CA1310229C - Golf cart system including rail and cart - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A golf cart system includes a rail formed by a plurality of channel members, each channel member having a U-shaped cross section defined by spaced side walls joined at lower ends thereof by a bottom wall, the side walls having at upper ends thereof flanges extending inwardly toward each other and defining therebetween a longitudinal groove. Each flange has an upper surface and a lower surface. A golf cart includes a body formed of a material such as a molded glass fiber-reinforced material, wheel members supported by the body and running on the upper flange surfaces, and four golf bag supports located on the body at positions spaced 90° from each other. The body supports structure for preventing the golf cart from falling sideways from the rail, such structure including guide rollers rollingly contacting the flanges of the rail and vertical rollers supported by the body and rollingly contacting the lower surfaces of the flanges.

Description

1 3 1 ~29 GOLF CART SYSTEM INCLU~ING RAIL AND CART

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a golf cart system for propelling around a golf course a golf cart or caddy cart of the type for carrying golf clubs, bags and other articles.
More particularly, the present invention is dixected to such a system and to a rail and a cart thereof for enabliny the passage around the terrain of a golf course of the golf cart running on the raiI buried in the ground and extending through selected locations of the golf course, the upper surface of the rail being flush with the ground surface, and the golf cart and rail having cooperating structure for preventing the golf cart from turning over sideways or slipping from the rail.
There are known caddy carts provided with at least three wheels arranged in front and rear, and such carts can be moved over a golf course stably without turning over sideways.
However, there lS no known two-wheeled cart having, similar to a bicycle, a front wheel and a rear wheel, which can be moved along a narrow path on the fairways of a golf course without damaging the grass or turning over sideways.
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There has been proposed a mono-rail type of caddy cart system wherein a rail is provided above the ground or in a wide trench (for example 25 cm wide) formed in the ground.

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It also has been proposed to form such ra:il of U-shaped channel members embedded in the ground. In such case however, a large width of the mono-rail is exposed above ground, such that golf balls often bounce irregularly therefrom and are lost. In addition, it is necessary to locate the rail in the rough areas of the golf course some distance from the fairways, since the rail detracts from the appearance of the landscape or scenery of the fairways. Accordingly, a caddy or player has to walk substantial distances between the cart and the position of a golf ball, thus wasting time -and energy. In order to avoid such problems, a player might be tempted to use an unsuitable club, thereby ~ is score and detracting ~ . .
from enjoyment of the game. Such system also extends the time required for a round of golf and thereby restricts the number of players allowed to employ the golf course. Even further, if a golf ball lands close to ~he rail, when such golf ball next is hit it could rebound from the rail above the ground or on the ground, wnich is dangerous to the players, or the player might be obliged to take a l'drop". Such occurrences are inconvenient to the progress of the game. Additionally, a rail above the ground or a wide rail embedded in the ground are incompatible with thè natural scenery of a golf course.
In order to overcome these problems, such rails must be positioned far from the fairways, and preferably be hidden by trees or bushes.

` I 3 1 0229 The carts usually are driven electrically and are heavy (for example about 85 kgi, and an operator Eor controlling the cart is required. The cart therefore seriously damages the grass so that it is necessary to constru~t a paved lane of concrete or asphalt, for example of about 1.5 m width, for such electrically driven carts. Such lanes or paths must also be located far from the fairways, for example between 50 to 100 m, which again raises the problems o~ wasted time and energy. In addition, it often occurs that a golf ball hittlng such lane or path will rebound in an unexpected direction, whereby it becomes lost or out of bounds, thereby seriously impairing the players enjoyment of the game.
; A newly developed caddy cart propelling system recently has been proposed, whereby an electromagnetic induction type caddy cart (having the brand name "Green Boy"
or "High Cart Carry") is employed. This system has an electromagnetic cable buried in a paved lane (about 1.5 m wide) on which the cart runs, and a sensor for detecting a magnetic field generated by such cable and determining direction of movement, whereby the cart runs in an unattended manner by remote control means. In this system, the same drawbacks as are discussed above are encountered.
The known, old fashioned two-wheeled cart having left and right wheels and supported by hand is free from the ' :` 1 31 022q above problems. This type of cart does not turn over sideways and does not damage the grass because it is not heavy. This type of caddy cart therefore still is popular on golf courses which are comparatively flat. Also known are similar types of caddy carts capable of carrying plural bags, for example four bags. Such arrangements particularly are employed a~ golf courses having a shortage of caddies. Howcver, the weight of four bags is approximately 45 kg, and the total loaded weight including the cart easily can reach 65 kg. Therefore, a considerable amount of effort is required even on flat ground to convey such carts, and the wheels of the cart become heavily loaded and can damage the grass of the golf course.
Play often is interrupted by delays in the arrival of the cart, particularly when the cart must be pushed up a slope, and when the caddies must provide additional services such as replacing or covering divets and smoothing bunkers. Most golf courses have many sIopes, and therefore it is hard work for the caddies to accompany the players while handling caddy carts carrying golf clubs and other articles. As a result, play often is prolonged, and this impairs the enjoyment of the game.
~; The most important concern for a golf course is to reduce damage to the grass which has a vital impact on the piaying of the game. Hence, .the ultimate demand is for minimization of damage to the grass. Unfortunately however, existing automatic transportation systems, which otherwise would minimize damage to the grass, have drawbacks as mentioned above and therefore are not generally employed.

SUMMARY OF' T E INVENTION
With the above discussion in mind, it is an object oE
the present invention to provide a system for automatically propelling golf carts of the caddy type around a golf course, while avoiding damage to the grass and at the same time overcoming the above discussed and other disadvantages of prior art systems.
~ fur-ther objection of the present invention is to provide such a system whlch can be operated safely and smoothly to automatically propel carts which are self-driven by a prime mover without requiring the assistance of a caddy.
Yet further objects of the present invention are to provide a structural element for use in forming the rail and to provide the golf cart forming the system.
The above and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by the provision of a cart operating or propelling system including a rail buried in the ground of a golf course to extend through selected locations thereof. The rail need not run only through the rough areas of the golf course, but also can extend through the fairways thereof and is flush with the ground surface.

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131022q According to a Eirst broad aspect of the present invention, the~e is provided a golE cart system comprising:
a rail formed by a plurality of channel members, each said channel member having a generally U-shaped cross-section defined by spaced side walls joined at lower ends thereof by a bottom wall, said side walls having, at upper ends thereof, flanges e~tending inwardly toward each other and defining therebetween a longitudinal groove, each said flange having an upper surface and a lower surface, each of said flanges further providing a longitudinal recess therein intermediate of said upper and lower surfaces thereof, the recesses each being provided at inner surfaces of -the flanges which define said longitudinal grooves of said channel members, the channel members being buried in the ground to define said rail, with said upper surfaces of said flanges being substantially flush with the ground surface, and with said longitudinal grooves of said channel members : defining a continuous groove; a golf cart including a body formed of molded glass fiber-reinforced plastic material, wheel members supported by said body and running on said upper surfaces of the flanges of said rail, and four golf : bag supports located on said body at positions spaced ~0 from each other; and means for preventing said golf cart from falling sideways from said rail, said means comprising vertical rollers supported by said body and rollingly contacting said lower surfaces of said flanges, and further comprising a guide roller supported by said body, said guide ! ~ 6 7 ~ ' ~ 'j ,-'~

roller being rotatable i.n a plane substantially transverse to a plane of rotation of the vertical rollers, the guide ro].ler extending into said recesses and rollingly contacting said flanges within said recesses thereofl respective axes of rotation of the wheel members, guide roller and vertical rollers all extending within a vertical plane transverse to said longitudinal grooves of said channel members.
According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf cart system comprising:
a rail formed by a plurality of channel members, each said channel member having a generally U~shaped cross-section defined by spaced side walls joined at lower ends thereof by a bottom wall, said side walls having, at upper ends thereof, flanges extending inwardly toward each other and defining therebetween a longitudinal groove, each said ~: ~ flange having an upper surface and a lower surface, each of said flanges further providing a longitudinal recess therein intermediate of said upper and lower surfaces thereof~ the ~recesses each being provided at inner surfaces of the flanges which define said longitudinal grooves of said channel members, the channel members being buried in the ground to define said rail, with said upper surfaces of said ~;~ flanges being substantially flush with the ground surface, and with said longi-tudinal grooves of said channel members defining a continuous groove;

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With re~erence to preferred embodiments, the channel members are co~bined or made integral to form the rail, with the flanges having upper surfaces substantially flush with the ground surface and lower surfaces, and with the longitudinal grooves of the channel members defining a continuous longitudinal groove of the rail. The width of the groove of the rail is smaller than the diameter of a golf ball, such that a golf ball cannot drop through the groove. The width of the portions of the rail 6b ~..

i 3 1 ~22q exposed to the ground surface, including the exposed flange portions and the groove, can be as narrow as approximately 7-8 cm. However, the overall width of the channel member embedded in the ground can be as much as about 10-13 cm. The exposed upper surfaces of the flanges are inclined upwardly toward each other and each may have a width of approximately 20 mm, with the longitudinal groove therebetween being approximately 30 to 40 mm in width. The upper suraces of the flanges of the rail are covered by flexible cosmetic members made of a material such as rubber sheets or artificial turf of almost the same color, flexibility and elasticity as real grass, e.g.
fairway grass. One side of each such flexible cosmetic member .
may be attached to the respective flange so that the cosmetic members slightly overlap above the longitudinal rail groove.
When the cart runs over the exposed portion of the rail, a vertical shaft attached to the cart separates the flexible cosmetic member laterally. At other times however, the flexible cosmetic members overIap and close the top of the groove to prevent water, sand, soiI and other foreign matter from entering the interior of the rail. The flexible cosmetlc members have an appearance similar to that of real grass so that the presence of the rail does not spoil the appearance of the golf course, even when the rail extends through the fairways~ Also, even i~ a golf ba~l hits the rail, it will not bounce irregularly, , i whereby enjoyment of ~he game is not substantially effected.
The golf or caddy cart is designed to carry four bags at a time such that the weight of all of the bags is applied uniformly to a central portion of the cart. The means for preventing the cart from turning or falling sideways is mounted on the vertical shaft which is attached to the body of the cart and which extends through the groove into the interior of the rail. The guide rollers are horizontal rollers which ensure that the cart runs smoothly and safely along the rail without damaging the grass on opposite sides thereof, and the vertical rollers prevent the cart from turning over sideways.

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The cart is of the self-driven type and can be provided with a prime mover, such as a motor, mounted on the body to drive at least one wheel member of the cart so that the cart moves along the rail.
Preferably, the channel members are formed of molded glass fiber-reinforced material, or alternatively may be formed of a molded resin concrete. The surfaces of the flanges which define the groove have formed therein respective longitudinal recesses, and the guide rollers are rotatable horizontally and extend into such recesses. Each wheel member preferably includes a pair of wheels ro~ling on respective upper surfaces~
of the flanges, with a drive sprocket positioned between such pa~r of whe~ls. Further preferably, the four golf bag supports are located at front, rear and opposite lateral positions of the body. Each golf bag support comprises an inclined platform formed integrally with the body, and a back member supported at a positïon above the platform. Posts extend from the body to support the back members, ând stay members connect the posts.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system whereby a golf or caddy cart may run along a rail laid in a golf eourse fairway without damaging the grass, and such that the rail is integrated into the scenery of the golf eourse. Sinee the rail is formed of a reinforeed plastie material, it is light and has high meehanieal strength, resistanee to wide temperature variations, resistance to corrosion and durability. The rail can be manufactured by molding and be provided at a low cost. Since preferably the rail is formed of fiber-reinforced plastic, bent and twisted rail sections can easily be molded. The inclined surfaees of the flanges on which the cart runs extend sueh that the height thereof increases gradually inwardly. Aecordingly, as the cart moves along the rail, the eovers easily are turned up by the vertieal shaft to enable the cart to run smoothly. This arrangement also provides the advantage that any earth, sand or rain water falling on the top of the covers will tend to fall downwardly therefrom without entering the interior of the rail~

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g _ ~31~2q Since the body of the golf or caddy cart according to the present invention is formed by molding fiber~reinforced plastic material, the cart is very light and rigid, is capable of minimizing the consumption of energy, is suitable for mass production and can be provided at a low cost. Since the weight of the cart is reduced greatly due to the use of the fiber-reinforced plastic material, and is about only one quarter of the weight of a conventional electric art, there is a substantial capacity for carrying extra weight, for example for earth or sand required to cover divets. Such a caddy cart has-not existed in the past. Thus, during a golf match using a conventional caddy cart, divets are covered with earth or . . ~ .. ..
sand provided at predetermined positions, for example adjacent the sides of the fairways. The ~overing of divets in this manner however is difficult and time consuming and causes play to be delayed. As a result, there is a tendency to leave divets uncovered in many cases. This of course disadvan-tageously effects the play of later golfers. According to the present invention however, the body of the golf cart is sufficiently light in weight to enable the golf cart to carry a substantial amount of divet covering earth or sand, for example a sufficient supply for a half round of golf.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a somewhat schematic side el~vation, partially in section, of a golf cart system according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view thereof;
Figure 3 is an enlarged partial side view illustrating structure for preventing a cart from falling from a rail;
Figure 4 is a transverse section thereof;
Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, but illus-trating features of the rail without the cart moving therealong; and Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3, but also illustrating features of the rail without the cart moving .
therealong.

DETAI~ED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The system of the present invention includes a rail formed by a plurality of joined or integrally formed channel members 1. Channel member 1 has a substantially U-shaped ' cross section defined by spaced side walls 2 joined at lower ends thereof by a bottom wall 1'. The side walls have at upper ends thereof flanges 4 extending inwardly toward each other and defining therebetween a longitudinal groove 3. Each flange 4 has an upper surface 5 and a lower surface 8. The channel members 1 are burled in the ground to define the rail, with the upper surfaces 5 of the flanges 4 being substantially flush with the ground surface and with the longitudinal grooves 3 of the channel members defining a continuous rail groove. The groove 3 has a width less than the diameter of a golf ball. Flexible cosmetic members or covers 6 of an elastic material and with color similar to that of real grass on the adjacent ground are attached to the upper flange surfaces 5 so that free edges of members 6 slightly overlap at a position above the groove 3 to prevent soil, sand and rain water from entering the interior of the channel member.
Members 6 are formed of material such as rubber plates, artificial turf or urethane. The channel member l preferably is formed of a fiber-reinforced plastlc material, and may have provided therein a core material of, for example, glass fiber.
Alternatively, the channel member may be formed of a molded resin concrete material. The inner surfaces of flanges 4 which define groove 3 have formed therein longitudinal recesses 7, preferably substantially C-shaped.
A golf or caddy cart 9 runs along the rail and ` ' 131022q includes a body lO formed substantially of molded glass fiber-reinforced plastic material, but alternatively could be made of synthetic resin matèrial. Body lO can be formed by various processes, including a spray-lamination method, a molding method in which resin is in~ected into a reinforcing material-containing mold, or a pressure molding method in which a resin-impregnated reinforcing material is placed in a mold.
Such methods enable the production of a cart body which is light in weight, has excellent mechanical properties, excellent water resisting properties, high weather resistance and high corrosion resistance. The body lO has formed integrally therewith four inclined platforms ll at positions spaced 90 from each other. In the illustrated arrangement, the platforms ll are positioned at the front, rear and opposite lateral sides of body lO, thus forming a cruciform arrangement in the same plane. Positioned generally above each platform 11 1s a back support member 12 forming a rest or ~stop for a respective golf bag. Each back member 12 is : ~ :
supported by posts 13 extending upwardly from body lO, and posts 13 are connected by stay members 14. Preferably, back members 12, support posts 13 and stay members 14 also are formed of a glass f1ber-reinforced plastic material. In the illustrated arrangement, the front and rear golf bag supports are inclined toward the center of body l, and the opposite side golf bag supports are inclined in a direction opposite to .

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, the direction of movement of the cart. Thus, the arrangement is such that the golf bag supports concentrate the total load toward the center of the golf cart.
Since the material of the golf cart is light, for example fiber-reinforced plastic material, it is possible to carry on the cart a substantia,l ~uantity of earth or sand to be employed for covering divets. For example, it is contemplated that it would be possible to carry at least a ~uantity of such earth or sand required for a half round, i.e.
nine holes, of golf. This enables a substantial reduction of caddy labor, a saving of time and an improvement of the maintenance of the golf course.' Supported on the body 10, for example at front and rear portions thereof, are a pair of wheel members, each supported by a bearing support 15. Each wheel member includes ' ~
a pair of wheels ~ mounted on a common shaft with a drive sprocket 17 mou,nted between each pair of wheels. The wheels 16 run on respective upper flange surfaces 5 and have peripheral configurations complementary thereto. In the illustrated arrangeme'nt, the running surfaces of wheels 16 are conically inclined toward each other. One or both of the wheel members may be driven, for example by a chain 18 in engagement with sprocke,ts 1~, by a motor (not shown), for example housed within cabinet, 19 on body 10. Thus, operation of the motor causes rotation of wh~els 16 and movement of the cart 9 along the rail.

There is provided structure for preventing the golf cart from falling or slipping sideways from the rail. In -the illustrated arrangement, this structure includes arrangements at the forward and rearward portions of the cart. Each such arrangement includes a vertical shaft 20 fixed to and supported by body 10 and extending downwardly therefrom through groove 3 into the interior of the rail. Rotatably mounted about shaft 20 is a horizontal roller 21 rotatable in a horizontal plane and extending into recesses 7 of flanges 4.
Below horizontal roller 21 and rotatably mounted on opposite sides of a lower portion of shaft 20 are a pair of vertical rollers 22 which rollingly contact respective lower surfaces 8 of flanges 4 The vertical rollers 22 prevent the cart from turniny over or falling sideways from the rail, while horizontal roller 21 acts against inner surfaces of recesses 7 to gulde the movement of the cart and to ensure that the cart runs along the rail smoothly and safely.
The operation of the system of the invention is believed to be apparent from the above discussion, but will be described briefly in the following. Thus, up to four golf bags may be placed on suitable platforms 11 to rest against respective back members 12, and may be fastened in such positions, for example by straps. A motor ~not shown) then is started to rotate wheels 16 via chain 18 and sprockets 17, such that the cart ~ runs along the rail at a speed ` 1 3 1 0229 substantially equal to or slightly greater than the speed at which a golfer walks. When the cart rounds a curved portion of the rail, horizontal guide rollers 21 contact the inner side surfaces of the recesses 7 to maintain the cart running smoothly. When the cart 9 receives a tilting force due to the topography or terrain of the golf course, vertical rollers 22 contact lower surfaces 8 of the flanges 4 to maintain the cart running safely and smoothly, thereby preventing the cart from turning sideways with respect to the rail. Due to the inclined upper surfaces 5 of flanges 4 and due to the complementary configuration of the peripheral surfaces of wheels 16, the wheels engage perfectly with the upper surfaces 5 and have a relatively high resistance to tilting forces.
Also, since the cover members 6 are similarly inclined upwardly, the entry of sand, dust and rain wate-r into the interior of the rail is minimized. It will be understood that the driving motor of the cart can be stopped automatically at a predetermined positiGn by a remote control or by a limit switch, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Divet covering earth or sand may be contained in a container 23 having an outlet 23' and supported by the body, for example above housing I9. Also-, a casing 24 for containing small golf articles may be provided on the cart.
By forming the majoLity of the cart 9 of a lightweight material such as fiber-reinforced plastic, it is possible for .

13 ~ 0229 the cart to support a substantial weight of divet covering earth or sand.
It will be apparent, particularly from Figures 5 and 6, that the cover members 6 overlap to normally cover groove 3. However, as the cart moves along the rail, the shafts 20 spread apart the cover members 6, as shown particularly in Figure 4.
Although the present invention has been described and iIlustrated with respect to preferred eatures thereof, it will be apparent that various changes and modifications may be made to the specifically described and illustrated structural arrangements without departing from the scope of the present invention;

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Claims (10)

1. A golf cart system comprising:
a rail formed by a plurality of channel members, each said channel member having a generally U-shaped cross-section defined by spaced side walls joined at lower ends thereof by a bottom wall, said side walls having, at upper ends thereof, flanges extending inwardly toward each other and defining therebetween a longitudinal groove, each said flange having an upper surface and a lower surface, each of said flanges further providing a longitudinal recess therein intermediate of said upper and lower surfaces thereof, the recesses each being provided at inner surfaces of the flanges which define said longitudinal grooves of said channel members, the channel members being buried in the ground to define said rail, with said upper surfaces of said flanges being substantially flush with the ground surface, and with said longitudinal grooves of said channel members defining a continuous groove;
a golf cart including a body formed of molded glass fiber-reinforced plastic material, wheel members supported by said body and running on said upper surfaces of the flanges of said rail, and four golf bag supports located on said body at positions space 90° from each other; and means for preventing said golf cart from falling sideways from said rail, said means comprising vertical rollers supported by said body and rollingly contacting said lower surfaces of said flanges, and further comprising a guide roller supported by said body, said guide roller being rotatable in a plane substantially transverse to a plane of rotation of the vertical rollers, the guide roller extending into said recesses and rollingly contacting said flanges within said recesses thereof, respective axes of rotation of the wheel members, guide roller and vertical rollers all extending within a vertical plane transverse to said longitudinal grooves of said channel members.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said channel members are formed of molded glass fiber-reinforced material or molded resin concrete.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper surfaces are inclined upwardly toward each other.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising flexible members of elastic material attached to said upper surfaces of said flanges and having overlapping opposed edge portions closing said groove.

5. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the width of said groove is dimensioned to prevent passage therethrough of a golf ball.

6. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said wheel member comprises a pair of wheels rolling on respective said upper surfaces of said flanges, and a drive sprocket positioned between said wheels.

7. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said four golf bag supports are located at front, rear and opposite lateral positions of said body.

8. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said golf bag support comprises an inclined platform formed integrally with said body, and back member supported at a position above said platform.

9. A system as claimed in claim 7, further comprising posts extending from said body and supporting said back members, and stay members connecting said posts.

10. A golf cart system comprising:
a rail formed by a plurality of channel members, each said channel member having a generally U-shaped cross-section defined by spaced side walls joined at lower ends thereof by a bottom wall, said side walls having, at upper ends thereof, flanges extending inwardly -toward each other and defining therebetween a longitudinal groove, each said flange having an upper surface and a lower surface, each of said flanges further providing a longitudinal recess therein intermediate of said upper and lower surfaces thereof, the recesses each being provided at inner surfaces of the flanges which define said longitudinal grooves of said channel members, the channel members being buried in the ground to define said rail, with said upper surfaces of said flanges being substantially flush with the ground surface, and with said longitudinal grooves of said channel members defining a continuous groove;
a golf cart including a body, wheel members supported by said body and running on said upper surface of the flanges of said rail; and means for preventing said golf cart from falling sideways from said rail, said means comprising vertical rollers supported by said body and rollingly contacting said lower surfaces of said flanges and further comprising a guide roller supported by said body, said guide roller being rotatable in a plane substantially transverse to a plane of rotation of the vertical rollers, the guide roller extending into said recesses and rollingly contacting said flanges within said recesses thereof, respective axes of rotation of the wheel members, guide roller and vertical rollers all extending within a vertical plane transverse to said longitudinal grooves of said channel members.