GB2190343A - A system for driving a caddie cart - Google Patents

Abstract

A structure for driving a caddie cart comprises a rail of substantially bottle-shaped cross-section embedded in the ground so as to be flush with the surface, on which rail a caddie cart (d). The caddie cart (d) is provided with vertical shafts (83) to which is connected a set of wheels (84, 84') adapted to rotate as they contact the inner bottom surface (94, 94') of said rail c'' and support the weight of the cart on said surface rather than on the ground surface above the rail while preventive rollers 87, 87' having flanges (97') contact the inner horizontal surfaces of the shoulders (72'') the said rail, the flanges (97') running in recesses in c'', the shoulder portions of the rail (c'') to stabilize the cart against falling sideways, the cart being driven by a motor mounted on the cart which drives the wheels in order to enable transport any articles which are placed on the cart. <IMAGE>

Description

GB2190343A 1 SPECIFICATION There is a handcart which is free from these

faults and which has been used for a long A system for driving a caddie car time. It has left and right wheels, and is sup ported by the hand. This type of cart does This invention relates to a system for driving 70 not turn over because it is supported by the a caddie cart which carries golf clubs, bags or hand, nor does it damage the grass because it other articles and a player on a golf course. is not heavy. This type of caddie cart, there A monorail caddie cart adapted to run on a fore, is still polular on golf courses which are single rail has been proposed as a self-driven comparatively flat, but it greatly burdens the caddie cart to carry golf clubs, bags and other 75 player or the caddie handling the cart. A sin articles and a player on a golf course. To use gle cart often carries four bags (weighing this type of caddie cart in practice, a rail is about 40kg). In such cases, a lot of work is laid high above the ground, or in a wide required even on flat ground. Also, since the trench (e.g., 25cm) so that the rail does not total weight including the weight of the cart project beyond the ground surface. Even when 80 itself is around 65 kg, the wheels frequently a crosssectionally U-shaped channel is buried damage the grass. This delays the game, in the ground, much of the channel-shaped rail especially on an upward slope. It is, of is exposed, hence, balls often bounce into the course, impossible to carry a player on the U-shaped channel and are lost. Also, the land- cart.

scape or scenery is spoiled. Therefore, such a 85 A most important concern in connection channel-shaped rail is laid far from the actual with a golf course is how to reduce the dam course and outside the rough so that the rail age to the grass which is a vital factor of the does not stand out prominently. As a result, game, hence, there is a high demand to mini the caddie or the player has to walk a long mize this damage. Unfortunately, the existing distance between the cart and the ball to 90 automatic transportation means have change clubs, so that a lot of time and energy drawbacks and cannot be used satisfactorily.

is wasted for lateral out-of-play actions. If a The greatest cause of damage to the grass is ball fails close to the rail, it can rebound in the heavy cart. This is proven by the fact the next stroke, after hitting a rail above the that, in comparison, the light handcart men ground, or a wide groove in a channel-shaped 95 tioned above does not substantially damage rail, thus unexpectedly endangering a player or the grass. However, all of the conventional forcing the player to make a---drop---. Also, a caddie carts are made of metal, and are heavy rail above the ground or a wide channel- as stated before. For the game to proceed shaped rail embedded in the ground spoils the smoothly, a rail is laid on the fairway, not on natural scenery of the golf course which is 100 the region of a golf course which is far from also to be enjoyed by the player. To overthe fairway as in the above- mentioned cart come these problems, such rails must be laid operating system, and the cart is moved auto far from the course or hidden by trees. maticaily on the rail. To prevent the grass Electric carts are heavy (about 85kg) and from being damaged by the cart, a system for require an operator. The electric cart also 105 moving the cart with its wheels rolling on a damages the grass seriously when it is self- rail must be employed. In this case, rail mem driven on a fairway. Therefore, a paved lane bers providing running surfaces of a width of of concrete or asphalt of a width of as large at least 20 mm are required. Therefore, it is as 1.5 m has to be constructed for the elec- necessary to form flanges of a certain width tric cart. Such a lane must also be located 110 on a U-shaped member, and a gap, (a portion very far (50-100m) from the fairway and the of the channel member through which a verti rough, so that the problems of wasted time cal shaft connecting a cart and parts in the rail and energy for lateral out-of play actions rise passes), of a width of at least 30 mm be again. Also, it often happens that when a ball tween the flanges, i.e. in the central portion of fails on this lane it rebounds irregularly in an 115 the U-shaped channel member. Accordingly, unexpected direction and is lost or goes out the upper part having a total width of at least of bounds, thus seriously imparing the players' 70 mm of the rail is exposed on the grass on enjoyment of the game. An electromagnetic the fairway. Hence, it is difficult to hide the induction caddie cart, which is an unmanned, rail satisfactorily even by covering with artifi electrically self-driven caddie cart has recently 120 cial turf. When a cart is moved on the rail, i.e.

been proposed. The system for operating this the flanges, the total weight of the cart and cart has an electromagnetic cable buried in a golf clubs and other articles are imposed ther paved lane about 1.5 m wide on which the eon hence, it is necessary that the rail is cart runs and a device which senses a mag- strong enough withstand the total load. To netic field is generated in this cable and 125 make the flanges strong, the U-shaped chan thereby determines the direction of travel, so nel member which supports the flanges must that the cart can run unattended by remote also be strong. This increases the size and control. This system has the same faults as weight of the rail, making the rail difficult to the system for operating the above-mentioned handle and costly to manufacture.

electric cart. 130 It is preferable if this rail has the smallest 2 GB2190343A 2 possible surface exposed on the ground, so so as to be flush with the ground surface, that it can be laid on a golf course without each of said channel members having a U impairing the scenery thereof. The rail is shaped cross-section and being provided with adapted to enable a ball hitting it to bounce flanges pojecting from the upper ends of two therefrom in the same manner as a ball hitting 70 side walls thereof so as to define a longitudi the grass. This caddie cart driving structure nal groove therebetween, reduces the time required for lateral out-of- wherein a tow rope extends through said play actions of the players, thereby saving channel members supported by a plurality of time and effort. Although the rail is made of a rollers, thin, light material, it can bear a heavy load 75 said tow rope being adapted to be selec such as the weight of the cart itself and the tively caught by catchers provided on carts golf clubs and other articles. adapted to run along said rail, According to the present invention there is a rope-supporting means such that the said provided a system for running a golf cart plurality of rollers include a plurality of combi- comprising 80 nations of a support roller and a guide roller a rail laid around a golf course, which each have a substantially cyclindrical said rail being constituted by a series of Uform constricted at the mid- portion thereof, shaped channel members provided with the axes of said support roller and said flanges and buried so as to be flush with the guide roller being positioned in the same ground surface, 85 plane, each of said channel members having a sub- said support roller and said guide roller be stantially U-shaped cross-section with flanges ing arranged such that the curved surfaces of extending from the upper ends of the two said rollers are extensions of each other.

side walls inward towards each other to de- According to the present invention there is fine therebetween a longitudinal groove, 90 further provided a substantially two-wheeled golf cart pro- a self-driven caddie cart system comprising vided with a front wheel and a rear wheel a U-shaped, flanged channel buried along a which both have a tread width not wider than golf course so as to be flush with the ground the total width of said flanges, surface, a vertical shaft attached to said golf cart, 95 a golf cart body adapted to run on said a preventive means provided on said vertical channel, having 90' spaced, front, rear, right shaft which is adapted to prevent said golf and left golf bag-loadable members, cart turning over sideways, molded out of a glass fiber-reinforced plas said preventive means including vertical rol- tic, i.e. FRP, lers which can rotate in a vertical plane in 100 provided with wheels running on the flanges contact with the lower surfaces of said of said channel, flanges, guide rollers rotating within and guided by and horizontal rollers which can rotate in a said channel, horizontal plane in contact with the inner sur- a preventive means consisting of rollers ro- faces of said side walls of said U-shaped 105 tating as they contact the lower surfaces of channel members; said flanges, and adapted to prevent said cart whereby said cart can run smoothly on said from turning over sideways.

flanges of said rail without damaging the grass According to the present invention there is and without turning over sideways. further provided a structure for automatically According to the present invention there is 110 driving caddie carts, comprising further provided a U-shaped channel member a rail having substantially bottle shaped provided with flanges, cross section and embedded in the ground so having a U-shaped cross-section and flanges as to extend along a golf course and be flush extending inward from the upper ends of the with the ground surface, two side walls thereof to define a longitudinal 115 wheels adapted to be rotated as they con- groove therebetween, tact the inner surface of a bottom portion of a plurality of said channel members being said rail, preventive rollers contacting the inner arranged around a golf course and buried in horizontal surfaces of shoulder portions of the ground so as to be flush with the ground said bottle-shaped rail, guide rollers contacting surface, 120 the inner surface of said portions of said rail, each of said U-shaped channel members guide rollers contacting the inner surface of having a portion exposed at the ground sur- side portions of said rail, face of a width which is less than the width vertical shafts on which said wheels, of said flanges. said preventive rollers and said guide rollers According to the present invention there is 125 are mounted within said rail, further provided a system for running a golf and a motorized, self-driven caddie cart to cart in which a rail is laid round the golf which said vertical shaft is connected outside course, said rail, said rail being constituted by a series of U- said motor being started to drive said shaped channel members buried in the ground 130 wheels, 3 GB2190343A 3 whereby said caddie cart on which golf with the ground surface, clubs and other articles are loaded runs along wheels adapted to be rotated by a motor as said rail with the total load on said caddie cart said wheels contact the inner surface of a supported on the bottom surface of said rail. bottom portion of said rail, According to the present invention there is 70 preventive rollers adapted to be rotated further provided a structure for automatically freely as they elastically contact the inner sur driving caddie carts, comprising, faces of shoulder portions of said bottle a rail having a substantially bottle-shaped shaped rail, cross section, embedded in the ground so as a vertical shaft on which said wheels and to extend along a golf course and be flush 75 said preventive rollers are supported, with the ground surface, a caddie cart on which a player or golf provided with guide recesses in shoulder clubs and other articles are loaded, portions thereof, a connecting shaft fixed to said cart, wheels adapted to be rotated as they con- and a pivot via which said vertical shaft is tact the inner surface of a bottom portion of 80 joined pivotably to said connecting shaft, said rail, whereby said caddie cart runs along said rail preventive rollers contacting the inner hori- with the total load on said caddie cart sup zontal surfaces of the shoulder portions of ported on the bottom portion of said ground said bottle-shaped railand having flanges en- embedded rail.

gaged with said guide 1, recesses, 85 In the present invention a U-shaped channel vertical shafts on which said wheels and member is embedded in a continuous manner said rollers are mounted within said rail, along a golf course (this can be buried not and a motorized, self-driven caddie cart to only in a rough area but also in the center of which said vertical shaft is connected outside play, i.e. a fairway in a golf course) so as to said rail, 90 be flush with the ground surface. The channel said motor being started to drive said member has a U-shaped section with flanges wheels, extending from the upper ends of the oppo whereby said caddie cart on which golf site side walls thereof toward each other to clubs and other articles are loaded runs along define therebetween a groove of a width so said rail as the total load on said caddie cart 95 small that a golf ball (the diameter of a small is supported on the bottom surface of said ball is 41 mm) cannot drop thereinto. The rail, width of the channel member exposed on the preventive rollers guided by the guide re- ground surface including those of the upper cesses in the shoulder portions of said rail. surfaces of the flanges and the groove is $ According to the present invention there is 100 small as about 8 cm (the overall width of two further provided a rail for caddie carts, com- small golf balls held side by side), while the prising overall width of the channel member em a cross-sectionally U-shaped channel mem- bedded in the ground is as large as about 13 ber, cm. The exposed surfaces, which are flush lateral walls made continuous with the upper 105 with the ground surface, of the channel mem ends of said U-shaped channel member ber, i.e. the surfaces of the flanges, and the and having inclined upper surfaces extending portions of the space in the groove which are upward at a small angle toward each other so close to the inner edges of the flanges are as to form between the free ends of said covered with flexible members made of a ma- lateral walls a gap which extends in the 110 terial such as artificial turf and a rubber sheet lengthwise direction of said channel member of substantially the same colour and elasticity and which has a width so small that it preas the real grass. One side of each flexible vents golf balls from dropping thereinto, member is attached to the channel member so covers laid over said inclined surfaces so as that the flexible members overlap slightly to overlap at their opposed edge portions and 115 above the groove.

thereby close said gap so that said covers are When the cart runs over the exposed por flush with the ground surface, tion of the channel member which is con and flanges formed on the portions of the structed as described above, the vertical inner surfaces of said U-shaped channel memshafts which are attached to the cart and ber which are on the inner side of said gap, 120 which will be described later separate the flex which flanges define guide recesses above ible members laterally. The flexible members the same and have pressure-receiving surfaces normally overlap and close the groove to pre constituting the lower surfaces thereof. vent sand, dust and water from entering the According to the present invention there is channel member. The channel member buried further provided a structure for automatically 125 in the ground can not be recognized as such driving a caddie cart along a golf course, com- at a glance, and is difficult to distinguish from prising, real grass. Accordingly, even if the channel a rail having a substantially bottle-shaped member is laid along a fairway, it does not cross-section and embedded in the ground so spoil the scenery of the golf course. Even if a as to extend along a golf course and be flush 130 golf ball fails on this channel member, it sel- 4 GB2190343A 4 dom bounces irregularly. Since the channel- the gap.

shaped rail is formed so that it is cross-sec- The cart in the present invention is provided tionally in the shape of a roof with its central with wheels which roll over the exposed sur portion higher than both end portions thereof, faces of the flanges of the rail and has the a golf ball does not stop thereon, so that the 70 following structure. The golf cart is designed enjoyment of the game is not spoiled. A spe- to carry four bags at a time in such a way cially important point in this cart is that the that the weight of all the bags is applied uni wheels of the cart run on the narrow flanges formly to a central portion of the cart. A verti without contacting the grass at all, so that the cal shaft connected to the cart separates the grass is not damaged. 75 flexible cosmetic members laterally as the cart A caddie cart running on the exposed sur- runs, as stated before. A means for prevent faces of this channel member via wheels will ing the cart turning over sideways is provided now be described. One of the characteristics on this vertical shaft. This means consists of of the present invention is that the reduction a pair of rollers which are rotatable in a verti of the weight of a cart has been achieved by 80 cal plane, in contact with the lower surfaces molding a cart body out of FRIP. The parts of the flanges of the channel member, and at other than a cart body can, of course, be least one roller which is rotatable in a horizon molded out of FIRP. The golf bag-loadable tal plane, in contact which the inner surface of members are formed in a cross-shaped ar- the side wall of the channel member. The ver rangement on the cart body so as to detertical rollers prevent the cart turning over si mine the bag-loading positions at the front, deways, while the horizontal roller ensures rear, right and left portions thereof and that the cart runs along the exposed surface thereby obtain the load center substantially at of the rail smoothly and safely, without dam the center of the cart body. The cart is further aging the grass.

provided with wheels adapted to be driven by 90 If the cart is of the self-driven type, it is an engine mounted thereon, which rotate on provided with a prime mover which drives a the upper surfaces of the flange of the flanged wheel so that the cart can run along the rail U-shaped channel member embedded in the by itself. On the other hand, if the cart is of ground so that the flanges are flush with the rope-towed type, it is necessary to provide a ground, guide rollers adapted to be rotated 95 means for supporting the rope in the channel horizontally within the channel member, which member, and provide a rope catcher on the is laid in the above-mentioned manner, to cart which can catch and release the rope as guide the cart along the channel member, and required. Since the catcher catches the rope a preventive means consisting of rollers from the upper side thereof, it is not possible adapted to rotate vertically as they contact 100 to support the rope by an ordinary means the lower surfaces of the flanges, and thereby which employs rollers in contact with the up prevent the cart from turning over sideways. per side of the rope. In addition, in order to Alternatively, a plurality of rails, each of prevent interference between the catcher and which is cross-sectionally similar to a narrow- the support means including the rollers, it is mouthed bottle, can be connected in succes- 105 necessary that the catcher moves along a sion and embedded inthe ground on a golf path which is suitably separated from the course (this can be buried in such a manner rope. When the rail is embedded substantially that the rail does not interfere with the game, linearly, no difficulty is encountered because not only in the rough but also in the center the rope can be supported simply by rollers in area of play, i.e. the fairway) so that the 110 contact with the lower side of the rope, while mouth is substantially flush with the ground the upper side of the rope is not in contact surface. The mouth of each rail has a gap too with any rollers. However, if the rope is not narrow for a golf ball (diameter 41 mm) to pressed from above, the rope may spring drop through, i.e. about 35 mm. away from the support rollers and the guide The mouth region, which is exposed on the 115 rollers due to tension, when the rail is laid ground surface, of the bottle-shaped rail is along a valley or along a transient upwardcur formed to a thickness of 4-5 mm. The width vying region between a flat area and a slope.

of the exposed surface including the gap is To overcome this problem, the present inven set to be as narrow as 55 mm (almost equal tors have already proposed an arrangement in to the diameter of a golf ball), and the total 120 Japanese published patent application No.

width of the region which is buried in the 130855/1982. This proposal, however, as a ground of the rail is as large as about 130 complicated construction and is difficult to re mm. Covers consisting of flexible artificial turf alise in practice, although it can obviate these or rubber plates, which have substantially the problems to some extent. The present inven same elasticity and colour as the grass on the 125 tion therefore preferably includes the following fairway, are attached to the mouth region measure to overcome these problems. The which is flush with the ground surface of the towing rope which runs pressed into contact bottle-shaped rail so that the cover enclose with the guide rollers curves within the hori the mouth portion and the gap with the op- zontal plane at a curvature of about 5' and posed edges of the covers overlapping above 130 within a vertical plane at a flexure angle of GB2190343A 5 within 4', so that it can be stably supported Fig. 12 is a side elevation of an embodi even in upward-curving regions. This means ment with a rail shown in section; that the catcher of the towed cart running Fig. 13 is a plan view of a cart body; along the rail can move without interference, Fig. 14 is a partially sectioned front eleva because a channel member is used which is 70 tion of wheels; twisted at these curvatures in the horizontal Fig. 15 is a partially sectioned front eleva and vertical planes (three dimensional curva- tion of turnover-preventing rollers; ture). With this arrangement, when the catcher Fig. 16 is a side elevation of a principal holding the tow rope passes a guide roller, portion; the rope is pulled towards the guide roller by 75 Fig. 17-19 show another embodiment, the tension of the rope. Namely, a reaction wherein; force is applied by the rope to the guide rol- Fig. 17 is a side elevation of wheels on one ler. However, since this reaction force is side; safely borne by the curved surface of the rol- Fig. 18 is a front elevation of wheels; and ler, the rope can run stably past the roller 80 Fig. 19 is a front elevation of turnover pre without coming off the roller surface. Thus, it venting rollers; and has been confirmed that the rope can run Fig. 20 is a front elevation of still another along upward-curving regions safely without embodiment.

coming off the rollers, provided that the hori- Fig. 21 is a sectioned front elevation; and zontal curvature and the vertical flexure angle 85 Fig. 22 is a partially sectioned side elevation are provided. When the towing rope is sus- showing a part of a caddie cart.

pended so as to come into contact with the Fig. 23 is a general side elevation of a sec curved surface of a support roller, the reaction tioned rail and caddie cart.

force is applied along the curved surface of Fig. 24 is a partially sectioned side elevation the support roller towards the centre of the 90 of wheels; radius of curvature and, accordingly, the rope Fig. 25 is a sectioned view taken along the can run smoothly, guided by the curved surline 111-111 in Fig. 2; face of the guide roller which substantially folFig. 26 is a sectional view taken along the low the curved surface of the support rollers. line IV-1V in Fig. 2; and With this arrangement, it is possible to ar- 95 Fig. 27 is a partially sectioned side elevation range the rail along lefthand or righthand of the driving wheels.

curves, vertical curves, and along upward- In Figure 1 reference numeral 1 designates a sloping regions. U-shaped channel member provided with Preferred embodiments of the present inven- flanges 2 which constitute the rail along which tion will now be described in detail, by 100 the cart runs. The channel member 1 has a example only, with reference to the accom- substantially U-shaped cross- section and is panying drawings. provided with flanges 2 which project from Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the self-driven the upper ends of both walls thereof towards type of ca rt; each other. As can be seen from Fig. 2, Fig. 2 is a sectional front elevation of es- 105 which shows the channel member 1 in sec sential parts thereof; tion, the channel member is formed so that it Fig 3 is a sectioned front elevation of an has a substantially U-shaped cross-section essential part of a rope-towed type of cart; from a plastic material such as resin concrete, Fig. 4 is a sectioned front elevation of and has internal reinforcement members 3 another embodiment; 110 such as iron sheets. The flanges 2 are formed Fig. 5 is a cut-away perspective view of an to extend towards each other from the upper embodiment of a U-shaped channel member ends of the two walls of the channel member provided with flanges; 1. A groove 4 of a width less than the dia Fig. 6 illustrates curvature in the horizontal meter of a golf ball is defined by the facing plane; 115 edges of the flanges 2. The upper surface of Fig. 6A is an enlarged plan view thereof; each flange 2 exposed at the ground surface Fig. 613 is a plan view thereof showing the has a width of the minimum which can bear state of curves; the total weight of a cart, e.g. about 20 mm.

Fig. 7 illustrates vertical bending along a val- The upper surfaces of the flanges 2, including ley; 120 the groove 4 formed therebetween, constitute Fig. 7A is an enlarged section thereof; and the exposed surface 5 of the channel member.

Fig. 713 is a side elevation of the bend in The portions of the channel member other the vertical plane; than this exposed surface are buried under the Fig. 8 is a sectioned front elevation of a ground. Flexible cosmetic members 7 of a golf cart; 125 material with an elasticity and colour similar to Fig. 9 is a plan view; that of the real grass covering the ground are Fig. 10 is a detailed drawing in front eleva- attached to the flange portions so that free tion of a wheel; and edges of the flexible cosmetic members Fig. 11 is a sectioned side elevation of the slightly overlap at a position above the groove wheel. 130 4 to prevent soil, sand and rainwater entering 6 GB2190343A 6 the channel member. the horizontal plane in contact with inner sur Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the faces 19 of the side walls of the channel channel member 1, which is pressed from member. Front and rear wheels 21 attached sheet steel of a substantial thickness so that to the vertical shafts 13 are driven by a motor the exposed surface 5 has a width substan- 70 through a transmission 22. Two wheels 21 at tially equal to the total width of the channel 1. the front are arranged on either side of the This channel member 1, therefore, can be front vertical shaft 13, and run on the flanges formed easily at reduced cost and can be 2 on either side of the groove. The same used in areas where there is no danger of golf applies also to the wheels 21 on the rear side balls hitting it, e.g. in the cart house or in the 75 arranged on either side of the rear vertical rough areas before the course. Fig. 4 shows shaft 13. Thus the cart actually has two front yet another example of the channel member wheels 21 and two rear wheels 21, i.e. a 1, which is also pressed from sheet steel. In total of four wheels. The two wheels at each this case, however, the width of the exposed of the front and rear have a total width of surface 5 is reduced so that the channel mem- 80 about 80 mm, including the width of the gap ber 1 can be used in the fairways. Both side provided by the vertical shafts 13 betweenportions of the exposed surface 5 slope at a the wheels. Therefore, the cart can be re gradient of, for example, 10% with the crests garded as being virtually two-wheeled with a thereof at the centre and the flexible cosmetic front wheel and a rear wheel like an ordinary members are arranged to cover this exposed 85 bicycle, and is distinguished from an ordinary surface 5. This arrangement prevents undesir- cart which is stabilized by four wheels, i.e.

able effect such as when a ball rests on the two front wheels and two rear wheels of a rail, or when rain fails into the channel mem- sufficiently large tread.

ber. The channel member 1 of the embodi- In another embodiment of the means 14 for ment shown in Fig. 5 is constituted by a 90 preventing the cart turning over sideways, ver shaped steel sheet of a comparatively small tical rollers 18 and horizontal rollers 20 are thickness defining the inner structure of the arranged separately on upper and lower por channel member 1, and an elastic material tions of the vertical shaft 13. The vertical such as resin concrete attached to the steel shaft 13 is connected to a Motor 31 which in sheet. The channel member is stepped to pro- 95 turn is biased upward by a comparatively vide a smaller width at its upper portion and, strong spring 34, so that the vertical rollers hence, a smaller width of the exposed surface 18 are pressed against the lower surfaces of 5. This channel member can have compara- the flanges 2 by the wheels 21 and the tively precise internal dimensions. flanges 2, enabling the smooth running of the Referring again to Figs. 1 and 2, the cart 100 wheels 21 over joints between adjacent chan used in this embodiment is a self-driven type nel members 1.

of cart provided with a frame 9 which has Fig. 4 shows another embodiment in which four bag sheets 10 so that four bags can be the vertical and horizontal rollers 18 and 20 carried at a time, two on the front and two are incorporated together. In this embodiment, on the back. A box 11 and, if required, a 105 a horizontal roller 20 is mounted around a basket 12 for holding small articles, is pro- stationary wheel 23 formed on the vertical vided between the front bag sheets and the shaft 13 so that it can rotate in the horizontal rear bag sheets, the box 11 accommodating a plane in contact with the inner surface 19 of driving unit including a battery, motor and re- one side wall. Vertical rollers 18 are mounted duction gears. These parts are arranged over 110 on arm portions of the stationary wheel 23 so the frame of the cart so that the load is distrithat they can rotate in a vertical plane in con buted uniformly. tact with the lower surfaces 18 of the flanges.

Vertical shafts 13 are mounted on front and In this embodiment, the exposed surface 5 rear poritons of the frame 9, and their forward has a tapered shape so that the wheels 21 edges forcibly separate the flexible cosmetic 115 must have shapes conforming with the con members 7 of the channel member 1 away tours of the exposed surface 5.

from each other. A means 14 for preventing In each of the embodiments of Figs. 3 and the cart turning over sideways is provided on 4, a vertically-slidable shaft 24 is received by each vertical shaft 13. Wheels on which the the vertical shart 13, and a catcher 25 is cart 8 runs are attached to the upper ends of 120 formed on the lower end of the slidable shaft the vertical shafts 13. More specifically, as 24. The details of this catcher 25 are shown shown in Fig. 2, the means 14 for preventing in the description of the embodiments in Japa the cart turning over sideways is provided nese published patent application No.

with a horizontal shaft 16 which has recesses 130855/1982. Briefly, the slidable shaft 24 is 15 extending diametrically from the vertical 125 connected to a motor 31 which can be shaft 13, vertical rollers 18 carried by the started and stopped by manual control or re horizontal shaft 16 which can rotate in a verti- mote control, so that the slidable shaft 24 is cal plane in contact with the lower surfaces of moved up and down in accordance with the the flanges 2, and horizontal rollers provided operation of the motor 31 to selectively clamp in the recesses 15 and which can rotate in 130or unclamp the tow rope 28 by clamp jaws 7 GB2190343A 7 27 which cooperate with each other through equal to or slightly more than the walking the action of links 26. speed of the players. The cart runs on the The tow rope 28 is arranged in an endless exposed surface 5 of the rail with its front form so that it goes around the golf course, and rear wheels 21 in rolling contact with the within the rail constituted by a series of chan- 70 exposed surface 5. The channel members 1 nel members 1. A support means 33 for sup- constituting the rail have a total width of 130 porting the tow rope 28 is constituted by a mm. The portions thereof with the maximum plurality of pairs of rollers, i.e. a horizontal width are buried underground and the channel support roller 29 and a vertical guide roller members 1 are exposed only at the exposed 30, each of which has a substantially cylindri- 75 surface 5 which is constituted by the top sur cal form constricted at the mid-point thereof. faces of the two flanges and the groove Each pair of support roller 29 and guide roller formed between these flanges. Each of the is arranged such that the curved surfaces front and rear wheels 21 which roll on the of these rollers provide a connected, substan- exposed surface is composed of two wheel tially continuous surface within a plane con- 80 members,. each of a width of about 20 mm, taining the axes of the rollers 29 and 30. The the two wheel members being assembled to arrangement is such that, when the tow rope gether with a vertical shaft 13 (30 to 35 mm 28 is transferred from a support roller 29 to a in diameter) therebetween. The cart, therefore, guide roller 30, the tow rope 28 is not caught cannot stand upright stably with these wheels by the transient portion between the rollers. 85 alone, however evenly the weight is distri The catcher 25 can be provided only in buted, particularly when the cart is on a slope.

front of the wheels 21, as viewed in the di- The cart-operating system of the present in rection of movement of the cart. In the em- vention, therefore incorporates means 14 for bodiments shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, all the preventing the cart from turning over si- wheels 21 are mounted on vertical shafts 13. 90 deways. This means 14 consists of vertical This arrangement, however, is not essential, rollers in contact with the lower surfaces of and the wheels 21 may be carried by support the flanges 2 and which can rotate within a members provided adjacent to the vertical vertical plane, with the assistance of horizontal shafts. According to this arrangement, it is rollers 20 which can rotate in the horizontal possible to use solid wheels with a tread of 95 plane in contact with the inner surfaces 19 of the same width as the exposed surface 5, at the side walls of the channel member 1, so as the front and rear of the cart. In this case, the to ensure the stable and smooth running of cart is supported by a single front wheel and the cart in accordance with the surface of the a single rear wheel as in an ordinary bicycle. golf course which can include many slopes Four golf bags are placed in the bag sheets 100 and curves. If the cart 8 is inclined to the of the cart 8 and small bags and the like right, the lefthand vertical roller 18 is pressed containing miscellaneous articles are put in the strongly against the lower surface 17 of the basket 12. If the cart 8 is of self-driven type, left flange 2 to prevent any further inclination as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the motor is of the cart. The lefthand horizontal roller 20 started by turning on a switch on the box so 105 comes into contact with the inner surface 19 that the power of the motor is transmitted to of the lefthand wall to assist the lefthand ver the wheels 21 through the transmission 22 to tical roller 18 in its preventing the further incli propel the cart 8. When the cart 8 arrives at nation of the cart. The running of the cart a predetermined position near the tee of the along a curve in the rail is smoothed by the first hole, the switch of the motor is turned 110 rotation of the vertical rollers 18.

off by remote control or a switch actuator When the cart is of selfdriven type, as (not shown) provided at a predetermined por- shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the cart can run stably tion of the rail constituted by the channel as explained above. However, a difficulty members, so that the cart 8 stops. On the arises in connection with the method of sup- other hand, if the cart 8 is of rope-towed 115 porting the tow rope when the cart is of the type, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the motor rope-towed type. An example of a rope-sup 31 which vertically drives the slidable shaft 24 porting means therefor will be explained here is started by for example, remote control, so inunder with reference to the drawings.

that the slidable shaft 24 slides downward. Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the tow rope 28 Consequently the clamping jaws 27 are ro- 120 is caughtby the catcher 25 so that it moves tated about pivot shafts 32 by the action of away from the support roller 29 and the guide the links 26 to catch the tow rope 28. The roller 30 and the cart can be towed to run at cart 8, therefore, is towed by the tow rope the speed of the rope 28. The portions of the 28 to run at the same speed thereof. When rope 28 which are not caught by the catcher the cart has reached a position near the tee of 125 25 run in contact with the support rollers 29 the firt hole, the motor 31 is reversed so that by the force of gravity in regions with linear the rope 28 is unclamped to allow the cart to sections of the rail, as well as downward stop. curving regions. In curved sections of the rail, In either case, the running speed of the cart however, the rope 28 is pressed against the is about 60 m/sec, which is substantially 130 guide rollers by the tension therein, so that 8 GB2190343A 8 the guide rollers 30 are rotated by the reac- also sometimes constructed from a synthetic tion force. A portion of the rope which has resin. The method of and the means for mak been on a support roller 29 slides onto the ing the cart body 41 be arbitrarily selected; it curved surface of the guide roller 30. The may be made by a spray- lamination method, a movement of the rope from the support roller 70 molding method in which a resin is injected to the guide roller is smoothed because the into a reinforcing material- containing mold, or curved surfaces of both rollers are arranged a pressure molding method in which a resin substantially as extensions of each other. impregnated reinforcing material is placed in a Curves in the rail in the horizontal plane may mold. These methods enable the production be formed to any desired curvature by arrang- 75 of a light cart body, with excellent mechanical ing the guide rollers as is necessary. However, properties, excellent water-resisting property, in the upward-curving regions of, for example, high weather resistance and high corrosion re valleys, the rope 28 will spring up off the sistance. It is preferable to have support guide rollers 30 if the rail is simply curved. posts, stays and back members also made of This problem can be overcome by flexing the 80 FRP.

Path of the rope in the vertical direction. The cart body 41 is provided with golf bag Namely, it has been confirmed that the rope loadable members 42, 42' at the front and 28 can be held stably without coming off the rear portions thereof for loading golf bags (not guide rollers 30, when the curvature of the shown) thereon, in an inclined state, and simi- rope 28 within the horizontal plane is about 5' 85 lar golf bag-loadable members 43, 43' at the while the rope 28 can bend in the vertical left and right portions thereof.

direction within an angular range of not more The golf-loadable members 42,42', 43,43' than 4', preferably between 2' and 3'. A are formed integrally with the cart body 41 so more detailed description will be made herein- that these members 42, 42', 43, 43' are in a under with reference to Figs. 6 and 7 Refer- 90 cross-shaped arrangement in the same plane ring to Fig. 6A, it can be seen that a 90' (Fig.9). There are back members 44,44',45, bend in a rope running in contact with the 45' relative to the golf bag- loadable members guide rollers 30 can be realized by using 18 42, 42', 43,43' which also formed on the cart guide rollers, with a 5' curvature around each body 41 so as to connect with a plurality of guide roller 30. This can be achieved in the 95 support posts 46 and a plurality of stays 47.

manner previously explained, provided that the The back members 44,44' for the front and tow rope 28 runs straight. Needless to say, in rear bag-loadable members 42,42' are adapted the regions where the rail curves, it is neces- to support golf bags in such a way that the sary that the tow rope 28 is pressed onto the golf bags are inclined toward the center of the side of the row of guide rollers 30 opposite 100 cart body 41, while the back members 45,45' to each center of curvature of the rail 0 in for the left and right bag- loadable members order that the reaction force is bourne by the 43,43' are inclined in the direction which is guide rollers 30, as shown in Fig. 6B. The opposite to the direction in which the cart a vertical bending of the rope is achieved, as advances, as shown in the drawings. The shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, by allowing a 2' 105 back members 44,44',45,45' are arranged in bend of the tow rope 28 around each guide this manner so as to concentrate the total roller 30. By arranging the guide rollers 30 at load on the portion of the cart body which is such a spacing that the bent tow rope 28 the closest to the center thereof. With such does not come off the curved surfaces of the an arrangement of bagloadable members adjacent guide rollers 30, it is possible to lay 110 42,42',43,43', four golf bags can normally be the rail in a with a suitable twist in the series loaded thereon. These members 42,42', of channel members 1. 43,43' are used independently of one another, It is inefficient to arrange successive pairs of and the caddies can take the relevant golf a guide roller 30 and a support roller 29 in a clubs and other articles from the relative bags one-by-one fashion. To overcome this prob- 115 conveniently without confusion. The players' lem, it is advisable to use channel members golf bags thus loaded on the cart 41 can be each provided with three pairs of rollers in the distinguished clearly from one another without form of a block. With this arrangement, conconfusion in their shapes and colours. Since struction can be facilitated considerably and, FRP, the material of the cart, is light, the en by constructing each pair of two different rol- 120 tire quantity of divotcovering earth required for lers as a unit which is easy to mount and a half round can be loaded thereon. This en remove from the channel member 1, it is pos- ables a considerable reduction of the caddies' sible to achieve easy replacement of worn-out labour, the saving of time for a round of golf rollers and, hence, keep the rollers in good and the result of good course maintenance. In condition. 125 Fig. 10 wheels 51, 51' are attached to the Figure 8 shows a caddie cart a consisting of portions of the cart body 41 which are on the a cart body 41, a plurality of support posts longitudinal axis thereof. The wheels 51, 51' 46, stays 47, and back members 44, 44', 45, are supported so as to be rotated by a motor 45'. Of these parts, at least the cart body 41 (not shown) or an engine (not shown) via is made mostly of FRP, i.e. glass fiber. It is 130 bearings 48,48' and a transmission system 9 GB2190343A 9 50, and the shape of the circumferential sur- sistance to any derailing force thereon and are faces of the wheels 51,51' are in conformity able to withstand the tilting force. Since the with that of the surface 58, on which the cart covers 59,59' on the channel member b are runs, which is composed of a succession of maintained in the shape of slopes, the entry flanged U-shaped channel members b. The 70 of the dust and rainwater into the channel cart body is further provided with vertical portion 55 can be minimized. The motor is shafts 52,52 projecting into the channel mempreferably so adapted that it can be stopped ber b. Horizontally rotatable guide rollers automatically in a predetermined position by a 53,53' and vertically rotatable turnover-pre- remote control means or a limit switch.

venting rollers 54,54 are mounted on these 75 A funnel-shaped earth box 61 and a net vertical shafts 52,52'. case 62 for containing small golf articles can The flanged U-shaped channel member b be provided in suitable positions on a cover consists of a cross-sectionally U-shaped chanwhich encloses the transmission system nel portion 55, and flange portions 56 formed 50 and parts of the motor. The use of FRI? on the channel portion 55 and extending so 80 which constitutes and greatly reduces the as to define therebetween a gap 57 of a weight of the cart a enables divot-covering width so small that a golf ball does not drop earth to be carried along the golf course.

thereinto. The channel member b is made of Since the cart body of the caddie cart ac FRP or resin concrete in the shape of a rail cording to the present invention is formed by and embedded in the ground in a fairway 85 molding FRP, the cart is very light and rigid, along a golf course so as to be flush with the capable of minimizing the consumption of en ground surface. The caddie cart a runs along ergy, i.e. electric power, is suitable for mass the channel member b as the guide roller 53 production, and can be sold at a low price.

(the guide roller on one vertical shaft 52 alone Since the weight (about 1/4 of the weight of will be described) on one of the vertical shafts 90 a conventional electric cart) of this golf cart is 52,52' provided on the cart body 41 contacts reduced greatly owing to the use of FRP, a the inner side surface of the flange portion large margin is left to hold thereon the earth 56. During this time, the turnover-preventing for use in covering divots on a fairway. During roller 54 contacts the lower surface of the a golf game using a conventional caddie cart, flange portion 56 to prevent the caddie cart a 95 divots are covered with earth scooped in pre from turning over sideways. determined positions, in which the earth is The upper surfaces 58, on which the cart a heaped in advance, on the other side of the runs, of the channel member b are inclined so fairway. Such a divot- covering operation is that the height of the surfaces 58 increases very troublesome and causes play to be de from both sides of the channel member to- 100 layed. The cart according to the present in ward the center thereof. Covers 59,59' con- vention which runs on a fairway carries in its sisting of a flexible material and having prefer- earth box the amount of divot-covering earth ably the same colour as the grass are fixed to thought to be required for half round of golf.

the surfaces 58 so that the free edges of Hence, a required amount of earth can be these covers normally overlap slightly and turn 105 taken out each time from a discharge port 61' up when the vertical shaft 52 passes there- to carry out a divot-covering operation conve between (see Fig. 11). niently. This enables course-maintenance to be Golf club-containing glof-bags are placed on carried out easily and effectively.

the golf bag-loadable members 42,42',43,43' In Fig. 12 reference letter c denotes a rail and fastened to the cart a with, for example, 110 having a narrow- mouthed bottle-like cross straps. A motor (not shown) is then started section, the lower portion of which constitutes to rotate the wheels 51,51' via the transmis- a cross-sectionally U- shaped channel portion sion system 50, so that the cart a runs at a 71. Shoulder portions 72 and mouth portions speed substantially equal to the speed at 73 are made continous with the channel por- which a man walks. When the cart rounds a 115 tion 7 1. A bottom portion 74, on which the curved portion of the channel member b, the total weight of a caddie cart, which will be guide rollers 53,53' contact the inner side sur- described later, is imposed and the shoulder face of the flange Portion 56 to keep the cart portions 72, on which a load for preventing running smoothly. When the cart a receives a the cart from turning over sideways is im- tilting force due to topographic conditions, the 120 posed, are constructed with a sufficient turnover preventing rollers 54 contact the strength (for example, a sufficient thickness) lower surfaces of the flange portions 56 as to bear the weight and load. The other por the former rotate, so that the cart is kept tions of the rail are constructed with a thick running safely and smoothly without turning ness such that their shape is adequately main over sideways. The outer circumferential sur- 125 tained for example, 4-5 mm. Accordingly, the faces, which are in the rail-contacting state, of width of the part, which is exposed on the the wheels 51,51' are in the shape of slopes ground surface, of the mouth portions 73 in and engage perfectly with the upper surfaces cluding the gap 75 is not more than 40 mm.

58 of the channel member b. Accoringly, the The rail is preferably molded out of FIRP, wheels 51, 51 have a comparatively high re- 130which is light and rigid, has a high weather GB2190343A 10 resistance and a high corrosion resistance. preventive roller 87 as shown by a full line in Flexible rubber plates or artificial turf, which Fig. 16. The guide roller 92 may also be pro has substantially the same elasticity and col- vided separately from the preventive roller 87 our as the rear grass, is attached to the ex- as a guide roller 92" as shown by the chain posed surface of the mouth portion 73 so 70 line in Fig. 15. Namely, the guide roller 92" is that the opposed edge portions of the rubber provided in a vertical shaft 88, on which the plates overlap slightly above the gap 75 to turnover-preventing rollers 87 are supported, cover the same. These rubber plates or artifi- in such a manner that the guide rollers 92" cial turf constitute covers 93, 9X, which can can be rotated in the horizontal direction as prevent the earth, sand and rainwater from 75 they contact the inner surfaces of the side entering the inetrior of the rail, and are walls of the mouth portion 73. In the case adapted to be opened at the overlapping por- where the preventive rollers 87 are supported tions when the cart is moved therethrough. on the vertical shaft 88, the former are dis A caddie cart b as shown in Fig. 12 has on posed so as to substantially contact the inner its plate type cart body 76 front and rear golf 80 surfaces of the shoulder portions 72.

bag-loadable 17,17' for use in loading golf Figs. 17-19 show another embodiment, in bags (not shown) and holding the same in an which a bottom portion 74' of a rail c has a inclined state, and left and right golf bag-loa- V-shaped cross section, i.e. a larger depth at dable members 78,78' for use in loading golf an intermediate part thereof. The inclined sur bags and holding the same in an inclined 85 faces 94,94' of the bottom portion 74' have state. These members 77,77',78,78' are pro- stepped portions 95,95' at their respective in vided in a cross-shaped arrangement in the termediate sections.

same plane as shown in Fig. 13. The wheels 84', 84' have outer circumferen Back members 79,79',80,80' (the view of tial surfaces the cross sectional shapes of the back member 80' is obstructed by the 90 which are, of course, in conformity with those back member 80 in Fig. 12 for holding golf of the inclined surfaces 94, 94' and are pro bags, which are placed on the members vided with flange portions 96,96 adapted to 77,77',78,78' in an inclined state are joined be engaged with the stepped portions 95,95'.

together by a plurality of support posts 81 A mouth portion 73' of the bottle-shaped rail and a plurality of stays 82. At least the cart 95 is provided with guide recesses 97,97, with body 76 is preferably molded out the FRIP. which a guide roller 92' is engaged. A vertical Vertical shafts 83 extend from the lower shaft 83 is provided with a bearing frame 98, surface of the cart body 76 so as to project on which the wheels 84,84' are rotatably sup into the channel portion 71 via the gaps 75 ported. The wheels 84,84' are driven via chain and wheels 84 are fastened to a lower end 100 sprockets 99,99',100 and chain belts portion of each of the shafts 83. The wheels 101,102.The chain belt 102 is adapted to re 84 are driven by a motor (not shown) which ceive the rotational force transmitted from a is housed in a box 85, via a transmission motor (not shown).

system 86, so that the wheels 84 rotate on The preventive rollers 87 are supported ro the inner surface of a bottom portion of the 105 tatably on a boss 103 fitted around the verti rail c to move the cart d. cal shaft 83. These rollers 87 are urged Reference numberal 87 denotes preventive against the inner horizontal surfaces of shoul rollers, which may be supported on a vertical der portions 72' by a spring 91' of compara shaft 88 (shown in Fig. 15) extending from tively large resilient force to prevent the cart d the cart body 76 in the same manner as the 110 from turning over sideways. in an embodiment vertical shafts 83. As shown in Figs. 12 and shown in Fig. 20, the guide roller 92' in the 16, the preventive roller 87 may be secured embodiment shown in Figs- 17- 19 is replaced to an arm 90, which is connected pivotably to by preventive rollers 87% each of which is a fulcrum 89 provided on the vertical shaft made by providing a flange 104 on the pre 83, so that the roller 87 can be rotated in the 115 ventive roller 87 in the embodiment of Figs.

vertical direction. The arm 90 can also be 17-19. The flanges 104 are engaged with connected to the shaft 83 via a spring 91 to stepped guide recesses 97' formed in shoul thereby support the preventive roller 87 resili- der portions 72" in a rail c. The caddie cart d ently and press the roller 87 and the wheel can be guided smoothly along the rail c" ow 84 forcibly against the inner surface of the 120 ing to the guide recesses 97' and flanges shoulder portion 72 and that of the bottom 104, so that the guide rollers 92,92' in the portion 74, respectively. This enables the slip- two previously-described embodiments are not ping of the wheels 84 and the rollers 87 to required. This enables a reduction in the be minimized, and the running and the preven- height of the rail c".

tion of turn-over of the cart to be carried out 125 Golf bags are placed on the bag-loadable effectively. Reference numeral 42 denotes members 77,77',78,78', so as to be rested guide rollers, which are adapted to contact the against the back members 79,79',80,80' in an inner surfaces of side walls of the rail c and inclined state and stabilized. These bags are guide the cart d smoothly therein. The guide then fastened to the members 77,77% 78,78' roller may be of the type which is fitted in the 130 with straps or the like. A driving means for GB2190343A 11 example, a motor in the box 85 is then ro- that the opposed edge portions of the covers tated by remote control to rotate the wheels normally overlap above the gap 113. The rail via a transmission system consisting, for is embedded in the earth in a fairway so that example, a chain, so that the cart runs autothe ground surface is substantially flush with matically at such a speed that is slightly 70 the lower ends of the inclined surfaces 115, higher than the speed at which a man walks. 115' with the side walls of the rail extending The cart is stopped in a position, which sub- vertically.

stantially corresponds to the position of the The self-driven caddie cart running on the ball, by a remote control means or a means rail according to this device carries golf bags like a limit switch, and the game is thus con- 75 which are loaded on the front, rear, left and tinued in order. At a curved portion of the rail, right portions thereof in a cross-shaped arthe guide rollers or the flange portions of the rangement so that the load center substan preventive rollers come into contact with the tially coincides with the center of the cart.

inner surface thereof, so that the cart runs The cart is provided with wheels a running on smoothly. The flange portions of the wheels 80 the inclined surfaces 115, 115' via the covers also serve to guide the wheels excellently. 116, 11T, a vertical shaft b projecting into When the overturning force occurs in the cart the interior of the rail 111 through the gap due to certain topographical conditions, the 113, a guide roller 9 mounted on the vertical preventive rollers are pressed forcibly against shaft f so as to rotate horizontally, and pre- the inner horizontal surfaces of the shoulder 85 ventive rollers h supported on the vertical portions of the rail. The flange portions of the shaft f whichrotate vertically. The wheels e wheels also serve to prevent the cart from are rotated by a power source means, such turning over sideways. The cart therefore runs as a motor or an engine mounted on the cart, stably. or by, for example, a remote control, oper- In this way, the wheels of the cart run 90 ation, and the guide roller g contacts the inner within the rail, so that the total load is im- side surfaces of the flange portions 114. If C posed on the bottom surface thereof. There- shaped guided recesses 117, 117' are formed fore, the bottom portion of the rail has to be in the inner side surfaces of the flange por made to a high strength. The mouth portion tions 114 as shown in the drawings, the of the bottled-shaped rail received no load 95 guide roller g can be made to a large dia and, hence, this portion can be constructed meter, so that the guiding of the roller 9 can with a small thickness. Accordingly, the width be carried out more smoothly. The preventive of the surface exposed on the grass of the rollers h are formed so as to contact pres rail can be reduced. sure-receiving surfaces 118, 118' constituting Consequently, the rail cannot be recognized 100the lower horizontal surfaces of the flange easily on the grass. Moreover, since the portions 114. When the cart receives an over wheels of the cart do not appear above the turning force, the pressure- receiving surfaces ground surface, the cart appears to be gliding 118, 118' and the preventive rollers h contact across the grass. In addition, the rail can be each other to prevent the cart from turning manufactured at a low cost, and the weight 105 over sideways.

thereof can be reduced greatly to enable the Thus a caddie cart is able to run on a rail rail to be handled very easily. As a result of laid in a fairway, without damaging the grass, all these advantages, the transporting of golf and the rail is installed so that it is integrated bags on a golf course is greatly facilitated. into the scenery. Since the rail consists of a Figures 21 and 22 show a rail consisting of 110reinforced plastic, it is light, and has high me- a channel portion 112 formed at a lower sec- chanical strength, resistance to cold, resis tion thereof, and molded out of gloss fibre- tance to corrosion and durability. The rail can reinforced plastic FRP, which contains a core be manufactured by molding and sold at a low material 111' composed of glass fibre, so as price. Since FRP is used, bent portions and to have a substantially U-shaped cross sec- 115 twisted portions can be molded easily. The tion, and flange portions 114 joined to the inclined surfaces of the flange portions on upper ends of the U-shaped channel portion which the cart runs extend so that the height so as to define a vertical groove-forming gap thereof increase gradually towards the centre 113 therebetween. The upper surfaces of the of the gap and covers are laid over these flange portions 114 constitute inclined sur- 120 inclined surfaces. When the cart moves, the faces 115, 115' used as surfaces on which a covers are turned up easily by the vertical caddie cart runs and extending toward each shaft to enable the cart to run smoothly.

other in a non-contacting state so that the Since the covers are normally round-shaped, height of each increases gradually towards the i.e. a saddle-shaped roof, earth, sand and rain centre of the gap 113. Covers 116, 116' con- 125 water failing on them runs off smoothly, and sisting of rubber plates, aritificial turf or ure- does not enter the interior of the rail.

thane having substantially the same colour as In Figres 23-27 reference numeral 121 de real grass and an elasticity close to that of notes a rail having a narrow-mouthed bottle the grass on the fairway are laid over the like cross-section, consisting of a single rail inclined surfaces 115, 115' in such a manner 130member and buried in the ground along a golf 12 GB 2 190 343 A 12 course so that the rail 121 is flush with the can slide resiliently by means of a spring 137, ground surface. The bottom portion 122 and is inserted in the vertical shaft 135. Shaft 139 shoulder portions 123 may have horizontal in- are formed on both side surfaces of the boss ner surfaces 124, 125, respectively. It is pre- 138 so that the shafts 139 extend at right ferable that, as shown in the embodiments in 70 angles to the vertical shaft 135. Preventive the drawings, the inner bottom surfaces 124 rollers 140 are mounted rotatably on these extend in the diagonally downward direction shafts 139 which are on both sides of the so as to have a V-shaped cross-section with boss 138. The preventive rollers 140 are in the inner shoulder surfaces 125 extending dia- resilient contact, owing to the spring 137, gonally upward so as to have a peaked cross- 75 with the inner surfaces 125 of the shoulder section. The mouth portions 126 are formed portions 123 of the rail 121. Driving shafts so that they continue from the shoulder por- 141, 141 are supported rotatably on the por tions 123. The bottom portion 122, on which tions of the frame 136 which are on the front the total weight of a caddie cart, which will and rear sides of the preventive rollers 140.

be described later, is imposed, and the shoul- 80 Driving wheels 142, 142, and wheels 143, der portions 123, on which a load for pre- 143 which are adapted to run in contact with venting the cart from turning over sideways is the inner surfaces 124 of the bottom portion imposed, are constructed with a sufficient 122 of the rail are keylocked on the driving strength and sufficient thickness to bear the shafts 141, 141. A chain 144 is wrapped weight and load. The other portions of the rail 85 around the driving wheels 142, 142, which may be constructed with a thickness (4-5 are moved via a driven wheels 146, which is mm) such that their shape is adequately main- decelerated by a motor, for example, a rever tained. The width of the part exposed on the sible motor provided on the body 128 of a ground surface, of the smooth portions 126 cart 145, so that the wheels 143, 143 are including the gap 126' is not more than 40 90 reversibly driven. Consequently, the cart 145 mm. The rail is preferably molded out of FIRP, runs automatically.

which is light and rigid, and strongly resists A driving mechanism consisting of the abo weather and corrosion. Flexible rubber plates vementioned parts including the wheels 143, or articifical turf, which has substantially the 143 is provided at one end region of the cart same elasticity and colour as real grass, are 95 145, and a mechanism consisting of substan attached to the upper end surfaces, i.e. the tially the same parts as the driving mechanism exposed surfaces of the mouth portions 126 at the other end region thereof. In this second so that the opposed edge portions of the rub- mechanism, preventive rollers 140 are sup ber plates overlap slightly above the gap 126' ported on a vertical shaft 135 resiliently via a as shown in Figs 25 and 26. The rubber 100 slidable spring 137 and adapted to be rotated plates or the artificial turf constitute covers as they press-contact the inner surfaces 125 127, 127', which can prevent earth, sand and of the shoulder portions of the rail 121 in the rainwater from entering the interior of the rail, same manner as the Preventive rollers in the and which are adapted to be opened at the driving mechanism mentioned above. Driven overlapping portions when the cart is moved 105 wheels 143% 143' which are mounted rotata therethrough. bly on shaft 141% 141' fixed to the portions In Fig 23 a caddie cart 145 has on its plate of the frame 136 which are on the front and type cart body 128 front, rear, and left and rear sides of the preventive rollers 140, are right golf bag-loadable members 129 on which rotated as they contact the inner surfaces 124 golf bags (not shown) are loaded in an in- 110 of the rail 121.

clined state and held as uniform loads, alterna- The vertical shaft 135 is joined pivotably to tively, chairs can be loaded on which the play- a connecting shaft 131' via a pivot 134, and ers are to sit. The bag loadable members 129 the connecting shaft 133' is joined to a sup look, in plan view, like members of a structure port body 147, which is formed on the cart in a cross-shaped arrangement in whcih the 115 145, via a thrust bearing 148, so that the total load on the structure is imposed on preventive rollers can be turned about the these members in a substantially uniform man- connecting shaft 133' and vertical shaft 135.

ner. This driven mechanism has pivotable shafts Back members 130 for holding golf bags, and rollers.

which are placed on the members 129 in an 120 The driving wheels 143, driven wheels 143' inclined state, are joined by a plurality of sup- and preventive rollers 140 may be provided port posts 131 and a plurality of stays 132. with flanges 149; 149; 150; 140'; respec The cart body 128 is preferably molded out tively, and stepped portions 124', 125' en of FIRP. gageable with these flanges may be formed A connecting shaft 133 is provided on the 125 on the inner surfaces 124, 125 of the bottom cart body 128 so as to project from the and shoulder portions of the rail, to enable the lower surface thereof, and a vertical shaft 135 cart 145 to run more reliably.

is connected pivotably to the connecting shaft Golf bags are placed on the bag-loadable 133 via a pivot 134. The vertical shaft 135 is members 129 or a player sits on a chair (not fixed to a frame 136, and a boss 138, which 130shown) which can be formed on the cart body 13 GB2190343A 13 128, the bags rest against the back plates which is mot important for the golf course.

in an inclined and stabilized state ready Also, a cheaper, lighter rail can be manufac to be fastened with straps or the like. The tured which is easy to handle. The transporta motor consisting, for example, of a reversible tion of golf bags and a player on a golf motor and provided on the cart body 128 is 70 course is therefore greatly facilitated.

rotated by a remote control means to rotate

Claims (4)

1. the wheels 143, 143 via a transmission sys- CLAIMS tem consisting of the

   chain 144. Conse- 1. A structure for automatically driving cad quently, the cart 145 runs automatically at a die carts comprising speed that is slightly faster than that of a 75 a rail having a substantially bottle shaped walking man. The cart is stopped at a posi- cross-section, embedded in the ground so as tion, which substantially corresponds to the to extend along a golf course and be flush position of a ball, by the remote control with the ground surface, means or by a limit switch, and play continprovided with guide recesses in shoulder ues. At a curved portion of the rail 121, the 80 portions thereof, driven portions of the driven wheels 143' are wheels adapted to be rotated as they con turned due to the thrust bearing 148, so that tact the inner surface of a bottom portion of the cart runs smoothly. The flanges 149, 150 said rail, especially, the flanges 150 of the preventive preventive rollers contacting the inner hori rollers 140 also serve to guide the rollers 85 zontal surfaces of the shoulder portions of well. When an overturning force occurs in the said bottleshaped rail and having flanges en cart 145 due to certain topographical condi- gaged with said guide recesses, tions, the preventive rollers 140 are pressed vertical shafts on which said wheels and forcibly against the inner surfaces 125 of the said rollers are mounted within said rail, shoulder portions of the rail to prevent the 90 and a motorized, self- driven caddie cart to cart from turning over. Owing to the springs which said vertical shaft is connected outside 137, the rollers and wheels 140, 143, 143' said rail, can be pressed forcibly against the inner sursaid motor being started to drive said faces 125. 124 of the shoulder portions and wheels, bottom portion of the rail. Accordingly, the 95 whereby said caddie cart on which golf cart can be moved smoothly without friction. clubs and other articles are loaded runs along Dust, earth and sand may enter the bottom said rail as the total load on said caddie cart portion of the rail and be accumulated therein. is supported on the bottom surface of said To remove the dust, earth and sand from the rail, rail, a vacuum cleaner can be moved automati- 100 said preventive rollers guided by the guide cally along the rail. The dust, earth and sand recesses in the shoulder portions of said rail.

   may be collected in a built-in groove in the V-
2. 2. A structure according to claim 1, wherein shaped bottom surface of the rail, so as to the bottom surface of said rail is formed so remove the collected waste by the aboveas to have a V-shaped cross- section and be mentioned cleaning means. Water which has 105 provided with stepped portions, collected in the rail may be discharged there- said wheels rotating with the flanges of said from via a water collecting tank provided in a wheels contacting said stepped portions.

   sunken portion of the ground. When such
3. 3. A structure according to claim 1, wherein suitable cleaning operations are carried out, said wheels contacting the inner surface of the the cart can be operated more stably and 110 bottom portion of said rail and said preventive smoothly. rollers contacting the inner horizontal surfaces The wheels and driven wheels run within of the shoulder portions of said bottle-shaped the rail as mentioned above, so that the total rail are connected together resiliently by load is imposed on the bottom surface springs so that said wheels and said rollers thereof. Therefore, the bottom portion alone 115 are urged in the opposite directions.

   of the rail must be constructed such that it
4. 4. A structure for automatically driving cad has considerable strength. The mouth portions die carts substantially as herein described with of the bottle-shaped rail receive no load, reference to the accompanying drawings.

   hence, this portion can be thin. The width of Printed in the United Kingdom for the surface exposed on the grass of the rail Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Dd 8991685, 1986, 4235.

   can thus be reduced to a minimum such that Published at The Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, the rail is not readily noticed on the grass. London, WC2A l AY, from which copies may be obtained.

   Moreover, since the wheels of the cart do not appear above the ground surface, the cart ap- pears to be gliding across the grass. The cart can run automatically along the shortest route on the fairway, which was never contemplated in the past. This caddie cart driving structure does not impair the scenery of golf course, nor does it damage the grass on the fairway