Device for cleaning golf trolleys

Abstract

Device for cleaning a golf trolley (1) which has at least one wheel axle (2) and a wheel (3) connected thereto, wherein the device comprises: a first side cheek (10) and a second side cheek (20) located at a predetermined distance (a) from the first side cheek (10); wherein the first side cheek (10) and the second side cheek (20) define a space (30) and each have an upper guide surface (11, 21) for supporting the wheel axle (2); wherein the upper guide surface (11, 21) has at least one shoulder (13, 23; 14, 24; 15, 25; 16, 26) for receiving the wheel axle (2) in a position that allows free movement of the wheel (3).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for cleaning golf trolleys. Golf trolleys, sometimes also called caddies, are transport carts for golf clubs that allow golfers to push or pull their golf bag either manually or with motor assistance. Typically designed as two-wheeled or three-wheeled trolleys, golf trolleys can have a rigid axle connecting the wheels or be equipped with independent wheel suspension. While golf trolleys are largely maintenance-free, they should be cleaned and cared for regularly to prevent consequential and long-term damage.

[0002] During a round of golf, grass, dirt, or sand can accumulate on the trolley. Therefore, it's advisable to clean the trolley after your round with a slightly damp, soft cloth or a soft brush. The trolley's wheels and tires are particularly susceptible to dirt, as mud and grass often collect there, and stones, for example, can get stuck in the tire grooves. Typically, the wheels and tires are cleaned with a brush to remove the loose dirt. In addition, many golf courses offer equipment such as hoses, pressure washers, or air compressors for a more thorough cleaning.

[0003] Automatic cleaning devices, or washing systems, for trolleys are also becoming increasingly common. For example, WO 2005 / 092681 A1 discloses a cleaning device for cleaning the wheels of a trolley, which has a support surface on which the trolley is rolled from one end to the other, and collecting pipes that spray water downwards and outwards onto the respective wheels. The rolling surface and the inner surface of each wheel are cleaned directly by the water jets, while the outer surface of each wheel is cleaned by water that bounces off the side walls of a device designed for cleaning golf clubs.

[0004] Furthermore, EP 3 372 286 A1 discloses a cleaning station for the wheels of a golf trolley, comprising a platform for the trolley and an arrangement with a cleaning roller and a drive roller for supporting the trolley wheel, as well as a brush roller arranged between them for cleaning the wheel contact surface. The rollers are arranged parallel to each other under an opening in the platform, transverse to the direction of travel of the trolley. The cleaning station also includes a drive mechanism by which the cleaning and drive rollers rotate in the same direction, and the brush roller rotates in the opposite direction.

[0005] DE 295 15 272 U1 further describes a cleaning device for the wheels of golf bag trolleys, comprising at least one pair of rollers arranged between the walls of a housing, on which the wheels of an axle of the trolley to be cleaned rest during cleaning. The cleaning device also includes drive units for the rollers and a piping system for supplying cleaning fluid. The piping system can be connected to a conventional domestic water system or another pressurized washing fluid system and includes several washing fluid outlet nozzles arranged such that the inner surfaces of the wheels, the outer surfaces of the wheels, and the running surfaces of the wheels are sprayed with cleaning agent during cleaning. The drive units consist of an electric motor and a reduction gear arranged between the electric motor and the driven roller shaft.The drive units are arranged in a water-protected area of ​​the housing, with parts of the housing designed as splash protection to the outside.

[0006] Devices for cleaning the wheels of golf trolleys are also known from DE 41 33 667 C2 and DE 39 23 213 C2.

[0007] The known devices are technically sophisticated and therefore associated with relatively high manufacturing costs. Furthermore, they are comparatively heavy and thus their use is limited to stationary locations, such as the washing area of ​​a golf course.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of creating a device for cleaning a golf trolley that is characterized by a simple design, low weight and thus mobility.

[0009] This problem is solved by a device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention are the subject of claims 2 to 15.

[0010] The device according to the invention is used for cleaning a golf trolley that has at least one wheel axle and a wheel connected thereto, wherein the wheel axle can be a rigid axle connecting two wheels or part of an independent wheel suspension. The device comprises a first side panel and a second side panel located at a predetermined distance from the first side panel. The first side panel and the second side panel define a space and each have an upper guide surface that supports the wheel axle when the golf trolley is placed on the device. The upper guide surface has at least one shoulder that serves to receive the wheel axle in a position that allows the wheel to rotate freely.

[0011] For example, a golf trolley designed as a three-wheeled trolley can be placed on the device according to the invention. The front wheel of the golf trolley can pass through the gap to ensure effortless placement of the golf trolley on the device. With the golf trolley in place, the wheel axle rests on the upper guide surface, and the rear wheels are raised sufficiently to rotate freely. A thorough cleaning of the rear wheels of the golf trolley can then be easily carried out using a brush and / or a conventional garden hose, pressure washer, or air compressor.

[0012] Unlike known automatic cleaning devices, the device according to the invention has a simple design that enables cost-effective manufacturing. The device can also be made lightweight and is therefore suitable for mobile use. For example, the device can easily be carried by the golfer or stored in a caddy house on the golf course.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a plurality of steps formed at different heights on the first and second side panels. This accommodates different wheel sizes of golf trolleys. Preferably, the upper guide surface of the first and second side panels forms a stepped contour that ensures easy placement of the golf trolley.

[0014] To ensure secure mounting of the wheel axle and thus a reliable fit of the golf trolley on the device according to the invention, the shoulder advantageously has a recess, the recess preferably being trough-shaped. A further benefit to secure mounting of the wheel axle is provided if the upper guide surface, at least in the area of ​​the shoulder, is coated with a friction-reducing material.

[0015] Especially when the golf trolley is relatively heavy, for example, a motorized electric trolley, it has proven advantageous to equip the first and second side panels with a chamfer that transitions into the upper guide surface. This allows the golf trolley to be easily pushed onto the upper guide surface.

[0016] Preferably, the first and second side panels each have at least one fastening opening for receiving a fastening device, preferably a screw connection, by means of which the first and second side panels can be fastened to a surface, for example a concrete slab in the area of ​​the golf course's washing area. In this way, a high degree of stability of the side panels is ensured despite their lightweight design.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a base plate on which the first side wall and the second side wall are arranged. The first side wall and the second side wall preferably each have a lower mounting surface which is connected to the base plate, which in this case forms the floor surface, for example by means of a screw connection.

[0018] To accommodate different track widths of golf trolleys, the distance between the first and second side panels is advantageously adjustable. For this purpose, the first and / or second side panels can be slidably mounted on the base plate. Alternatively or additionally, the base plate can be provided with numerous mounting holes for attaching the side panels, allowing for variable side panel arrangement.

[0019] Preferably, the base plate has a top surface facing the gap and a bottom surface facing away from the gap, with the top surface preferably being inclined relative to the horizontal so that water can drain off when using a water hose or pressure washer for cleaning purposes. In this context, it has also proven advantageous if the base plate alternatively or additionally has at least one drainage opening. In this case, the base plate can have at least one drainage channel on its top surface leading to the drainage opening.

[0020] Preferably, the base plate has a multitude of mounting holes for attachment to a substrate. In this way, the base plate can be fastened to the substrate, for example a concrete slab or a grating in the area of ​​the golf course's washing area, by means of a screw connection or similar, to ensure high stability. For this purpose, the base plate can alternatively or additionally have at least one ground anchor, which is preferably located on the underside.

[0021] To ensure effortless transport of the device, the first side panel and / or the second side panel and / or the base plate may have a handle, preferably designed as a handle opening.

[0022] A particularly lightweight design is achieved when the device weighs less than 20 kg, preferably less than 10 kg. This is especially possible if the first side panel and / or the second side panel and / or the base plate are made of plastic. A robust and durable plastic, possessing good impact resistance, weather resistance, and resistance to cleaning agents, and thus suitable for the purposes of the device according to the invention, has proven to be selected from the group comprising polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

[0023] An embodiment of the device according to the invention is described below with reference to the drawings. These show Fig. 1 a perspective view of the device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a side view of the device; Fig. 3 a top view of the device and Fig. 4 a perspective view showing a golf trolley placed on the device.

[0024] The Fig. The device shown in Figures 1 to 3 is used for cleaning a golf trolley 1, which has a wheel axle 2 and a wheel 3 connected thereto. The device comprises a first side panel 10, a second side panel 20 which, as Fig. 3, is located at a predetermined distance a from the first side wall 10, and has a base plate 40. The first and second side walls define a gap 30 and each have an upper guide surface 11, 21 for supporting the wheel axle 2. The upper guide surfaces 11, 21 each have a plurality of steps 13, 23; 14, 24; 15, 25; 16, 26, which, as Fig. 2 can be seen, which are formed at different heights h1, h2, h3, h4 on the side walls 10, 20 and serve to accommodate the wheel axle 2 in a position that allows the wheel 3 to run freely.

[0025] The upper guide surfaces 11, 21 form a stepped contour, with the individual steps 13, 23; 14, 24; 15, 25; 16, 26 being the steps. Each step 13, 23; 14, 24; 15, 25; 16, 26, provided with a chamfer 32, forms a recess 31 that ensures secure reception of the wheel axle 2. The recess 31 is formed by a sloping transition from one step 13, 23; 14, 24; 15, 25; 16, 26 to the next step 13, 23; 14, 24; 15, 25; 16, 26. Alternatively, the recess 31 can also be trough-shaped. The upper guide surface 11, 21 can be provided with a friction-reducing coating, at least in the area of ​​paragraphs 13, 23; 14, 24; 15, 25; 16, 26. The side walls 10, 20 each have a chamfer 17, 27 that transitions into the upper guide surface 11, 21.

[0026] How especially the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the side walls 10, 20 each have a plurality of fastening openings 19, 29, which serve to receive a fastening element, in particular a screw connection, by means of which the side walls 10, 20 are fastened to the base plate 40. For this purpose, the side walls 10, 20 each have a lower fastening surface 12, 22, which rests on the base plate 40. The base plate 40 also has a plurality of fastening holes 45 which are aligned with the fastening openings 19, 29 to enable a screw connection. Depending on the application, the distance a between the side walls 10, 20 can be variable or constant. In the present case, however, the distance a is constant, resulting in a simple and robust construction.

[0027] The base plate 40 has a top surface 41 facing the space 30 and a bottom surface 42 facing away from the space 30, which rests on the substrate, for example, a concrete slab or a grating in the area of ​​the golf course's wash bay. The top surface 41 can be inclined relative to the horizontal to facilitate the drainage of wash water. In this case, however, the top surface 41 is not inclined to ensure a simple construction. The base plate 30 does, however, have a drainage opening 43, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. The base plate 40 also has a large number of fastening holes 44, which serve to fasten it to the substrate, for example by means of a screw connection. The base plate 40 may also have a ground anchor or similar on its underside 42 to ensure a non-slip position.

[0028] The side panels 10 and 20 each have a handle designed as a handle opening 18 and 28 to facilitate easy transport of the device. The device's relatively low weight of 7.5 kg also contributes to this ease of transport. The side panels 10 and 20 and the base plate 40 are each made of plastic, in this case high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This type of plastic offers high weather and water resistance, good impact resistance, and is very robust, durable, and resistant to common cleaning agents.

[0029] The previously described device for cleaning a golf trolley 1 is characterized by a simple design that enables cost-effective manufacturing. The device is lightweight and therefore ideally suited for mobile use. Furthermore, the device allows for the cleaning of the wheels of various types of golf trolleys 1, particularly those with one or two axles, two, three, or four wheels, and different track widths. This ensures the device's practical and universal applicability. Reference symbol list 1 golf trolley 2 wheel axle 3-wheeler 10 first side cheek 11 upper guide surface 12 Mounting surface Paragraph 13 Paragraph 14 Paragraph 15 16 paragraph 17. Approach ramp 18 Handle opening 19 Mounting opening 20 second side cheek 21 upper guide surface 22 Mounting surface Paragraph 23 Paragraph 24 Paragraph 25 Paragraph 26 27 Approach ramp 28 Handle opening 29 Mounting opening 30 space 31 In-depth study 32 Lead-in slope 40 Base plate 41 Top 42 Underside 43 Drainage opening 44 mounting holes 45 mounting holes a distance h1 height h2 height h3 height h4 height QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2005 / 092681 A1

[0003] EP 3 372 286 A1

[0004] DE 295 15 272 U1

[0005] DE 41 33 667 C2

[0006] DE 39 23 213 C2

[0006]

Claims

[1] Device for cleaning a golf trolley (1) having at least one wheel axle (2) and a wheel (3) connected thereto, the device comprising: a first side panel (10) and a second side cheek (20) located at a predetermined distance (a) from the first side cheek (10); wherein the first side cheek (10) and the second side cheek (20) define an intermediate space (30) and each have an upper guide surface (11, 21) for supporting the wheel axle (2); wherein the upper guide surface (11, 21) has at least one shoulder (13, 23; 14, 24; 15, 25; 16, 26) for receiving the wheel axle (2) in a position which enables freewheeling of the wheel (3). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized bya plurality of shoulders (13, 23; 14, 24; 15, 25; 16, 26) formed at different heights (h1, h2, h3, h4) on the first side cheek (10) and the second side cheek (20); wherein the upper guide surface (11, 21) preferably forms a step-like contour. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the shoulder (13, 23; 14, 24; 15, 25; 16, 26) forms a recess (31); wherein the recess (31) is preferably trough-shaped. [4] Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the upper guide surface (11, 21) is provided with a friction-reducing coating at least in the region of the shoulder (13, 23; 14, 24; 15, 25; 16, 26). [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the first side cheek (10) and the second side cheek (20) each have a run-on slope (17, 27) which merges into the upper guide surface (11, 21). [6] Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the first side cheek (10) and the second side cheek (20) each have at least one fastening opening (19, 29) for receiving a fastening means, preferably a screw connection, by means of which the first side cheek (10) and the second side cheek (20) can be fastened to a floor substrate (40). [7] Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a base plate (40) forming the floor base and on which the first side cheek (10) and the second side cheek (20) are arranged; wherein preferably the first side cheek (10) and the second side cheek (20) each have a lower fastening surface (12, 22) connected to the base plate (40). [8] Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat the distance (a) between the first side cheek (10) and the second side cheek (20) is variable; wherein preferably the first side cheek (10) and / or the second side cheek (20) are arranged displaceably on the base plate (40). [9] Device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by that the base plate (40) has an upper side (41) facing the intermediate space (30) and an underside (42) facing away from the intermediate space (30), wherein preferably the upper side (41) is inclined relative to the horizontal. [10] Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized by that the base plate (40) has at least one drainage opening (43); wherein the base plate (40) preferably has on the upper side (41) at least one drainage channel extending to the drainage opening (43). [11] Device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized bythat the base plate (40) has a plurality of fastening holes (44) for fastening to a substrate. [12] Device according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized by that the base plate (40) has at least one ground anchor, which is preferably arranged on the underside (42). [13] Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the first side cheek (10) and / or the second side cheek (20) and / or the base plate (40) have a handle, which is preferably designed as a handle opening (18, 28). [14] Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by a weight of less than 20 kg, preferably less than 10 kg. [15] Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized bythat the first side cheek (10) and / or the second side cheek (20) and / or the base plate (40) are made of plastic; wherein the plastic is preferably selected from the group comprising polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylate butadiene styrene (ABS) and glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GRP).

Images