Abstract:
A golf-bag carrying vehicle is an apparatus that assists a user in transporting their golf bag by either manually push-kicking the apparatus or motorizing the apparatus. The apparatus includes a pair of idle wheels, a stabilizing wheel, a frame, a steering mechanism, a handlebar, and a footboard.

Description:
[0001]    The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/364,386 filed on Jul. 20, 2016. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to a golf-bag carrying tribrid vehicle. More specifically, the present invention is a transformable golf-bag carrying vehicle with a semi-powered or fully powered propulsion system that utilizes a tilting mechanism for mitigating the lateral forces generated during a turn. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Golf is a sport played by 60 million people from old to young. Beside the exciting aspects of the game, the majority of the golf players also value the physical exercise required to play 9 or 18 holes. This usually means 2 or 4 hours of non-stop walking. Though walking can provide physical exercise for players, in several cases the player may desire to either travel faster or reduce the energy required to go from point A to point B on the golf course. This is true in several cases. For example:
       Walking 150 or 200 meters required to reach the next course is very physically taxing. The exhaustion caused by having to walk for such long distance can negatively affect the players&#39; concentration and result in increased number of mishits.   If the pace of a player&#39;s game is slower than that of other players, other players are required to wait for prolonged periods of time. In this situation, traveling fast across the course can quicken the pace of the game, and reduce the waiting times for other players.   When searching for the ball, it is desirable to have a quick and convenient way of travelling across the golf course.       
 
         [0007]    With this in mind several solutions have been developed overtime to lessen the physical effort needed to travel several hundred meters while carrying a 7 to 15 kg golf bag with golf clubs. One such invention is the golf trolley to carry the golf bag. The golf trolley solves the problem of carrying a golf bag, but does not solve the problem of getting tired from walking and pushing the trolley. This consequently leads to loss of concentration, leading to deterioration of the golf scores and fun. 
         [0008]    This problem is getting bigger the older the people get. Motorized golf trolleys only partly solve the problems by taking away the need to push or pull the trolley during the game. Still the golfer has to walk and a large group of golf players decide to hire a 2-person electric golf cart on the golf course, that transports both the golf bags and the players. However, this solution takes away almost all walking exercise. In surveys people have admitted that really miss the total outdoor physical exercise of walking between courses. 
         [0009]    Therefore, a tribrid solution is required which gives players the choice to either be supported by a vehicle or to get some physical exercise by walking. The tribrid solution allows the user the ability to walk, kick, and driven. In this vein, recently, single person solutions are being introduced such as the convertible walking/riding golf cart and self-balancing motorized 2-wheeled vehicles. However, these vehicles have a major disadvantage: in order to travel faster than the walking speed of the average person, one has to switch over to fully motorized support. It is not possible to have a semi-powered propulsion mode which still requires the exertion of physical energy. In addition to this, the weight (about 50 kg) and size of these vehicles is such that it is nearly impossible to transport them in the trunk of a car, which is desired by a lot of players who are used to take their trolleys from their home to the golf course and back. 
         [0010]    It is desirable to have a kick-bike type of vehicle that allows fully motorized or a tribrid solution with motorized and physical propulsion. But these aspects are difficult to balance in combination with a golf bag. The geometry of the frame  4  and the steering mechanism  5  do not facilitate an easy to use vehicle with the golf bag positioned at the right position and with a stable mass distribution. The scooting and coasting tricycle offers some freedom of either walking, and kicking but has no motorized support or semi motorized support. This solution is very poor in the sense that the design of the tricycle makes it hard to walk behind or next to the vehicle. Also, the limited amount of space means that it is hard to fully swing that leg and generate a kick. The freedom of the kicking leg is limited to a backswing kick e.g. it is not possible to swing the leg forward. 
         [0011]    The present invention provides a golf-bag carrying vehicle in the form of a tricycle configuration, which ensures a more comfortable and faster ride that is capable of transporting of a golf bag while using less energy. The overall size of the present invention is minimized by multiple folding mechanisms, that improving handling, reduces energy required for propulsion, and enables easy and flexible individual transport. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIGS. 1-33  describe variant 1 (tilting frame &amp; non-parallel steering) 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of the golf kick bike for straight-ahead travel, without golf bag, 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  shows a top view of the golf kick bike for straight-ahead travel, without golf bag, 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of the golf kick bike for straight-ahead travel, without golf bag, 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  shows a front view of the golf kick bike for straight-ahead travel carrying a golf bag, 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  shows a top view of the golf kick bike for straight-ahead travel carrying a golf bag, 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the golf kick bike for straight-ahead travel carrying a golf bag, 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  shows a top view of the golf kick bike, with steering 45° to the left, carrying a golf bag, 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the golf kick bike, with steering 45° to 
           [0021]    the left, carrying a golf bag, 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  shows a front view of the golf kick bike, with steering 45° to the left and tilting footplate and rear wheel, without golf bag, 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  shows a top view of the golf kick bike, with steering 45° to the left and tilting footplate and rear wheel, without golf bag, 
           [0024]      FIGS. 11 &amp; 12  show the rear views of the golf kick bike, with steering 45° to the left and tilting footplate and rear wheel, without golf bag, 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  shows a side view of the golf kick bike, with steering 45° to the left and tilting footplate and rear wheel, without golf bag, 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of the golf kick bike, with steering 45° to the left and tilting footplate and rear wheel, without golf bag, 
           [0027]      FIGS. 15 &amp; 16  show perspective views of the golf kick bike, folded counter clockwise into a trolley configuration, carrying a golf bag, 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  shows a top view of the golf kick bike, folded counter clockwise into a trolley configuration, carrying a golf bag, 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  shows a front view of the golf kick bike, folded counter clockwise into a trolley configuration, carrying a golf bag, 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  shows a front view of the golf kick bike, folded counter clockwise into a trolley configuration without golf bag, 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  shows a top view of the golf kick bike, folded counter clockwise into a trolley configuration without golf bag, 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  shows a side view of the golf kick bike, folded counter clockwise into a trolley configuration without golf bag, 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  shows a perspective view of the golf kick bike, folded counter clockwise into a trolley configuration without golf bag, 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  shows a perspective view of the golf kick bike, folded counter clockwise into a compact transport configuration, 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  shows a front view of the golf kick bike, folded counter clockwise into a compact transport configuration, 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  shows a top view of the golf kick bike, folded counter clockwise into a compact transport configuration, 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  shows a side view of the golf kick bike, folded counter clockwise into a transport configuration, 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  shows a side view of the golf kick bike, folded counter clockwise into a transport configuration, with removed front wheel, 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  shows the kick bike, trolley and transport configurations 
           [0040]      FIG. 29  shows the conversion from kick bike to trolley and reverse with golf bag in place 
           [0041]      FIG. 30  shows a perspective view of the golf kick bike, folded clockwise into a trolley configuration without golf bag, 
           [0042]      FIG. 31  shows a front view of the golf kick bike, folded clockwise into a trolley configuration without golf bag, 
           [0043]      FIG. 32  shows a top view of the golf kick bike, folded clockwise into a trolley configuration without golf bag, 
           [0044]      FIG. 33  shows a perspective view of the golf kick bike, folded clockwise into a trolley configuration with golf bag, 
           [0045]      FIGS. 34-43  describe variant 2 (parallel steering &amp; non-tilting) 
           [0046]      FIGS. 34 a    &amp;  34   b  show the front view of the golf kick bike with parallel steering straight and steering to the left, 
           [0047]      FIG. 35  shows a perspective view of the golf kick bike with parallel steering and golf bag in place, 
           [0048]      FIG. 36  shows a side view of the golf kick bike with parallel steering and golf bag in place, 
           [0049]      FIG. 37  shows a front view of the golf kick bike with parallel steering and golf bag in place, 
           [0050]      FIG. 38  shows a top view of the golf kick bike with parallel steering without golf bag, 
           [0051]      FIG. 39  shows a perspective view of the golf kick bike with parallel steering without golf bag, 
           [0052]      FIG. 40  shows a side view of the golf kick bike with parallel steering, folded clockwise into a trolley configuration with golf bag in place, 
           [0053]      FIG. 41  shows the kick bike with possible comfort, beverage, navigation and communication accessories such as umbrella, tablet, phone, bottle, balls, bags and a seat, 
           [0054]      FIG. 42  shows a side view of the golf kick bike with parallel steering, folded counter clockwise into a transport configuration, 
           [0055]      FIG. 43  shows a side view of the golf kick bike with parallel steering, with demounted lower base frame, footboard and rear wheel(s) and reconfigured to a trolley configuration by adding a swivel or fixed wheel with lock feature, 
           [0056]      FIGS. 44-52  describe variant 3 (parallel steering &amp; tilting) 
           [0057]      FIG. 44  shows a side view of the golf kick bike with combined parallel steering and tilting lower frame and a removable battery pack, 
           [0058]      FIG. 45  shows a side view of the golf kick bike with combined parallel steering and tilting lower frame, steering 45° to the left, carrying a golf bag, 
           [0059]      FIG. 46  shows a front, back, top and perspective view of the golf kick bike with combined parallel steering and tilting lower frame, steering 45° to the left, carrying a golf bag, 
           [0060]      FIG. 47  shows a side view of the golf kick bike with combined parallel steering and tilting lower frame, folded counter clockwise into a transport configuration, 
           [0061]      FIGS. 48 &amp; 49  show a side and perspective view of the golf kick bike with combined parallel steering, tilting lower frame and removable battery, folded clockwise into a trolley configuration, 
           [0062]      FIGS. 50 &amp; 51  show a perspective and side view of the variable tilting and steering mechanism, 
           [0063]      FIGS. 52 a    &amp;  52   b  show a detailed view of the plenary variable geared tilting and steering mechanism and the variable on-off walk support button, 
           [0064]      FIG. 53  shows a partly transparent wind, sun, rain and protective shield 
           [0065]      FIG. 54  is a tribrid functionality: electrical supported drive, full swing kick and walk 
           [0066]      FIG. 55  is a multiple perspective view drawing of present invention with the user in full swing kicking on the tribrid golf kick bike. 
           [0067]      FIGS. 56-64  show the tilt version of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0068]    All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0069]    The present invention is a golf-bag carrying tribrid vehicle. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a first idle wheel  1 , a second idle wheel  2 , a stabilizing wheel  3 , a frame  4 , a steering mechanism  5 , a handlebar  6 , and a footboard  7 . The first idle wheel  1 , the second idle wheel  2 , and the stabilizing wheel  3  are preferably normal golf wheels arranged in a tricycle configuration which creates ample space in the center for a rider and a payload. The frame  4  further comprises a front end  41  and a rear end  42 . The front end  41  and the rear end  42  are configured to provide the frame with an overall T-shape. A rotation axis of the first idle wheel  1  and a rotation axis of the second idle wheel  2  are positioned parallel to each other. As a result, both the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2  turn with the same steering angle. The first idle wheel  1  is rotatably and adjacently mounted to the front end  41 . Similarly, the second idle wheel  2  is rotatably and adjacently mounted to the front end  41 , opposite to the first idle wheel  1 . Consequently, the front end  41  is laterally supported by the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2 . 
         [0070]    The steering mechanism  5  is mechanically coupled to the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2 , wherein the steering mechanism  5  is used to orient the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2 . The steering mechanism  5  allows the rider to adjust the steering angles of the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2 . Since the steering angles of the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2  are linked together, actuating the steering mechanism  5  generates a lateral force on the front end  41  which turns the frame  4 . 
         [0071]    The handlebar  6  is pivotably mounted in between the front end  41  and the rear end  42 . A couple of handles affixed to the ends of the handlebar  6  provide gripping surfaces for the rider. The handlebar  6  is mechanically coupled to the steering mechanism  5 , wherein the handlebar  6  is used to actuate the steering mechanism  5 . In the preferred implementation of the present invention, the rider can adjust the steering angles by turning the handlebar  6  in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. For example, rotating the handlebar  6  in the clockwise direction may steer the frame  4  to the right, while rotating the handlebar  6  in the counter-clockwise direction will steer the frame  4  to the left. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, a lever or a steering wheel may be used to actuate the steering mechanism  5 . The couple of handles on the handlebar  6  also include brake levers for actuating at least three brake pads for stopping the present invention. The first idle wheel  1 , the second idle wheel  2 , and the stabilizing wheel  3  are each paired with a brake pad that arrest rotational momentum. The stabilizing wheel  3  is rotatably mounted to the rear end  42 . This allows the present invention to translate freely in the forward or backward direction. The rider can thus physically propel the present invention of add a motor to physically motorize the present invention. The footboard  7  is mounted onto the rear end  42 , adjacent to the stabilizing wheel  3 . The footboard  7  secures the user to the present invention. The handlebar  6  helps the rider remain upright on the footboard  7  when the present invention is accelerating. In one possible embodiment of the present invention, the rider may physically propel the present invention by kicking off the ground. The proximity between the footboard  7  and the stabilizing wheel  3  ensures that most of the force generated by the kick is transferred into forward motion. 
         [0072]    The present invention may further comprise a hub motor  8 , a microcontroller  9 , and a portable power source  10 . The hub motor  8  motorizes the stabilizing wheel  3  to enable powered propulsion of the present invention. A stator  81  of the hub motor  8  is mounted on to the rear end  42 . A rotor  82  of the hub motor  8  is torsionally connected to the stabilizing wheel  3 . An electrical current applied to the stator  81  generates a magnetic field capable of spinning the rotor  82 . The torsional connection securely transfers rotational motion from the rotor  82  to the stabilizing wheel  3 . The microcontroller  9  is electronically connected to the hub motor  8 . The microcontroller  9  controls the power delivery of the hub motor  8 . The portable power source  10  is removably mounted on to the frame  4 . In the preferred implementation, a rechargeable battery may be removably mounted into a slot or compartment that is in electrical communication with the electrically operated components. More specifically, the portable power source  10  is electrically connected to the hub motor  8 . The portable power source  10  supplies electrical energy which activates the hub motor  8 . 
         [0073]    A throttle control  11  is integrated into the handlebar  6  in close reach of the rider. In the preferred embodiment, the throttle control  11  may be a lever integrated into the handlebar  6 . Alternately, the throttle control  11  may be a foot actuated pedal placed on the footboard  7 . The throttle control  11  can modulate the power delivery between the portable power source  10  and the hub motor  8 . The throttle control  11  is electronically connected to the microcontroller  9 . The microcontroller  9  controls the power delivery characteristics of the hub motor  8  based on the inputs provided by the throttle control  11 . Alternately, a mechanical linkage may enable the throttle control  11  to control the power delivery characteristics of the hub motor  8 . 
         [0074]    In addition to the throttle control  11 , the present invention utilizes a motorized-assistance manual switch  12 . The motorized-assistance manual switch  12  is integrated into the handlebar  6 . More specifically, the motorized-assistance manual switch  12  utilizes a button integrated into one of the handles of the handlebar  6 . The motorized-assistance manual switch  12  is electronically connected to the microcontroller  9 . This allows the microcontroller  9  to adjust the power delivery characteristics of the hub motor  8  based on the inputs provided by the motorized-assistance manual switch  12 . For example, if the rider pushes the button, the microcontroller  9  may command the hub motor  8  to operate at a steady speed. 
         [0075]    The motorized-assistance manual switch  12  also allows the rider to select from a plurality of speed settings. The plurality of speed settings can be used to increase or decrease the speed at which the hub motor  8  operates. For example, once the rider chooses one of the plurality of speed settings, the microcontroller  9  ensures the speed of the hub motor  8  matches the selected speed. The microcontroller  9  may rely on a speedometer integrated into the stabilizing wheel  3  to measure the speed of the present invention. The preferred speedometer may be either analog or digital as required. If the speed exceeds the selected speed from the plurality of speed settings, the microcontroller  9  may reduce the hub motor  8  power output. 
         [0076]    The motorized-assistance manual switch  12  allows the present invention to operate in walk mode. Walk mode allows the rider to walk next to the present invention. The plurality of speed settings propels the present invention at a steady speed that matches the walking speed of the user. The plurality of speed settings can adjust the speed of the of the present invention to match various walking speeds. 
         [0077]    A motorized-assistance pressure sensor  13  enables semi-powered propulsion. The motorized-assistance pressure sensor  13  is integrated into the footboard  7 . As a result, the motorized-assistance pressure sensor  13  can measure the pressure generated when the rider stands on top of the footboard  7 . The motorized-assistance pressure sensor  13  is also electronically connected to the microcontroller  9 . Changes in pressure readings cause the microcontroller  9  to adjust the power delivery characteristics of the hub motor  8 . For example, when the rider kicks off against the ground, the rider&#39;s weight transfers away from the footboard  7 . The motorized-assistance pressure sensor  13  measures the reduction in pressure and communicates the pressure readings to the microcontroller  9 . The microcontroller  9  may then command the hub motor  8  to provide a burst of power to preserve the forward momentum of the present invention. This can be used as an energy-efficient mode which takes advantage of the rider&#39;s kicks to propel the present invention forward. 
         [0078]    Alternately, the motorized-assistance manual switch  12  can also be used in combination with the motorized-assistance pressure sensor  13 . For example, the motorized-assistance manual switch  12  may actuate the hub motor  8  to sustain the speed above a certain level. The rider can kick to activate the motorized-assistance pressure sensor  13  which may generate a burst of speed. 
         [0079]    The preferred embodiment of the steering mechanism  5  further comprises a first linkage arm  51 , a second linkage arm  52 , a relay arm  53 , a transfer shaft  54 , and a steering column  55 . The first linkage arm  51  and the second linkage arm  52  are arranged in a parallel steering configuration. In this configuration, the first linkage arm  51  and the second linkage arm  52  are pivotably mounted to a free end  531  of the relay arm  53 . Rotation of the relay arm  53  causes both the first linkage arm  51  and the second linkage arm  52  to translate in the left or right direction. The first idle wheel  1  is mechanically coupled the first linkage arm  51 , opposite to the relay arm  53 , wherein the first linkage arm  51  is used to orient the first idle wheel  1 . Likewise, the second idle wheel  2  is mechanically coupled the second linkage arm  52 , opposite to the relay arm  53 , wherein the second linkage arm  52  is used to orient the second idle wheel  2 . Both the first linkage arm  51  and the second linkage arm  52  connect in front of the rotation axes of the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2 . The linear displacement of the first linkage arm  51  and the second linkage arm  52  thus causes the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2  to rotate. A pivotably fixed end  532  of the relay arm  53  is torsionally coupled to the transfer shaft  54 . Accordingly, the transfer shaft  54  and the relay arm  53  rotate with the same angular displacement. The steering column  55  is torsionally coupled to the transfer shaft  54 , opposite the relay arm  53 . Consequently, the handlebar  6  is torsionally coupled to the steering column  55 , opposite the transfer shaft  54 . The torsional coupling between the handlebar  6 , the steering column  55 , and the transfer shaft  54  transforms rotational movement generated by the user to translational movement of the first linkage arm  51  and the second linkage arm  52 . 
         [0080]    The present invention utilizes at least one hinged joint  551  to transform the frame  4  into a space-efficient shape for ease of transport. The at least one hinged joint  551  is mechanically integrated along the steering column  55 , wherein the at least one hinged joint  551  is used to foldably collapse the steering column  55 . Folding the steering column  55  reduces the overall height of the frame  4 , making it easier to store the present invention in enclosed spaces. 
         [0081]    In addition to the at least one hinged joint  551 , an extension shaft  56  is also used to reduce the overall height of the steering column  55 . The extension shaft  56  is laterally and centrally connected to the handlebar  6 . As such, the vertical displacement between the extension shaft  56  and the handlebar  6  is fixed. The extension shaft  56  is telescopically engaged to the steering column  55 . This allows the handlebar  6  to slide in and out of the steering column  55 . The extension shaft  56  can be used to control the overall height of the present invention, without having to fold the steering column  55 . 
         [0082]    A pinion gear  57  and a bevel gear  58  enable a torsional connection between the transfer shaft  54  and the steering column  55 . The transfer shaft  54  and the steering column  55  are positioned perpendicular to each other. The pinion gear  57  is torsionally and terminally connected to the transfer shaft  54 . As a result, rotation axis of the pinion gear  57  is coaxial to the rotation axis of the transfer shaft  54 . The bevel gear  58  is torsionally and terminally connected to the steering column  55 . As a result, the rotation axis of the bevel gear  58  is coaxial to the rotation axis of the steering column  55 . This allows the pinion gear  57  to engage to the bevel gear  58 . In the engaged position, the teeth of the pinion gear  57  intermesh with the teeth of the bevel gear  58 . This allows the transfer of rotational movement through a torsional connection between the transfer shaft  54  and the steering column  55 . The torsional connection between the transfer shaft  54  and the steering column  55  results in the handlebar  6  being positioned central and perpendicular to the steering column  55 , which allows the rider to grab the handlebar  6 . The front end  41  further comprises a cross portion  411 , a tubular portion  412 , and a hub  413 . Two U-shaped tubes connect the cross portion  411  to the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2 . The first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2  are positioned opposite to each other along the cross portion  411 . This increases the overall width of the invention, which also increase the overall lateral stability. The tubular portion  412  is mounted into the cross portion  411 . Thus, a mechanical connection is formed between the frame  4  and the steering mechanism  5 . The transfer shaft  54  is housed within the tubular portion  412 . In the preferred implementation, the transfer shaft can rotate independent of the tubular portion. The hub  413  is connected adjacent to the tubular portion  412 , opposite to the cross portion  411 . The torsional coupling between the transfer shaft  54  and the steering column  55  is housed within the hub  413 . This preserves the proper alignment between the steering column  55  and the transfer shaft  54 , ensuring that the bevel gear  58  and the pinion gear  57  remain in contact at all times. 
         [0083]    A rotation axis of the first idle wheel  1  and a rotation axis of the second idle wheel  2  are positioned coplanar to each other. This vertically aligns the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2 . The tubular portion  412  is positioned offset from the rotation axis of the first idle wheel  1  and the rotation axis of the second idle wheel  2 . Consequently, the center of gravity of the frame  4  is positioned below the rotation axis of the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2 . As a result, this reduces the chance of a tip over while taking a sharp turn with the present invention. 
         [0084]    In one possible embodiment of the present invention, a tilting mechanism  14  enables the frame  4  to tilt in relation to the cross portion  411 . The preferred embodiment of the tilting mechanism  14  comprises a sun gear  141 , a plurality of planet gears  142 , and an annular plate  143 . The tilting mechanism  14  is mechanically linked to the steering input provided by the rider. Accordingly, the sun gear  141  is laterally connected around the transfer shaft  54 . This allows rotational movement to transfer from the transfer shaft  54  to the sun gear  141 . Each of the plurality of planet gears  142  is engaged to the sun gear  141 . In particular, the engagement intermeshes the teeth of each of the plurality of planet gears  142  to the teeth of the sun gear  141 . Thus, as the sun gear  141  rotates, the plurality of planet gears  142  is compelled to rotate in the opposite direction. Each of the plurality of planet gears  142  is rotatably mounted to the pivotably fixed end  532  of the relay arm  53 . Thus, a portion of the steering input is used to steer the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2  of the present invention. Further, each of the plurality of planet gears  142  is rotatably mounted to the annular plate  143 . Thus, the rotation of the plurality of gears  142  about the sun gear  141  is able to drive the rotation of the annular plate, 
         [0085]    The plurality of planet gears  142  is distributed around the annular plate  143 . In the preferred implementation, the plurality of planet gears  142  is distributed in an equidistant manner around the annular plate  143 . Alternately, the distance between each of the plurality of planet gears  142  can be any distance. A ring gear placed concentric to the sun gear  141  secures the plurality of planet gears  142  in a tangential position with the sun gear  141 . The tubular portion  412  is rotatably connected to the cross portion  411 . A set of bearings is placed at the interface between the cross portion  411  and the tubular portion  412 , allowing the cross portion  411  to remain static while the tubular portion  412  rotates. The annular plate  143  is torsionally connected to the tubular portion  412 . As a result, at least a portion of the steering torque generated by the transfer shaft  54 , is utilized to rotate the tubular portion  412 . Thus, steering input generated at the steering column  55  is distributed to the steering mechanism  5  via the relay arm  53  and to the tilting mechanism  14  via the plurality of planet gears  142  in the annular plate  143 . 
         [0086]    In another embodiment, the present invention may utilize a non-tilting frame  4 . In this embodiment, the tubular portion  412  is fixed to the cross portion  411 , to prevent the rear end  42  from tilting in relation to the front end  41 . 
         [0087]    The preferred embodiment of the front end  41  further comprises an extension portion  414 , and a counterfort portion  415 . The counterfort portion  415  adds structural rigidity to the frame  4 . The extension portion  414  is connected adjacent to the hub  413 . The extension portion  414  serves to elongate the frame  4  which gives the rider room to swing his or her foot while kicking off the ground. The rear end  42  is hingedly and adjacently connected to the extension portion  414 , opposite the hub  413 . As a result, the rear end  42  can rotate about the front end  41  of the frame  4 . As such, a first end of the counterfort portion  415  is rotatably and slidably connected along the steering column  55 . Further, a second end of the counterfort portion  415  is hingedly connected to the rear end  42 . The angular orientation and the linear position of the counterfort portion  415  in relation to the steering column  55  changes as the rear end  42  rotates about the front end  41 . The rotatable connection on both ends of the counterfort portion  415 , enables the counterfort portion  415  to fold into the frame  4 . 
         [0088]    The hinged connection between the extension portion  414  and the rear end  42  allows the present invention to transform between a transportation configuration and a trolley configuration. The transportation configuration folds the rear end  42  of the frame  4  up and over the front end  41 . This greatly reduces both the length and the height of the present invention, which allows the present invention to be stored in confined spaces. For example, the transportation configuration may be utilized to store the present invention in the trunk of a car. The folding angle between the front end  41  and the rear end  42  is almost 180 degrees. The folding angle of the counterfort portion  415  is roughly half that of the front end  41 . 
         [0089]    The trolley configuration is designed to help the rider maneuver the present invention while present invention is operating in walking mode. In the trolley configuration, the overall length of the frame  4  is shortened, which reduces the turn radius and allows the present invention to maneuver in narrow spaces. As such, the folding angle between the front end  41  and the rear end  42  may be roughly 45 degrees. 
         [0090]    The present invention may further comprise a golf-bag mount  15  allows a conventional golf bag to selectively engage the present invention. The golf-bag mount  15  is mounted onto the front end  41  in between the first idle wheel  1  and the second idle wheel  2 . The golf bag is laterally supported by the steering column  55 . On the bottom, the golf bag is supported by the cross portion  411 . Additional securing mechanisms, such as a string that wraps the steering column  55  and the golf bag together, may be utilized to affix the golf bag in the proper position. In the trolley configuration, the bottom of the golf bag rest on the wheel cover of the stabilizing wheel  3 . The lateral sides of the golf bag rests on the footboard  7 . 
         [0091]    The present invention may further comprise a display screen  16 , a microcontroller  9 , and a wireless communication device  18 . The wireless communication device  18  and the display screen  16  are electronically connected to the microcontroller  9 . As result, the display screen  16  provides another way with which to control the power delivery characteristics of the hub motor  8 . The microcontroller  9  and the wireless communication device  18  can be used to provide a navigation system and an entertainment system on the display screen  16 . The display screen  16  is laterally mounted to the handlebar  6 , in close proximity to the user&#39;s hands. 
         [0092]    The present invention may further comprise a plurality of accessories  19  may selectively couple to the present invention. The plurality of accessories  19  includes, but is not limited to, an umbrella, tablet, phone, bottle, balls, bags, a seat, a partly transparent protective shield, etc. The plurality of accessories  19  is affixed and the handlebar  6 , but in alternate embodiment, the plurality of accessories  19  may be affixed anywhere on the frame  4 . 
       Alternate Description 
       [0093]    As the problems to be solved by the present invention, no integrated and easy transportable solution is available for golf players to have a tribrid that enables partly and full electrical power support without geometric transformation. There is no combined solution that enables golf players to travel at high speeds while carrying their golf bag in an un-motorized way. No solution exists that allows rapid travel and uses less energy while carrying their golf bag in a motorized, un-motorized, and semi-motorized way in a single apparatus. Additionally, no solution exists that can change between the various modes instantly, and is light and small enough to transport in the trunk of a car. 
         [0094]    The present invention is a golf-bag carrying tribrid vehicle that is able to carry the weight of an adult person and that of a golf bag (all types including the touring bags), with the geometry of a kick bike to enable full kicking, with a T-shaped three wheel tilting frame to create static and dynamic stability, with on-demand tribrid support in the form of non-assisted and full motorized propulsion, with the robustness and features of a buggy to enable comfortable and full electrical movement, and with a light and foldable structure for easy single person transport and storage. 
         [0095]    The present invention is a golf-bag carrying tribrid vehicle that includes, a golf bag volume centrally positioned to the virtual steering axes, an adjustable and foldable steering frame, that connects to the middle of the frame and below the front wheels axes to a headset assembly. The steering frame also connects to the two front wheels axes and, at the lower frame an interface, to an electronics and battery carrier and a lower connection joint for the steering column. The headset assembly comprises a variable tilting mechanism to enable tilting of the foldable lower base frame and handlebar. The lower base frame runs underneath the steering frame and comprises a pivot point, footboard, rear fork and one or two rear wheels. The rear and front wheels can be non-electrical and electrical powered with freewheel, kick supported power and full power functionality. The extendable and foldable steering column consists of a foldable tube and connects to an angular adjustable pivot point handlebar stem. 
         [0096]    The object of the invention is to provide a foldable golf trolley and a golf cart in the form of a three (or four) wheel kick bike, which ensures an energy-efficient, comfortable, and faster ride with the ability to transport golf bag. The overall size can be minimized by multiple folding and demount mechanisms, improving handling, reducing the amount of force required and to enable easy and flexible individual transport e.g. take with you in the trunk of your car. 
         [0097]    The golf-bag carrying tribrid vehicle includes at least three wheels, a steer with two handlebars, an electric motor with battery, golf bag storage provisions, a tilting footboard. The golf-bag carrying tribrid vehicle can be pivoted and locked into a trolley configuration. The present invention is designed with the lowest and most compact steering mechanism, lowest center of gravity and closest to the steering center point, maximum volume for accommodation and transport of golf bags, and a light, compact, foldable, demountable, tilting bike frame, a handlebar to enable full kicking by the golfer, and a frame that converts to a trolley and transportation configuration. Tilting of frame and handlebar is very important to assure pleasant curve dynamics when steering to the right or left. (one leans over to the right or left when making a bend. The first embodiment of the present invention comprises a u-shaped steering centrally positioned around a golf bag volume in the middle of to the steering point. A headset assembly connects to the middle of the frame at the center axes of the bike and below the front wheels&#39; axes. At both ends of the frame a connection is made to the two front wheels axes. At two positions close to the ends of the steering frame a pivot point connection is made to two steering support tubes. The steering frame has contacts to activate the electrical drive support. At two positions close to the ends of the steering frame a connection is made to a u-shaped tube assembly consisting of an electronics carrier and lower connection joint for the steering column. The headset assembly is connected under an angle to the steering frame to enable tilting of a folding lower base frame. The lower base frame runs underneath of the steering frame and consists of a pivot point, footboard, rear fork and rear wheels. The pivot point has shock absorbing and resilient characteristics. The pivot point can be rotated and secured in different angles. The pivot point can be demounted. the lower base frame is constructed of a small diameter tube. The lower base frame, footboard and rear wheel(s) are located on the center axes of the bike. The extendable and foldable steering column consists of a foldable tube and connects to an angular adjustable pivot point handlebar stem. 
         [0098]    An alternate embodiment comprises a parallel steering mechanism in which the steering column is connected to the lower frame pivot point to enable (counter)clock rotation to form the kick bike into a walking trolley and a compact unit for the transport. 
         [0099]    In yet another embodiment, the parallel steering mechanism is connected to an adjustable toothed rack to enable variable tilting of the entire lower rear frame. 
         [0100]    The rear wheel(s) can be non-electrical and electrical powered to enable tribrid functionality: walk, kick and ride. The electric embodiment comprises various combinations of freewheel, kick-support and fully power functionality. The electric embodiment comprises various combinations of freewheel, kick-support and fully power functionality. This enables golf players to walk next to or kick the present invention with or without any electrical support. This also allows golfers to stand on the present invention with full electrical support. There is a seamlessly and instantly transition between no, assisted and full electrical support types without any electrical or mechanical conversion or modification. 
         [0101]    In the electric powered embodiment of the present invention, the rear wheel, and/or the drive wheels comprise an electric wheel hub motor. The handlebars on each side are provided with a speed adjustable on-off button for assisted motorized support of the Kickbike and bag when walking next the kick-bike. The footboard consists of a sensor to activate power assist when kicking. The handlebar is provided with one or two brakes and a throttle lever for regulating the output of the electric wheel hub motor for full motorized support. 
         [0102]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the front wheels of the golf kick bike have electric wheel hub motors. Alternatively, however, the two front wheels can be driven by only one motor, which is connected to the wheels via a differential gearbox. 
         [0103]    The present invention can therefore be designed in a variable manner for different drive forms with modular add-ons. It is particularly advantageous that the lower frame can be folded (counter)clockwise around the lower frame pivot point, wherein the footboard and rear wheels are securely locked in a form-locked manner by way of stops, the steering column is rotated clockwise, and the stepless, height-adjustable, rotatable and lockable handlebar is fixedly installed. This ensures that the present invention can form into a walking trolley and with folded steering column into a compact unit for being transported inside another vehicle. Furthermore, the present invention can comprise a foldable, height-adjustable and removable saddle or seat for the golf kick bike driver, wherein the support can be added when kicking is not required. Further advantages and details will become apparent from the description that follows, with reference to the attached drawings. 
         [0104]    Now referring to the figures and more particularly to  FIGS. 1-7 . The present invention includes a tubular upper frame  1  with a lowered tubular portion  2  at both end connected to front wheel  3  bearings  4  and connected to a fixed mounted tubular u-frame  5  and rotatable in bearings mounted steering column  6  support tubes  7  connected to the rotatable in bearings  8  mounted fixing point  9  in the middle of steering column  6  and to rotatable in bearings  10  mounted fixing point  11  at both ends of the tubular upper frame. The u-frame  5  supports the enclosing  12  of a battery and controller for energizing the rear wheel  13  motor  14 . The steering column  6  rotatable mounted in bearings  8 , connected by at both ends, having a headset bearing  15  at the top thereby enabling rotation of the handlebar  16  and having a detachable fixation at the end of the retractable lower portion  17  of the steering column  6  to the tubular u-frame  5  enabling rotation of the upper frame  1  and steering column  6  if detached. 
         [0105]    The steering column  6  has a fixation bracket  27  for a golf bag  28 . The handlebar  16  consist of handles with integrated on-off button  18   a  and brake levers  18   b  for brakes  19  and for controls for controlling the rear wheel  13  motor  14 . The front portion  20  of the tubular lower frame is rotatable connected in a headset bearing  21  to the upper frame  1  thereby enabling rotation of the wheels  3  and rotatable and fixable pivot point  22  connected to the rear portion  23  of the tubular lower frame  20 + 23  including a footboard  24  and split into a fork  25  with bracket mounting  26  to the rear wheel  13 . 
         [0106]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 8-14  the front portion  20  of the tubular lower frame is rotatable connected in a fixed angular or stepless angular positioned headset bearing  21  to the upper frame  1  thereby enabling tilting of the tubular lower frame  20 + 23  and included footboard  24 , fork  25  and bracket mounted  26  rear wheel  13  when rotating the upper frame  1  by steering with the to the steering column  6  connected handlebar  16 . 
         [0107]      FIGS. 15-22  show the transformation from the golf kick bike to a trolley configuration with rear portion of the lower frame rotated counterclockwise over the rotatable and fixable pivot point of the lower frame thereby changing the rear wheel into a front wheel. 
         [0108]      FIGS. 23-27  show the transformation from a trolley to a compact transport configuration with rear portion of the lower frame rotated counterclockwise over the rotatable and fixable pivot point of the lower frame further and the steering column detached from the fixation to the tubular u-frame with retracted lower portion of the steering column The upper portion of the steering column rotated counterclockwise over the rotatable in bearings mounted fixing point in the middle of steering column. 
         [0109]      FIG. 28  shows the golf kickbike, trolley and transport configuration.  FIG. 29  shows the transformation from golf kickbike to trolley and reverse with golf bag 
         [0110]      FIGS. 30-33  show the transformed golf kick bike into a trolley configuration with rear portion of the lower frame rotated clockwise over the rotatable and fixable pivot point of the lower frame thereby changing the rear wheel into a front wheel. The position of the golf player, the golf bag and the rotation direction of the electrically powered wheel is reversed compared to the counterclockwise configuration in  FIGS. 15-22 . 
         [0111]    In the embodiments of shown in  FIGS. 34-39  the front portion of the tubular lower frame rotatable headset bearing connection to the upper frame is fixated and two rotatable headset bearings are connected to the two wheels&#39; bearings thereby enabling rotating the wheels in parallel via a parallel steering mechanism. 
         [0112]      FIG. 40  shows the transformation from the kick bike to a trolley configuration with rear portion of the lower frame and steering column rotated clockwise over the rotatable and fixable pivot point of the lower frame thereby changing the rear wheel into a front wheel. 
         [0113]      FIG. 41  shows interfaces connected to the steering column to support and fixate all kind of accessories such as an umbrella, tablet, phone, bottle, balls, bags and a seat. 
         [0114]      FIG. 42  shows the transformation from the kick bike to a compact transport configuration with rear portion of the lower frame and steering column rotated counterclockwise over the rotatable and fixable pivot point of the lower frame. 
         [0115]      FIG. 43  shows the kick bike transformation to a walking trolley configuration with demounted lower base frame, footboard and rear wheel(s) and reconfigured to a trolley configuration by adding a swivel or fixed wheel with locking feature. 
         [0116]    In the embodiments of shown in  FIG. 44-46 , the steering column is connected via a rotary swivel coupling next to the pivot point to a tooth rack at the lower frame front to enable parallel steering and tilting the lower frame at the same time. The battery pack is removable also for trolley use. 
         [0117]      FIG. 47  shows the transformation from the parallel steering and tilting kick bike to a trolley configuration with rear portion of the lower frame and steering column rotated clockwise over the rotatable and fixable pivot point of the lower frame thereby changing the rear wheel into a front wheel. 
         [0118]      FIGS. 48 &amp; 49  show the transformation from the kick bike to a compact transport configuration with rear portion of the lower frame and steering column rotated counterclockwise over the rotatable and fixable pivot point of the lower frame. 
         [0119]      FIGS. 50, 51 , &amp;  52  show the tilting mechanism in which the steering column rotation is transferred via a cross coupling, two 90-degree gear system and horizontal rotating shaft to a plenary geared rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism consists of a centrally placed gear that drives a secondary gear and thereby rotates e.g. tilts the lower frame. The horizontal rotating shaft is also connected to two steering arms both connected to ball joints to steer the separate front wheels. 
         [0120]      FIG. 52 a    shows a detailed view of the plenary variable geared tilting and steering mechanism to enable tilting tailored to the preference of the golfer 
         [0121]      FIG. 52 b    shows the variable on-off walk support button that activates the electrical support when walking next to the present invention. De electrical support is activated by pushing the button, is stopped when the button is released and can be adjusted and synchronized with the speed of walking by rotating the button. 
         [0122]      FIG. 53  shows a partly transparent wind, sun, rain and protective shield that can be mounted on the handlebar. 
         [0123]    Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.