GB2537114A

GB2537114A - Golf trolley

Info

Publication number: GB2537114A
Application number: GB1505711.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Catchpole Garry; Hemmings Joe; Hemmings-Batt Amy
Original assignee: GOLF PRODUCTS PLUS Ltd
Current assignee: GOLF PRODUCTS PLUS Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-02
Filing date: 2015-04-02
Publication date: 2016-10-12
Also published as: GB201505711D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheeled golf trolley that may be folded/collapsed into a relatively small space, for instance into a pocket of a typical golf bag. The golf trolley comprises legs 18 pivotally attached to a central telescopic pillar 2, the pillar 2 being collapsible to a length substantially equal to that of the legs 18. The central pillar 2 is formed from three telescopic sections 4,6 and 8. A wheel 16 is releasably mounted to the end of each leg 18. The golf trolley further includes a handle 14 and golf bag supports 26 & 28.

Description

GOLF TROLLEY

The present invention relates generally to a golf trolley and a method of folding a golf trolley.

Golf trolleys are useful for golfers, as they allow a golf bag (including golf clubs, spare balls, tees, etc.) to he transported around a golf course without a golfer being required to carry them.

Golf trolleys fall into two main types: electric golf trolleys and manual golf trolleys. Electric golf trolleys comprise a battery and a motor for providing motive force such that a golfer is not required to push and/or pull the trolley, but rather is required to merely steer/direct the trolley where he/she wants it to go. Manual golf trolleys merely support the bag above ground level, and are provided with wheels such that a golfer may push and/or pull the trolley to a desired location.

There are many circumstances in which a golf trolley is not required, or the use of which may in fact be prohibited. For instance, after prolonged heavy rain, a golf club may request that golf trolleys are not used, so that damage to the golf course can be minimised. -In any event, a golfer will typically take his/her golf clubs home after playing a round, and it is convenient for the trolley to be collapsed and/or disassembled for ease of transport.

Existing golf trolleys have been designed for use with large golf bags, and it is assumed that golfers using them will have large cars in which to transport their trolleys. There is therefore a need For a golf trolley that may be folded/collapsed into a relatively small space. The present invention seeks to attain this goal by providing a golf trolley that may be packed into a pocket of a typical golf bag.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf trolley for holding a golf bag thereon, the golf trolley comprising: a frame having: a substantially straight telescopic shaft including: a first shaft portion having a first length; a second shaft portion having a second length, the second shaft portion configured to be movable between a first position in which the second shaft portion nests substantially within the first shaft portion with a first end of the second shaft portion substantially adjacent to a First end of the first shaft portion, and a second position in which the second shaft portion substantially projects from the first end of the first shaft portion; and a third shaft portion having a third length, the third shaft portion configured to be movable between a third position in which the third shaft portion nests substantially within the second shaft portion with a first end of the third shaft portion substantially adjacent to the first end of the second shaft portion, and a fourth position in which the third shaft portion substantially projects from the first end of the second shaft portion; and first and second substantially straight legs having a fourth length, each of the legs configured to pivotally couple to the first shaft portion adjacent to the first end of the first shaft portion, each of the first and second legs being movable between a fifth position in which the leg lies substantially parallel to the first shaft portion and a sixth position in which the leg lies at an angle of at least 45 degrees to the first shaft portion; and first and second wheels, each releasable coupleable by a respective axle to a respective one of the first and second legs; a handle connected to the first end of the third shaft portion; a first hag support for supporting a golf bag thereon, the first hag support connected to the first shaft portion at an end opposing the first end thereof; and a second bag support for supporting the golf bag thereon, the second bag support connected to the second shaft portion at the first end thereof; wherein the first length, second length, third length and fourth length are substantially equal.

In the context of this specification, two items have substantially the same length if they differ in length by less than 25%, in particular less than 20%, more particularly less than 15%, for instance less than 10% or less than 5%. that is, the shorter item differs in length from the longer item by that amount.

In this way, the wheels may be removed from the frame, and the frame may be collapsed to have a length substantially equal to the first length and a lateral extent substantially equal to the sum of the diameters of each of the first shaft portion and the first and second legs. In particular, the second shaft portion may he moved from the second position to the first position, the third shaft portion may be moved from the fourth position to the third position, the first and second substantially straight legs may be moved from the sixth position to the fifth position, and the first and second wheels may be removed from the first and second legs, respectively.

The shaft portions and the legs may have any cross-sectional form, such as circular, oval, ellipsoidal, square, rectangular, etc., and the term 'diameter' may be taken to mean the maximum lateral extent of the respective cross-section. 'There may be additional shaft portions such that the total number of shaft portions exceeds three.

For instance, there may be a fourth shaft portion having a length, which may be substantially the same as the first length, and which may be configured in a similar manner to the second shaft portion. Similarly, there could be a fifth and/or sixth shaft portion. Tn some arrangements, the first shaft portion may comprise two sub-shaft portions, for example an upper first shaft portion and a lower first shaft portion, each having the respective first length and being telescopically nested, as discussed above. The first leg may be configured to be pivotally movable with respect to the first shaft potion (e.g. only) in a first plane. The second leg may be configured to be pivotally movable with respect to the first shaft potion (e.g. only) in a second plane.

The second plane may be different to the first plane; that is, the first plane may be non-coplanar with the second plane, and the first plane may be non-parallel to the second plane. The first and second planes may intersect along a line of intersection. The line of intersection may substantially correspond to the substantially straight telescopic shaft Tn the sixth position, the leg may lie at an angle of at least 50 degrees to the first shaft portion, in particular at least 60, 65 or 70 degrees, more particularly at least 75, 80 or 85 degrees. For example the leg may lie at an angle of substantially 45, 50, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 90 degrees. The sixth position may represent the maximum angle at which the leg may lie to the first shaft portion.

Each leg may be telescopic in much the same manner as the telescopic shaft, in which each telescopic part of the leg may have the first length.

The frame may comprise hollow tubes, and the parts of the legs made from hollow tubes may be composed entirely from a single hollow tube, for instance without any additional hollow tubes to provide rigidity and/or support.

The trolley may further comprise a flexible cord coupled between the first and second legs, such that the cord is substantially taught when the legs are in the sixth position. Tn this way, accidental over-extension of the legs apart from one another can be inhibited by tension in the cord. In addition, the cord may collapse when the legs are folded in such that it takes up no appreciable space in comparison to the overall profile of the folded frame. The cord may be rope, string, woven, braided, nylon cord, or any other similar form of natural or synthetic cord.

The frame may include a first engagement mechanism for maintaining the second shaft portion in the first and/or the second position. The frame may include a second engagement mechanism for maintaining the third shaft portion in the third and/or the fourth position. The frame may include a third and/or a fourth engagement mechanism for maintaining a respective one of the legs in the fifth and/or sixth positions. The frame may include a fifth and/or a sixth engagement mechanism for maintaining the wheels on a respective one of the legs.

The handle may be relcasably connected to the third shaft portion. Alternatively or additionally, the handle may be pivotally connected to the third shaft portion. The frame may include a seventh engagement mechanism for maintaining the handle on the third shaft portion and/or maintaining the rotational orientation of the handle on the third shaft portion.

The first and/or second bag support may be releasably connected to the first and/or second shaft portion, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, the first and/or second hag support may he pivotally connected to the first and/or second shaft portion, respectively. The frame may include an eighth and/or a ninth engagement mechanism for maintaining the first and/or second bag support on the first and/or second shaft portion, respectively, or for maintaining the first and/or second bag support in a predetermined rotational orientation with respect to the first and/or second shaft portion, respectively.

The engagement mechanisms may be of the quick-release type, and may be selected from any known to those skilled in the art. The engagement mechanism may be, for instance, a quick release skewer (e.g. a rod having a thread on one end and a lever operated cam assembly on the other, that compresses a collar), collet, chuck, machine taper, toggle latch, linch pin, split pin, spring pin, K-clip, pipe pin, a spring-biased pin connector, a push-/spring-/sprung-pin attachment, button spring clip, and/or a clamp (e.g. screw clamp). In particular, each engagement mechanism may incorporate a distinct form of engagement mechanism, different from some or all of the other engagement mechanisms incorporated in the trolley. Alternatively, all the engagement mechanisms may be of the same type.

The pivot may comprise an axle and/or a bearing arrangement.

Any of the moving/rotating parts (e.g. the first, second or third shaft portions, the first or second legs, the first or second bag supports, or the hand) may comprise a one or more stops; that is, a part or mechanism arranged to prevent movement of the moving/rotating part beyond a desired point. For instance, a stop relating to the second shaft portion may permit movement only between the first and second positions, and/or may prevent movement beyond the first and/or second positions (this applies to the other stops, mutatis mutandis); two stops may be necessary to prevent movement past both the first and second positions, one stop associated with each respective position. The stop may comprise a protuberance that contacts the moving/rotating part to prevent movement therepast.

The first and/or second bag support may comprise a respective strap for securing a golf bag thereto. The strap may be fabric, webbing and/or elastic, and may include a buckle for case of attachment around the gold bag.

The supports may be curved to substantially conform to the shape of a golf bag, and may be arranged to partially wrap around the side of a golf bag. The first bag support may comprise a foot, for resting the base of a golf bag thereon.

Each wheel may comprise a respective axle about which they rotate. Alternatively, the axle may he provided on a respective one of the legs to which the wheel is attachable. In this way, when the wheel is removed from the leg, its dimensions are substantially that of a squat cylinder; that is a cylinder having an axial length less than a diameter. In particular, the axle may form part of the leg on which it is provided, thereby contributing to the length of the respective leg. In this way, location of the axle would riot substantially increase the exterior profile of the frame and/or the wheel when the trolley is in its collapsed state.

In some embodiments, the golf trolley may be provided with a third wheel, which may be substantially the same as the first and second wheels, or may be substantially different. The third wheel may be connected to the second end of the first shaft portion, and may be pivotally and/or removably connected, as discussed above. The first and second wheels may he mountable on the trolley to be coaxial; that is, to rotate about a common axis when fully assembled. In contrast, the third wheel may he mountable on the trolley to be substantially non-coaxial. For instance, the third wheel may be mounted on the trolley to rotate about an axis that is parallel to the axis of rotation of the first and second wheels. In particular embodiments, the axis about which the third wheel rotates may itself be rotatable about a further axis; that is, the third wheel may be steerable, such that the trolley may more easily follow a user pulling the trolley, and/or the trolley may be steered more easily by a user pushing the trolley. The third wheel may be connected to the first shaft portion via an attachment bracket.

The trolley, and in particular the frame, may be made from aluminium, steel, titanium or any other suitable metal. The trolley may comprise a plastics material, for instance the wheels and/or supports may comprise plastics material. The trolley may comprise composite material, for instance carbon fibre or any other form of material.

The trolley may optionally be fitted with a battery, a motor and a controller, such that the trolley may be an electric golf trolley. Preferably, however, the trolley is a manual golf trolley.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of folding a golf trolley, the method comprising the steps of: providing a golf trolley according to the first aspect; moving the second shaft portion from the second position to the first position; moving the third shaft portion from the fourth position to the third position; moving the first and second substantially straight legs from the sixth position to the fifth position; and removing the first and second wheels from the first and second legs, respectively.

The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for die. sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 shows an example of an assembled golf trolley.

Figure 2 shows the golf trolley of figure 1 in a partially collapsed state.

Figure 3 shows the golf trolley of figures 1 and 2 in a further collapsed state. Figure 4 shows the golf trolley of figures 1 to 3 in a fully collapsed and disassembled state.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of one optional form of a folding handle used in the golf trolley in figures 1 to 4.

The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention. Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. Tt is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

Tt is to be noticed that the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. Tt is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or component:, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", or "in an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. lowever, it is understood that Cif lbOdiTIICITtS of the invention may be practised without these specific details. in other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of

this description.

In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to he construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The use of the term "at least one" may mean only one in certain circumstances.

The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features of the invention. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching of the invention, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Figure 1 shows an example of an assembled golf trolley having a frame 2, comprising a first frame part 4, a second frame part 6 and a third frame part 8, each in the form of a tube having a cross section substantially that of a rectangle. The third frame part 6 is shown partially inserted into an upper end of the second frame part 6, which in turn is shown partially inserted into an upper end of the first frame part 4, such that the frame parts 4, 6, 8 form a telescopic shaft. At the upper end of each of the first 4 and second 6 frame parts is a respective collar 10, 12 secured in place by a lever-operated quick release skewer. Operating the lever acts to tighten the corresponding collar 10, 12 such that the frame part held within (i.e. the second frame part 6 or the third frame part 8) is held in place with respect to the collar 10, 12, and thereby with respect to the containing frame part (i.e. the first frame part 4 or the second frame part 6, respectively). Other systems for holding the frame parts in place are envisaged; however, it is appreciated that the system shown would be easy to operate in cold environments encountered by golfers, in which blood flow to fingers (and therefore dexterity) is inhibited.

At an upper end of the third frame part 8 is provided a handle 14, for use by golfer in manipulating the trolley. The handle 14 is shown as a folding handle 14, one embodiment of which is described in more detail in figure 5.

Wheels 16 are connected to respective legs 18, which are pivotally connected to the first frame part 4 by brackets 20. The brackets 20 additionally act as stops to prevent over-pivoting of the legs 18 away from the first frame part 4. The legs 18 pivot in the bracket 20, and optional locking means may he provided, for instance in the form of a push-button spring clip. In particular, a spring-biased pin on the leg may pass through a hole in the bracket 20, preventing further pivoting of the leg 18 with respect to the first frame part 4. Depression of the pin out of the hole, permits pivoting of the leg 18 again.

Optionally, a retaining cord (not shown) may be tied (or otherwise attached) between (e.g.) midpoints of each leg. Tension in the cord would therefore act to prevent splaying of the legs under load.

An optional third wheel 22 may be connected to a lower end of the first frame part 4 by a connecting piece 24, such that the trolley may be rolled along a surface without the need for a golfer to maintain balance of the trolley. The connecting piece 24 may be pivotally connected to the first frame part such that the trolley may he steered.

An upper bag support 26 is provided at an upper end of the second frame part 6 for holding the neck of a golf bag thereon. The upper bag support 26 is curved to conform to the curved shape of a typical golf bag neck, and to prevent rolling of the golf bag off the side of the trolley. Optionally, the upper bag support 26 may include a strap, cord and/or bungee (not shown) for securing the neck of the golf bag to the upper bag support 26. 'The version of the upper bag support shown is detachable; however, fixed and/or pivoting arrangements are also envisaged. The currently shown upper bag support 26 has a foot that can be slidably inserted into a shoe on the top of the second frame part 6. The fit of the foot into the shoe may he a friction fit, and/or there may he some form of engagement mechanism, for instance incorporating a release tab/button.

At the lower end of the first frame part 4 is provided a lower bag support 28 substantially the same as the upper bag support 26, and sized to the bottom of a typical golf bag. In this arrangement, the lower bag support is fixed (i.e. not detachable nor pivotablc), but alternative systems are envisaged. A folding base plate 30 is also provided adjacent to the lower bag support 28, and in some arrangements may be considered part of the lower bag support 28. The folding base plate 30 is located for a base of a golf bag to rest thereon. 'the folding base plate is pivotally attached to the first frame part, such that it may be folded flat for storage; however, as with the upper 26 and lower 28 bag supports, other arrangements are envisaged.

Figure 2 shows the golf trolley of figure 1 in a partially collapsed state, in which the collar 10 has been loosened to permit the second frame part 6 to he partially retracted into the first frame part 4. Similarly, the collar 12 has been loosened to permit the third frame part 8 to be partially retracted into the second frame part 6.

Figure 3 shows the golf trolley of figures 1 and 2 in a further collapsed state, in which the second frame part has been fully retracted into the first frame part 4, such that the collar 12 is immediately adjacent the collar 10. Similarly, the third frame part has been fully retracted into the second frame part (and thereby into the first frame part 4) such that the handle 14 is immediately adjacent the collar 12. In the figure, the handle 14 is also shown having been folded down. Optionally, the handle 14 may be locked in this position, and similarly the collars 10, 12 may be retightened to secure the telescopic shaft in its retracted position.

Figure 4 shows the frame 2 of the golf trolley of figures 1 to 3 in a fully collapsed and disassembled state; the wheels 16, 22 are not shown. With the wheels removed, the axles 32 on which they rotate are visible on the ends of each leg 18. The total length of the legs 18 (including the axles 3) is approximately equal to the length of the first frame part 4, as is apparent from the figure.

The collar 10 is shown immediately adjacent to the bracket 20, on the upper end of the first frame part 4. Similarly, the collar 12 is shown immediately adjacent to the collar 10. Located on the collar 12 is a show 34 for receiving the foot 36 of the upper bag support 26 therein. Levers 38 are provided with each collar 10, 12, such that the collars 10, 12 may he loosened or tightened as desired.

The folding base plate 30 is shown folded flat against the lower hag support 28. The connecting piece 24 has been removed from the first frame part 4, into a socket in which connecter 40 would be inserted. Third axle 42 is shown on the connecting piece 24, onto which the third wheel 22 may be located.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of one optional form of a folding handle 14 used in the golf trolley in figures 1 to 4. The handle 14 includes a grip 44, and two substantially identical side parts 46, 48, which couple the grip to a connector 50, which is inserted and secured into the upper end of the third frame part 8. Each side part 46, 48 comprises a connecting plate 52 with a series of radial grooves for engaging with a respective corresponding plate 54 on the connector 50. In this way, if the side parts 46, 48 are biased away from the connector 50, they are able to rotate around an axis through the centres of each of the plates 52, 54. In contrast, if the side parts are biased toward the connector 50, the radial grooves engage one another and rotation of the side parts about the axis through the centres of each of the plates 52, 54 is prevented. Axles 56, in the form of pins, permit rotation about this axis. The pins 56 are secured to the side parts 46, 48, and are free to rotate and move axially through a central hole in the corresponding plates 54.

Springs 58 are provided on the pins, within the connector 50, such that a head of the pin within the connector 50 is biased away from the corresponding plates 54, toward the centre of the connector 30. In this way, the springs act to pull the side parts 46, 48 toward one another such that they are locked in rotational position with respect to the connector 50.

A release button 60 within the connector 50, and projecting from the top thereof, has two cam surfaces 62 which act to push on the pins 56. Depression of the button 60 causes the cam surfaces 62 to move down, urging the pins 56 against the springs 58, outward. In this way, the side parts 46, 48 are pushed out and the radial grooves disengage, permitting rotational movement. When the release button 60 is released, the springs 58 act to push the pins 56 back, which act on the cam surfaces 62 to raise button 60 upwards. In this way, the side parts 46, 48 can be maintained in a new position.

In one particularly advantageous arrangement, the connector 50 comprises two resiliently biased mediating plates (not shown) located between each cam surface 62 and its respective pin 56. The mediating plates may he integrally formed with the connector 50, for instance by moulding. The mediating plates may comprise guide rails that guide motion of the button 60 within the connector 50. The mediating plates may be connected to the connector 50 at one end, in particular an end furthest from a push-surface of the button 60 (i.e. the upper surface of the button, when the handle is assembled and in use). The mediating plates may be substantially free at an opposing end, and may be substantially free along substantially their entire length.

In one arrangement, each plate is approximately 50mm in length (e.g. between approximately 30mm and 70mm, in particular between approximately 40mm and 60mm), and has a width of approximately 2mm (e.g. between approximately 1mm and 3mm, in particular between approximately 1.5mm and 2.5mm), such that it has a surface area of approximately 1 square cm.

As the button 60 is pushed down, the plates are biased away from each other by the earn surfaces 62, flexing against their fixed ends. The resistance encountered by the button 60 therefore increases as it is pushed further, due to the increasing flexure of the plates. The plates may be sufficiently flexible to substantially conform to the angle of the cam surfaces 62 as the button 60 is depressed. In this way, downward motion of the button 60 may be effectively converted into horizontal motion of the pins 56 without a downward force being present on an end of the pin 56. That is, substantially all friction between the mediating plates and the pins 56 is eliminated. Friction between the mediating plates and the cam surfaces 62 may also be minimised by ensuring that the cam surface 62 and surface of the mediating plate against which it contacts are low-friction; that is, lower friction than the pin 56 would encounter from the cam surface 62 directly.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A golf trolley for holding a golf bag thereon, the golf trolley comprising: a frame having: a substantially straight telescopic shaft including: a first shaft portion having a first length; a second shaft portion having a second length, the second shaft portion configured to be movable between a first position in which the second shaft portion nes.t substantially within the first shaft portion with a first end of the second shaft portion substantially adjacent to a first end of the first shaft portion, and a second position in which the second shaft portion substantially projects from the first end of the first shaft portion; and a third shaft portion having a third length, the third shaft portion configured to be movable between a third position in which the third shaft portion nests substantially within the second shaft portion with a first end of the third shaft portion substantially adjacent to the first end of the second shaft portion, and a fourth position in which the third shaft portion substantially projects from the first end of the second shaft portion; and first and second substantially straight legs having a fourth length, each of the legs configured to pivotally couple to the first shaft portion adjacent to the first end of the first shaft portion, each of the first and second legs being movable between a fifth position in which the leg lies substantially parallel to the first shaft portion and a sixth position in which the leg lies at an angle of at least 45 degrees to the first shaft portion; and first and second wheels, each releasably coupleable by a respective axle to a respective one of the first and second legs; a handle connected to the first end of the third shaft portion; a first bag support for supporting a golf bag thereon, the first hag support connected to the first shaft portion at an end opposing the first end thereof; and a second bag support for supporting the golf hag thereon, the second bag support connected to the second shaft portion at the first end thereof; wherein the first length, second length, third length and fourth length are substantially equal.
2. The golf trolley of claim 1, wherein the first leg is configured to be pivotally movable with respect to the first shaft potion in a first plane, and the second leg is configured to be pivotally movable with respect to the first shaft potion in a second plane, different to the first plane.
3. The golf trolley of claim 1 or claim 2, in which in the sixth position the leg lies at an angle of at least 70 degrees to the first shaft portion.
4. The golf trolley of any preceding claim, further comprising a flexible cord coupled between the first and second legs, such that the cord is substantially taught when the legs are in the sixth position.
5. The golf trolley of any preceding claim, wherein the frame includes a first engagement mechanism for maintaining the second shaft portion in the first and/or the second position.
6. The golf trolley of any preceding claim, wherein the frame includes a second engagement mechanism for maintaining the third shaft portion in the third and/or the fourth position.
7. The golf trolley of any preceding claim, wherein the frame includes a third and/or a fourth engagement mechanism for maintaining a respective one of the legs in the fifth and/or sixth positions.
8. The golf trolley of any preceding claim, wherein the frame includes a fifth and/or a sixth engagement mechanism for maintaining the wheels on a respective one of the legs.
9. The golf trolley of any preceding claim, wherein the handle is releasably connected to the third shaft portion.
10. The golf trolley of any preceding claim, wherein the frame includes a seventh engagement mechanism for maintaining the handle on the third shaft portion.
11. The golf trolley of any preceding claim, the first and/or second bag support is releasably connected to the first shaft portion.
12. The golf trolley of any preceding claim, wherein the frame includes an eighth and/or a ninth engagement mechanism for maintaining the first and/or second bag support on the first and/or second shaft portion, respectively.
13. The golf trolley of any preceding claim, wherein the handle is pivotally connected to the third shaft portion.
14. The golf trolley of any preceding claim, wherein the first and/or second bag support is pivotally connected to the first and/or second shaft portion, respectively.
13. The golf trolley of any preceding claim, wherein the first and/or second hag support may comprise a respective strap for securing a golf hag thereto.
16. A method of folding a golf trolley, the method comprising the steps of: providing a golf trolley according to any preceding claim; moving the second shaft portion from the second position to the first position; moving the third shaft portion from the fourth position to the third position; moving the first and second substantially straight legs from the sixth position to the fifth position; and removing the first and second wheels from the first and second legs, respectively.
17. A golf trolley substantially as herd thefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.