U.S. patent application number 12/939767 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for golf car and mounting system for a display device incorporated therein.
Invention is credited to Anthony P. Bonito, Perry H. Pierce.
Application Number | 20110132945 12/939767 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41723878 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110132945 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bonito; Anthony P. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2011 |
GOLF CAR AND MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR A DISPLAY DEVICE INCORPORATED
THEREIN
Abstract
A golf car employs a mounting system to attach a display device
to the golf car housing such that the display device is movable so
as to facilitate viewing of a display screen of the display device
by a user whether the user is located inside or outside the golf
car. In one embodiment, the mounting system includes a rigid base
member, a swivel member and at least one extension member. The
swivel member mechanically connects the display device to the rigid
base member and facilitates rotation of the display device about a
vertical axis in a range of 0 to about 360 degrees relative to an
initial position of the display device. The extension member is
connected to the rigid base member and facilitates upward and
downward movement of the display device distally from at least one
point of attachment of the mounting system to the golf car
housing.
Inventors: |
Bonito; Anthony P.; (Davie,
FL) ; Pierce; Perry H.; (Fort Collins, CO) |
Family ID: |
41723878 |
Appl. No.: |
12/939767 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12229973 |
Aug 28, 2008 |
|
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|
12939767 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/274 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2011/0052 20130101;
B60R 2011/0084 20130101; B60R 2011/0005 20130101; B60R 11/0235
20130101; B60R 11/0229 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/274 |
International
Class: |
B60R 9/00 20060101
B60R009/00 |
Claims
1. A golf car for use by a user, the golf car comprising: a display
device for displaying at least play-related information on a
display screen thereof; a golf car housing defining a compartment,
the compartment including at least one seat to be occupied by the
user; and a mounting system for attaching the display device to the
golf car housing such that the display device is movable when
attached to the mounting system so as to facilitate viewing of the
display screen by the user whether the user is located inside or
outside the golf car.
2. The golf car of claim 1, wherein the mounting system comprises:
a rigid base member; a swivel member mechanically connecting the
display device to the rigid base member, the swivel member
facilitating rotation of the display device in a range of 0 to
about 360 degrees relative to an initial position of the display
device; and at least one extension member connected to the rigid
base member, the at least one extension member facilitating
movement of the display device distally from at least one point of
attachment of the mounting system to the golf car housing.
3. The golf car of claim 2, wherein the at least one extension
member comprises a pair of parallel extension members.
4. The golf car of claim 3, wherein the pair of parallel extension
members comprises a pair of telescoping extension members.
5. The golf car of claim 3, further comprising at least one rigid
support member attached to the pair of parallel extension members,
the rigid support member being positioned between the rigid base
member and the at least one point of attachment of the mounting
system to the golf car housing.
6. The golf car of claim 3, wherein the pair of parallel extension
members extends upward at an angle toward a rear of the golf
car.
7. The golf car of claim 2, wherein the at least one extension
member comprises at least one telescoping extension member.
8. The golf car of claim 2, wherein the at least one extension
member extends upward at an angle toward a rear of the golf
car.
9. A mounting system for use in a golf car to attach a display
device to a housing of the golf car such that the display device is
movable when attached to the mounting system so as to facilitate
viewing of a display screen of the display device by a user whether
the user is located inside or outside the golf car, the mounting
system comprising: a rigid base member; a swivel member for
mechanically connecting the display device to the rigid base
member, the swivel member facilitating rotation of the display
device in a range of 0 to about 360 degrees relative to an initial
position of the display device; and at least one extension member
connected to the rigid base member, the at least one extension
member facilitating movement of the display device distally from at
least one point of attachment of the mounting system to the housing
of the golf car.
10. The mounting system of claim 9, wherein the at least one
extension member comprises a pair of parallel extension
members.
11. The mounting system of claim 10, wherein the pair of parallel
extension members comprises a pair of telescoping extension
members.
12. The mounting system of claim 10, further comprising at least
one rigid support member attached to the pair of extension members,
the rigid support member being positionable between the rigid base
member and the at least one point of attachment of the mounting
system to the housing of the golf car.
13. The mounting system of claim 10, wherein the pair of parallel
extension members are extendable upward at an angle toward a rear
of the golf car.
14. The mounting system of claim 9, wherein the at least one
extension member comprises at least one telescoping extension
member.
15. The mounting system of claim 9, wherein the at least one
extension member is extendable upward at an angle toward a rear of
the golf car.
16. A mounting system for use in a golf car to attach a display
device to a housing of the golf car such that the display device is
movable when attached to the mounting system so as to facilitate
viewing of a display screen of the display device by a user whether
the user is located inside or outside the golf car, the mounting
system comprising: a rigid base member; a swivel member for
mechanically connecting the display device to the rigid base
member, the swivel member facilitating rotation of the display
device in a range of 0 to about 360 degrees relative to an initial
position of the display device; and at least one telescoping
extension member connected to the rigid base member, the at least
one telescoping extension member facilitating movement of the
display device upward at an angle toward a rear of the golf car
relative to at least one point of attachment of the mounting system
to the housing of the golf car.
17. The mounting system of claim 16, wherein the at least one
telescoping extension member comprises a pair of telescoping
extension members.
18. The mounting system of claim 17, further comprising at least
one rigid support member attached to the pair of telescoping
extension members, the rigid support member being positionable
between the rigid base member and the at least one point of
attachment of the mounting system to the housing of the golf car.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/229,973 filed on Aug. 28, 2008, which
application is incorporated herein by this reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to golf cars that
incorporate display devices. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a golf car and mounting system for a display
device incorporated therein that facilitate viewing of the display
device's display screen by a user regardless of whether the user is
inside or outside the golf car.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Systems that employ computers on golf cars are well known.
Exemplary systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,430; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,364,093; U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,431; U.S. Pat. No.
5,810,680; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2004/0196181
A1; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005/0228547 A1; and
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2008/0108456 A1. While
these patents and publications disclose the use of golf car-mounted
display devices to facilitate the dissemination of information to
golfers and the receipt of information from golfers, none of the
patents or publications disclose mounting of a display device so as
to allow a golfer to view the device's display screen from any
position, regardless of whether the golfer is inside or outside the
golf car. For example, none of the aforementioned patents or
publications disclose a display device mounting system that would
allow a golfer to readily view a prerecorded video of the golfer's
swing, which is playing on the display, while the golfer is
standing adjacent his or her ball on the fairway preparing to hit
the golfer's next shot.
[0006] There have been numerous approaches to mounting display
devices together with computing devices and/or in vehicles. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,133,280 discloses a multi-axial hinge
assembly which enables clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of a
display device attached to a hybrid notebook/tablet personal
computer (PC) relative to a vertical axis. However, the disclosed
hinge only allows the display screen to be effectively rotated
through a range of 0-180 degrees from its home position facing the
PC's keyboard. Thus, the disclosed mounting assembly would not
permit viewing of the screen from any location about the PC without
also moving the PC. Additionally, while the hinge also permits 180
degree rotation of the display screen about a horizontal axis to
permit it to be folded in a clamshell fashion, the mounting
assembly does not facilitate substantial changes in height as may
be necessary to compensate for variations in the contours of golf
courses.
[0007] As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,412,848 discloses a
display monitor system for use in a vehicle. The disclosed display
system is mountable to the ceiling of the passenger compartment of
the vehicle and allows rotation of the display screen about a
horizontal axis in a clamshell fashion from zero to about ninety
degrees. The disclosed display system does not facilitate rotation
of the display screen about a vertical axis. Thus, the disclosed
mounting system is designed to allow viewing of the display screen
by users positioned in the rear of the vehicle when the display
screen has been rotated into its open position. Since the disclosed
display screen cannot be rotated about a vertical axis or have its
height modified, it is not readily suited for use by golfers who
may want to view the screen from outside the golf car or when not
positioned on only one particular side of the screen.
[0008] As yet another example of a display mounting system, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,874,738 discloses a display mounting system configured
to provide for vertical adjustment of a height of a display screen.
However, such mounting system limits vertical and horizontal
rotation of the display screen to about 90 degrees. Thus, the
mounting system is most suitable for mounting a display device,
such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a plasma display, for a
PC or TV set in an indoor environment. Additionally, the limited
mobility of the disclosed mounting system would not make the
mounting system readily suited for use by golfers who could be
positioned at various locations outside a golf car.
[0009] As a final example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,220,310 discloses an
extensible display mounting assembly that includes a telescoping
pole assembly. The telescoping pole assembly is extensible to a
desired length and includes, at its extensible end, selectively
shaped fixtures for releasably positioning a magnetically adherable
mounting member adapted to support a display device. The assembly
is suitable for magnetically mounting display materials, such as
advertisements, posters, or decorations, at elevated locations
above ground level. The assembly is not robust or rigid enough to
support a larger or heavier display device, such as an LCD or
plasma display screen. Further, the assembly does not provide any
mechanism for rotating the display device horizontally or
vertically to facilitate viewing at various angles.
[0010] In view of the foregoing, a need exists for a golf car and
display device mounting system for use therein that overcome the
shortcomings of the prior art and facilitate viewing of a display
screen mounted to a golf car regardless of whether a user is inside
or outside the golf car.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals
refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the
separate views and which together with the detailed description
below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve
to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various
principles and advantages all in accordance with the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device mounting
system with a display device in a raised configuration in
accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the display device mounting
system of FIG. 1 with the display device in a lowered configuration
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the display device mounting
system of FIG. 1 with the display device rotated horizontally
counterclockwise about 30 degrees relative to an initial position
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a golf car
incorporating the display device mounting system of FIG. 1 and
showing the display device in a raised position in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a golf car
incorporating the display device mounting system of FIG. 2 and
showing the display device in a lowered position in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a golf car
incorporating the display device mounting system of FIG. 3 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a display device mounting
system with a display device in a raised configuration in
accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the display device
mounting system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the first exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments that are
in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed
that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus
components related to implementing a golf car and a display device
mounting system incorporated into a golf car. Accordingly, the
apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by
conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific
details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the
present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details
that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
having the benefit of the description herein.
[0021] In this document, relational terms, such as "first" and
"second," "top" and "bottom," and the like, may be used solely to
distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element
without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical
relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements
does not include only those elements, but may include other
elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,
article, or apparatus. The term "plurality of" as used in
connection with any object or action means two or more of such
object or action. A claim element proceeded by the article "a" or
"an" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of
additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or
apparatus that includes the element. Additionally, the term "golf
car," as used herein and in the appended claims, refers to any
motorized vehicle, whether electric, hydrogen, or fuel-propelled,
which is used on a golf course to transport golfers and/or their
equipment. The terms "golf car," "golf cart," "cart," and "car" are
used interchangeably herein.
[0022] Generally, the present invention encompasses a golf car and
a display device mounting system for use therein. In accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention, the golf car includes
a display device, a golf car housing, and a mounting system for
attaching the display device to the golf car housing. The display
device displays at least play-related or round-related information
to a user or users of the golf car on a display screen of the
device. The mounting system attaches the display device to the golf
car housing such that the display device is movable when attached
to the mounting system so as to facilitate viewing of the display
screen by the user(s) whether the user(s) is located inside or
outside the golf car housing.
[0023] In one embodiment, the mounting system includes a rigid base
member, a swivel member mechanically connecting, the rigid base
member to the display device, and at least one extension member
connected to the rigid base member and the golf car housing. The
swivel member facilitates rotation of the display device over a
range of 0 to about 360 degrees (either full, 360 degree rotation
clockwise or counterclockwise, or rotation 180 degrees clockwise
and 180 degrees counterclockwise relative to an initial or home
position to provide about a 360 degree range of rotation). The
extension member(s) facilitates movement of the display device
distally relative to one or more points of attachment of the
extension member(s) to the golf car housing (e.g., up and down at
an angle relative to a surface, such as a dashboard, of the golf
car).
[0024] By configuring a golf car and its display device mounting
system in such a manner, the present invention enables the display
screen of the display device to be positioned such that users of
the golf car can view the display screen when sitting in the golf
car or standing proximate the golf car (e.g., prior to or after
hitting a golf ball). To provide such viewing flexibility, the
mounting system enables the display device, while remaining secured
to the golf car, to be raised and rotated such that a golfer
standing outside the golf car can readily view the display screen.
The mounting system also enables the display device to be lowered
so as to not obscure the view of a user driving the golf car when
the golf car is in motion.
[0025] The present invention can be more readily understood with
reference to FIGS. 1-8, in which like reference numerals designate
like items. FIGS. 1 and 8 depicts a display mounting system 100 for
use in a golf car to attach a display device 102 to a housing of a
golf car in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. The display device 102 may be a liquid crystal
display (LCD), a plasma display, a dot matrix display, a
transreflective backlit display, or any other display technology
that enables viewing of textual, graphical, and/or video
information. The display device 102 may display a variety of
information, including, but not limited to: (a) golf play-related
information, such as an electronic score card, distance-to-the-hole
information, a layout of the current hole and/or the entire golf
course, a video flyover of the current hole, a notepad, a list of
clubs, tee times, and/or leader boards; (b) advertisements; (c)
electronic commerce information; (d) stock reports; (e) sports
scores; (f) news headlines; and any other textual, graphic or video
information that may be of interest to a golfer or other user. If
the display device 102, or the control device (not shown) from
which the display device 102 receives its information, is
configured with an appropriate wireless receiver and television
signal (e.g., MPEG) decoder, the display device 102 may also
display live television in addition to or in place of the other
displayed information. Other exemplary information that may be
displayed on the display device 102 is disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. US 2008/0108456 A1, which is hereby
incorporated by this reference. The display device 102 includes a
display screen 103 on which the information is displayed by the
display device 102.
[0026] According to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 8, the exemplary
mounting system 100 includes a swivel member 104, a rigid base
member 106, and a pair of extension members 108, 109. The swivel
member 104 mechanically connects the display device 102 to the
rigid base member 106 so as to permit the display device 102 to be
horizontally rotated about a vertical pivot axis 113. In one
embodiment, the swivel member 104 includes a metal or plastic
cylindrical member 802 positioned within a circular or cylindrical
opening 801 in the rigid base member 106. The opening 801 may be
fitted with a plastic sleeve that snugly surrounds the cylindrical
member 802 when the cylindrical member 802 is positioned within the
opening 801. The snugness or friction between the cylindrical
member 802 and the plastic sleeve is preferably such that after the
display device 102 has been rotated to a desired position, the
display device 102 remains in that position until moved by the
user. This embodiment facilitates approximately 360 degree
horizontal rotation of the display device 102 in either or both
directions. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical member
802 may include a pin or other stop member (not shown) that would
fit into a groove in the wall of the opening 801 so as to permit
clockwise and counterclockwise horizontal rotation of the display
device 102 from 0 degrees to about 180 degrees, thereby providing
about 360 degrees of horizontal rotation of the display device 102
relative to its initial or home position. In the alternative
embodiment, the stop member would prevent the swivel member 104
from being rotated beyond the intended approximately 180 degrees in
each direction.
[0027] In a further embodiment, the swivel member 104 may be
multi-axial, thereby facilitating both horizontal rotation as
discussed above, as well as vertical rotation of the display device
102 about a horizontal axis 115 that is substantially perpendicular
to the vertical axis 113. In one embodiment, the swivel member 104
facilitates rotation of the display device 102 about the horizontal
axis 115 in the range of 0 to about 90 degrees in a direction
opposite the display screen 103, where the zero degree reference
corresponds to the display device 102 being fully upright. In an
alternative embodiment, the swivel member 104 facilitates
approximately 180 degree rotation of the display device 102 about
the horizontal axis 115. The swivel member 104 may be implemented
using a multi-axial hinge, such as the hinge disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 7,133,280 B2, which is incorporated herein by this reference,
modified to permit approximately 180 degree rotation about the
vertical axis 113 in both the clockwise and counterclockwise
directions relative to a home position. The swivel member 104 may
be alternatively implemented using a ball and socket mechanism, a
pivoting set of arms, or a set of parallel or scissors-style
linkages.
[0028] The rigid base member 106 supports the swivel member 104 and
may be fabricated as a metal or plastic (e.g., polyvinylchloride
(PVC)) bar or tube sufficient in length to allow attachment of the
base member 106 to the pair of parallel extension members 108, 109.
The base member 106 may be extruded or constructed using any other
known fabrication method. In one embodiment, the base member 106 is
a hollow structure fabricated from approximately 1/8'' inch
(approximately 3.2 millimeter) thick metal or plastic that defines
a cavity in which the swivel member 104 is positioned and connected
to the base member 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the base member
is approximately 10 inches (approximately 25.4 centimeters) long by
approximately 2 inches (approximately 5.1 centimeters) wide. The
base member 106 may optionally include or be connected to a handle
105 to assist a user of a golf car containing the mounting system
100 in raising and lowering the display device 102.
[0029] The extension members 108, 109 are oriented generally
parallel to one another and are connected in a conventional manner
to the base member 106 to facilitate movement of the display device
102 distally from points of attachment of the extension members
108, 109 to the golf car housing. An exemplary golf car containing
the mounting system of FIG. 1 is discussed in more detail below
with respect to FIG. 4.
[0030] In one embodiment, each of the extension members 108, 109 is
a telescoping extension member that includes an outer tube 110 and
an inner tube 111. Alternatively, the extension members 108, 109
may be implemented using any other mechanical, electric, pneumatic,
or hydraulic means, such as, but not limited to, pivoting or
sliding rails or arms, accordion or scissors-style arms, drawer
slide, four or more bar linkages, magnetic levitation, cables or
belts, drive screws, pneumatic cylinder ball detent, electronic
solenoid, and mechanical clamps.
[0031] When the extension members 108, 109 are implemented as
telescoping members, the inner tube 111 moves in and out of a
chamber defined by the outer tube 110 responsive to a force exerted
on the inner tube 111. The force may be manual, such as when a user
pulls up or pushes down on the handle 105, the display device 102,
or the base member 106. When the mounting system 100 is designed
for use of manual force to raise and lower the display device 102,
the mounting system 100 may include conventional cam lock
mechanisms or constricting brakes or clamps to enable the inner
tubes 111 to be locked or clamped at desired height positions.
[0032] Alternatively, the inner tube adjusting force may be
electromechanically generated by a motor (not shown), such as a
conventional hydraulic motor, located in or on the golf car. In
such a case, the base member 106 may optionally include or support
a switch 107 that activates and/or controls the motor to enable a
user to select when to raise and lower the display device 102. In
one embodiment, the inner tube 111 includes a cavity through which
wires and cabling may be run between the display device 102 and its
source controller (not shown), which may be installed in the
dashboard or other location of the golf car, as well as between the
switch 107 and the motor (when used).
[0033] To improve the overall strength of the mounting system 100,
especially when designed to permit manual force to be used to raise
and lower the display device 102, the mounting system 100 may
optionally include one or more rigid support members 116, 117, 119.
The support members 116, 117, 119, when used, are attached in a
perpendicular manner to the pair of extension members 108, 109 to
maintain the parallel arrangement of the extension members 108, 109
in the presence of the manual or other forces exerted on the
mounting system 100. When the extension members 108, 109 are
telescoping members as shown in FIG. 1, support members 116 and 117
may be attached to the outer tubes 110 of the extension members
108, 109; whereas, support member 119 may be attached to the inner
tubes 111 of the extension members 108, 109. In such a manner, the
support members 116, 117, 119 increase the strength of the
extension members 108, 109 and promote parallel movement of the
inner tubes 111. Additionally, support member 119 functions as an
upward travel stop or travel limit for the inner tubes 111 and,
accordingly, the display device 102. One or more of the support
members 116, 117, 119 may be fastened to the golf car housing or
chassis to secure the mounting system 100 to the golf car and
provide further support for the mounting system 100.
[0034] The optional support members 116, 117, 119 are positioned
between the base member 106 and the primary point or points of
attachment of the mounting system 100 to the golf car housing or
chassis. The point or points of attachment of the mounting system
100 to the golf car housing may be provided by appropriate hardware
connecting some or all of the support members 116, 117, 119 to the
golf car chassis. As detailed above, the mounting system 100 allows
the display device 102 to be movable such that a user can view the
display screen 103 regardless of whether the user is located inside
or outside the golf car and whether the user is positioned at
virtually any angle relative to the inside compartment of the golf
car.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the display device
mounting system 100 of FIG. 1 with the display device 102 in a
lowered configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, lowering the
display device 102 causes the extended inner tubes 111 to retract
into the outer tubes 110 of the extension members 108, 109 when the
extension members 108, 109 are implemented as telescoping
members.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the display device
mounting system 100 of FIG. 1 with the display device 102 rotated
horizontally counterclockwise about 30 degrees relative to an
exemplary initial or home position of the display device 102 along
horizontal axis 115. In this case, the initial or home position of
the display device 102 is such that the display screen 103 is
rearward facing (e.g., facing the rear of a golf car in which the
mounting system 100 is installed).
[0037] FIGS. 4-6 depict the exemplary mounting system 100 of FIG. 1
installed in and forming part of a golf car 400. FIGS. 4-6
correspond to FIGS. 1-3 in that FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the respective
positioning of the display device 102 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3
when the mounting system 100 is installed in the golf car 400. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, the golf car 400 includes a golf car housing
401 that defines a riding compartment 402 containing, inter cilia,
a seat 404, a steering wheel 406, a dashboard 407, cup holders 408,
golf tee holders (not shown), and various other known elements.
[0038] The mounting system 100 may be attached to the golf car
housing 401 under the dashboard 407 by mounting the support members
106, 107 to the housing 401 using known fasteners, such as screws
or bolts. The dashboard 407 may be modified to accept the mounting
system 100 by, for example, including apertures through which the
extension members 108, 109, or portions thereof, may pass to permit
connection to the rigid base member 106 or by including
semi-circular or arched recesses or grooves in an underside and/or
front surface of the dashboard 407 to permit passage of the
extension members 108, 109. Alternatively, the mounting system 100
may be connected to the golf car housing 401 such that no
modification to the dashboard 407 is necessary (e.g., by attaching
the mounting system 100 to a floor or wall of the golf car housing
401 such that the extension members 108, 109 may pass between the
dashboard 407 and the seat 404). In the event that the mounting
system 100 includes a motor (not shown) to facilitate automatic
raising, lowering, and/or rotation of the display device 102, the
dashboard 407 or some other portion of the golf car 300 may be
equipped with a switch 409 for use in controlling the operation of
the motor.
[0039] When installed in the golf car 400, the mounting system 100
allows the display device 102 to be moved such that the display
screen 103 may be viewed by a user whether the user is located
inside or outside the golf car 400. For example, when the extension
members 108, 109 are telescoping members and the display device 102
has been raised such that the inner tubes 111 of the extension
members 108, 109 are fully or substantially extended as depicted in
exemplary form in FIG. 4, the display device 102 may be rotated as
illustrated in exemplary form in FIG. 6 to allow a user standing
outside the golf car 400 to view the display screen 103.
Alternatively, the display device 102 may be lowered and placed in
its rest position, as illustrated in exemplary form in FIG. 5, or
rotated appropriately, as illustrated in exemplary form in FIG. 6,
to allow a user sitting inside the golf car 400 to view the display
screen 103.
[0040] Referring back to FIG. 4, the mounting system 100 may be
installed in the golf car 400 such that, when the extension members
108, 109 are extended, they extend upward at an angle 410 toward
the rear of the golf car 400. Alternatively, the mounting system
100 may be installed such that, when the extension members 108, 109
are extended, they extend straight up vertically or at an angle
toward the front of the golf car 400. The location, configuration
and orientation of the mounting system 100, as installed in the
golf car 400, may be chosen to best facilitate viewing of the
display screen 103 by the users.
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a mounting
system 700 in accordance with the present invention. In this
embodiment, the mounting system 700 includes a single extension
member 701 instead of the pair of parallel extension members 108,
109 that were included in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1.
Otherwise, the mounting system 700 includes the other primary
elements of the mounting system 100 of FIG. 1, such as the display
102, the swivel member 104, and the rigid base member 106. In the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the extension member 701 is a
telescoping member and, similar to the telescoping members depicted
in FIG. 1, includes an outer tube 110 and an inner tube 111. The
extension member 701 is connected at one end to the base member 106
and at the other end to a bracket 702 or other means of attaching
the extension member 702 to the golf car housing or chassis. Since
this embodiment uses only a single extension member 701, the
extension member 701 may be attached to a central area or portion
of the rigid base member 106 to balance the force applied to the
extension member 701 during operation of the display device 102 and
mounting system 700.
[0042] The present invention encompasses a golf car and a display
device mounting system for use therein. With this invention, a
display screen of a display device mounted in the golf car can be
viewed by a golfer whether he or she is sitting in the golf car or
standing proximate the golf car (e.g., prior to or after hitting a
golf ball). The mounting system of the present invention provides
enhanced viewing flexibility of an attached display device by
enabling the attached display device, while remaining secured in a
golf car, to be raised and rotated such that a golfer or other user
standing outside the golf car can readily view the display screen
of the display device. The mounting system also enables the display
device to be lowered so as to not obscure the view or movement of a
user driving the golf car when the golf car is in motion.
[0043] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described above with regard to specific embodiments of the
present invention. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any element(s) that may cause or result in such
benefits, advantages, or solutions to become more pronounced are
not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature
or element of any or all the claims. The invention is defined
solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during
the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those
claims as issued.
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