Abstract:
A golf cart enclosure system for a golf cart having a passenger cabin, a roof mounted on a frame for covering the passenger cabin and a front windshield. The system comprises a guide rail secured to the frame proximate the roof and a panel of a length sufficient to extend from the guide rail to the golf cart passenger cabin below. A plurality of swivel rollers is provided, wherein a first end of the swivel roller rollably engages the guide rail and wherein a second end of the swivel roller is fastened to the panel. The panel slidably moves along the guide rail from a closed position where the panel is fully extended to an open position where the panel is retracted.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/733,322 filed Jun. 8, 2015 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/516,024 filed Oct. 16, 2014 and is related to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/891,614 filed on Oct. 16, 2013 and is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a golf cart enclosure, and more particularly, to a sliding panel golf cart enclosure to be used during inclement weather to protect persons within the enclosure from such weather. Specifically, the present invention relates to a sliding panel golf cart enclosure wherein the golf cart is equipped with panel mounting rails where each rail is adapted to slidably carry a panel through a swivel fastener. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Golf carts are generally designed to carry two persons (golfers) within a cabin portion of the cart while a platform positioned behind the cabin portion carries each person&#39;s golf bag and golf clubs. Many golf carts are further outfitted with a roof and a windshield. Golf carts, however, are generally designed to have no doors or other impediments along the sides of the cart. This lack of doors is intentional as it allows for quick and easy ingress into and egress from the cabin while playing a round of golf. One drawback to this open design, however, is the inability to control or limit golfer exposure to inclement weather and/or insects. Thus, numerous systems exist in the art which retrofit golf carts to be more weather/insect repellant. Each of these systems, unfortunately, suffers from a number of setbacks. 
         [0004]    One example of a system for weather- and/or insect-proofing a golf cart includes the provision of a roll-up barrier. These roll-up systems generally include a vinyl or other clear plastic panel fixedly secured to the frame structure of the golf cart which supports the roof. When in use, the panel drapes downwardly to cover the open sides of the golf cart passenger cabin. When not in use, the panels are rolled upwardly to be collected and secured to the roof frame so as to allow quick and easy access to the passenger cabin. A significant drawback to these roll-up systems, however, is the entrapment of moisture within the panel when in the rolled condition. This moisture leads to the buildup of mildew. 
         [0005]    Alternative systems have been developed to overcome the mildew problems associated with roll-up panels. These alternative systems generally employ one or more panels which slide horizontally along a track situated above, and in some cases below, the side openings of the golf cart&#39;s passenger cabin. When not in use, these panels slide laterally towards the back of the golf cart where they are then secured from closing unintentionally. One example of a horizontally sliding enclosure includes clear panels constructed of relatively thick plastic. This example can be thought of as being similar to conventional shower doors where a first panel passes in front of (or behind) a second panel. Another similar example of a sliding enclosure includes a generally thin panel of clear plastic. This example is generally similar to a conventional shower curtain which can be displaced laterally by bunching the plastic panel together. In each of these examples, however, ease of admission to the passenger cabin of the golf cart is restricted by the presence of the panel when the panel is not in use. One attempt to alleviate the bunching of a thin panel has been to split the panel into thin strips with successive strips splined together via rigid vertical members. In this manner, the constructed panel is able to fold compactly so as to minimize obstruction of the cabin opening. However, when in an extended position, such as during inclement weather, the vertical members obstruct the view of the cart driver and pose a safety hazard. Further, the provision of the vertical members and spline increases cost of production while increasing points of possible enclosure failure through stress and wear. 
         [0006]    As such, there is a need for a golf cart enclosure which provides protection from the elements when needed but that also retracts to a generally compact bundle when not in use. There is a need for a golf cart enclosure that provides maximum viewability to the occupants of the golf cart when the enclosure is being employed but that also retracts compactly so as not to hinder ingress into or egress from the golf cart passenger cabin when the enclosure is unneeded. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In general, one embodiment the present invention is directed to a golf cart enclosure that provides a barrier along the sides and back of a golf cart passenger cabin. The golf cart enclosure generally consists of a number of clear plastic panels which drape from a support structure situated proximate the roof frame of the golf cart. In further embodiments, the enclosure may consist of a number of two-part panels wherein the lower portion of each panel is constructed of a durable fabric, such as marine grade canvas while the upper portion is constructed of a clear plastic material such as polyethylene or vinyl sheeting. The enclosure is selectively retractable along the support structure such that one or more panels can be withdrawn from covering the door opening to the passenger cabin and/or the back “window” above the seat bench. The panels are mounted to the support structure by swiveling rollers such that the retracted panel does not impede ingress into or egress from the passenger cabin. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, a golf cart enclosure system for a golf cart having a passenger cabin, a roof mounted on a frame for covering the passenger cabin and a front windshield is disclosed. The system comprises a guide rail secured to the frame proximate the roof and a panel of a length sufficient to extend from the guide rail to the golf cart passenger cabin below. A plurality of swivel rollers is provided, wherein a first end of the swivel roller rollably engages the guide rail and wherein a second end of the swivel roller is fastened to the panel. The panel slidably moves along the guide rail from a closed position where the panel is fully extended to an open position where the panel is retracted. 
         [0009]    The embodiments of the present invention are well-suited to provide protection from inclement weather and/or insects when deployed while also compactly stowing when not in use so as not to hinder access to the golf cart passenger cabin. 
         [0010]    Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will in part become apparent to those in the practice of the invention, when considered with the attached figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, wherein like reference numerals are employed to indicate like parts in the various views, and wherein: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a golf cart with an employed golf cart enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a golf cart with a retracted side panel of a golf cart enclosure according to second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  a perspective view of a golf cart with a retracted side panel and retracted back panel of a golf cart enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an expanded view of a panel fastener used with a golf cart enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is an expanded view of a front guide rail bracket used with a golf cart enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an expanded view of a rear guide rail bracket with panels in the extended position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is an expanded view of a rear guide rail bracket with a panel in the retracted position; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8A  is an detailed cross sectional view of a swivel roller used with a golf cart enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8B  is an expanded view of a swivel member used with a golf cart enclosure according to an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0021]      FIGS. 9-17  are simplified views showing alternate embodiments of guide rails and associated panel sliding mechanisms. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    Referring to the drawings in detail, and specifically to  FIGS. 1-3 , a golf cart  10  is equipped with an embodiment of a golf cart enclosure  100  in accordance with the present invention. Golf cart  10  generally includes a passenger compartment  20  equipped with a bench for seating of passengers, as well as operational controls (steering wheel, brake pedal, acceleration pedal, etc.) to operate the golf cart. To the rear of the passenger compartment  20  is a platform area  40  for securing a golf bag and clubs for use during a round of golf. Optionally, platform area  40  may include a further bench to provide additional passenger seating. Many golf carts also include a frame  12  for mounting a roof  50  (see  FIGS. 5-7 ). Further included may be a windshield  30  mounted to frame units  12 . 
         [0023]    As explained above, golf carts are not typically constructed to have an enclosed passenger compartment, but are rather open-sided and open-backed. Thus, during inclement weather, or should insects be particularly bothersome, passengers in the passenger compartment  20  are left open to the adverse environment. Golf cart enclosure  100  is designed and mounted so as to minimize, if not eliminate altogether, the negative effects of poor environmental conditions. 
         [0024]    Golf cart enclosure  100  is generally comprised of one or more panels  110 ,  120 ,  130  which have sufficient length to extend from the roof to the body of the golf cart. As shown in perspective, side panel  110  generally covers the left hand side of the cart and may incorporate rear panel  120  to form a continuous single panel unit. Similarly, and not referenced by a reference numeral, a right side panel generally covers the right hand side of the cart and may incorporate rear panel  130  into a single panel unit. Panel unit  110 A may also be included to compensate for the angle created by the forward frame while creating a generally perpendicular rear edge with respect to the roofline/cart floor. An optional canopy  150  may also be included which is intended to cover the hardware associated with the golf cart enclosure which will be discussed in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 5-7 . 
         [0025]    As can be seen by  FIGS. 1 and 2 , side panel  110  is configured to cover the left hand side of golf cart  10 . When in a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) side panel  110  extends generally from rear frame member  12  forward to the perpendicular edge created by panel  110 A. Retraction of side panel  110  ( FIG. 2 ) exposes passenger compartment  20  allowing for efficient ingress into or egress out of the compartment. When retracted, side panel  110  may be releasably secured by fastener  112 . Fastener  112  may be any suitable fastener, such as clips, snaps, hook and loop material, and is preferably a tie-back strap or toggle strap. As further shown in  FIG. 2 , side panel  110  may be manufactured as a two piece construction. The two piece construction includes a generally clear plastic top portion  110 ′ and a robust fabric bottom portion  110 ″. Top portion  110 ′ is preferably a clear plastic such as vinyl or polyethylene. Bottom portion  110 ″ is preferably a marine grade canvas material which would resist tearing and puncturing such as from multiple retractions and extensions of the panel or from abuse from passengers, such as from golf spikes or driving the cart through wooded areas were limbs may impinge upon the panel. 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , rear panel  120  is shown in a retracted position. As discussed above with regard to side panel  110 , rear panel  120  may be secured in an open position by any suitable fastener, such a toggle strap  122 . Rear panel  120  is also provided with one or more fasteners  125  which mate with fastener  135  of rear panel  130 . Thus, when both rear panels  120  and  130  are in a closed position ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) the mating fasteners  125 / 135  serve to secure to two panels together. Examples of suitable fasteners include respective male and female counterparts of clips, snaps, buttons, hook and loop, and zippers, with said fasteners preferably being hook and loop fasteners. As described above, rear panel  120  may be incorporated with side panel  110  to form one continuous panel unit. Rear panel  130  may similarly form a continuous panel with the right side panel (not enumerated). Alternatively, rear panels  120  and  130  may each be distinct panel units apart from the side panels, or further, rear panels  120  and  130  may be manufactured as a single continuous rear panel thereby obviating the need for mating fasteners  125 / 135 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a representative view of a mechanism for mounting the forward edge of panel  110 A to a golf cart frame unit  12 . Panel  110 A is equipped with a fastener  115  which removably mounts the panel to the frame. In a preferred embodiment, fastener  115  is a double D-ring strap having a first strap with D-rings fixedly secured to the panel  110 A. A second strap is similarly secured to the panel with its free end passing through and around the two D-rings so as to cinch the panel to the frame. While preferably a double D-strap fastener, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any suitable fastener may be employed. It should also be stated, for purposes of clarification, that fastener  115  is generally located on the lower portion of the panel and is meant to prevent lifting of the panel from the bottom. The top portion of each panel is secured to a guide rail as will be discussed in greater detail with regard to  FIGS. 5-7 . Also, while shown and described as mounting panel  110 A to a front frame member  12 , similar fasteners are positioned at suitable locations on the remainder of the panels as desired or required. 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  shows an expanded view of the mounting of the forward end of a guide rail  160  utilized in the golf cart enclosure  100  of the present invention. Guide rail  160  is generally mounted proximate roof  50  of the golf cart. Roof  50  is typically mounted to frame unit  12  through roof strap  55 . Bent bracket  170  is secured to frame member  12 , preferably by bolts or lag screws  171 . Bent bracket  170  is configured to have a flat portion  170 ′ which rests against and is secured to frame member  12 . A generally perpendicular bend portion  170 ″ extends outwardly from frame member  12  and is selected to have a length equal to or slightly larger than the width of guide rail  160 . Finally, bent bracket  170  includes a further portion  170 ″′ which extends upwardly in a plane generally parallel with flat portion  170 ′ but displaced outwardly from frame member  12  by the length of  170 ″. In this manner, guide rail  160  is constrained in the x-direction between bent bracket portion  170 ″ and roof  150  and between bent bracket portion  170 ″′ and frame unit  12  in the z-direction. Travel in the y-direction is prevented through friction between the guide rail and the bent bracket  170 . Optionally, guide rail  160  may be secured in the z-direction by fastening it to the bent bracket or frame unit by a suitable fastener, such as a screw or bolt. Side panel  110 A is mounted within the guide rail and allowed to drape downwardly as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . In an alternate embodiment,  172  is omitted and the bars  160  and  162  are attached to each other directly 
         [0029]      FIGS. 6 and 7  are detailed views of the guide rails used for retracting and extending the panels. As can be seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , by way of example, with such discussion meant to encompass each guide rail employed by the present invention, guide rail  162  has a generally square c-shaped cross section. Guide rail  162  has generally parallel opposing sides  162 ′ and bottom members  162 ″ and  162 ″′ forming a groove  163  therebetween. Swivel rollers  180  are rotatably secured within the guide rail  162  and include a portion which extends through groove  163 , with such portion fastened to a panel  110 / 120 / 130 . 
         [0030]    Further shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is a mounting bracket  172  used to secure guide rails  160  and  162  to the golf cart at a rear frame member  12 . Mounting bracket  172  is a generally T-shaped bracket wherein a portion of one horizontal arm of the T is bent at a generally 90° angle. The vertical portion of the T-shaped mounting bracket  172  is secured to the frame member  12 . As shown, the left hand horizontal arm of the T-shaped bracket extends into the interior opening of guide rail  160  where the arm secures the guide rail against the frame member  12 . The bent portion  173  of the right hand horizontal arm secures guide rail  162  to the frame. Bracket  172  is positioned on the frame member  12  such that bent portion  173  engages the open portion of guide rail  162  and impinges a side wall  162 ′ against frame member  12 , thereby constraining movement in the y-direction. The width of the horizontal arms of bracket  172  is selected to be slightly smaller than the width W of guide rail  162  such that bracket  172  fits snugly within the guide rail. This snug fit, in conjunction with the roof  50 , prevent guide rail displacement in the x-direction. While not shown or described, the opposing side of the golf cart is similarly equipped with guide rails and brackets as discussed with above with regard to  FIGS. 5-7 . Thus, the two rear T-shaped brackets, in combination serve to prevent movement of the guide rail  162  in the z-direction. Panels  110 / 120 / 130  are draped from the guide rails by swivel rollers  180 . Optional canopy  150  is mounted to the roof and serves to hide or obscure the guide rails and swivel rollers  180  from casual view. 
         [0031]    Turning now also to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , swivel rollers  180  of the present invention generally comprise a tab  182  having a top end  182 ′ and a bottom end  182 ″. A pair of roller bearings  184 ′ and  184 ″ is rotatably mounted on an axle  183 . Axle  183  extends through the tab  182  proximate the top end  182 ′ with roller bearing  184 ′ situated on one side of the tab  182  and roller bearing  184 ″ located on the other side of tab  182 . Swivel member  185  is situated below the tab  182  with the swivel member  185  being attached to the tab by way of a tang  185 ′. Swivel member  185  further includes a tang  185 ″ which is attached to a respective panel  110 / 120 / 130 . Preferably, each tang  185 ″ may be attached to its respective tab or panel through use of a rivet  186 , for example. The number and location of swivel rollers  180  positioned along the top of a panel may vary and is selected to control the size of the bundled panel when in the open position as well as the width of each fold of that bundle. More swivel rollers leads to a shorter width of each fold but a wider resultant bundled panel. 
         [0032]    Roller bearings  184 ′ and  184 ″ rest upon and are rotatably moveable across the inner surface of guide rail bottom members  162 ″′ and  162 ″, respectively. Ideally, the total width of roller bearings  184 ′,  184 ″, axle  183  and tab  182  is such that lateral movement of the swivel roller in the y-direction is minimized. The roller bearings minimize friction to ensure quiet and essentially effortless sliding of a panel between an open or closed position requiring the use of only a single finger to slide it along. Swivel member  185  allows the panel to swivel with respect to the roller elements and further allows the panel to compact into a tight bundle when the panel is retracted to an open condition allowing golfer ingress and egress to and from the cart. This compact bundle afforded by the swivel member provides greater accessibility to the passenger cabin  20  when a side panel is open as compared to panels generally known in the art. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 9-14  are simplified views illustrating alternate embodiments of guide rails “R” and associated sliding mechanisms “SM” which may be attached to the panels. 
         [0034]    Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain aspects thereof, other versions are possible. For example, and not by way of limitation, the framework which attaches to the cart may be modified as desired. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the aspects contained herein. 
         [0035]    All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.