Abstract: A golf cart altered such that the occupants are protected against the effect of lightning strikes comprises an electrically conductive grid (23 & 23a) on the roof, preferably star shaped, connected electrically to electrically conductive down-conductors, preferably at least 6 in number, four of which may be the roof supports (16 & 24) and the other two (18) moveable to allow ease of access to the golf cart and each to be connected to a plurality of flexible electrically conductive members (26) so as to touch the ground, preferably via a metal chassis. The movable electrically conductive members are connected to at least one of the roof or the base construction by a bearing. The invention defines a protective electrically conductive cage enclosing the golf cart and surrounding its occupants with improved rigidity, safety and practicality.

Abstract: A new Lightning Protection Device for providing protection to individuals against lightning strikes. The inventive device includes a plurality of electrically conducting bands being spaced apart and extending outwardly and downwardly either from a center post over the canopy support frame of a golf cart or from a plurality of spaced apart ribs radiating outwardly from the ferrule of an umbrella. The electrically conducting bands extend downwardly in an elongated configuration to terminate at or near ground level. The electrically conducting bands together with the center post or the ferrule form an electrically conducting cage or envelope to surround the user within an electrically protected volume of space in the event of a lightning strike.