Golf club carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a golf club carrier (1) comprising a top portion (11) and a bottom portion (13). The top portion (11) comprises a plurality of holders (113) distributed on two opposite lateral sides of the top portion (11) and arranged to hold a golf club (6) from a shaft (61) of the golf club (6). The bottom portion (13) comprises a plurality of slots (133) distributed in two rows and arranged to support the golf club (6) from a grip end (62) of the golf club (6). The top portion (11) comprises a storage compartment (116) arranged in an upright part (114) of the top portion (11). The storage compartment (116) opens to a first side (120) or to a second side (121) of the top portion (11).

Description

[0001] GOLF CLUB CARRIER

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to golf equipment, and more precisely to a golf club carrier.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Traditionally golf clubs are carried in a bag, which can optionally be held in a golf bag cart.

[0006] A problem with the traditional solution is that the golf clubs may not be very organized in the bag and therefore finding the desired club may be difficult. Another problem is that one may desire to show their golf clubs to other people but in a bag, they are not easily visible to others.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a solution to above problems.

[0009] The object of the invention is achieved by the golf club carrier which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim. The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention is based on the idea of providing a golf club carrier comprising a body comprising a top portion and a bottom portion supporting the top portion; the top portion comprising a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and two opposite lateral sides; wherein the bottom portion is arranged to support the golf club carrier on the ground; the top portion comprises a plurality of holders distributed on two opposite lateral sides of the top portion, each holder being arranged to hold a golf club from a shaft of the golf club external to the body; the bottom portion comprises a plurality of slots distributed in two rows, each slot corresponding to a holder, and each slot is arranged to support the golf club held by the corresponding holder from a grip end of the golf club; the top portion comprises an upright part; and the top portion comprises a storage compartment arranged in the upright part, the storage compartment opening to the first side or to the second side of the top portion.

[0011] An advantage of the invention is that in the golf club carrier of the invention, the golf clubs stay organized as each club has its own dedicated holder. Further, the clubs are visible so that the user can show the clubs to other people without having to remove them from the golf club carrier.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

[0014] Figure la is a schematic side view of a golf club carrier according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0015] Figure lb is a schematic side view of a golf club carrier according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0016] Figure lc is a schematic front view of a golf club carrier according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a person carrying a golf club carrier according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0018] Figure 3a is a schematic side view of a golf club carrier according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0019] Figure 3b is a schematic front view of a golf club carrier according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0020] Figure 4a is a schematic side view of a golf club carrier according to some embodiments of the invention;

[0021] Figure 4b is a schematic front view of a golf club carrier according to some embodiments of the invention; and

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a golf club carrier according to some embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The invention relates to a golf club carrier 1, i.e. a device for carrying and holding golf clubs 6. Each golf club 6 comprises a shaft 61, a grip end 62 on one end of the shaft 61, and a club end 63 on the opposite end of the shaft 61. The golf club carrier 1 comprises a body 10. The body 10 comprises a top portion 11 and a bottom portion 13 supporting the top portion 11. The top portion 11 comprises a first side 120, a second side 121 opposite the first side 120, and two opposite lateral sides 122. The bottom portion 13 is arranged to support the golf club carrier 1 on the ground.

[0024] The top portion 11 comprises an upright part 114. In this context, term upright means essentially upright, i.e. it is deviated at most 20 degrees, such as 0 to 20 degrees, from the vertical direction.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the top portion 11 comprises an inclined part 115. The inclined part 115 is connected to the upright part 114. According to some embodiments, the inclined part 115 has a curved shape. In this context, term inclined means that the part is deviated at least 30 degrees, such as 30 to 90 degrees, from the absolute direction. If the deviation of the inclined part from the vertical direction is 70 to 90 degrees, the inclined part could also be called a horizontal part.

[0026] Holders and slots

[0027] The top portion 11 comprises a plurality of holders 113. Each holder 113 is arranged to hold a golf club 6 from a shaft 61 of the golf club 6. Each holder 113 is arranged to hold the golf club 6 external to the body 10. In other words, the golf clubs 6 are held outside of the body 10 so that they are visible on the outside of the body 10. The plurality of holders 113 is distributed on the two opposite lateral sides 122 of the top portion 11. In other words, the holders 113 are arranged to hold the golf clubs 6 in such a way that the top portion is arranged between the golf clubs 6.

[0028] Preferably, the plurality of holders 113 is distributed on two imaginary parallel vertical surfaces, deviating at most 3 cm therefrom. In other words, the holders 113 may be arranged, for example, in a zig-zag formation or in a curved formation, as long as the deviation of an individual holder 113 is at most 3 cm. In this context, term parallel means that the angle between the imaginary vertical surfaces is at most 10 degrees.

[0029] For example, there is seven holders 113 on each side of the top portion 11.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the plurality of holders 113 is arranged in the inclined part 115. According to some other embodiments, the top portion 11 comprises a separate holder part 119 comprising the plurality of holders 113. The separate holder part 119 is illustrated in Figure 5.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the plurality of holders 113 is formed by a plurality of holes arranged in the top portion 11. According to some other embodiments, the plurality of holders 113 is formed by a plurality of pipe sections (not shown in the figures) connected to the top portion 11. In this way, the golf clubs 6 are held securely.

[0032] According to still some other embodiments, the plurality of holders 113 is formed by a plurality of flexible pinchers arranged to hold the shaft 61 of the golf club 6 in a pinching manner. The flexible pinchers allow easy insertion of the golf club 6 in the holder 113.

[0033] According to still some other embodiments, the plurality of holders 113 is formed by one or more magnetic holders arranged to hold the shaft 61 of the golf club 6 by a magnetic force. For example, the magnetic holders are formed by grooves arranged in the top portion 11. The grooves are arranged to receive the shaft 61. A magnet is arranged in each groove for retaining the shaft 61 in the groove. Magnetic holders formed by grooves are illustrated in Figure 5. Magnetic holders allow easy insertion of the golf club 6 in the holder 113 and reduce scratching of the surface of the shaft 61. Magnetic holders require that the shaft 61 comprises magnetic material.

[0034] The bottom portion 13 comprises a plurality of slots 133. Each slot 133 corresponds to a holder 113. Each slot 133 is arranged to support the golf club 6 held by the corresponding holder 113 from a grip end 62 of the golf club 6. In other words, the golf clubs 6 are held in the golf club carrier in such a way that the grip end of the golf club points downwards, and the club end points upwards. The plurality of slots 133 is distributed in two rows. In this context, term row also covers a situation in which some slots 23 are deviated from a straight line by at most 3 cm, measured from the centre of the slot. In other words, the row also means a zig-zagged row or a curved row. Preferably, the slots 133 are arranged on opposite lateral sides of the bottom portion 13. The number of slots 133 on each row matches the number of holders 113 arranged on each side of the top portion 11.

[0035] A space 50 is defined between the golf clubs 6 held by the plurality of holders 113 and supported by the plurality of slots 133, the top portion 11, and the bottom portion 13. The second side 121 of the top portion 11 is arranged to face the space 50. In other words, the first side 120 of the top portion 11 is arranged to face away from the space 50.

[0036] Wheeled portion

[0037] According to some embodiments, the golf club carrier 1 comprises a wheeled portion 20. The wheeled portion 20 supports the bottom portion 13 at a first end 21 of the wheeled portion 20. The wheeled portion 20 is connected detachably to the bottom portion 13. In other words, the wheeled portion 20 can be attached and detached depending on the situation. The wheeled portion 20 comprises at least two wheels 23, 24, 27. For example, the at least two wheels 23, 24 are arranged at a second end 22 of the wheeled portion 20. Alternatively, the at least two wheels 27 are arranged at the first end 21 of the wheeled portion 2. Preferably, a bottom surface 134 of the bottom portion 13 has a form and the wheeled portion 20 has a counter form corresponding to the form of the bottom surface 134 to make the bottom portion 13 and the wheeled portion 20 compatible with each other and to lock the portions at least laterally to each other. Figures 3a, 3b, 4a and 4b illustrate embodiments comprising the wheeled portion 20.

[0038] The wheeled portion 20 allows easy transportation of the golf club carrier 1, for example for carrying the golf clubs 6 during a round on a golf course. When the wheeled portion 20 is detached, the golf club carrier 1 can be used in a situation in which it is not needed to be moved repeatedly, such as when practising on a golf range. Detaching the wheeled portion 20 makes the golf club carrier 1 lighter, for example, if it is needed to be carried. According to some embodiments, the wheeled portion 20 comprises a V- shaped section 25, 26. The V-shaped section has a first arm 25 and a second arm 26 connected to each other. In other words, the first arm 25 and the second arm 26 are connected to each other directly or via an intermediate structure (not shown in the figures). For example, the angle between the first arm 25 and the second arm 26 is 10° to 90°, such as 20° to 60°. The free ends 251, 261 of the first arm 25 and the second arm 26 form the second end 22 of the wheeled portion 20. The first arm 25 and the second arm 26 are connected to each other at the opposite end of the free end 251 of the first arm 25 and the free end 261 of the second arm 26. The wheeled portion 20 comprises a first rear wheel 23 connected to the free end 251 of the first arm 25. The wheeled portion 20 comprises a second rear wheel 24 connected to the free end 261 of the second arm 26. The V-shaped section 25, 26 prevents the feet of the user from hitting the wheeled portion 20 when transporting the golf club carrier 1.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the wheeled portion 20 comprises at least one front wheel 27 arranged at the first end 21 of the wheeled portion 20. The front wheel 27 makes the golf club carrier 1 easier to move, especially by pushing.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the wheeled portion 20 comprises two front wheels 27 arranged at the first end 21 of the wheeled portion 20. Two front wheels improves the stability of the golf club carrier 1.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the wheeled portion 20 is arranged to allow rotation of the body 10 in relation to the wheeled portion 20 when the wheeled portion 20 is attached to the body. This allows folding down the golf club carrier 1 for storage and transport. Preferably, the wheeled portion 20 is arranged to allow rotation of the body 10 in such a way that the second end 112 of the top portion is moved towards the second end 22 of the wheeled portion 20. For example, the wheeled portion comprises a frame (not shown in the figures) comprising the wheels 23, 24, 27 and a sub-frame (not shown in the figures) connected pivotably to the frame of the wheeled portion and supporting the bottom portion 13. Figures 4a and 4b illustrate embodiments of the golf club carrier 1 that has been folded down.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the wheeled portion 20 comprises an electric motor 28 arranged to drive at least one of the wheels 23, 24, 27 of the wheeled portion 20. In this way, the golf club carrier 1 can be moved using the electric motor 28 without the user having to push the golf club carrier 1.

[0043] According to a further embodiment, the wheeled portion 20 comprises a standing platform 29. In this way, the user can ride the golf club carrier 1 by standing on the standing platform 29 while the movement is powered by the electric motor 28.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the golf club carrier 1 comprises a bag 30 arranged detachably between the top portion 11 and the bottom portion 13. In other words, the bag is arranged in the space 50. The bag 30 is supported in the space 50 by the bottom portion 13. The form of the bag 30 corresponds to the form of the space 50. In this way, the user is able to store spare clothes or other equipment necessary during playing golf so that the storage can be detached and separated from the golf club carrier 1.

[0045] The top portion 11 comprises a storage compartment 116 arranged in the upright part 114. Preferably, the top portion 11 comprises two storage compartments 116 as illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b. The storage compartment(s) 116 can be used to store equipment necessary for playing golf. The storage compartment^) 116 have a rigid structure and it forms / they form a part of the top portion 11. The storage compartment^) 116 opens / open to the first side 120 and / or to the second side 121. In other words, the storage compartment(s) 116 opens / open to the first side 120 or to the second side 121, or to the first side 120 and to the second side 121. According to some embodiments, in case of two or more storage compartments 116, some storage compartments 116 open to the first side 120 of the top portion 11 and other storage compartments 116 open to the second side 121 of the top portion 11.

[0046] Preferably, the storage compartment 116 is equipped with a door 1161. In case of two or more storage compartments 116, each or some of the storage compartments 116 may be equipped with a door 1161. For example, the door 1161 is arranged on the first side 120 of the top portion 11. The door 1161 may also be arranged to the second side 121 of the top portion 11. The door 1161 helps to keep the items in the storage compartment 116 and prevents them from getting wet or dirty. If a storage compartment 116 is arranged to open only to the second side 121 of the top portion 11, it can be used to store valuable items, for example.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the door 1161 is arranged to be locked to prevent unauthorized access to the storage space 116.

[0048] According to some embodiments, top portion 11 comprises a storage 117 for golfballs. For example, the storage 117 is arranged in the inclined part 115. In this way, the golf balls are easily accessible. For example, the storage 117 for golf balls is a golf ball dispenser arranged inside the top portion 11. For example, the golf ball dispenser comprises a tube holding golf balls resting on a spring-loaded flat plate which urges golf balls upwards against a spring-loaded retaining clip which goes up and over the top golfball. Such a dispenser has been disclosed in GB2125776A.

[0049] Handle, carrving strap and handlebar

[0050] According to some embodiments, the top portion 11 comprises a handle 118 for carrying the golf club carrier 1. According to some embodiments, the handle 118 is arranged in the upright part 114 of the top portion 11. Preferably, the handle 118 is arranged on the first side 120 of the top portion 11. The handle 118 makes it easier to carry the golf club carrier 1. The handle 118 may be needed if the golf club carrier 1 is used without the wheeled portion 20.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the golf club carrier 1 comprises a carrying strap 60 for carrying the golf club carrier 1. Preferably, the carrying strap 60 is connected to the second end 112 of the top portion 11 and to the second end 132 of the bottom portion 13. The carrying strap 60 allows carrying the golf club carrier 1 on a shoulder of the user. According to some embodiments, the golf club carrier 1 comprises two carrying straps 60 for carrying the golf club carrier 1. Preferably, the two carrying straps 60 are connected to the second end 112 of the top portion 11 and to the second end 132 ofthe bottom portion 13. Two carrying straps 60 allow carrying the golf club carrier 1 on shoulders of the user like a backpack. The carrying strap 60 is illustrated in Figure 5.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the golf club carrier 1 comprises a handlebar 40 connected detachably to a second end 112 of the top portion 11. The handlebar 40 is used to push or pull the golf club carrier 1 when the wheeled portion 20 is attached to the body 10. The handlebar 40 can be detached when it is not needed. Preferably, the handlebar 40 is attached pivotably to the second end 112 of the top portion 11 to allow adjusting the height of the handlebar 40 for different users and for folding it down when the golf club carrier 1 is folded down for storage and transport.

[0053] The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Golf club carrier (1) comprising a body (10) comprising a top portion (11) and a bottom portion (13) supporting the top portion (11); the top portion (11) comprising a first side (120), a second side (121) opposite the first side (120), and two opposite lateral sides (122); characterized in that the bottom portion (13) is arranged to support the golf club carrier (1) on the ground; the top portion (11) comprises a plurality of holders (113) distributed on the two opposite lateral sides (122), each holder (113) being arranged to hold a golf club (6) from a shaft (61) of the golf club (6) external to the body (10); the bottom portion (13) comprises a plurality of slots (133) distributed in two rows, each slot (133) corresponding to a holder (113), and each slot (133) is arranged to support the golf club (6) held by the corresponding holder (113) from a grip end (62) of the golf club (6); and- the top portion (11) comprises an upright part (114); and the top portion (11) comprises a storage compartment (116) arranged in the upright part (114), the storage compartment (116) opening to the first side (120) or to the second side (121) of the top portion (11).

2. A golf club carrier (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the golf club carrier (1) comprises a wheeled portion (20) supporting the bottom portion (13) at a first end (21) of the wheeled portion (20) and connected detachably to the bottom portion (13), wherein the wheeled portion (20) comprises at least two wheels (23, 24, 27).

3. A golf club carrier (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the wheeled portion comprises (20) two rear wheels (23, 24) arranged at the second end (22) of the wheeled portion (20).

4. A golf club carrier (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the wheeled portion (20) comprises a V-shaped section having a first arm (25) and a second arm (26), the free ends (251, 261) of the first arm (25) and the second arm (26) forming the second end (22) of the wheeled portion (20); and the wheeled portion (20) comprises a first rear wheel (23) connected to the free end (251) of the first arm (25), and a second rear wheel (24) connected to the free end (261) of the second arm (26).

5. A golf club carrier (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the wheeled portion (20) comprises at least one front wheel (27) arranged at the first end (21) of the wheeled portion (20).

6. A golf club carrier (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the wheeled portion (20) comprises two front wheels(27) arranged at the first end (21) of the wheeled portion (20).

7. A golf club carrier (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the wheeled portion (20) comprises an electric motor(28) arranged to drive at least one of the wheels (23, 24, 27) of the wheeled portion (20).

8. A golf club carrier (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the wheeled portion (20) comprises a standing platform (29).

9. A golf club carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of holders (113) is formed by a plurality of flexible pinchers arranged to hold the shaft (61) of the golf club (6) in a pinching manner.

10. A golf club carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the plurality of holders (113) is formed by one or more magnetic holders arranged to hold the shaft (61) of the golf club (6) by a magnetic force.

11. A golf club carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the golf club carrier (1) comprises a bag (30) arranged detachably between the top portion (11) and the bottom portion (13).

12. A golf club carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top portion (11) comprises a storage (117) for golf balls, such as a golf ball dispenser.

13. A golf club carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the top portion (11) comprises a handle (118) for carrying the golf club carrier (1).

14. A golf club carrier (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the handle (118) is arranged in an upright part (114) of the top portion (11).

15. A golf club carrier (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the golf club carrier (1) comprises a handlebar (40) connected detachably to a second end (112) of the top portion (11).

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