GB2125349A - Trolley and golfing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

The trolley e.g. for golf or shopping comprises a wheel-associated sensor (21, 23) to measure the distance moved by the trolley over the ground, and display means (20) adapted to give a readout in response to an input derived from the sensor (21,23). The sensor may be mechanical or electrical e.g. comprising a reed switch (21) and a magnet (23). The display (20) may be part of a self-contained detachable, programmable microprocessor-controlled apparatus which can operate in various modes to give such information as distance covered, distance remaining to a hole, best club to use, time of day, time elapsed and score. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Trolley and golfing aid This invention relates first to a trolley of the kind comprising ground engaging means such as a wheel or wheels, carried on a framework, the framework having means to enable the trolley to be guided by a user, with no provision for the user to ride on the trolley, and means to support a carrier on the framework in which carrier articles may be placed, whereby the articles may be transported by the trolley in the carrier. Such a trolley will hereinafter be referred to as of the kind specified.

More particularly, but not exclusively, such trolleys are used by golfers to transport a carrier comprising a golf bag in which golf clubs and other golfing equipment may be carried, around a golf course.

When a golfer drives his golf ball from the tee, he often desires to know how far he has hit the ball, thus by knowing the total distance from the tee to the hole, he can determine the distance from where the ball has come to rest, to the hole, and this is an aid to his deciding which club to use for the next hit of the ball. Presently, this determination of distance is achieved by the golfer familiarising himself with various landmarks along the course, and counting the number of paces from a near landmark to where the ball has come to rest. Where the ball has come to rest a large distance from the direct path between the tee and the hole (which path may include "dog-leg" corners or paths around "out of bounds" areas or other obstacles), the golfer also has to take account of the extra distance when making his calculation.

It is a first object of the present invention to provide a new or improved trolley.

According to the invention, we provide a trolley of the kind specified comprising a sensor to measure the distance moved by the trolley over the ground from a datum position, an indicating means adapted to give a readout in response to an input derived from the sensor.

The readout may be a direct readout of the actual distance moved by the trolley, in metres, yards or whatever units are desired, from a datum position, such as a tee, or a distance still to be moved for example to a hole. Especially in a golfing application, the total distance from the tee to the hole, may be set on the indicating means and the actual distance moved by the trolley as sensed by the sensor subtracted from the total distance, so that the readout may be an indication of the distance still to be moved.

Preferably, the ground engaging means comprises one or more pairs of wheels rotatable on one or more axles of the trolley although if required, the ground engaging means may comprise more than two wheels or even one wheel, or another rotatable member adapted to engage the ground such as a spherical member rotated about a substantially horizontal axis.

The sensor may be associated with the ground engaging means so that rotation of the ground engaging means causes the sensor to provide the input to the indicating means.

The ground engaging means with which the sensor is accommodated may support the major proportion of the weight of the framework and carrier on the ground, or may be a bogie wheel additional to a main ground engaging means.

The sensor may comprise a mechanical abutment adapted to be engaged by an abutment carried by the ground engaging means, but preferably the sensor is an electronic or electrical sensor. Where the sensor comprises an electrical sensor such as a reed switch, this may be actuated in response to a magnet means carried by the ground engaging means, which switch is closed at each revolution of the ground engaging means, as the magnet means approaches the reed switch and opens when the magnet means moves away from the vicinity of the switch, to provide said input.

Where the sensor is mechanical, the indicating means may comprise a simple mechanical tachometer, although in a preferred arrangement where the sensor is electronic or electrical, the indicating means may comprise an electronic display such as a digital display comprising a light emitting diode display or a liquid crystal display, for examples.

The indicating means may be a part of an electronic control means into which said input from the sensor is fed.

Conveniently, the trolley has switch means to temporarily override the sensor so that in the event for example that a golfer using such a trolley has to walk to a fording point in a stream crossing the course, or around an obstacle, the additional distance moved to the position where the ball has come to rest, can be taken into account.

The trolley framework may include a handle for guiding, and towing where appropriate, the trolley, and the override switch may be mounted on the handle.

The carrier may be a golf bag having means to accommodate golf clubs, although the invention according to the first aspect, is applicable to other types of trolleys.

Secondly, the invention relates to a golfer's aid which may be used with the trolley of the first aspect of the invention, and has for its object to provide a new or improved golfer's aid.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a golfer's aid comprising an electronic control means having means to input a signal from a sensor which senses the distance travelled from a datum position, a memory into which the total distance from the datum position to a selected destination is programmable, calculating means to subtract the actual distance travelled as signalled from the sensor, from said total distance, indicating means capable of indicating both the actual distance travelled from the datum position and the distance still to be travelled to said selected destination.

The indicating means may be arranged to indicate the actual distance travelled and said distance still to be travelled, simultaneously, or independently.

The datum position would usually be a tee and the destination the hole at which the golfer is aiming his ball, and thus after a tee shot, the distance still to be travelled to the hole can be determined. Further, after a second hit the distance still to be travelled from the position which the ball reaches by the second hit, to the hole, can again be determined and indicated.

The control means may be programmable to respond to the calculated distance still to be travelled and advise a golfer as to which club he should use next to hit the ball, in order to hit the ball the distance still to be travelled.

To achieve this, the control means may include a learning facility whereby the distance or average distance a golfer hits the ball with a particular club, is programmable into the control means and taken into account by the control means when next advising a golfer as to which club he should use.

The memory may be remotely programmable with information concerning a particular golf course, for example, the distances from tee to hole for each of the holes of the course, and the par for each hole, and if required, the aid may enable the golfer's handicap to be programmed into the memory also.

Thus the golfer's aid may also be arranged to indicate the golfer's score and account for the goifer's handicap.

The aid may have an input to enable the memory to be programmed with said course information from the remote programmer.

The programmer may for example be accommodiated in a club house of a golf course, and used by any golfer having a compatible golfer's aid in accordance with the invention, and the aid may also provide an output to the remote programmer whereby the golfer's score can be stored in a memory of the remote programmer and a record of his handicap in the remote programmer, updated as necessary.

The control means may include the facility to measure, in response to the sensor, a second distance from a second datum position, which may be the same or a different position to the first datum position, for example, the control means may also measure the total distance travelled from a first tee to any position on the course e.g. the final hole.

The control means may have temporary operating overriding means to disable the input from the sensor, and the indicating means may indicate when said override means is operative.

The aid may include a clock and means to indicate the time of day and/or time elapsed from a datum time such as when the round of golf was commenced.

If required, the indicating means may be controllable to indicate the actual distance travelled and/or the distance still to be travelled and/or the golfer's score and/or the time of day etc. by operating seiective mode buttons on a control panel, although any other controls could alternatively be provided.

Conveniently, the golfer's aid is microprocessor controlled, and is mounted on a trolley according to the first aspect of the invention. However a golfer's aid in accordance with the second aspect of the invention could be mounted on a vehicle having a sensor to sense the distance travelled, or on a different type of trolley to a trolley of the kind specified. Further the aid may have use when the aid is disconnected from the trolley or vehicle (and hence sensor) so that the information contained in the memory can be used by a golfer e.g. under championship conditions, when the measurement of distances using such an aid would not be permitted.

The invention will now be described with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a first embodiment of a trolley in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; FIGURE 2 is an enlarged side view of part of a second embodiment of a trolley in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, similar to the trolley of Figure 1, but with the golf bag omitted for clarity; FIGURE 3 is a front view of the trolley of Figure 2; FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a circuit of a golfer's aid in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; FIGURE 5 is a front view of the indicating means and control panel of a golfer's aid in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a golf trolley 10 comprises a framework 11 including a pair of axles on each of which a wheel 13 is carried for rotation, said wheels comprising ground engaging means.

The framework 11 further comprises a golf bag holding part 14 which has bag engaging devices 1 5 at either end to engage a golf bag 1 spa having a top opening 1 Sb into which the shafts of golf clubs can be placed, and the usual pockets 1 sic with zippers or other fastenings for storing golf balls and the like. The trolley framework 11 has a handle part 1 6 to enable the trolley 10 to be guided and towed, and a pair of side parts 1 7 which carry the axles.

Such golfing trolleys are well known and detailed description is not considered necessary.

Such trolleys may be adapted to be partially collapsible to facilitate stowage, for example in the luggage compartment of a car.

The trolley has a third bogie wheel 26 mounted on a limb 27 pivoted at 28 to the framework 11, which wheel 26 carries a magnet means 23 which opens a reed switch sensor 21 when the magnet means 23 is not in the vicinity of the sensor 21 and closes the reed switch 21 when in its vicinity.

Thus the sensor provides a pulsed signal which is transmitted to a control means 20 via connecting wire 24.

The control means 20 comprises an indicating means with an electrical digital crystal display, mounted on the handle part 1 6 of the framework in a position readily viewable by a user of the trolley. Instead of a liquid crystal display, if desired a light emitting diode or other display may be provided.

One example of a suitable control means is described in more detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5 below, but generally,- the control means comprises a small computer having a number of inputs in addition to the input from sensor 21. For example one input may enable a golfer's score to be programmed in and stored in a memory, and another may be provided for programming in the golfer's handicap, and still another for programming in the par rating of a particular hole.

The computer may be programmed to calculate a golfer's stroke index for the hole.

The control means 20 translates the pulsed input from sensor 21 into a distance and may display the actual distance in metres, yards or any other desired units so that the distance from a datum position, at which the display is set at zero, can be displayed. Preferably however, the total distance from a tee to a hole is programmed into the control means 20 and a calculating means thereof subtracts the actual distance moved as sensed by the sensor 21 so that the readout is an indication of the distance still to be moved to the hole. By knowing the distance still to be moved to the hole, a golfer's selection of the correct club for the next shot is considerably facilitated.

Of course, if the golf ball comes to rest a substantial distance from the direct path between the tee and the hole, the golfer may have to take account of this. To assist the golfer in this, the control means 20 also has an overriding switch means S carried on the handle 16 so that in the event of a golfer having to walk around an obstacle or to a fording position to cross a stream, the extra distance moved can be accounted for by disabling the control means 20, or the sensor 21 while the extra distance is moved.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, similar parts are similarly referenced. Instead of providing a third wheel on which the sensor is mounted, the sensor 21 is mounted on a limb 22 of the framework 11, adjacent a wheel 1 3 of the trolley 10. The magnet means indicated at 23 is carried by the wheel 13, otherwise the trolley 10 is identical to that of Figure 1.

Many modifications are possible to the trolleys described without departing from the scope of the first aspect of the invention. For example, instead of a reed switch and magnet means, any other electrical or electronic sensing means may be used such as a photo-electric cell, and obturating means carried by a wheel, such as a third wheel.

If desired, instead of an electrical or electronic sensor 21 and control means 20, a mechanical sensing means having an abutment which cooperates with an abutment carried by the wheel to provide an input to a mechanical indicating device comprising a simple tachometer, may instead be used.

In a still further version (not shown) the sensor may comprise a member such as a friction wheel which engages a tyre or rim of a wheel of the trolley, which member may provide a mechanical or electrical input to an indicating means.

Of course, although the trolleys described have been golfer's trolleys, if desired the invention could be applied to other trolleys adapted to transport other carriers, such as a shopping trolley.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, one example of a suitable control means 20, as shown, which may be used as a golfer's aid with the trolleys described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, or otherwise.

Figure 4 indicates a possible circuit, whilst Figure 5 shows an example of an indicating and display means arrangement which could be used.

The control means has a programmable microprocessor 30 which is preferably, for convenience of size and cost, a single chip microprocessor, powered by batteries 31. In the present case, to give maximum battery life and enable a liquid crystal display 32 to be driven, a CMOS process is preferred.

The microprocessor 30 has the following inputs, first namely an input 33 from a sensor which may be a reed switch such as that shown at 21 in Figures 1 to 3 mounted adjacent to a ground wheel on which magnets are carried, or any other suitable sensor to provide a signal dependant upon the distance moved over the ground.

Secondly, a crustal input 34 to provide a reference frequency, in the present case of 32 KHz, relative to which time may be measured as hereinafter described.

A third input 35 is from a control panel 36 having, in the present example six, manual control buttons to enable the control means to be set and operated as required.

A fourth input 37 is from a socket 37a on the control means 20, into which a connection from, for example, a tape recorder or other remote programmable storage means, can provide an input.

The purpose of input 37 will be described hereinafter. A further similar input 38 is provided from another socket 39 to which another remote programmer can be connected, again as hereinafter described.

Connection 40 to the batteries 31 provides a fifth input, and finally, connections 41 to a switch S comprising an override switch means, provide a switch input to enable the microprocessor, at least as far as for measuring the distance actually travelled is concerned, to be temporarily disabled without erasing the memory thereof, or effecting other functions.

The output from the microprocessor 30 is fed to a liquid crystal display 42, although a light emitting diode or other display could alternatively be used.

The functions of the circuit will now be described with reference to Figure 5.

With the control means 20 described there are six possible modes of operation. The modes can be selected by depressing a mode button indicated at M which causes the control means 20 to cycle through the available modes at the rate of one per five seconds or so, and display the appropriate information. When the mode button M is released, the control means 20 is set to the mode displayed. Depressing a reset button, marked R, simultaneously with the mode button M, always returns the control means 20 to the first mode of operation without cycling through the other modes.

Mode 1 This mode is the normal mode of operation and display, and enables the distance travelled, as sensed by sensor 21, from a datum position at which the display is zeroed, to be displayed, along with the distance still to be travelled to a selected destination. When operated in this mode, the control means 20 also suggests to the golfer, the best club he should use to reach the selected destination with the next shot.

The indicating means 42 has a left hand three digit display 45 which indicates in yards (or other units the control means is programmed to display), the distance actually travelled from the datum position. The control means is programmed as hereinafter described, with the total distance from tee to hole, and thus can calculate the distance still to be travelled by subtracting the actual distance travelled as displayed on the left hand display 45, from the total distance, and indicating the distance still to be travelled, on a right hand three digit display 46.

The left and right hand three digit displays 45, 46, are separated by a colon display 47, the upper or lower spot of which may flash to indicate that the control means 20 is switched on.

Along with the displays 45, 46 and 47, a club indicating display 48 is provided. This display has various symbols inciuding a series of numerals 1 to 9 and W, to indicate which number club 1 to 9 or W should be used (W indicates a wedge) depending on the distance still to be travelled to the hole and above the numerals, a series of club type indicators, W indicating a wood, I an iron, and P a putter. The appropriate symbols are illuminated to indicate to the golfer the best club he should use.

Thus when a golfer hits a ball, he may travel to wherever the ball has come to rest and the club indicator 48 will advise him what type and which club he should use in order to reach the hole with his next shot.

To achieve this the control means 20 is able to learn, as hereinafter described with reference to "mode 6", of the capabilities of the golfer, and take this into account when advising him of which club to use.

The integers of the series of numerals are separated by asterisks. The club indicator 48 may also indicate one of these asterisks, and thus the golfer can select a club indicated by the number either side of the asterisk indicated, but would realise that if the lower number club were selected, he would have to play a weaker shot than if the larger number club were selected.

Even where another mode of operation is selected, the microprocessor 30 of the control means would still receive the signal from the sensor 21 so that whenever mode 1 is selected, for example by depressing the reset and mode buttons simultaneously, the information as to the distance travelled and still to be travelled, can immediately be displayed.

Whenever the override switch S is operated, the "DISABLE" panel of the indicating means 42 is arranged to flash as a reminder to the golfer. If desired, the microprocessor 30 can be arranged still to receive signals from the sensor for use in a total distance mode (see "mode 4" below).

Similarly, in mode 1, the "GONE" panel flashes to indicate the distance travelled as indicated by display 45 and the "TO GO" panel flashes to indicate the distance still to be travelled.

Mode 2 To advance to mode 2, the mode button marked M is depressed.

This mode allows the user to set the length of the next hole to be played.

When operated in this mode, if the golfer presses the reset button R, the digits of display 45 are zeroed. Further, the digits of display 46 i.e. the "TO GO" display may be arranged either to be set to an arbitrary figure, 600 say, and the golfer may then adjust these digits using the buttons marked 1, 2, or 3 to set the actual length of the hole, or alternatively, where the control means 20 is programmable (see mode 5) the display 46 would immediately indicate the length of the hole.

The button marked 1 gives a one digit increase from 0 to 9, whilst the button marked 2 gives a 10 digit increase from 0 to 9, whilst the button marked 3 gives a hundred digit increase from 0 to a maximum of 6.

When in this mode, the panel marked "HOLE" is illuminated, and the number of the hole indicated on display 45.

Button 4 is provided so that particularly where the control means is preprogrammed with the lengths of each of the holes (see "mode 5" below), and the player wishes to play a hole out of turn, by depressing button 4, the golfer can advance the display 45 so that display 46 indicates the distance to be travelled for the particular hole he wishes to play.

If desired, the digits of display 46 can be adjusted to account for long or short tee use.

Mode 3 Again, to advance to mode 3, the mode button marked M, is depressed.

In mode 3, the indicating means 42 is arranged to display either the time elapsed from the datum time, such as when the round of golf was commenced, or the time of day. In this mode, the panel marked "TIME" is illuminated.

If the reset button R is depressed, the displays 45 and 46 will be reset to all zeroes. If the mode button M is then pressed again, the control means 20 will commence to record-time elapsed from that instant although mode 3 would have to again be selected in order to read the time as recorded, the hours being indicated on display 45 and minutes on display 46.

The actual time of day (in 24 hour format) may be set by using buttons 1 to 3. The button 1 in this mode, is arranged to give a one digit increase from O to 9, whilst button 2 gives a 10 digit increase from 0 to 6 only, and button 3 gives a hundred digit increase from 0 to 23.

If the time of day has been set, unit will maintain the time of day and again display this on reselection of mode 3, again with the hours indicated on display 45 and the minutes on display 46.

Mode 4 To advance to mode 4, the mode button M is again depressed. When in mode 4, the indicating means 42 displays the total distance covered since the last reset. Thus by resetting this mode at the commencement of a round of golf, the total distance covered for the entire round can be determined.

When in this mode, if the reset button R is depressed by itself, the displays will be reset to zero.

When in this mode, the two panels marked "TOTAL DISTANCE" will be illuminated to indicate that mode 4 has been selected and display 45 will indicate minutes (up to ninety nine) and display 46 parts of a mile (up to .99).

Mode 5 Again to advance to mode 5, the mode button marked M is depressed.

Mode 5 provides for programming the unit externally thereof, for example from a coin operated programming unit which could be provided in the club house for the convenience of any players having a compatible golfer's aid, and be for example coin operated.

A lead from the remote programmer is connected to socket 39 hereinbefore described.

When in this mode, the "REMOTE" panel will be illuminated to indicate to the golfer that mode 5 has been selected.

Pressing the reset button R in this mode, results in a transfer of information from the external programming unit to the control means 20. If the transfer of information was not successful after several attempts, the "ERROR" panel of the indicating means 42 would become illuminated.

Mode 6 Again to select mode 6, the mode button marked "M" is depressed.

In this mode, the golfer may input data to the control means from, for example, an audio cassette recorder connected to socket 37a or, this information could be manually inputted into the control means utilising the buttons 1 to 4 as follows.

As mode 6 is selected, the golfer's average distance previously set for number 1 wood is indicated on the three digit display 46, whilst the club selection symbol W1 would be illuminated.

The golfer can update his average distance by the use of buttons 1 to 3, the button marked 1 giving a one digit increase from 0 to 9, the button marked 2 giving a ten digit increase from 0 to 9 and the button marked 3 giving a hundred digit increase from 0 to 6.

Once the average distance for number 1 wood is set, the next club is selected by the user of the button marked "4", and the presetting, repeated for this and then all other clubs.

Where this information is recorded on a cassette or other remote programmer, this information could be inputted automatically.

Of course the arrangement described is only one example of a large number of possible arrangements and if desired less facilities or modes than the six described may be provided.

For example, it may not be required to have a time mode (mode 3), or the remote facility (mode 5).

If desired, two three digit displays such as shown at 45 and 46 need not both be provided, but a single three digit or other display could be provided.

The control means 20 could be adjusted to be programmable with the golfer's handicap, and display his score, and may be arranged to feed as well as receive information from a remote programmer. For example, the golfer's score could be recorded on the external programmer and his handicap updated as required.

The control means 20 described, preferably has a mounting means, for example on the exterior of a casing thereof, for mounting on a handle of a golf trolley as shown in Figures 1 to 3, or, in a vehicle having a suitable sensor for sensing the distance travelled.

Claims (26)

1. A trolley of the kind specified comprising a sensor to measure the distance moved by the trolley over the ground from a datum position, an indicating means adapted to give a readout in response to an input derived from the sensor.

2. A trolley according to Claim 1 wherein the readout is a direct readout of the actual distance moved from the datum position.

3. A trolley according to Claim 1 wherein the readout indicates a distance still to be moved to a selected destination, the total distance from the datum position to said selected destination, being settable on the indicating means and the actual distance moved by the trolley from the datum position as sensed by the sensor subtracted from the total distance.

4. A trolley according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ground engaging means comprises one or more pairs of wheels rotatable on one or more axles of the trolley.

5. A trolley according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sensor is associated with the ground engaging means so that rotation of the ground engaging means causes the sensor to provide the input to the indicating means.

6. A trolley according to Claim 5 wherein said ground engaging means with which the sensor is associated supports the major proportion of the weight of the framework and carrier on the ground.

7. A trolley according to Claim 5 wherein said ground engaging means with which the sensor is associated is a bogie wheel additional to a main ground engaging means which supports the major portion of the weight of the framework and carrier on the ground.

8. A trolley according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 wherein the sensor comprises a reed switch, actuated in response to a magnet means carried by the ground engaging means, which switch is closed at each revolution of the ground engaging means, as the magnet means approaches the reed switch and opens when the magnet means moves away from the vicinity of the switch, to provide said input

9. A trolley according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the indicating means comprises an electronic digital display.

10. A trolley according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said indicating means is part of an electronic control means into which said input from the sensor is fed.

11. A trolley according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the trolley has switch means to temporarily override the sensor.

12. A trolley according to Claim 11 wherein the framework includes a handle by which the handle on the trolley may be guided, and said override switch is mounted on the handle.

13. A trolley according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier is a golf bag having means to accommodate golf clubs.

14. A trolley substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figure 1, or Figures 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.

1 5. A golfer's aid comprising an electronic control means having means to input a signal from a sensor which senses the distance travelled from a datum position, a memory into which the total distance from the datum position to a selected destination is programmable, calculating means to subtract the actual distance travelled as signalled from the sensor, from said total distance, indicating means capable of indicating both the actual distance travelled from the datum position and the distance still to be travelled to said selected destination.

16. An aid according to Claim 1 5 wherein the indicating means is arranged to indicate both the actual distance travelled and said distance still to be travelled simultaneously.

17. An aid according to Claim 1 5 or Claim 1 6 wherein the control means is programmable to respond to the calculated distance still to be travelled, and advise a golfer as to which club he should use next to hit the ball, in order to hit the ball the distance still to be travelled.

18. An aid according to Claim 1 7 wherein the control means includes a learning facility whereby the distance or average distance a golfer hits a ball with a particular club is programmed into the control means and taken into account by the control means when next advising a golfer as to which club he should use.

19. An aid according to any one of Claims 15 to 18 wherein the memory is remotely programmable with the distances from tee to hole for each of the holes of the course, and the par for each hole.

20. An aid according to any one of Claims 15 to 1 9 wherein the control means includes the facility to measure, in response to the sensor, a second distance from a second datum position, which may be the same or different position to the first datum position.

21. An aid according to any one of Claims 15 to 20 wherein the control means has temporary overriding means to disable the input from the sensor.

22. An aid according to any one of Claims 1 5 to 21 wherein the aid includes means to indicate the time of day and/or time elapsed from a datum time.

23. An aid according to any one of Claims 1 5 to 22 wherein the aid is microprocessor controlled.

24. An aid according to any one of Claims 1 5 to 23 wherein the aid is mounted on a trolley according to any one of Claims 1 to 14.

25. A golfer's aid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

26. Any novel feature or novel combination of features herein described and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.