Henrico Man Awarded P
Golf carts have been part of John Houze Jr.’s life
for decades.
He’s used them as a player and has been
around them as a golf course manager and golf
shop owner.
He’s customized them. He’s wholesaled them.
And he drives one to get around the Mitchell
Tree subdivision in Henrico County where he
lives and the Indian Acres Club in Spotsylvania
County where he vacations.
So it just seems appropriate that his first inven-
tion would be an improvement for a golf cart.
On May 15, the 84-year-old was awarded Patent
9,969,247 B1 for a retractable golf cart canopy
to cover the rear area of the cart that is usually
exposed.
“I was thrilled when this patent finally came
through,” said Mr. Houze, a tall, trim man who
speaks crisply. “It takes so much effort and
expense to prepare an application. This patent
shows I have really come up with something
new and different.
The patent is just the first step. He’s now in talks
with a company that wants to manufacture his
canopy and market it to golf cart manufactur-
ers, golf courses and individuals with carts.
“There are millions of golf carts, and most of
them could use this canopy,” he said. “If just a
fraction adopt my invention, I’ll do quite well.”
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WWW.GOLFCAROPTIONS.COM
He noted
that golf
carts can be
built with an
88-inch roof
that would
cover the
rear area,
but those
are more
expensive.
Most carts
come with a
54-inch roof
that leave
John Houze Jr. holds in his right hand the pate
the area
attached to the roof of his golf cart. Mr. Houze
which was filed two years ago and granted in
where golf
clubs ride
exposed to the elements.
He said that the majority of golf carts today are
outfitted with rear seats. He said in some areas,
particularly resorts, carts are a popular way
to get to the grocery store, a doctor’s office or
local shops.
His invention involves installing supports on the
rear of the cart and attaching the canopy. Like
a moon roof in a car, his canopy is moveable so
that the back end can be exposed or not, de-
pending on conditions, he said.
If all goes well, he hopes that the canopy can be
provided for $150 or less at retail, but he said it
would depend on the cost of the manufacturer.
Still, he’s proud that he’s now a real inventor at
his age. “I hope to inspire others to get out of