초록 ▼

Apparatus and methods for propelling a multiple-wheeled golf bag cart over a terrain are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be attached to a handle of the golf bag cart and further configured to be attached to the waist of a golfer. The apparatus includes a belt member for

Apparatus and methods for propelling a multiple-wheeled golf bag cart over a terrain are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be attached to a handle of the golf bag cart and further configured to be attached to the waist of a golfer. The apparatus includes a belt member for attachment to the waist of the golfer, a deformable member configured to be disposed between the cart handle and the belt member for controlling movement of the cart while the cart is being towed, and a mounting member for attachment to the handle for connecting the deformable member to the handle.

대표청구항 ▼

1. Apparatus for towing a multiple-wheeled golf bag cart over a terrain, said apparatus configured for attachment to a handle of a golf bag cart and further configured for attachment to the waist of a golfer, said apparatus comprising: a belt member configured for attachment to said waist of said go

1. Apparatus for towing a multiple-wheeled golf bag cart over a terrain, said apparatus configured for attachment to a handle of a golf bag cart and further configured for attachment to the waist of a golfer, said apparatus comprising: a belt member configured for attachment to said waist of said golfer;a deformable means configured to be disposed between said cart handle and said belt member for controlling movement of said cart while said cart is being towed, said deformable means deformable in connection with a first force applied to said deformable means by said cart in the forward or backward directions of travel of said cart, said deformable means also laterally deformable in connection with a second force applied to said deformable means by said cart in a direction other than said forward or backward directions whereby said deformable means dampen said first and second forces applied by said cart; andmounting means configured to be attached to said handle for attaching said deformable means to said handle. 2. The apparatus in claim 1 wherein said second force applied in said other direction is in response to turning of said cart in said other direction. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said deformable means comprises elastomeric means. 4. Apparatus for towing a multiple-wheeled cart over terrain, said apparatus configured to be attached to a handle of the cart and also configured to be attached to the waist of a user, said apparatus comprising: a belt member configured to be attached to the waist of the user;an elastomeric member configured to be disposed between the cart handle and said belt member for controlling movement of the cart while the cart is being towed, wherein said elastomeric member is operable to control a range of motion of the cart handle with respect to said belt member in three axes when said elastomeric member is coupled to the cart handle;a retaining member for maintaining said elastomeric member in position with respect to said belt member; anda coupling device for removably coupling said elastomeric member to the cart handle. 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said retaining member is operable to prevent said elastomeric member from moving away from said belt member. 6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said elastomeric member is operable to control movement of the cart in a direction of travel of the cart when said elastomeric member is coupled to the cart handle. 7. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said elastomeric member is operable to control movement of the cart in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of said cart when said elastomeric member is coupled to the cart handle. 8. An interface between a belt to be worn by a user and a golf bag cart handle, said interface comprising: a belt engaging device, a first end of said belt engaging device configured to engage the belt, a second end of said belt engaging device configured to extend toward the golf bag cart handle, said belt engaging device comprising an elastomeric material for dampening, along multiple axes, forces transmitted between the golf bag cart handle and a user wearing the belt; anda coupling device configured to extend from the second end of said belt engaging device to provide an attachment to the golf bag cart handle. 9. An interface according to claim 8 wherein said coupling device comprises: a first member configured for attachment to the golf bag cart handle; anda second member retained by said belt engaging device, said second member configured for removable attachment to said first member. 10. An interface according to claim 9 wherein: said second member comprises a loop embedded in said second end of said belt engaging device; andsaid first member comprises a strap, said strap configured to provide an attachment between the golf bag cart handle and said loop. 11. An interface according to claim 8 wherein said coupling device comprises: a first member configured for attachment to the golf bag cart handle;a second member affixed to said belt engaging device; anda pivoting member disposed between said first and second members to allow a pivoting movement of said first member with respect to said second member. 12. An interface according to claim 8 wherein said belt engaging device comprises a substantially hollow area and an opening in the second end of said belt engaging device, said coupling device comprising: a first member configured for attachment to the golf bag cart handle;a second member configured to be attached to said first member; anda spherical member rotatably mounted within said substantially hollow area of said belt engaging device, said second member extending from said spherical member and through said opening in the second end of said belt engaging device. 13. An interface according to claim 12 wherein said opening in the second end of said belt engaging device is sized to retain said spherical member within said substantially hollow area. 14. An interface according to claim 13 wherein said belt engaging device further comprises a cylindrical member disposed within said substantially hollow area, said cylindrical member extending from said first end of said belt engaging device towards said second end, said spherical member having a diameter such that it is configured to rest on said cylindrical member between said cylindrical member and said opening in the second end of said belt engaging device. 15. An interface according to claim 12 wherein said spherical member comprises a bore therethrough, said bore for attachment of said second member, said second member extending through said bore such that a rotation of said spherical member is limited within said substantially hollow area. 16. Apparatus for towing a multiple-wheeled device over a terrain, said apparatus configured for attachment to a handle of the device and further configured for attachment to the waist of a user, said apparatus comprising: a belt member configured for attachment to the waist of the user;deformable means configured to be disposed between the handle of the device and said belt member for controlling movement of the device while the device is being pushed or pulled, said deformable means deformable in multiple axes, to control movement of the handle, and therefore the device, in the multiple axes; andmounting means configured to be attached to the handle for attaching said deformable means to the handle. 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said deformable means comprises elastomeric means. 18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said deformable means is configured to dampen forces transmitted between the handle of the device and the waist of the user. 19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said deformable means is deformable to apply a force to the handle to resist a movement of the device, said force increasing in magnitude as deformation of said deformable means increases in magnitude. 20. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said deformable means is configured to resist a further movement of the device in both a direction of travel of the device and in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the device. 21. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said deformable means comprises: a first end configured for removable attachment to said mounting means; anda second end configured for engagement by said belt member. 22. Apparatus for towing a multiple-wheeled cart over terrain, said apparatus configured to be attached to a handle of the cart and also configured to be attached to the waist of a user, said apparatus comprising: a belt member configured to be attached to the waist of the user;an elastomeric member configured to be disposed between the cart handle and said belt member for controlling movement of the cart while the cart is being towed, wherein said elastomeric member is operable to control movement of the cart in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of said cart when said elastomeric member is coupled to the cart handle;a retaining member for maintaining said elastomeric member in position with respect to said belt member; anda coupling device for removably coupling said elastomeric member to the cart handle. 23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said retaining member is operable to prevent said elastomeric member from moving away from said belt member. 24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said elastomeric member is operable to control movement of the cart in a direction of travel of the cart when said elastomeric member is coupled to the cart handle.