CA2102586A1 - Golf cart - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract of the Disclosure A golf cart with an improved design includes a body made of engineering structural foam. In preferred embodiments, the golf cart also includes a computer to compute and display distance traveled by the golf cart and golf game analysis features such as total numbers of putts, strokes and hits into the green in regulation.

Description

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GOLF CART

Background of the Invention The present invention relates to golf carts.
More particularly, the invention relates to a walking-type golf cart with an improved design and golf carts equipped with a computer.
Golf has become a sport popularly accepted by people all over the world. Since the game requires the use of numerous clubs that must be taken with the player from one part of the course to the next, numerous golf bag and golf cart designs have been proposed and used. Powered, riding golf carts are of -course known, but many players prefer walking and using a walking-type cart, such as a pull-type golf cart or a battery-operated, self-propelled golf cart. Most commonly, such golf carts are designed to transport a golf bag with the clubs inside of the golf bag. The bag is designed to alternatively be carried on the golfer's shoulder, so it is readily detachable from the pull-type golf cart. Also, the golf carts are usually designed to be collapsible so as to fit in the trunk of a car. Examples of pull-type golf carts are depicted in U.S. Design Patents Nos. 319,327; 292~038 and 150,572.
One problem with many pull-type golf cart designs is that they are constructed of numerous individual components that tend to come loose, break or fall off and get lost. Also, because of the numerous parts, the cost of the golf cart, including labor to 2102~8~

assemble the parts, is quite high. For example, many cart designs use a narrow, tubular main body which all of the other parts attach to. Those parts typically include a multi-piece bracket that connects the struts that go out to the wheels, a foot member for supporting the bottom of the golf bag and a top support member to support the side of the golf bag at or near the top of the bag. Of course a handle for pulling the cart also attaches to the main body, usually with a hinged connection that allows the handle to fold up against the main body. Thus a pull-type golf cart with fewer separate parts would be a welcome improvement.
Golf players are quite interested in knowing how far they have hit their golf ball, and are also interested in improving their game. To meet this first interest, many odometer devices have been designed for golfers to measure the distance to their ball. Some of these distance measuring devices are disclosed in U.S.
Patents Nos. 4,680,45~; 4,532,710; 4,044,471; and 2,655,314. There have been numerous suggestions for providing pull-type golf carts with distance measuring capabilities, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patents Nos. 4,906,825; 3,643,860; 3,629,557; 3,571,933;

3,458,128; 3,441,209; 3,441,209; 3,357,636; 3,355,101;
2,766,935; 2,742,229 and 2,711,027. None of these devices, however, automatically provides for a display of distance for one particular event, such as the distance covered in travelling to where a golf ball has been hit, as well as a cumulative figure, such as the total distance walked by the golfer during the game.
This latter distance is of interest as well, particularly for an exercise-minded golfer who is interested in knowing, for example, how far he or she has walked during a game.
Som~ recent patents have disclosed the use of a computer while playing a game of golf. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,095,430 discloses a riding golf cart 2~02~8~

and a computer with a display screen for showing graphically the details and features of each hole of a golf course. While the computer can keep track of scores for one or more players and can, through the use of a light pen, compute and display distances between features of the golf course and the ball, the disclosed computer does not keep track of information that a golfer likes to know to help improve his or her game, such as the total number of putts and the number of greens hit in regulation. This type of information would be useful in analyzing one's golf game to determine what area of the overall game is improving or needs practice to reduce the player's overall score.
Also, the computer is not designed to be used with a pull-type golf cart.
Thus, it can be seen that there are numerous deficiencies in the golf carts previously known, and improvements thereto would be of great benefit.

Summary of the Invention A golf cart has been invented which encompasses many different improvements.
In one aspect, the invention comprises an improved walking-type golf cart comprising a body for securing a golf bag to the golf cart and wheels attached to the body, the improvement comprising the body being fabricated from engineering structural foam.
In another aspect, the invention comprises a walking-type golf cart comprising a body fabricated from engineering structural foam, the body including a foot member for supporting the bottom of a golf bag and a top support member for contacting the side of the golf bag to help secure the golf bag to the golf cart;
a handle attached to the body for pulling the golf cart; and wheels attached to the body for allowing the golf cart to roll over the ground.

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In yet another aspect, the invention comprises a golf cart comprising a body, wheels attached to the body for allowing the golf cart to roll over the ground, an electronic detector mounted next to one of the wheels for detecting revolutions of the wheel, a computer electrically connected to the detector and having a program for storing the detected wheel revolutions and converting the detected wheel revolutions to distance measurements, and a display electrically connected to the computer for displaying the distance measurement.
The use of a body fabricated from engineering structural foam has led to many improvements in the preferred embodiment of the device. Primarily, the golf cart can be constructed of fewer parts because elements such as the foot member and the top support member can be formed integrally with the rest of the body. Engineering structural foam has been discovered to be particularly advantageous for forming the body of the collapsible golf cart because it is lightweight yet rigid, and is also very durable, which is important because of the rough use and exposure to weather normally experienced by a pull-type or self-propelled, battery-operated golf cart.
In preferred embodiments of the invention, the on-board computer automatically computes and displays yards covered on the current shot as well as total distance covered during the game. The preferred computer also keeps track of the numbers of different types of strokes during the game. This provides a game analysis that can be used to see how each part of a player's game is improving.
These and other advantages of the invention, as well as the invention itself, will best be understood in view of the attached drawings, a brief description of which follows.

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~` 2102~86 srief_Description of the Drawinas FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pull-type golf cart of a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the pull-type golf cart of FIG. 1, showing how a golf bag is secured to the device.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the golf cart of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the golf cart of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a partially broken away view taken along line 5 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial sectional view showing the wheel revolution sensor taken along line 6-6 of FIG 2.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partially sectional view of the handle mounting for the golf cart of FIG.
1.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pull-type golf cart of a second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a computer for use in connection with the golf cart shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a portion of the program implemented by the computer shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a portion of the program implemented by the computer shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a portion of the program implemented by the computer shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a portion of the program implemented by the computer shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a portion of the program implemented by the computer shown in FIG. 11.

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FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a portion of the program implemented by the computer shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a portion of the program implemented by the computer shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of the computer shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the specific example shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 is a front view of a specific example of an arrangement of the LCD and key board shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 22 is an object-code computer program listing illustrating a specific example of the flow charted program shown in FIGS. ~2-18.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the overall features and progression of the program listing shown in FIG. 22.
FIGS. 24-29 are flow charts, each illustrating the operation of a portion of the program listing shown in FIG. 22.

Detailed Description of the Drawings and Preferred Embodiments of the Invention There are two preferred embodiments of the present invention. The first, shown in FIGS. 1-9, is a premium model pull-type golf cart utilizing a body made of engineering structural foam and including the computer for computing and displaying distances covered and game analysis information. The second embodiment, shown in FIG. lO, is an economy model, which uses the body made of engineering structural foam used in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, but does not include the computer.
As best seen in FIG. 1, the pull-type golf cart 10 of the first preferred embodiment of the invention is constructed of a body 20, a handle portion 30, wheels 41 and 42 and struts 40 connecting the ''', . ' '' ' ' ` :' 2~

wheels 41 and 42 to the body 20. Straps 12 and 14 are provided on the body 20 to wrap around and secure a golf bag to the body 20, as best seen in FIG. 2.
The body 20 of the preferred embodiment of the invention is molded of engineering structural foam.
As such, the body 20 includes a foot member 22 and a top support member 24 that are integrally molded with the longitudinal section 26 of the body 20.
Engineering structural foam comprises a plastic resin with an internal cellular structure and generally has a tough exterior skin. It is formed by a specialized injection molding process. The foam is achieved by either introducing inert gas directly into the melt formed in the extrusion and injection process, or preblending a chemical blowing agent with the resin.
The blowing agent then forms a gas when it is heated with the resin during the extrusion process. When the gastresin mixture is injected under pressure into the mold cavity, the gas expands within the plasticized material as it fills the mold.
Engineering structural foam and its molding has been known for some time, and those or ordinary skill in the art, once provided with desired part shapes, are able to construct molds and injection mold engineering structural foam parts. Major plastic suppliers provide resins particularly formulated for engineering structural foam injection molding. For axample, the General Electric Company supplies its Noryl~ polypropylene oxide, Valox~ thermoplastic, Lexan~ polycarbonate, Ultem~ polyetherimide and Xenoy~
thermoplastic alloy resins in numerous foamable grades.
The body 20 is preferably formed of a polycarbonate resin mixed with a chemical blowing agent.
The body 20 has several desirable attributes.
The density of the engineering structural foam is less than the density of typical thermoplastic parts, yet has greater rigidity. In the preferred embodiment, the ;,' . - ~ ': ~ . .

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engineering structural foam has a density of about o.s g/cm3 and a rigidity of greater than unfoamed polycarbonate resin. This rigidity allows for thinner cross sections in the structural elements of the body 20 without sacrificing the sturdiness of the golf cart.
The thinner cross sections, as well as the reduced density of the material itself, makes the body fairly lightweight. In the preferred embodiment, the body 20 only weighs about 3~ pounds.
The handle portion 30 of golf cart 10 is constructed of a handle frame 32 (FIG. 4), preferably formed of engineering structural foam. The frame 32 can be made of the material used to form the body 20.
The handle frame 32 includes a recess 33 (FIG. 2) used to hold the computer 60 as well as a recessed area 34 for a score card and ball holder rack 35. The handle frame 32 includes an extended gripping handle 36 which is used to actually pull the golf cart 10 during use.
The handle portion 30 may also include a drink holder (not shown) to hold a cup or beverage can. Preferably, an aluminum tube 39 (FIG. 4) with a hollow, rectangular cross section (FIG~ 9) is bolted to the back side of handle frame 32. This tube 39 is then used to connect the handle portion 30 to the body 20 using a hinged joint formed with a bolt 29 (FIG. 7) that extends through the lower end of tube 39 and a metal bracket 28 fixed to the back side of body 20. Another tube 25 is positioned in a channel area formed on the back of body 20. A coupler 27 connected to tube 39 and having a cap portion designed to fit over the top of tube 25 is used to hold the tube 39 against tube 25. The coupler 27 includes a knob 37 that can be tightened to keep the cap portion on the top of tube 25. When it is desired to fold up golf cart 10, the knob 37 is loosened so that coupler 27 can be raised to come off over the top of tube 25. Tube 39 can then pivot about : . . .
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. g bolt 29 to fold the handle portion 30 back~ards and against ~he body 20.
~ As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the coupler 27 also includes internal side walls with a plurality of slots that cooperate with a sliding element 31 carried on tube 39. The sliding element 31 has ribs on the two side walls that fit into the slots of coupler 27. If a user wishes to change the angle of the handle 30 with respect to the body 40~ he simply slides sliding element 31 up tube 39, disengaging the ribs and slots, repositions the handle 30, and slides the sliding element back down inside of coupler 27, the ribs then engaging a different set of slots. The handle 30 can thus be in position A, s or C as shown in FIG. 7.
As seen in FIGS. 1-4, the wheels 41 and 42 are attached to body 20 by struts 40. Preferably the strut 40 on each side of the golf cart 10 comprises a set of two hollow, square aluminum tubes 43 and 44. : :
The tubes 43 and 44 are bolted at their upper end to a ::~
metal bracket 45 fixed to the body 20, as best seen in :~:
FIG. 5. On their lower ends, the tubes 43 and 44 are bolted to an axle assembly 46 connected to the wheel.
The construction of the axle assembly 46 is designed so that the tubes 43 and 44 remain parallel as the struts 40 are pivoted toward the body 20 as the golf cart 10 is folded up, bringing the wheels 41 and 42 in next to the body 20. This type of strut/axle arrangement is conventional on many pull-type golf carts.
As best seen in FIG. 4, braces 48 connect between the tube 39 and the bottom tubes 44 on each of struts 40. The braces 48 are preferably formed of metal rods and have a hook on the top end, which fits into a hole in tube 39. On their lower end, the braces have a 90 bend so that the end of the brace 48 fits through a hole in tube 44. A nut is used on this end of braces 48 to hold it into the tube 44. The braces 48 are attached to the tubes 39 and 44 in positions 2102~8~

such that the handle portion 30 and struts 40 simultaneously fold in toward the body 20 when the golf cart 10 is collapsed for storage. Of course, the braces 48 also provide strength to the golf cart 10 in its normal, open position.
In the preferred embodiment, wheel 41 includes a magnet 52 tFIG. 6~. A reed switch 54 is provided on the axle assembly 46 where it will be activated by the magnet 52 each time the wheel turns one revolution. A wire 55 (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2) runs through the lower tube 44 and up the back side of body 20, through tube 39 (FIGS. 8 and 9) and into the computer recess 33. The wire 55 can thus be connected to computer 60 to provide a signal every time the wheel 41 turns one revolution.
The golf cart 110 of FIG. lo has a body 120 that can be identical to body 20 of golf cart 10.
Since most of the elements of golf cart 110 are identical to those on golf cart lO, FIG. 10 has been numbered using reference numbers that are larger by an addend of 100 than the reference numbers used for the identical elements on golf cart 10. The major difference between golf carts 110 and 10 are that the golf cart 110 does not include a computer 60, magnet 52, reed switch 54 and wire 55. Also, the handle portion 130 is quite different than handle portion 30.
on golf cart 110, the tube 139 is longer and there is no equivalent to handle frame 132. Instead, a simple gripping handle 137 attaches to the end of tube 139. The top tube 143 of struts 140 may be a simple wire form rod on the golf cart 110.
The design of body 20 has several advantages.
First, the longitudinal portion 26 of body 20 is wider than the body section of most collapsible golf carts.
Because of this feature, the struts 40 can be mounted more than an inch away from the centerline of the body, meaning the top ends of struts 40 are spread apart from 2102~6 each other, whereas in some conventional collapsible golf carts, the struts both fasten to the back of the body at the same point. This design allows the golf cart 10 to have a lower center of gravity and a wider wheel base, but still fold up to the same length as the conventional golf cart. For comparison, the preferred embodiment has a profile 1~ inches lower, and a wheel base 2 inches wider, than a comparable golf cart using a 1% inch wide hollow tube for the body.
Another advantage of the design of body 20 is that the foot member 22 and top support member 24 spreads out the weight of the golf bag. The foot member 22 is a point at which prior art golf carts commonly break because the weight of the golf bag is carried by a relatively small area. In the preferred embodiment, the foot member 22 is about 5 inches wide.
The computer 60 used on golf cart 10 is best understood in reference to FIGS. 11-29.
Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating the general hardware configuration of the presently preferred embodiment of the golf cart computer 60. The embodiment 200 of Figure 11 includes a CPU 202 which is connected to a display/key panel 204, a primary memory 206, a RAM memory 208, a clock/calendar chip 210, a battery 211 and a detector 212. The CPU 202 includes a "revolutions" memory register 214 for storing the total number of wheel revolutions since the computer 60 was turned on; a "current revolutions" register 216 for storing the number of wheel revolutions since the last execution of a "clear-all" function; a "putts" register 218 for storing the total number of actuations of the putts key since the last execution of a clear-all function; a "strokes" register 220 for storing the total number of actuations of the strokes key or the putts key since the last execution of a clear-all function; and a "greens" register 222 for storing the 210~8~

total number of actuations of the greens key since the last execution of a clear-all function.
The display/key panel 204 and computer 60 may be mounted on the golf cart 10 as shown in Figure 1.
The display/key panel 204 includes a LCD 224, a yards j key 226, a miles key 228, a calories key 230, a putts key 232, a strokes key 234, and a greens key 236. The .~ LCD 224 displays data for viewing by a player, and the keys 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236, allow the player to input data and view certain calculated parameters and , game analysis parameters. In a conventional way, the primary memory 206 contains program instructions which are loaded into the RAM 208 and executed in sequential order by the CPU 202.
Figures 12 to 18 provide flow charts illus-trating the general features of a suitable game I analysis program 240, which may be executed by the CPU
202 of the golf computer 60. The game analysis program 240 causes the computer 60 to track, record and calculate data related to the golf outing, such as total yards traveled by the golf cart 10, total miles traveled by the golf cart 10, total calories burned by a person walking the same distance as the distance traveled by the golf cart 10, elapsed time since the computer 60 was turned on, total putts, total strokes, and total hits onto the green in regulation.
As shown in Figure 12, the program 240 powers up the golf computer at block 242 and then checks at block 244 to determine whether all of the registers are clear. If the registers are not clear, the program 240 clears the registers at block 246. Otherwise, the program 240 displays the current time at block 248 from the clocktcalendar chip, and also prepares the CPU 202 to move to the receive-input mode at block 250. In the receive-input mode 250 the CPU 202 receives data/
commands from the detector 212 and/or one of the input keys 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 236. At this point, the . ~ , .- - - . .

, . .,. .... ~ ' ; ~ . ! ' i ~ ' ~1~2~86 i program 240 is ready to execute routines for handling a number of conditions as described below. These routines may be executed simultaneously or in sequence, depending upon the inputs received.
The first set of routines is shown in Figure 12 and initiated by an input from the detector 212. As described earlier herein, the detector may be a reed switch 54 that closes a circuit (not shown) for every revolution of wheel 41. The closed circuit generates an electric signal which is coupled to the CPU 202 and stored in the revolutions register 214 and the current revolutions register 216.
Based on the input signals received from the display/
key panel 204, the program 240 directs the CPU 202 to calculate certain values from the registers 214 and 216 and displays the calculated value on the LCD 224 (see Figures 20 to 23). For the disclosed embodiment, the calculated values include the number of yards traveled by the golf cart 10 since the computer 60 was turned on, the number of yards traveled by the golf cart 10 since the last execution of a clear-all function, the number of miles traveled by the golf cart 10 since the computer 60 was turned on, and the estimated calories expended by a person walking with the same distance as the distance traveled by the wheel 41.
After updating the revolutions register 214 and the current revolutions register 216 at blocks 252 and 254, the program 240 calculates the current yards from the current revolutions register at block 258 and displays the calculated value on the LCD at block 260.
The program 240 then moves to the display-time function at block 248 and returns to the receive-inputs mode at block 250 and polls the inputs for data.
If no data is input, the program 240 determines at block 262 the amount of time since the last input signal was received from the detector or the input keys. If the time since the last data input ~ ` 2102~8~

exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the program 240 takes the computer to a power-down mode 264 to conserve the life of the battery 211. If an input is received while the program is in Power Save, the program 240 moves the Power-Up at block 242.
If the time since the last input is less than the threshold but more than a predetermined minimum value, the program 240 moves to the display-time function 248 and then moves to the receive-inputs mode 250. If the time since the last input is less than the predetermined minimum, the program 240 moves directly to the receive-inputs mode at block 250.
Figure 13 illustrates the routines initiated by an input from the yards key 216. If the yards key is pressed once at block 270, the program 240 moves to block 272 and calculates the current yards from the contents of the current revolutions register 216.
Because the current revolution register 216 contains the number of wheel revolutions since the last execution of a clear-all function, the calculated current yards will be the number of yards traveled by the golf cart 10 since the last execution of a clear-all function. The program 240 then displays the current yards at block 274 and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250. If the yards key 216 is pressed twice at block 276, the program 240 moves to block 278 and calculates the total yards from the contents of the revolutions register 214. Because the revolutions register 214 contains the number of wheel revolutions since the computer was turned on, the calculated total yards will be the number of yards traveled by the golf cart 10 since the computer was turned on. The program then displays the total yards at block 280 and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250. If the yards key is held for a predetermined length of time at block 282, the program clears the .,~ . .. - ~ . . . .

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current revolutions register at block 284 and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250.
Figure 14 illustrates the routines initiated by an input from the miles key 218. If the miles key is pressed once at block 300, the program 240 moves to block 302 and calculates the total miles from the contents of the revolutions register 214. Because the revolutions register 214 contains the number of wheel revolutions since the computer was turned on, the total miles calculated will be the number of miles traveled by the golf cart 10 since the computer 60 was turned on. The program 240 then displays the total miles at block 304 and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250. If the miles key is pressed twice at block 306, the program 240 moves to block 308 and displays the time from the clock/calendar chip and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250. If the miles key is held for a predetermined length of time at block 310, the program 240 moves to a time-set mode at block 312 in which the current time in the clock/calendar chip 210 may be changed by pressing the yards key to increment hours, and pressing the miles key to increment minutes.
Figure 15 illustrates the routines initiated by an input from the calories key. If the calories key is pressed once at block 314, the program 240 moves to block 316 and calculates the total calories from the contents of the revolutions register 214. Because the revolutions register 214 contains the number of wheel revolutions since the computer was turned on, the total calories calculated will be the number of calories burned by someone walking the same distance as the distance traveled by the golf cart 10 since the computer 60 was turned on. The program 240 then displays the calories at block 318 and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250. If the calories key is pressed twice at block 320, the program displays at block 322 the time elapsed since the computer was . : . . ~ . - .;. : ., , ,, ~ , . , : .

2102~i86 . 16 -powered up and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250. The elapsed time is available from the clock/calendar chip 210. If the calories key is held for a predetermined time at block 324, the proyram 240 turns the power to the computer off at block 326 and the program 240 ends.
Figure 16 illustrates the routines initiated by an input from the putts key. If the putts key is pressed once at block 328, the program moves to block 330 and displays the contents of the putts register on the LCD and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250. If the putts key is pressed twice at block 332, the program 240 moves to block 334 and displays the contents of the putts register on the LCD. The program then increments the putts register at block 336, increments the strokes register at block 338, displays the updated contents of the putts register on the LCD
at block 340, and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250. If the putts key is held for a predetermined time at block 342, the program 240 clears the putts register at block 344 and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250.
Figure 17 illustrates the routines initiated by an input from the strokes key. If the strokes key is pressed once at block 350, the program moves to block 352 and displays the contents of the strokes register on the LCD and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250. If the strokes key is pressed twice at block 354, the program moves to block 356 and displays the contents of the strokes register on the LCD. The program then increments the strokes register :
at block 358, displays the updated contents of the strokes register on the LCD at block 360, and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250. If the strokes key is held for a predetermined time at block 362, the program 240 clears the strokes register at block 364 and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250.

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Figure 18 illustrates the routines initiated by an input from the greens key. If the greens key is pressed once at block 370, the program moves to block 372 and displays the contents of the greens register on the LCD and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250. If the greens key is pressed twice at block 374, the program moves to block 376 and displays the contents of the greens register on the LCD. The program then increments the greens register at block 378, displays the updated contents of the greens register on the LCD at block 380, and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250. If the greens key is held for a predetermined time at block 382, the program 240 clears the greens register at block 384 and then returns to the receive-inputs mode 250.
It is also contemplated that the golf cart will be supplied in an intermediate model. The intermediate model would be like the premium model, but the computer would be sold separately. That way a person who could not initially afford the premium model could first purchase the intermediate model and then later obtain a computer to upgrade the golf cart to the premium model design.
The computer 60 and golf analysis program 240 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 11-18 provide the preferred general features of the electronics of the invention. Of course, the electronics of the invention may be implemented in a variety of ways. A
specific, preferred implementation of the computer 60 and golf analysis program is illustrated in FIGS. 19-29. In particular, FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a specific example of the computer shown in FIG. 11; FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the specific example shown in FIG. 19; FIG. 21 is a front view of a specific example of an arrangement of the LCD and key board shown in FIG. 19; FIG. 22 is an object-code computer program listing illustrating a 210258~

specific example of the flow charted program shown in FIGS. 12-18; FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the overall features and progression of the program listing shown in FIG. 22; and FIGS. 24-29 are flow charts illustrating the operation of the program listing shown in FIG. 22. Further in particular, FIG. 24 illustrates how the program listing shown in FIG. 22 initializes itself and receives inputs; FIG. 25 illustrates the hold key function of the program listing shown in FIG.
22; FIG. 26 illustrates the time set mode of the program listing shown in FIG. 22; FIG. 27 illustrates how the registers are incremented for the program listing shown in FIG. 22 (only greens key is shown);
FIG. 28 illustrates the second press on the function keys (only calories key is shown); and FIG. 29 illustrates the Power Save operation of the program listing shown in FIG. 22.
The overall operation of the specific computer 60' and golf analysis program 240' shown in FIGS. 19-29 is effectively the same as the computer 60 and golf analysis program 240 shown in FIGS. 11-18, and thus the previously described features will not be repeated here. The particular details of the computer 60' and golf analysis program 240' are fully disclosed by the illustrations, which include an object code program listings, flow charts and hardware connections.
The preferred CPU 202' is part number MSM64152-013, available from Oki Electronic Company Ltd of Japan. The preferred LCD 224' is part number UTS-A043, available from United Radiant Technology of Japan. FIG. 20 illustrates the specific pin connections between the CPU 202' and the other electronic components of the computer 60'.
The computer listing of the golf analysis program 240' is provided in hexadecimal format, which is a machine readable object-code well known to those having skill in the relevant programming art.

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An example of a preferred display/key panel 204' is illustrated in FIG. 21. The panel 204' includes six function keys - yards; miles; calories;
putts; strokes; and greens. The function keys allow the user to control the computer 60' to keep track of the following - distance of the last shot; total yards traveled in the round; total miles traveled in the round; total calories burned during the round; total greens hit in regulation; total putts for the round;
total strokes for the round; elapsed time for the round; and time of day.
Each function key has three modes: DISPLAY, ACTION, and CLEAR. The DISPLAY mode is accessed by pressing a function key once. The ACTION mode is activated by pressing a function key twice. The CLEAR
mode is activated by holding a function key down for three seconds. The computer will beep in the ACTION
and CLEAR modes whenever information is updated or erased. The specific features tied to the function keys and each of their modes is summarized in Table 1.

Table 1 Function Display Action Clear :
Key IPress 1X~ (Press 2X) ~HOLD) Yards Yards Total Yards Clear Yards Miles Total Miles Clock Clock Set Mode Calories Total Calories Timer ON/OFF
Strokes Total Strokes Strokes + 1 Clear Strokes Putts Total Putts Putts + 1 Clear Putts Greens Total Greens Greens + 1 Clear Greens The calories key is held for three seconds to turn the computer ON or OFF. A short beep means the computer is ON, and a long beep means the computer is OFF. The computer automatically shuts off after 2 hours of inactivity.

The yards key is pressed once to show the yards traveled on the last shot. The yards key is held down for three seconds after each shot to reset yards.
This allows the user to accurately determine the distance of the next shot. The yards key is pressed a second time to show the total yards traveled for the entire round. The yards key is held down for three seconds to reset the yards traveled to zero. This function does not effect the total yards display.
The miles key is pressed once to show the total miles walked for the round. This is automati-cally calculated once the computer is turned on. The miles key is pressed a second time to show the time of day. The miles key is held down for three seconds to access the Clock Set Mode.
The calories key is pressed once to show the total calories expended during the round. This is automatically calculated once the computer is on, and is based on the total distance traveled by the cart and by the golfer. The calories key is pressed a second time to show the elapsed time of the round. The calories key is held down for three seconds to turn the computer ON or OFF.
The strokes key is pressed once to show the total strokes for the entire round. The strokes key is pressed a second time within 15 seconds to access the ACTION mode and add 1 stroke to the total stroke amount. The strokes key is pressed again for any additional strokes taken. This function should be performed after each drive or fairway shot. The strokes key is held down for three seconds to clear the total stroke amount for the entire round.
The putts key is pressed once to show the total putts for the entire round. The putts key is pressed a second time within 15 seconds to access the ACTION mode and add 1 stroke to both the total putts and total strokes amounts simultaneously. The putts - 21 - 21~25~
key is pressed again for any additional putts taken.
Total strokes are automatically increased by the amount of putts entered. There is no need to access the strokes function to enter in the amount of putts taken.
The putts key is held down for three seconds to clear the total putts amount for the entire round.
The greens key is pressed once to show the total greens hit in regulation for the entire round.
The greens key is pressed a second time within 15 seconds to add 1 to the total greens amount. If the golfer does not want to keep track of total greens, this function can be used to track birdies, pars, fairways or a partner's score. The greens key is held down for three seconds to clear the total greens amount for the entire round.
The calories key is pressed two times to access the timer display. This function is used as a pace during each round to insure speedy play.
The miles key is pressed two times to display the real time clock. The clock will also display after 15 seconds of inactivity from the function keys.
The following is an example of how the computer 60' may be used.
1. At the first tee the player presses and holds down the calories key to turn the computer on.
All totals will be zero.
2. After a drive, the strokes key is pressed once. The total score will be zero. The strokes key is pressed a second time to add 1 stroke to the total strokes amount.
3. The player then pulls the cart to the landing spot of the first shot. When the player presses the yards key once, the distance of the drive will be displayed. (The player may then subtract this distance from the total yards for the hole to determine the yards left to reach the green).

21Q2~85 4. After a fairway shot the player presses the strokes key once to display total strokes so far in the game, which will be one. The player then presses the strokes key a second time to add 1 stroke to the total strokes amount. The total will now show 2. The player then presses and holds down the yards key for three seconds to reset the yards to zero.

5. The player pulls the cart to the landing spot of the second shot and presses the yards key once.
This will display the distance of the second shot.
Pressing the yards key a second time will display total yards since teeing off. (This distance can again be subtracted from the total distance for the hole to determine the yards left to reach the green.) 6. Assuming the next shot makes the green, the player presses the strokes key once to display the total score which will now be two. The player then presses the strokes key a second time to add 1 stroke to the total strokes amount. The total will now show 3.

7. To record a success in reaching the green in regulation, the player presses the greens key once, displaying the total greens hit in regulation prior to that hole, which will be zero. The player presses the greens key a second time to add 1 to the total greens amount. The total will now show 1.

8. After putting the green, the player presses the putts key once to access the putts ACTION
mode. The total putts displayed will be zero. The player then presses the putts key for the number of putts required to finish the hole, which will be added to the total putts amount. Each putt entered is also automatically recorded as a stroke.

9. To review the performance after each hole, the player presses the corresponding function key the number of times listed on Table 2 below, which gives exemplary numbers.

- 23 - 21~86 :' _ _ _ ~
¦ Function l Key Press Information Amount ¦¦
Yards 2X Total Yards 500 .j l _ ll Miles lX Total Miles _ 0.3¦¦
Calories lX Total Calories 47 $ _ ."_.1 Strokes lX Total Strokes 5¦
PuttslX Total Putts 2l . -._ _ , Greens lX Total Greens 1¦
Calories 2X Elapsed Time 00:14 =

At the next tee the player presses and holds down the yards key for three seconds to reset the I yardage to zero. The next hole is played and the inputs are made as in steps 2-9 above.
As can be seen from the above discussion, the preferred computer records, calculates and displays relevant information allowing a golfer to analyze the game. For example, after the game the golfer will know not only the total score, but how many putts were taken and for how many holes the player was able to hit onto the green in regulation. These statistics will allow the golfer to easily monitor, and then practice, that part of the game that requires improvement. Also, interesting information for health conscious golfers, such as miles walked and calories burned, is also readily available.
It should be appreciated that the apparatus of the present invention is cable of being incorporated in the form of a variety of embodiments, only a few of which have been illustrated and described above. For example, while a pull-type golf cart is shown, the invention is equally applicable to a self-propelled, battery-powered golf cart, either guided manually or by remote control by the player. The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from its ." ', ~ ` :
,' ~ . , . :

~`

- 24 - 2~a2~s spirit of essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

. ,.

Claims (20)

1. An improved walking-type golf cart comprising a body for securing a golf bag to the golf cart and wheels attached to the body, the improvement comprising:
the body being fabricated from engineering structural foam.

2. The improved golf cart of Claim 1 further comprising an electronic detector for detecting wheel revolutions and a wire for carrying a signal generated by said detector and a recess for holding a distance measuring computer, said wire running from said detector to said recess.

3. The improved golf cart of Claim 2 further comprising a distance measuring computer in said recess and connected to said wire.

4. A walking-type golf cart comprising:
a) a body fabricated from engineering structural foam, the body including a foot member for supporting the bottom of a golf bag and a top support member for contacting the side of the golf bag to help secure the golf bag to the golf cart;
b) a handle attached to the body for pulling the golf cart; and c) wheels attached to the body for allowing the golf cart to roll over the ground.

5. The golf cart of Claim 4 wherein the wheels are attached to the body by struts that allow the wheels to swing into a collapsed position next to the body.

6. The golf cart of Claim 4 further comprising straps attached to the body near said foot member and near said top support member for securing a golf bag onto the golf cart.

7. The golf cart of Claim 4 wherein the engineering structural foam comprises a polycarbonate resin.

8. The golf cart of Claim 4 wherein the body fabricated of engineering structural foam has a density of about 0.9 g/cm3.

9. The golf cart of Claim 4 wherein the handle is also fabricated of engineering structural foam.

10. The golf cart of Claim 5 wherein the struts attach to the body at a distance greater than 1 inch from the centerline of the body.

11. The golf cart of Claim 5 wherein the golf cart comprises a self-propelled, battery-operated golf cart.

12. A golf cart comprising:
a) a body;
b) wheels attached to the body for allowing the golf cart to roll over the ground;
c) an electronic detector mounted next to one of the wheels for detecting revolutions of said wheel;
d) a computer connected to said detector and having a program for i) converting the detected wheel revolutions to a distance measurement, ii) storing said measurement and adding it to previously stored measurements to calculate a combined distance measurement, iii) generating output signals corresponding to said distance measurement and said combined distance measurement; and e) a display electrically connected to said computer for displaying said distance measurement and combined distance measurement.

13. A golf cart comprising:
a) a body;
b) wheels attached to said body for allowing the golf cart to roll over a surface;
c) an electronic detector mounted next to one of said wheels for detecting revolutions of said wheel and generating electric signals corresponding to said revolutions;
d) a microcomputer for accepting said electric signals and calculating the yards traveled by the golf cart, the miles traveled by the golf cart and the estimated calories expended by a person walking the same distance traveled by the golf cart; and e) a display coupled to said microcomputer for displaying the yards traveled by the golf cart, the miles traveled by the golf cart and the estimated calories expended by a person walking the same distance as the distance traveled by the golf cart.

14. The golf cart of Claim 13 further comprising a key panel coupled to said microcomputer for directing said display to display the yards traveled by the golf cart, the miles traveled by the golf cart and the estimated calories expended by a person walking the same distance traveled by the golf cart.

15. A golf cart comprising:
a) a body;
b) wheels attached to said body for allowing the golf cart to roll over a surface;
c) a microcomputer mounted to said body and having at least one register for storing the number of putts hit by a player in a golf game;
d) a key for entering said number of putts into said microcomputer; and e) a display for displaying said number of putts.

16. The golf cart of Claim 15 wherein said microcomputer has at least one register for storing the number of strokes hit by a player in a golf game and further comprising a key for entering said number of strokes into said microcomputer;
said display also being capable of displaying said number of strokes.

17. The golf cart of Claim 15 wherein said microcomputer has at least one register for storing the number of hits onto the green in regulation by a player in a golf game and further comprising a key for entering said number of hits onto the green in regulation into said microcomputer;
said display also being capable of displaying said number of hits onto the green in regulation.

18. A golf cart comprising:
a) a body;
b) wheels attached to said body for allowing the golf cart to roll over a surface;
c) an electronic detector mounted next to one of said wheels for detecting revolutions of said wheel, said detector generating electric signals corresponding to said revolutions;
d) a microcomputer for accepting said electric signals and calculating the yards traveled by the golf cart, the miles traveled by the golf cart and the estimated calories expended by a person walking the same distance as the distance traveled by the golf cart;
e) said microcomputer having at least one register for storing the number of putts hit by a player in a golf game;
f) a key for entering said number of putts in said microcomputer; and g) a display coupled to said microcomputer for displaying the yards traveled by the golf cart, the miles traveled by the golf cart, the estimated calories expended by a person walking the same distance as the distance traveled by the golf cart, and the number of putts stored in said microcomputer.

19. The golf cart of Claim 18 wherein said microcomputer has at least one register for storing the number of strokes hit by a player in a golf game and further comprising a key for entering said number of strokes into said microcomputer;
said display also being capable of displaying said number of strokes.

20. The golf cart of Claim 18 wherein said microcomputer has at least one register for storing the number of hits onto the green in regulation by a player in a golf game and further comprising a key for entering said number of hits onto the green in regulation into said microcomputer;

said display also being capable of displaying said number of hits onto the green in regulation.