Improved foldable golf trolleys

Abstract

A modular golf trolley 10 comprises a frame 12 and a base 14 having a chassis comprising first 20 and second 24 modules that are detachable from one another. The modules may each include a wheel 22,26

Description

io

[002] Foldable golf trolleys are those golf trolleys which may be reversibly deployed from a collapsed configuration prior to use, and collapsed again for storage or transportation thereafter.

[003] Both push-type, i.e. non-electric, and electric golf trolleys can be foldable. 15 Foldable electric golf trolleys are typically more complex in design compared to pushtype trolleys given the requirement for an electromechanical drive mechanism including at least one battery, drivetrain and other powerable components. Wheel arrangements also typically differ between push-type and electric-type due to torque and other forces associated with driven wheels of electric-type golf trolleys. 20

[004] Nevertheless, golfers desire ever more compact foldable golf trolleys, including foldable electric golf trolleys, so that space may be saved during their storage and transport. There is also a desire for more easily deployable and collapsible foldable golf trolleys, so that assembly and disassembly time is reduced. 25

[005] Additionally, electric golf trolleys, and particularly foldable electric golf trolleys, are electromechanical devices that suffer relatively high rates of failure due to their complexity of design and typical use throughout the seasons and on varying terrain. This issue tends to be exacerbated by the development of more complex mechanisms 30 aimed at producing more compact trolleys. A dichotomy exists.

[006] Failure of a golf trolley usually requires shipping to a third party for rectification, which is costly, environmentally unfriendly and can result in further damage to other parts of the trolley in transit. Also, users are left without the use of the whole golf trolley 12 06 25 while it is repaired, regardless of which component or part of the golf trolley requires repair or replacement.

[007] There is thus an ongoing need to improve the compactness, ease of use and 5 utility of golf trolleys, while mitigating the impact of component failure.

[008] The present invention aims to address these and other problems with the prior art. io Summary

[009] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a modular golf trolley comprising a frame and a base having a chassis including at least first and second separable chassis modules; wherein the chassis modules are separable from 15 one another in a normal use configuration of the modular golf trolley; and wherein the frame is substantially modular comprising a plurality of frame modules which are separable from one another.

[010] As used herein, the term “normal use configuration” refers to the chassis 20 modules of the modular golf trolley being expressly arranged to be separable from one another by a user. In other words, the modular golf trolley may be configured such that a user may separate the two or more chassis modules from one another when setting up or taking down the golf trolley prior to or after use, and / or during the course of play. 25 [011 ] As used herein, the term “chassis module” generally refers to a segment of the body of the base, for example a segment other than (solely) a distinct detachable battery or battery pack, or a wheel, but which may include, be joined to or may house a battery, battery pack and / or one or more wheels. The base may include a first chassis module and a second chassis module. 30

[012] Generally, as used herein the term “frame” refers to that part of the golf trolley which, in a deployed configuration of the golf trolley may extend generally vertically from the base and may typically include a handlebar and at least part of a support for a golf bag. 12 06 25

[013] The configuration of the present invention is advantageous because segments of the golf trolley, e.g. segments of the chassis of the base, are detachable from one another, making the golf trolley more compact in a separated configuration. Thus, the 5 modular golf trolley provides greater flexibility when transporting and storing the golf trolley between uses.

[014] Also, importantly, the modular golf trolley allows different modules comprising different components or having different features to be interchangeably combined. io

[015] For example, a chassis module including a rear segment of the base and one or more push-type rear wheel attachments may be substituted for a chassis module including a rear segment of the base, one or more electric-type rear wheel attachments and, optionally, means for applying drive to the electric-type wheel attachments. 15 Therefore, a user need not purchase separate entire push-type and electric golf trolleys, but instead may purchase interchangeable push-type and electric-type modules in order to assemble several different types of modular golf trolley. This is particularly advantageous, because electric golf trolleys are often banned from golf courses during adverse weather conditions. Therefore, up until now, golfers are 20 typically required to purchase both push-type and electric golf trolleys if they wish to use a golf trolley in all conditions.

[016] Furthermore, if part of the modular golf trolley suffers a failure, only the module including that part can be sent off for repair or replacement instead of the whole golf 25 trolley. Therefore, where the user owns another interchangeable module, they may continue to use the golf trolley.

[017] Generally, and in embodiments, separation of the two or more modules from one another may be actuable without the use of a distinct tool. For example, in 30 embodiments, the modular golf trolley may comprise one or more quick-release mechanisms for separating a first chassis module from a second chassis module. The quick-release mechanism may include a push button or lever. Generally, such a quick-release mechanism may be operable between a locked position in which two corresponding said modules are joined to one another and are substantially 12 06 25 inseparable (without actuation of the mechanism), and an unlocked position in which the two modules may be separated.

[018] In embodiments, the modular golf trolley may be biased towards a locked 5 configuration in which the separable modules are substantially inseparable without the actuation of a release mechanism or removal of a locking means.

[019] In embodiments, the modular golf trolley may include one or more additional modules which are separable from the remainder of the golf trolley. For example, the io modular golf trolley may include three, four, five or more modules which are substantially separable from one another. The frame is substantially modular. The frame may constitute one or more separable modules which are separable from the base. For example, the golf trolley may include a module including a steering means, and / or the frame may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion which is 15 separable from the upper portion. In embodiments, the frame may include at least part of a golf bag support. The at least part of the golf bag support may be separable from the remainder of the frame.

[020] In embodiments, the first chassis module may constitute a front chassis module 20 including one or more front wheel attachments. Generally, the or each front wheel attachment of the first chassis module may be a non-driven, i.e. passive, wheel attachment. However, in embodiments a front wheel attachment of the first chassis module may be a powerable wheel, i.e. one which is driveable via one or more motors. In embodiments, the or each front wheel attachment may be a caster wheel 25 attachment or a fixed wheel attachment.

[021] In embodiments, the first, e.g. front, chassis module may be mechanically associated with the frame. In embodiments, the frame may extend from the first chassis module in a deployed configuration of the golf trolley. 30

[022] In embodiments, the second chassis module may constitute a rear chassis module including one or more rear wheel attachments. 12 06 25

[023] As used herein, the term “wheel attachment” generally refers to an end portion of an axle configured to operably engage a wheel, and may also include an attached wheel. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that golf trolley wheels may be independently separable from the golf trolley, e.g. for replacement or repair. A wheel 5 attachment of a module may include one or more detachable wheels.

[024] In embodiments, the second chassis module may be either a push-type module or an electric-type module, and the corresponding first chassis module may be configured to substantially interchangeably and reversibly attach to the push-type or io electric-type rear module.

[025] In other words, the first chassis module may, for example, comprise a forward-most segment of the base chassis including one or more front wheel attachments and may be associated with, e.g. mechanically connected to, the frame. The first chassis 15 module may be arranged to connected with either a push-type or electric-type second chassis module comprising a rear-most segment of the base chassis including one or more rear wheel attachments.

[026] It should be appreciated that, for brevity, the first chassis module is generally 20 described herein as the front chassis module and the second chassis module is generally described herein as the rear chassis module, and that the first chassis module may alternatively be a rear-most segment of the base arranged to be connected with either a push-type or electric-type module comprising a forward-most segment of the base. 25

[027] Generally, the push-type module may include one or more non-powered, i.e. push-type, wheel attachments.

[028] Generally, the electric-type module may include one or more powerable wheel 30 attachments, i.e. wheel attachments configured to be driven by one or more motors. In embodiments, a said electric-type module may comprise a battery configured to power the one or more powerable wheel attachments thereof. In embodiments, the electric-type module may comprise one or more motors and / or a drivetrain and / or transmission configured to deliver power to the one or more powerable wheel 12 06 25 attachments. In embodiments, the electric-type module may include one or more additional powerable components, e.g. which are not a battery, motor, drivetrain or transmission. 5

[029] In embodiments, the first chassis module may include a battery and / or one or more powerable components. For example, the powerable wheel attachments of the second chassis module (and any other powerable components thereof) may be powered by a battery arranged at the first chassis module. In embodiments, the golf trolley may be provided with more than one battery. io

[030] In embodiments, the modular golf trolley may comprise more than two separable chassis modules which are generally attachable in a substantially linear configuration. A mid-chassis module may include a battery, one or more motors, a drive train, and / or one or more other powerable components. The mid-chassis module 15 may be located substantially between the first and second chassis modules in an assembled state of the modular golf trolley. [031 ] In embodiments, the first chassis module may comprise an electrical connector half configured to operably engage a corresponding electrical connector half on a said 20 electric-type second chassis module. In embodiments, the electrical connector may be a wired or a wireless connector, e.g. Bluetooth (RTM) or near-field communication (NFC). Thus, the chassis modules may be substantially electrically connected to one another when the golf trolley is in an assembled configuration. For example, the frame may be associated with the first, e.g. front, chassis module and may include one or 25 more powerable components, e.g. an electronic user interface or GPS device, and the second, e.g. rear, chassis module may include a battery for powering the one or more powerable components of the frame in use, wherein the electrical connector halves operably engage in an assembled configuration of the golf trolley to confer power to the frame. 30

[032] In embodiments, the golf trolley may be a foldable golf trolley having a deployed configuration, e.g. a configuration in which the golf trolley is generally driveable, and a collapsed, e.g. substantially non-driveable, configuration. 12 06 25

[033] In embodiments, the golf trolley may comprise one or more joints about which the golf trolley folds, in use, during a transition between the deployed and collapsed configurations. In embodiments, at least one said joint may be arranged substantially at the juncture between adjacent chassis modules such that the adjacent chassis 5 modules fold relative to one another during a said transition.

[034] In embodiments, at least part of the frame may be configured to move relative to the base during a transition between the deployed configuration and the collapsed configuration. In embodiments, during a transition from the deployed configuration io towards the collapsed configuration movement of the frame relative to the base and movement of the adjacent chassis modules may be substantially interdependent.

[035] Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, during a transition from the collapsed configuration towards the deployed configuration, movement of the frame 15 relative to the base and movement of the adjacent chassis modules may be substantially interdependent.

[036] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a modular golf trolley comprising first, second and third chassis modules; wherein the first chassis module 20 is substantially interchangeably attachable and separable from the second and third chassis modules in a normal use configuration of the modular golf trolley; and wherein the second and third chassis modules are substantially dissimilar to one another.

[037] In embodiments, the first chassis module may be a front chassis module of the 25 golf trolley. In other words, the first chassis module may correspond to a front portion of a golf trolley. In embodiments, the first chassis module may be mechanically associated with a frame of the modular golf trolley.

[038] In embodiments, the second and third chassis modules may be rear chassis 30 modules. In other words, the second and third chassis modules may correspond to a rear portion of a golf trolley.

[039] In embodiments, the second chassis module may be a push-type module including one or more non-powered wheel attachments. 12 06 25

[040] In embodiments, the third chassis module may be an electric-type module including one or more powerable wheel attachments and, optionally, one or more other powerable components. 5 [041 ] Generally, the first chassis module may be configured to operably engaged with one or other of the second and third modules.

[042] In embodiments, at least one said chassis module may be individually io packaged. In embodiments, each said chassis module may be individually packaged. In other words, the chassis modules may be distinctly packed such that they may be distributed and / or stored separately.

[043] In embodiments, the modular golf trolley may be a foldable golf trolley. 15

[044] A further aspect not forming part of the present invention provides a chassis module for the modular golf trolley according to any preceding aspect. The chassis module is configured to reversibly engage a distinct corresponding chassis module in a normal use configuration of the modular golf trolley. 20

[045] In embodiments, the chassis module may be mechanically associated with the frame of the modular golf trolley. In embodiments, the frame may be detachable from the chassis module. 25

[046] In embodiments, the chassis module may be a push-type module including one or more non-powered wheel attachments.

[047] In embodiments, the chassis module may be an electric-type module including one or more powerable wheel attachments. In embodiments, the module may include 30 a battery and / or one or more powerable components. For example, the module may include one or more motors, and / or a drivetrain.

[048] In embodiments, the chassis module may be a front chassis module or a rear chassis module. 12 06 25

[049] In embodiments, the frame may substantially constitute a first module and the base may substantially constitute a second module. In other words, the frame and the 5 base may be substantially reversibly separable from one another.

[050] The frame comprises a plurality of separable modules. For example, the frame may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper and lower portions are separable from one another. In embodiments, the frame may include a io steering means, e.g. a handlebar, and the steering means may be separable from the remainder of the frame.

[051] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a frame module for the modular golf trolley according to any preceding aspect. 15

[052] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit for a modular golf trolley comprising two or more frame modules according to any preceding aspect.

[053] In embodiments, the kit may comprise a first chassis module and a second 20 chassis module, the first chassis module being a front chassis module and the second chassis module being a rear chassis module. In embodiments, the kit may comprise two second chassis modules, the second chassis modules being substantially dissimilar from one another. In other words, one said rear chassis module may be a push-type module and the other said rear chassis module may be an electric-type 25 module.

[054] In embodiments, the kit may comprise a modular steering means.

[055] The kit may be suitable for a modular golf trolley according to any preceding 30 aspect.

[056] A further aspect not forming part of the present invention provides a foldable golf trolley comprising a frame and a base including a first chassis segment including one or more front wheel attachments and a second chassis segment including one or 12 06 25 more rear wheel attachments. The foldable golf trolley is configured to transition between a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration.

[057] In the deployed configuration, the frame substantially extends from the first 5 chassis segment. For example, the frame may be hingedly connected to the first chassis segment by a hinge or the like.

[058] During a transition between the deployed configuration and the collapsed configuration the second chassis segment moves relative to the first chassis segment io and the frame.

[059] As discussed, golfers require ever more compact foldable golf trolleys so that they may be stored and transported more straightforwardly. Providing a foldable golf trolley in which a rear-most chassis segment including one or more wheel attachments 15 is foldable relative to a forward-most chassis segment and the frame, where the frame extends from the first chassis segment, provides a more compact foldable golf trolley.

[060] Up until now, the foldability of electric foldable golf trolleys has been limited by the location of any batteries and powerable components which are typically housed or 20 located towards the rear of the golf trolley. Therefore, providing a forward-most chassis segment which folds relative to the frame and the rear-most chassis segment during a transition between deployed and collapsed configurations has been favoured.

[061] By contrast, the second chassis segment, which is the rear and typically more 25 bulky segment in foldable electric golf trolleys is foldable relative to the first chassis segment and the frame (which extends from the first chassis segment).

[062] The foldable golf trolley may be configured such that, in the collapsed configuration, the first chassis segment is positioned between the frame and the 30 second chassis segment. Whereas, in prior foldable golf trolleys, a rear portion of the base typically abuts the frame in a collapsed configuration, the rear chassis segment is instead separated from the frame by the first chassis segment in the collapsed configuration. This provides a more compact golf trolley in the collapsed, or folded, configuration. 12 06 25

[063] Typically, the frame and second chassis segment may each be hingedly connected to the first chassis segment. Both hinged connections may be located towards a rear portion of the first chassis segment. Both hinged connections may be 5 in substantially the same plane as one another.

[064] During a transition between the deployed and collapsed configurations, the frame may rotate about its hinged connection with the first chassis segment in a first direction and the second chassis segment may rotate about its hinged connection with io the first chassis segment in a second direction, the second direction being substantially opposite to the first direction.

[065] The foldable golf trolley may be an electric golf trolley. The second chassis segment may comprise a battery and one or more powerable wheel attachments. In 15 other words, the second chassis may comprise one or more wheel attachments which are powerable by the battery.

[066] The second chassis segment may comprise one or more components configured to deliver power to the one or more powerable wheel attachments. For 20 example, the second chassis segment may comprise one or more motors, a drivetrain and / or transmission.

[067] Thus, the electromechanical drive mechanism of the foldable electric golf trolley may be housed substantially within the second chassis segment. 25

[068] The first chassis segment may comprise a first half of an electrical connector and the second chassis segment may comprise a corresponding second half of the electrical connector, wherein the electrical connector halves are configured to operably engage one another in the deployed configuration of the foldable golf trolley. 30

[069] During a transition from the deployed configuration towards the collapsed configuration at least part of the frame may move relative to the first chassis segment, and movement of the frame relative to the first chassis segment and movement of the 12 06 25 second chassis segment relative to the first chassis segment and the frame may be substantially interdependent.

[070] Additionally or alternatively, during a transition from the collapsed configuration 5 towards the deployed configuration, at least part of the frame may move relative to the first chassis segment, and movement of the frame relative to the first chassis segment and movement of the second chassis segment relative to the first chassis segment and the frame may be substantially interdependent. io

[071] In other words, the frame and the second chassis segment may be movably coupled to one another such that they are substantially prevented from moving independently to one another.

[072] Thus, the foldable golf trolley may comprise a one-step folding mechanism: the 15 mechanics for folding the frame relative to the first chassis segment and the mechanics for folding the second chassis segment relative to the first chassis segment and the frame being substantially operably linked. Thus, a user need only make a single manual action to fold the foldable golf trolley from the deployed configuration to the collapsed configuration and / or to unfold the foldable golf trolley from the collapsed 20 configuration to the deployed configuration.

[073] During a transition between the deployed and collapsed configurations, the first chassis segment may rotate relative to a wheel thereof with the wheel remaining substantially static, on the ground, during a said transition. 25

[074] The frame and the second chassis segment may be mechanically connected to one another such that their interdependent movement is substantially synchronous. Alternatively, the golf trolley may be arranged such that movement of the frame and the second chassis segment may be substantially non-synchronous during a transition 30 between the deployed and collapsed configurations.

[075] The second chassis segment may be hingedly connected to the first chassis segment at or towards an underside of the base. During a transition from the deployed configuration towards the collapsed configuration the second chassis segment may 12 06 25 be configured to rotate about the hinged connection such that, in the collapsed configuration, an underside of the second chassis segment substantially faces an underside of the first chassis segment of the base. 5

[076] The second chassis segment may include a pair of rear wheel attachments. The foldable golf trolley may be configured such that, in the collapsed configuration, the pair of rear wheel attachments substantially flank the first chassis segment.

[077] The second chassis segment may be a separable module which is reversibly io separable from the rest of the golf trolley in a normal use configuration of the golf trolley.

[078] The separable module may comprise any of the features described above with respect to any prior aspect. 15

[079] Where the electromechanical drive mechanism of the foldable golf trolley is housed substantially within the second chassis segment, this chassis segment may therefore be more easily detached from the remainder of the golf trolley. 20

[080] The separable module may be a push-type module including one or more non powered wheel attachments, or the separable module may be an electric-type module including one or more powerable wheel attachments, wherein the first chassis segment is configured to substantially interchangeably and reversibly attach to the second chassis segment. 25

[081] In embodiments, the module may include a battery and / or one or more powerable components, for example one or more motors and / or a drivetrain or transmission. 30

[082] For the avoidance of doubt, features of aspects and embodiments described herein may be combined, and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Brief Description of Figures 12 06 25

[083] Preferred features of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 5

[084] Figure 1 illustrates a view of a modular and foldable golf trolley according to the present invention, with detached chassis modules.

[085] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a modular and foldable golf trolley according to the io present invention.

[086] Figure 3 illustrates a view of a modular and foldable golf trolley according to the present invention, with detached chassis and frame modules. 15 Detailed Description

[087] Figure 1 shows a modular and foldable golf trolley according to the present invention, referenced generally as 10. Generally, the golf trolley 10 includes a rear chassis segment which is both foldable relative to a front chassis segment of the golf 20 trolley base and which is a separable module detachable from the rest of the golf trolley. The golf trolley 10 may also include additional separable modules, as described in greater detail below with reference to Figure 3.

[088] Referring still to Figure 1, the detachable rear chassis module of the figures 25 comprises powerable wheel attachments and means for driving the powerable wheel attachments, e.g. a battery and / or drivetrain, such that electromechanical drive components of the golf trolley 10 may be substantially entirely separable from the rest of the golf trolley 10. Thus, the golf trolley 10 may be converted between electric and non-electric, i.e. push, states through the interchangeable attachment of push-type 30 and electric-type rear chassis segments to the front chassis segment (which is compatible with both electric and push-type rear chassis modules).

[089] The golf trolley 10 generally includes a frame 12 and a base 14. Two parts of a support 34, 34’ for a golf bag are located on the frame 12 and base 14. The base 12 06 25 comprises a chassis, i.e. a body, and a plurality of wheel attachments including wheels.

[090] The frame 12 is comprised of an upper portion 13 having a steering means 16. 5 The upper portion 13 is hingedly connected to a lower portion 18 of the frame 12, which is itself hingedly connected to the base 14.

[091] The golf trolley 10 is configured to transition between a deployed configuration, in which the golf trolley 10 is generally driveable, and a collapsed, i.e. non-driveable, io configuration. Together, the upper and lower portions 13, 18 of the frame 12 are foldable during a transition from deployed configuration to the collapsed configuration of the golf trolley 10 to a substantially concertinaed configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the upper portion 13 lies against the lower portion 18 and the lower portion 18 lies between the upper portion 13 of the frame and the base 14. 15

[092] Referring still to Figure 1, the lower portion 18 of the frame 12 is hingedly connected to a first chassis segment 20 of the base 14. The frame 12 is arranged to extend substantially vertically from the first chassis segment 20 in the deployed configuration of the golf trolley 10. The first chassis segment 20 comprises a part of 20 the body of the base 14 and a wheel attachment 22 including a non-driven, i.e. passive, wheel.

[093] A second chassis segment 24 comprises a distinct part of the body of the base 14 and a wheel attachment 26 including, in the embodiment of Figure 1, two driven, 25 i.e. powerable, wheels (only one of which is shown). The second chassis segment 24 is thus an electric-type segment and, as a result, the golf trolley 10 is an electric golf trolley. The wheels of the first and second chassis segments 20, 24 are generally detachable from the respective chassis segment. 30

[094] In Figure 1, the first chassis segment 20 is a forward segment of the base 14 and the second chassis segment 24 is a rear segment of the base 14.

[095] The first and second chassis segments 20, 24 comprise distinct modules which are separable from one another in a normal use configuration of the golf trolley 10. 12 06 25 While the second chassis segment 24 of Figure 1 is an electric-type segment, the second chassis segment 24 may instead comprise a non-electric, i.e. push-type segment which is interchangeable with the second chassis segment of Figure 1. When a push-type segment is operably engaged with the first chassis segment, the golf 5 trolley 10 is effectively a push-type golf trolley.

[096] Referring in more detail to the second chassis segment 24 in Figure 1, the electric-type segment 24 comprises the means required for driving the two powerable wheels thereof, including a battery and a drivetrain for applying power derived from io the battery to the powerable wheels during use. Thus, the second chassis segment 24 is separable from the first chassis segment 20 substantially without the need to separate the electromechanical drive mechanism of the golf trolley 10.

[097] The battery may be housed within a battery pack housing which is itself 15 detachable from the remainder of the golf trolley 10. For example, a removable battery pack may be provided for discrete charging thereof, or for replacement.

[098] The second chassis segment 24 includes a connector half 30 arranged to reversibly connect the second chassis segment 24 to the first chassis segment 20. 20 The connector half 30 is configured to engage a corresponding connector half (not shown) located at the first chassis segment 20.

[099] The connector halves may each include corresponding halves of an electronic connector. The electronic connector may be a wired or wireless connector, e.g. 25 Bluetooth (RTM). For example, the first chassis segment 20 or the frame 12 may comprise powerable components configured to be powered by the battery located at the second chassis segment 24. The electrical connector formed by the electrical connector halves may, for example, include corresponding electrical contacts which are configured to reversibly operably engage one another when the modular segments 30 20, 24 are attached so that powerable components located on one chassis segment on the frame may be powered by a battery located on the other chassis segment.

[100] In order to initiate separation of the chassis segments 20, 24, the golf trolley 10 comprises a release mechanism (not shown) actuable by a user during a normal use 12 06 25 configuration of the trolley 10, e.g. prior to or following play. The release mechanism may be located on either the first 20 or the second 24 chassis segment. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the release mechanism is located on the second chassis segment 24. 5

[101] Thus, the golf trolley 10 is biased towards a lock position when the first and second chassis segments 20, 24 are connected. In the lock position, the modules are substantially prevented from being separated without the actuation of the release mechanism. io

[102] It is envisaged, as in Figure 3, that the frame 12 of the golf trolley 10 may also constitute an additional separable module which is detachable from the base 14. However, in Figure 1, the frame 12 is substantially permanently attached to the base 14. 15

[103] The separability of the first and second chassis segments 20, 24 allows different chassis modules to be joined. For example, the rear second chassis segment 24, which in Figure 1 is an electric-type module, may be swapped for a non-electric, i.e. push-type rear second chassis segment. The push-type rear second chassis segment 20 may be similar to the electric-type module in that the general dimensions are comparable. The interchangeable modules are dissimilar in that the push-type module does not include a battery and / or powerable components configured for powering driven wheels. 25

[104] Separate chassis modules (and / or the frame) may therefore be packaged independently so that a golfer may acquire modules separately or together. Where the frame also comprises one or more detachable modules, these may also be separately packaged. For example, a module including a steering means may be separately packaged from the base and / or from distinct frame modules. 30

[105] The base 14 includes a hinged joint 32 between the modular first and second chassis segments 20, 24 which is arranged such that, during a transition between the deployed and collapsed configurations of the golf trolley 10, the adjacent chassis segments fold relative to one another. 12 06 25

[106] More specifically, and with reference to Figure 2, during a transition between the deployed configuration and the collapsed configuration the second, i.e. rear, chassis segment 24 moves relative to the first, i.e. front, chassis segment 20 and the 5 frame 12. The first chassis segment 20 generally rotates relative to the non-drive wheel attachment 22 of the first chassis segment 20, which is substantially static on the ground during a said transition.

[107] The golf trolley 10 is configured such that, in the collapsed configuration, the io front chassis segment 20 is positioned, i.e. lies, between the frame 12 and the second chassis segment 24. An underside of the second chassis segment 24 substantially faces an underside of the first chassis segment 20 in the collapsed configuration. Also in the collapsed configuration, the wheels of the second chassis segment 24 substantially flank the first chassis segment 20. 15

[108] As described, the frame 12 and the second chassis segment 24 are each hingedly connected to the first chassis segment 20. The second chassis segment 24 is hingedly connected to the first chassis segment 20 via hinged joint 32 and the frame 12 is hingedly connected to the first chassis segment 20 via hinged joint 36. Both 20 hinged joints 32, 36 are located towards the rear of the first chassis segment 20. A hinged joint 38 joins the upper 13 and lower 18 portions of the frame 12.

[109] The golf trolley 10 is arranged such that, during a transition between the deployed configuration and the collapsed configuration the frame 12 rotates about 25 hinged joint 36 in a first direction. The second chassis segment 24 rotates about hinged joint 32 in a second direction which is different to the first direction. In Figure 2, the frame 12 rotates substantially anticlockwise relative to the first chassis segment 20 whereas the second chassis segment 24 rotates substantially clockwise relative to the first chassis segment 20. 30

[110] Generally, movement of the frame 12 relative to the first chassis segment 20 and movement of the second chassis segment 24 relative to the first chassis segment 20 is substantially interdependent during a transition between the deployed and collapsed configurations. 12 06 25

[111] More specifically, a one-step folding and unfolding mechanism is provided for interdependently folding the frame 12 and second base segment 24 relative to the first chassis segment 20 during a transition from the deployed configuration to the 5 collapsed configuration and for unfolding the frame 12 and second base segment 24 during a transition from the collapsed configuration to the deployed configuration. A single actuator (not shown), e.g. lever, is provided for actuating the one-step folding mechanism. Alternatively, a two-step folding and unfolding mechanism may be provided for substantially independent folding and unfolding of the frame 12 and io second base segment 24.

[112] Thus, the second, i.e. rear, chassis segment 24 is not only foldable relative to the rest of the golf trolley 10 in such a way that the golf trolley is more compact in a collapsed configuration, but the rear chassis segment 24 of the golf trolley 10 is 15 separable from the front chassis segment 20 to facilitate the substitution of push-type and electric rear chassis segments. Therefore, the golf trolley 10 can be straightforwardly converted from a push-type foldable golf trolley to an electric foldable golf trolley, and vice versa. 20

[113] The golf trolley 100 of Figure 3 includes a frame 112 and a base 114 wherein the base 114 includes at least first 120 and second 124 chassis modules and the frame 112 includes a number of separable modules.

[114] More specifically, in the golf trolley of Figure 3, the frame 112 includes two 25 modules: a first module comprising upper 113 and lower 118 frame portions; and a second module comprising a steering means 116. Thus, both base and frame modules may be separately packaged and therefore acquired and reversibly attached to one another to form a substantially customisable golf trolley.

Claims

12 06 251. A modular golf trolley comprising a frame and a base having a chassis comprising at least first and second separable chassis modules; wherein the 5 chassis modules are separable from one another in a normal use configuration of the modular golf trolley; and wherein the frame is substantially modular comprising a plurality of frame modules which are separable from one another.

2. The modular golf trolley according to claim 1, wherein the first chassis module io is a front chassis module including one or more front wheel attachments; and the second chassis module is a rear chassis module including one or more rear wheel attachments.

3. The modular golf trolley according to claim 2, wherein the front chassis module 15 is mechanically associated with the frame.

4. The modular golf trolley according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the second chassis module is either:a. a push-type module including one or more non-powered wheel20 attachments; orb. an electric-type module including one or more powerable wheel attachments; andwherein the first chassis module is configured to substantially interchangeably and reversibly engage with the rear chassis module of a. or b.

255. The modular golf trolley according to claim 4, wherein the electric-type module includes a battery and / or one or more powerable components.

6. The modular golf trolley according to any preceding claim, wherein the first 30 chassis module comprises an electrical connector half configured to operably engage a corresponding electrical connector half on the second chassis module in an assembled state of the modular golf trolley.12 06 257. The modular golf trolley according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more frame modules are separable from the base.

8. The modular golf trolley according to any preceding claim, wherein the golf 5 trolley is a foldable golf trolley having a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration.

9. The modular golf trolley according to claim 8, wherein the golf trolley comprises one or more joints about which the golf trolley folds, in use, during a transition io between the deployed and collapsed configurations; and at least one said joint is arranged substantially at the juncture between adjacent chassis modules such that the adjacent chassis modules fold relative to one another during a said transition.

10. The modular golf trolley according to any preceding claim, wherein at least part 15 of the frame is configured to move relative to the base during a transition between the deployed configuration and the collapsed configuration; and whereby, during a transition from the deployed configuration towards the collapsed configuration and / or during a transition from the collapsed configuration towards the deployed configuration, movement of the frame relative to the base and movement of the 20 adjacent chassis modules is substantially interdependent.

11. A frame module for the modular golf trolley according to any of claims 1 to 10.

12. A kit for a modular golf trolley comprising two or more frame modules according 25 to claim 11.

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