully extended position as shown inFIG. 7.

Now that the rear wheels1aand side struts4are fully extended, one last step is to set the y-arm and front wheel to a fully extended position. To do so, simply lift the cart and its entirety above the ground using the lift bar21, kick the wheel1bdownward and away from the metal pipe spine15ausing your preferred foot. Once the y-arm position gets passed 180 degrees from it's previous position, the spring load6shown inFIG. 22will pull the y-arm5along with the wheel1bupward, pulling and snapping it against the lower v-base crossbar24shown inFIG. 9,FIG. 15, andFIG. 19. This constant pulling motion of the spring-load6will firmly secure the y-arm5and front wheel1bin place.

The third and last component that needs to be extended is the push bar assembly10a-10f,11a-11b,12a-12f,13,14a-14dshown inFIG. 21. Simply grab on to the operating handle13and pull it towards you. This will set the linkage elbows11bto a fully extended position as shown inFIG. 9. A built-in locking mechanism in the elbow joint11awill help maintain the linkage elbows in this extended position as shown inFIG. 9. The push bar assembly is equipped with a dial plate12ashown inFIG. 4andFIG. 19for adjusting the operating handle bar13to four different prefixed positions12eshown inFIG. 4&FIG. 8. To adjust the push bar's position, simply pull on the pin knob12bshown inFIG. 4while rotating the operating handle13into the golfer's desired position. The lock pin's spring-load12fshown inFIG. 2will help snap the lock pin12bin one of the preferred prefixed positions12e. The cart is now fully extended and ready for some walking. As shown inFIG. 1an umbrella28acan be installed to provide shading as needed through the use of an adjustable umbrella holder28balso shown inFIG. 1. The base of the umbrella holder28bhas a short stud (not shown) that can be screwed on to the top of the operating handle13as shown partially inFIG. 1. As mentioned above, a brake assembly29a-29gas shown inFIG. 2,FIG. 9, andFIG. 20is also added for occasional parking capability when the cart is used in this fully extended, walking mode.

To transition the cart from the fully extended, walking mode position into a folded position for storage after the round, the following 4 simple steps are to be followed: 1). Collapse the push bar using the pin knob12band setting the dial plate to the lowest prefixed position12eshown inFIG. 19. (If installed, remove the umbrella28aand its holder28bshown inFIG. 1). 2) A slight upward nudge to the linkage elbows11bwith your hand will unlock them from an extended position. From here, push the operating handle13inward towards the body of the cart until it comes to a stop. 3). Collapse the front wheel1b. To do so, the cart and its entirety needs to be lifted or tilted to the side, allowing the front wheel1bto fold inward. The front wheel1bthen will need to be pushed down and inward towards the backside of the metal pipe spine. (Note that the lower push bar10cis split into two smaller tubular bars as shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 18creating an open space in the center allowing the front wheel1bto fold further inward pressing against the metal pipe spine15aas shown inFIG. 19). This allow the cart to be folded in the most compact position possible relative to the design of the present invention. The constant pulling motion of spring-load6as shown inFIG. 19will secure the y-arm and front wheel1bin this folded position. (It should be known that the front wheel1bis about two inches smaller in diameter than the rear wheels1a. The intent is for a more compact folding position and saving storage space. Since most of the cart's weight rests on the two larger rear wheels1a, the smaller front wheel1bdoes not compromise the performance of the cart in a fully extended, walking position). 4). The last step is to set the two rear wheels and side struts into a folded position. First, while holding on to the lift bar21, tilt the cart slightly to one side until the wheel is off the round, creating a temporarily gap between the upper strut4and the lock pin9cshown inFIG. 3. Using the opposite hand, first pull the lock pin9ctowards you to release it from the lock hatch8c, then flip the positional lock pin9cshown inFIG. 11upward disengaging it from the lock hatch8cshown inFIG. 11andFIG. 12. Once the lock pin9cis off to the side, grab the side struts4shown inFIG. 10and push them upward until the upper strut make contact with the brackets end wall8dshown inFIG. 10andFIG. 12. From here flip the positional lock pin9cinward. The lock pin9cwith help from the spring-load9bwill snap onto the lock latch8bfirmly securing the struts in this folded position as shown inFIG. 10. Repeat this4step process for the opposite side until the two side struts4and rear wheels1aare in a folded position as shown inFIG. 13. At this folded position shown inFIG. 13, the cart can stand on its own using the v-shape base structure18. This folded position, due to its compact design, is mainly intended for space saving storage after the round of golf.

In conclusion, it is to be understood that the above mentioned detailed description of the preferred embodiments may be altered. These alterations and modifications, however, will not compromise or weaken the spirit or scope of the invention. The changes to be made in the future, if any, is only with the intention to further improve the objectives and advantages set forth by the present invention.