Abstract:
The cart is formed of a lightweight, rearwardly and upwardly inclined frame members having a support for a golf club bag such as a set of spaced tubular members, and a bottom frame. The bottom end of the inclined frame is pivotally connected to the front end of the bottom frame. A handlebar is connected to the top end of the inclined frame. At least one large wheel is rotatably attached to the front of the bottom frame and at least two wheels having at least the spacing of the front wheel and preferably a larger diameter than the front wheel are rotatably attached to the back end of the bottom frame. The cart is pushed from behind, rides very smoothly and is stable on uneven terrain and stands unassisted on its wheels when stopped. Rotatable connection of the inclined frame to the bottom frame permits the golf cart to be folded to a compact configuration which can be stored in a flat, elongated rectangular bag.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 08/991,914 filed Dec. 16, 1997 now abandoned. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a golf bag cart which is used to transport golf clubs, and more particularly a light weight, foldable golf bag cart that is pushed by the golfer. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many devices exist for the transport of golf clubs. Many of these are motorized, the most common being the four wheeled lead acid battery powered riding cart for the transport of not only the golf bag and its clubs but also the golfer. These carts weigh several hundred pounds. Other golf carts are designed to transport just the golf bag and its clubs but are also powered, for example Oakes (U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,731). This device has three wheels, is foldable but with a sizable and comparatively heavy frame structure to support the weight of the motor and its source of power. The electrically powered three wheeled golf cart by Rolland (U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,929) is designed to transport one rider and his or her golf bag and clubs. It is designed for easy disassembly for transport, however it also must have a strong frame and structure to support the motor and its power source. In addition, adding to its weight and bulk, the frame of this device has a provision to maintain the battery in an upright position irrespective of the orientation of the cart frame to reduce hazards during its transport. 
     Delserro (U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,006) describes a three wheeled riding cart with a pedal assembly that is mechanically coupled to a shaft to which a pair of spaced rear wheels are attached. A two wheeled unpowered golf cart by Bridges (U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,095) uses two wheel assemblies which are attached to the bottom portion of a semi-rigid golf bag. The cart, bags and clubs are pulled by a handle deployable from the open portion of the bag. In a similar matter, a leg can be deployed from the bottom of the bag for supporting the golf bag in an upright position when it is parked or stored. 
     In addition to the cart by Bridges an extensive variety of two wheel, unpowered golf bag carts exist, all of which are pulled by the golfer. With only two wheels, additional means must be provided to balance the carts when they are stopped and unattended. Typically they are fitted with one or two leg stands just behind the two wheels. Referring now to FIG. 9, in order to move the cart  100  to its next destination, the legs must be lifted above the terrain by tilting the cart back on its wheels  102 . Other carts integrate the wheels and leg stands with the golf bag. Because of the tilting and instability of two wheeled carts, means of attaching golf bags are required, usually a variety of clamps, straps, buckles and snaps. 
     All of these approaches have limitations and serious disadvantages for the golfer. The powered carts are heavy, expensive and not readily transportable. They also suffer from potential safety problems associated with their use of batteries and their massive weight. The golf bags  104  for two wheeled pulled carts must be strapped to the cart to prevent the bag from falling off during the pulling operation. In addition, placing two wheeled carts in the upright position is often a difficult balancing act and if done improperly, the cart and bag will fall. Doctors place much of the blame on back problems from pulling a golf cart. The traditional pull cart causes unusual strain on the shoulder and back because of the act of pulling weight from behind the body. The balance point of the pull cart with its two wheels is hard to locate and if the handle bar is not properly adjusted, has a tendency to fall handle down or want to return to a upright position causing further strain on your shoulders and arm. The bag over the two wheels has a tendency to fall off the cart causing constant adjustment problems. 
     More and more people are walking while they play golf. As shown in FIG. 9, all two wheeled carts on the market are designed to be pulled which exposes the golfer  108  to potentially serious, hurtful and damaging strain on his/her arms, torso and lower back. Physicians have realized for decades the potential and real hazards to backs, shoulders and arms caused by pulling objects. Harm to shoulders, backs and especially the back&#39;s lumbar area can be caused not only by pulling heavy objects but by pulling even relatively light objects at an uncomfortable, or awkward angle. 
     Furthermore, in initiating movement of two wheeled carts from their upright, standing position, the golfer is often exposed to unnatural, and potentially threatening, motions of his/her arms and torso. Further compounding the injury problem, most two wheel carts must be balanced at a precise angle while they are being pulled to avoid contact of the legs  110  with golf greens or fairways. This balancing process, also imposes arm  112  and torso  114  movements that place the golfer at risk of muscle strain. This difficult process also increases the effort required to move the cart and clubs, thus excessively fatiguing the golfer. 
     STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention overcomes the shortcomings, limitations and potential hazards of prior art pulled golf carts. The invention provides a novel pushable cart to transport a golf bag and its golf clubs. The primary distinction and benefits of such a cart devolve from the fact that the cart is pushed rather than pulled. This design recognizes that people are better appreciating and understanding the health benefits of walking and thus are doing so more and more. This trend also applies to golfing on those golf courses where walking the course is permitted. The cart of this invention is logically and ergonomically designed to increase the comfort and decrease the risk of injury to a golfer while transporting his/her golf clubs. One cannot help but notice many other wheeled conveyance appliances such as grocery carts, wheel barrows, baby strollers, jogging strollers and wheel chairs (when the are not operated by the occupant), that are pushed rather than pulled. 
     The golf bag push cart of this invention is generally comprised of a light weight, rearwardly and upwardly inclined frame having means to support a golf bag. A plurality of large wheels are attached to the frame. A handle assembly with a handle bar connected to the frame to place the handle bar in a comfortable pushing position for the golfer. One feature of the invention is a handle assembly telescopically adjustable to provide the most comfortable and strain free pushing position for the golfer. Another feature is a lightweight foldable frame that can be carried in a flat bag. The design aesthetics of the cart are such that it presents an attractive, state of the art, “high tech” appearance. 
     Not only does the cart provide a variable height for the handle bar, but it is designed so that the golfer may push the cart from directly behind the handle bar, or from either side. This provides at least three fundamental positions from which the cart may be pushed to further reduce fatigue and the possibility of muscle strain or injury. In all of the pushing alternatives, the light weight cart moves easily and turns readily on its large wheels. 
     Having several alternative positions from which to push the cart provides additional ergonomic benefits to the golfer. Most frequently the golfer will push the cart from behind with his/her arms relaxed and slightly extended, and the hands lightly grasping the handle bar which can be padded. When pushing the cart up hills and grades, the arms are extended slightly more to the most comfortable position for the golfer. On level terrain, the freely turning cart wheels provide for nearly effortless movement of the cart. On downslopes, the cart is easily restrained by simply grasping the handle bar which limits the advance of the cart to the walking speed of the golfer. 
     The stability and balancing problems of two wheeled carts is overcome by this invention by having at least three, relatively large diameter wheels. Two widely spaced wheels (but sufficiently narrow to negotiate doorways) and a single or double front wheel on axle narrower than the rear axle are provided in the preferred embodiment. In addition to the wider spacing of the rear wheels, they also can be cambered with their bottoms more broadly spaced than their tops. This further increases the stability of the cart. The cart of this invention is always fully supported on its wheels thus avoiding the need to balance the cart, or pull it off a stand prior to moving it as is the case with most two wheeled golf carts. The push cart of this invention, with its load of a golf bag and clubs has a very low center of gravity that contributes to its exceptional stability, excellent balance and ideal weight distribution, each contributing to its outstanding ease of operation. 
     The stability of the push cart and the fact that the cart is never tilted during use obviates the need to strap or otherwise attach the golf bag to the cart. With this invention, any sized golf bag is merely placed in cradles or suspended from the frame with the bottom of the bag resting on a base plate. 
     Large diameter wheels facilitate the cart&#39;s movement and transport over irregular surfaces and minimize damage to greens and fairways. With its balanced, light weight design, the cart quickly turns in its own length with only a slight downward and lateral pressure from the golfer on the padded handle bar. 
     Preferably, the rear wheels have a larger diameter than the front wheels. Usually, the front wheels have a diameter from 4-10 inches, preferably 6-8 inches. The rear wheels have a diameter from 10 to 20 inches, preferably 12-14 inches. A more stable ride with less effort occurs when the rear wheels are spaced further apart form the front wheels. The front wheels are generally spaced 4-12 inches apart and the real wheels are spaced from 14 to 30 inches apart, preferably 18-24 inches apart. Tires having a tread width of from 1-4 inches, preferably 1.5 to 2.5 inches contribute to the stability and ride of the cart. 
     A further important feature of this novel cart is the rearward and upward incline of the support member for the golf bag which determines the angle that the clubs are presented to the golfer. The angle (from 40 degrees to 60 degrees, preferably about 50 degrees) is designed to provide convenient, easy and quick removal of the clubs from the bag. Of course, the return of the clubs to the bag is equally straightforward. 
     For convenient transport and storage, this cart may be readily foldable into a compact configuration. In the preferred embodiment, folding is accomplished by releasing a spring loaded locking pin. Similarly, the cart is returned to its normal position by merely pulling up on the frame until the spring loaded pin automatically locks the rear wheels in their proper position for operation. No tools are required for either process. 
     These and many other features and attendant advantages of the invention will become apparent as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a three wheeled version of the golf bag push cart ready for use with the golf bag secured to the cart; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  2 — 2  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 shows the method of attaching a golf bag to the three wheeled version of the golf bag push cart; 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the pushable golf cart in use with the golf bag resting in the cart&#39;s cradles; 
     FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the pushable golf cart without the golf bag resting in the cart&#39;s cradles; 
     FIG. 6 is an end view of the cart depicting the spacing and camber of the wheels; 
     FIG.  7   a  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 A— 7 A of FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 7 is a detail of the rear axle assembly; 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the pushable cart in its folded position, golf bag removed; 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a prior art, two wheeled pull-type golf cart; 
     FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a golf push cart; and 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the golf push cart of FIG. 10 shown with the golf bag removed. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, a version a golf bag push cart  1  is shown comprising an inclined frame formed of tublar member  46 ,  47 , a front axle assembly  17 , a rear axle assembly  3 , rear wheels  20 ,  21 , a handle bar assembly  6 , an upright support assembly  18 , and means  29  for supporting a golf bag  4 . Continuing reference to FIG. 1, the handle bar assembly  6  includes a handle bar  7 . 
     In the this embodiment of the push cart  1  the means  29  for supporting the golf bag  4  suspends the golf bag  4  from the frame by securing its open end  50  and its bottom end  51  to the frame. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the means for supporting the open end  50  comprises a golf bag support member  52  having a pivot end  53  pivotably attached to the tublar frame member  47  and a removable end  54  attached to the tublar frame member  46  by means of a removable end clamping screw  55 . A clasp assembly  56  attaches the golf bag  4  to the golf bag support member  52  as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. 
     For the initial setup of the golf cart  1 , the removable end clamping screw  55  is loosened, the support member  52  is pivoted away from the handle bar assembly  6  and slipped under longitudinal suspension member  60  attached to the golf bag  4 . The support member  52  is then pivoted back to its original position and the removable end clamping screw  55  is tightened by hand. Subsequently the open end of the golf bag  50  is secured to the cart  1  by tightening the clasp assembly  56  over the longitudinal suspension member  60 . 
     Other suitable alternatives for securing the ends of the golf bag are readily apparent for the purposes of this invention. A few examples include straps with buckles, straps and elastic (“shock”) cords with cooperating hook fasteners, various latching mechanisms, and snaps and connecting rings. Typically these attachment means are chosen for compatibility with the particular type of golf bag selected for use with the cart. 
     FIGS.  5 - 8  illustrate another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows the cart  1  and golf bag  4  being pushed by a golfer  5 . Referring now to FIG. 5, the cart  1  comprises a frame  2  which has a lower and forward portion  11  and an upper and rearward portion  12 . A base plate  24  and a lower cradle  25  are welded to the lower and forward portion  11  of the frame  2 . An upper cradle  26  is welded to the upper and rearward portion  12  of the frame  2 . Stub axles  30 ,  31  are welded to the lower cradle  25  and support rotating front wheels  22 ,  23 . The upward and rearward portion  12  of frame  2  supports the rear axle assembly  3 . The rear axle  33  has two ends  15 ,  17  with struts  9 ,  10  attached respectively to the ends  15 ,  17  of the rear axle  3 . Rear wheels  20 ,  21  are also rotatably attached to the struts  9 ,  10 . A handle assembly  6 , includes a handle bar  7  and a rod  16  which can be telescopically attached to the frame  2 . Knurled ring nut  38  secures the telescoping rod  16  to the frame  2 . Handle bar  7  can be padded with a durable, resilient cover  28  and has a downwardly curved sections  8  to provide alternative positions for pushing the cart  1 . 
     Continuing reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a golf bag  4  is supported with the bottom  19  of the golf bag  4  resting against base plate  24  and supported in cradles  25 ,  26 . The cradles  25 ,  26  are upwardly turned to support a broad variety and sizes of golf bags without the need to attach them to the cart  1 . 
     FIGS. 5 and 6 depict an embodiment of this invention fabricated from tubular structural material. For strength, economy, weight and manufacturablity considerations, the preferred material is aluminum. Other metals, synthetic plastic resins or composites are also suitable. In the presently conceived preferred embodiment of this invention, welded connections as described above are preferred but such connections may also be accomplished by any other well known attachment means, for example threaded connections, bolted flanges, appropriate adhesives and the like. 
     Also in the present embodiment, the aluminum structure is coated with a protective and appearance enhancing powdercoat finish. Alternatively, the structure may be left unfinished, or it may be painted or anodized. 
     FIG. 6 clearly shows the relative lateral spacing of the front wheels  22 ,  23  with respect to the more widely spaced rear wheels  20 ,  21 . The camber of the rear wheels  20 ,  21  contributes to the overall stability of the cart  1 . 
     FIG. 7 shows the rear axle assembly  3  with the interconnections of the struts  9 ,  10 , the end caps  44 ,  45 , the rear axle  33 , and the spring loaded locking pin  42 . End caps  44 ,  45  are rigidly and fixedly connected to rear axle  33  and struts  9 ,  10  are similarly attached to the end caps  44 ,  45 . The struts  9 ,  10  are epoxy bonded to end caps  44 ,  45  which are pinned to the rear axle  33 . Axle  33  is supported on nylon bushings  34  contained by housing  43 . Two detents  35 ,  36  are angularly disposed about the axle  33  at one end  37  of housing  43  as shown in FIG.  7   a . One end cap  44  contains the spring loaded locking pin  42  which engages detents  35  when the cart  1  is in its normal upright position to carry golf clubs. Detent  36  is engaged when the cart  1  is folded for storage and transport. In operation, the locking pin  42  is pulled by the golfer exerting only slight pressure to compress spring  41  and partially withdraw the locking pin  42  from either detent,  35 ,  36 . 
     FIG. 8 depicts the cart  1  after the locking pin  42  has been released allowing the cart  1  to fold and the knob  38  has been released to telescope rod  16  into the tublar frame  2  forming a more compact configuration for storage and transportation. 
     A further refinement of the design of a golf bag push cart is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. The cart  300  is formed of a bottom frame  101 , an elongated handle member  105  and upright support struts  107 ,  109 . The bottom frame  101  comprises a set of parallel tubes  111 ,  113 . A fitting  114  is attached to the front end  115  of each tube  108 ,  110 . Each fitting  114  contains an aperture  116  for receiving the ends  117  of the axle  118  on the front wheel  119 . A mounting block  120  is mounted on each tube  111 ,  113 , just rearward of the front wheel axle  118 . A set of arms  122  are rotably mounted on pin  125  and extend upwardly and rearwardly from each block  120 . The upper end of the arm  122  is attached to a plate  124  for supporting the bottom of a golf bag  126 . A strip  128  of hook-loop material such as Velcro® can be attached to the front edge  130  of the plate  124 . The strip  128  can be attached to a patch  132  of hook-loop material mounted on the bottom band  134  of the bag  126 . The front surface  131  of the plate  124  can be recessed at locations corresponding to studs or lugs, not shown, on the bottom surface of the bag  126 . For visual purposes it is preferred that the plate have the same shape as the bottom of the bag, a bag with an oval cross-section is very attractive when used on the golf bag push cart of the invention. The bag  126  also contains an upper band  127 . A tubular sleeve of fabric  129  is connected to the bands  127 ,  134 . A pocket  133  can be attached to the sleeve  129 . 
     The tubes  111 ,  113  also connect to a rear frame tubular member  140 . The ends  142  of the rear member receive axles  144  on which are mounted wheels  146  secured to the axles by nut fasteners  148 . Rotatable fittings  150 ,  152  are rotably mounted on the rear member  140  adjacent the inner wall  147  of the tires  146 . Vertical tubular frame members  154 ,  156  are connected to sockets  153 ,  155  on the rotatable fittings  150 ,  152 , respectively. The upper ends of the frame members  154 ,  156  are rotatably mounted on the handle tube members  162 ,  164  by means of a pin  168  held within the clamps  158 ,  160 . 
     The clamps  158 ,  160  may be u-shaped having a curved section  166  receiving the tubes  162 ,  164  and a set of opposed walls having a aperture for receiving the pin  168 . The upper ends of each of tube members  162 ,  164  also have an aperture. The end  170  of each tube member  162 ,  164  is placed into the clamps  158 ,  160  and the pin  168  is inserted through the aligned apertures in the clamp and the tube to form a pivoting connection  172 . 
     A second set of brackets  180 ,  182  are attached to the handle tube members  162 ,  164  by means of clamps  185 ,  187  having a first curved section  184 ,  186  received on the tube member and an outer section  188 ,  190  containing an aperture. A curved tubular member  192  having a diameter larger than that of the upper band  127  of the bag  126  and preferably having the same radius as handle  190 , is rotatably mounted by inserting an apertured end of the member  192  within each clamp  185 ,  187  with the aperture aligned with the clamp apertures and inserting a pin  194  through the apertures. The pin can be a bolt with a head  196  and a nut  198 . A hook  191  can be mounted on the inside of curved member  192  for attachment to an eye  193  mounted on the upper band  127  of the golf bag  126 . The upper ends of tube members  162 ,  164  are connected to a curved section  190  of tube, forming a handle which can be covered with a tube  206  of soft material such as synthetic rubber, foam or leather for comfort. All tubing can be a lightweight metal such as ⅞″ diameter aluminum tubing. 
     The lower portion of the tubular members  162 ,  164  may have bends  210 ,  212  to reduce the spacing between them to less than the spacing between lower tubular frame members  111 ,  113 . Each tube member  111 ,  113  contain a second bend  214 ,  216  such that the tubes form a straight section  218 ,  220  terminating in unshaped slots  222 ,  224 . In a preferred embodiment, the tubes  162   a ,  164  are straight as shown in FIG. 11. A set of blocks  120  mounted on the tubes  111 ,  113  between the plate  124  and the rear tubular member  140  each have a pin  230 ,  232  for pivotally receiving the slots  222 ,  224 . 
     The cart  300  is used by placing the bottom of a bag  126  on the plate  124  in alignment with depressions in the plate  124  and attaching the Velcro® strip  128  to the patch  132  on the bag. The hook  191  is then inserted through the eye  193  on the bag  126 . When play is over, the bag  126  can be removed by separating strip  128  from the patch  132  and unhooking hook  191  from eye  193 . Curved member  192  is rotated upwardly to rest on tubualar members  162 ,  164 . The cart is then folded into storage configuration by lifting the slotted ends  222 ,  224  away from the pins  230 ,  232  and then pushing the handle  190  forwardly until the curved sections  214 ,  216  and brace  217  are forward of the front wheel  119 . The curved members  214 ,  216  will rotate upwardly and the frame members  154 ,  156  will rotate downwardly to form a compact assembly. The assembly can be stored in a storage bag and readily carried from place to place. 
     The golf cart of the invention is easily stored by releasing and rotating the legs toward the frame. The ease of operation is due to the balance, stability and mobility of the cart. The cart can be pushed with the force from one finger. The cart turns very easily by lifting the front wheels and pivoting the cart on its rear wheels. A foot brake can be provided for use on grades. 
     With a balance point close to the back of the cart and the cart uniquely turns by lifting the front wheels and turning the cart in a tight circle. 
     The static weight of the cart and golf bag with clubs is extremely high, about 20 pounds. Therefore, the energy to push the cart is very small. The handlebar height and the angle of the frame are high enough that the arms of the golfer are positioned in an extended attitude—like a stiff-arm—using the leverage of the arms in an ergonomic, comfortable position. The stability and low weight center of gravity enables the user to allow the cart to roll unassisted on down hill grades with an occasional push from time to time. The effect is that the golfer has the feeling of walking without encumbrance. The preferred cart with tubular construction with 2 bag cradles, curved handlebar and shape of the frame is very attractive—looking like a racing bike. 
     The man powered push cart of the invention is moved by using your arms in an extended position. Because it rolls on 3 wheels, it moves easily with very little effort. The wheels are preferably the same diameter, suitably about 12 inches in diameter. Down grades it rolls by itself. The body is never being strained and always stays upright whether moving or standing still. The golf clubs lie in the cart at a favorable angle which makes them easy to see and select. The balance position of the golf bag is always over the main 2 rear wheels with the third wheel in front of the cart allowing the cart to turn within its own way. The bag is a modern soft top design with pockets for storage and can be easily removed from the cart frame by undoing a Velcro® strap at the bottom and simply lifting the bag away from the frame. The look is a racy machine something between a bicycle and a baby jogger. The push cart can be folded into a flat configuration and carried in a flat compact carrying bag. 
     It is to be realized that only preferred embodiments of this invention have been described, and that numerous substitutions, modifications, alterations, and applications are permissible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.