Golf ball retrieval adapter

Abstract

There is provided a golf ball retriever that is easy to install and convenient for any golfer, eliminating the need to bend over when retrieving a ball. The ball-retrieval system may be integrated into a golf club shaft or grip portion without interference to use of the golf club. The device can be used with any golf club, such as a putter, to retrieve a golf ball from the ground or within the cup. The system also allows the release of the golf ball after retrieval. The device includes a ball retrieval cup sized and formed of a material to allow it to flex around the diameter of the golf ball and frictionally engage the ball. The cup further allows the ball to be released by the application of a force thereto. A magnetic mounting system attachment to a golf club is provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 237,809, filed Aug. 28, 2009, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to golf ball equipment for use in retrieving golf balls from various locations throughout a golf course and particularly from a position on the ground or golf hole.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]For some golfers, the act of retrieving the golf ball may be uncomfortable and inconvenient to the user, requiring the user to repetitively bend over or kneel to reach to the ground or within the cup. The cup is recessed in moist soil and for some golfers, due to physical limitations, it is difficult to retrieve the golf ball, and it is undesirable if contact with the perimeter tarnishes the hand or glove of the user or the hole itself.[0004]The prior art provides an assortment of golf ball retrievers fo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Accordingly, the present invention provides a simple, low-cost golf ball retriever that is easy to install and convenient for any golfer, particularly an individual having limited physical ability, in eliminating the need to bend over when retrieving a ball. The ball-retrieval system may be integrated into a golf club shaft or grip portion without interference to use of the golf club, thus allowing the golfer to use this device with any golf club, such as a putter, to retrieve the golf ball. The system may further allow for the release of the golf ball after retrieval to facilitate practice or other activities. In an example, the system comprises a ball retrieval cup sized and formed of a material to allow it to flex around the diameter of the golf ball and frictionally engage the ball when desired, from any position on the ground or in the cup on a putting green for example. The cup further allows the ball to be easily released by the application of a force thereto and deflection of the ball retrieval cup. The system may further comprise a magnetic mounting system for selective attachment to a golf club or other suitable structure for use or storage.

Problems solved by technology

For some golfers, the act of retrieving the golf ball may be uncomfortable and inconvenient to the user, requiring the user to repetitively bend over or kneel to reach to the ground or within the cup.

The cup is recessed in moist soil and for some golfers, due to physical limitations, it is difficult to retrieve the golf ball, and it is undesirable if contact with the perimeter tarnishes the hand or glove of the user or the hole itself.

Traditional golf ball retrievers may be complex, often requiring multiple components and corresponding manufacturing processes.

These traditional golf ball retrievers tend to be costly relative to the convenience which they provide.

However, these retrievers limit the selection of a putter to one having a golf ball retriever incorporated therein.

However, these golf ball retrievers and the assembly process required may be costly and overly burdensome to the user.

Further, these golf ball retrievers may require much alteration to the golf club shaft which may be undesirable to the user.

Further, prior systems may not allow for easy release of the golf ball that may be helpful for activities such as practicing putting or the like.

Attempts have been made in the past to address the convenience and comfort of a user when retrieving a golf ball from a cup, however, these designs are lacking in a variety of ways, and a more effective and cost-effective system would be desirable.

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