Golf ball retriever

Abstract

A golf ball retriever adapted to be removably secured to a putter grip is provided. A grip cap secures the golf ball retriever to a threaded end port in the putter grip, which serves as an attachment point for weights and other accessories. The golf ball retriever includes a folding arm movable from a stowed position to a deployed position forming a claw-like scoop for grasping golf balls. The folding arm can be manually manipulated from the deployed position to the stowed position for routine use of the putter or when the putter is placed back in the golf bag for later use on the green.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a golf ball retriever that can be detachably mounted to the thicker end of a golf club grip for easy retrieval of golf balls. Background Technology

[0002] Existing technology offers a wide variety of golf retrievers for retrieving golf balls from hard-to-reach locations such as water hazards, dense foliage, bunkers, and muddy or wet soil. For example, existing freestanding golf retrievers often include a telescopic handle and a retriever head. The retriever head may include a spring-loaded grip or a rubber-coated pocket for holding and retrieving the golf ball. Other golf retrievers attach directly to the thicker end of a putter grip, allowing the putter shaft to act as a slender handle. These retrievers are typically secured to the putter grip using mechanical screws or barbed fasteners that are received within the putter grip's vent port. However, regardless of their general market availability, there remains a persistent need for improved golf retrievers. In particular, there remains a persistent need for improved golf retrievers that can be easily attached to and removed from the putter grip without damaging it. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A golf ball retriever suitable for detachable attachment to a putter grip is provided. A grip cap secures the golf ball retriever to an internally threaded port in the putter grip, which serves as an attachment point for counterweights and other accessories. The golf ball retriever includes a folding arm movable from a stowed position to an extended position, forming a claw-like pocket for catching golf balls. The folding arm can be manually operated from the extended to the stowed position for regular use of the putter or when the putter is returned to the golf bag for later use on the puttinggreen.

[0004] In one embodiment, the first folding arm is generally U-shaped with two arm segments extending toward the second folding arm. The second folding arm includes a single arm segment located between the two arm segments of the first folding arm. When in the retracted position, the arm segments of the first folding arm are magnetically and / or mechanically secured to the base. When both folding arms are in the retracted position, the second folding arm is biased in the unfolded position by a hinge spring and includes a lateral protrusion located below the first folding arm. In this respect, the first folding arm holds the second folding arm in the retracted position, preventing the second folding arm from springing up into the unfolded position.

[0005] In another embodiment, the base includes an outer diameter that substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the push rod grip, making the base appear as an extension of the push rod grip. The base includes first and second magnets for magnetically attracting ferromagnetic elements in the arm segments of the first folding arm. The base also includes a central hole aligned with a threaded port of the push rod grip. A grip cap is inserted through the central hole and threaded into the threaded port for clamping the base to the push rod grip.

[0006] To retrieve the golf ball, the user presses the cantilever edge of the first folding arm or grips the concave grooves on each side of the first folding arm to pivot it to an upright position. Once the first folding arm rotates out of the second folding arm, the second folding arm springs back to upright by a torsion spring. In this fully extended position, each folding arm is at its maximum range of motion, forming a claw-like pocket. The user can then reverse the putter and lower the golf retriever onto the golf ball, causing the folding arms to slightly deflect around the ball until they mechanically catch it. Once the golf ball is secured in the golf retriever's pocket, the user can return the golf club to the upright position and retrieve the ball. The folding arms can be returned to the stowed position, and the putter can then be placed back in the golf bag or used during normal play.

[0007] These and other features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated through the description and accompanying drawings of the embodiments.

[0008] Before explaining the embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be practiced or carried out in various other embodiments and in alternative ways not explicitly disclosed herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of "comprising" and "including" and variations thereof is intended to cover items and equivalents listed below, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Additionally, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding any additional steps or components that may be combined with or incorporated into the enumerated steps or components from the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a golf ball retriever connected to the putter grip.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of a golf ball retriever.

[0011] Figure 3 Depicting including the handle cover Figure 1 Golf ball retriever.

[0012] Figure 4 Depicting the fully open position Figure 1 Golf ball retriever.

[0013] Figure 5 Depicting the partially closed position Figure 1 Golf ball retriever.

[0014] Figure 6 Depicting the fully closed position Figure 1 Golf ball retriever.

[0015] Figure 7 The image depicts a golf ball retriever during the process of retrieving golf balls.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A close-up view of a golf ball retriever.

[0017] Figure 9 It is for catching golf balls. Figure 7 A close-up view of a golf ball retriever.

[0018] Figure 10 Will Figure 7 The golf ball retriever is depicted as having caught a golf ball. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Current embodiments include a golf ball retriever adapted to be detachably attached to a threaded port on a putter grip to allow easy retrieval of golf balls from hard-to-reach areas. The threaded port provides threaded openings for weights and other accessories, and also provides attachment points for the golf ball retriever. The golf ball retriever includes a folding arm movable from a retracted position to an extended position, forming a claw-like pocket for gripping golf balls. The golf ball retriever is discussed in Part I below, and its installation and operation are discussed in Part II below.

[0020] one. Golf ball retriever

[0021] First refer to Figures 1-2 A golf ball retriever 10, illustrated and generally designated 10, is provided according to an exemplary embodiment. The golf ball retriever 10 includes a base 12, a first folding arm 14, a second folding arm 16, and a grip cap 18. The grip cap 18 is adapted to secure the base 12 to a threaded port 102, which includes an internally threaded opening in the thicker end of a putter grip 100, while the first and second folding arms 14, 16 cooperate to define a claw-like pocket for catching golf balls. Each of these features is described individually below.

[0022] The base 12 includes an outer profile that substantially corresponds to the outer profile of the putter grip 100, making the golf ball retriever 10 appear as an extension of the putter grip 100. The base 12 is generally cylindrical in this embodiment, but in other embodiments, the base 12 may include other geometries to match the geometry of the putter grip 100 (e.g., a polygonal cross-section, further optionally a quadrilateral or pentagonal cross-section). The base 12 includes sidewalls 20, which include an outer surface 22, an inner surface 24, upper and lower surfaces 26, 28, and a first hinge portion 30 opposite to the second hinge portion 32. The first hinge portion 30 and the second hinge portion 32 each include first and second spacer angles 34, 36, having openings for receiving hinge pins. A first hinge pin 38 is received in the first hinge portion 30, forming a first hinge joint, and a second hinge pin 40 is received in the second hinge portion 32, forming a second hinge joint. The sidewall 20 also includes first and second recesses 42, 44 for the first and second magnets 46, 48. The magnets 46, 48 are magnetically attracted to the first and second ferromagnetic elements 50, 52 in the first folding arm 14. The base 12 also includes an annular flange 54 that extends radially inward from the sidewall 20 at its lowermost portion, such that the flange 54 defines a central hole 56 extending through the base 12. In this embodiment, the base 12 is formed of molded glass-filled thermoplastic, but in other embodiments it may be made of other materials.

[0023] For example Figure 2 As shown, the grip cap 18 includes a head 58 and a handle 60. The head 58 includes a tool opening 62, such as a six-sided opening for a hexagonal tool or a four-sided opening for a flathead screwdriver. The handle 60 is provided with external threads and is sized to pass through a central hole 56 in the base 12 to threadedly engage with a threaded port 102 in the push rod grip 100. The head 58 includes an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the central hole 56 but less than or equal to the inner diameter of the sidewall 20, such that the head 58 abuts against a flange 54 to clamp the base 12 to the push rod grip 100. The grip cap 18 includes an aluminum screw head in this embodiment, but in other embodiments, it may be formed of other materials, such as other metals, thermoplastics, or composites. Alternatively, the grip cap 18 may be as described in U.S. Patent 9,463,363 to Dingman et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, the grip cover 18 may include, for example, a threaded extension to thread-engage a counterweight insert or other feature housed within the push rod grip 100 when not used to secure the base 12 to the push rod grip 100.

[0024] As described above, the golf ball retriever 10 includes first and second folding arms 14, 16, which are movable from a retracted position to an extended position to retrieve a golf ball. The first folding arm 14 is rotatably engaged to a first hinge portion 30 and includes first and second spaced arm segments 64, 66, such that the first folding arm 14 is generally U-shaped. The first and second arm segments 64, 66 include a planar bottom surface 68, a planar upper surface 70, and a curved side surface 72 therebetween. The first and second arm segments 64, 66 also include a concave groove 74 that interconnects the curved side surface 72 and the planar bottom surface 68. As explained in Section II below, the concave groove 74 provides a gripping point for maneuvering the first folding arm 14 from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0025] To hold the first folding arm 14 in the retracted position, the first and second arm segments 64, 66 each include a holding latch 76. The holding latch 76 mechanically engages with a notch 78 on the outer radial surface of the sidewall 22 and receives corresponding first and second ferromagnetic elements 50, 52 (e.g., stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant steel), which are magnetically attracted to corresponding first and second magnets 46, 48. In other embodiments, this configuration is reversed, such that magnets 46, 48 are received within the holding latch 76, while ferromagnetic elements 50, 52 are received within the base 12. In yet another embodiment, two permanent magnets are used instead of the ferromagnetic elements 50, 52, oriented with the correct north-south polarity, such that they are magnetically attracted to the first and second magnets 46, 48 in the base 12.

[0026] The first folding arm 14 also includes a channel 80 for receiving the first hinge pin 38. The channel 80 is sandwiched between the first and second angles 34, 36 of the first hinge portion 30. The first folding arm 14 can be opened by pressing down the cantilever edge 82, overcoming the magnetic attraction that also holds the first folding arm 14 in the retracted position. The bottom surface 68 of the first folding arm 14 mechanically interferes with the first and second angles 34, 36 of the first hinge portion 30 to lock the first folding arm 14 in the unfolded position. The outermost portions of the first and second angles 34, 36 are tilted outwards such that the first folding arm 14 is oriented at an angle greater than 90 degrees when in the unfolded position (e.g., ...). Figure 9 (As best shown in the diagram). For example, the first folding arm 14 may have a maximum range of motion of at least 90 degrees, and more preferably 95 to 130 degrees.

[0027] As described above, the golf ball grip 10 also includes a second folding arm 16. The second folding arm 16 is held in a retracted position by the first folding arm 10 and biased into an extended position by a hinge spring 84. The second folding arm 16 includes a single arm segment 86 disposed in the gap between the arm segments 64, 66 of the first folding arm 14. The second folding arm 16 includes first and second lateral protrusions 88, 90, which are located below the first folding arm 14 when both folding arms 14, 16 are in the retracted position. In this respect, the first folding arm 14 holds the second folding arm 16 in the retracted position, preventing the second folding arm 16 from springing into the extended position by the operation of the hinge spring 84. The second folding arm 16 terminates at a tilted protrusion 94 that bends inward to grip the golf ball. A hinge spring 84 extends around a second hinge pin 40, which is received within a channel 92 sandwiched between the first and second angles 34 and 36 of the second hinge portion 32. Like the first folding arm 14, the second folding arm 16 may have a maximum range of motion of at least 90 degrees, and more preferably 95 to 130 degrees. The second folding arm 16 is substantially the same length as the first folding arm 14, such that the three arm segments 64, 66, and 86 collectively include a three-fingered gripper for grasping a golf ball from hard-to-reach locations. The first and second folding arms 14 and 16 are formed of glass-filled thermoplastic in the current embodiment, but may be formed of other materials in other embodiments.

[0028] Although described above as having three arm segments, in other embodiments, the folding arms 14 and 16 provide different numbers of arm segments. In one alternative embodiment, the first folding arm 14 is T-shaped, and the second folding arm 16 is I-shaped, such that the folding arms include a two-finger claw portion for gripping a golf ball. In another alternative embodiment, both folding arms 14 and 16 are U-shaped and laterally offset from each other, such that the folding arms include a four-finger claw portion for gripping a golf ball. In yet another alternative embodiment, the second folding arm 16 includes three arm segments that are generally W-shaped, such that the W-shaped folding arm 16 and the U-shaped folding arm 14 cooperate to provide a five-finger claw portion for gripping a golf ball. In other embodiments, even more configurations are possible.

[0029] Although the foregoing has primarily described the grip cover 18 for detachably securing the base 12 to the actuator grip 100, in alternative embodiments, the grip cover 18 is omitted. In these alternative embodiments, the base 12 is detachably secured to the actuator grip 100 via double-sided tape, hook-and-loop fasteners, snap-fit ​​connectors, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, even more methods of attaching the base 12 to the actuator grip 100 are possible.

[0030] two. Installation and Operation

[0031] Contact Now Figures 3-10 The installation and operation of the golf ball retriever 10 are described. The first and second folding arms 14 and 16 are moved to the extended position by pressing down the cantilever edge 82 on the first folding arm 14. Alternatively, the user can clamp the concave grooves 74 on both sides of the first folding arm 14 and pivot the first folding arm 14 to the upright position. Once the first folding arm 14 has rotated more than approximately 30 degrees, the second folding arm 16 springs upright in response to the elastic force of the torsion spring 84. The first folding arm 14 mechanically interferes with the first hinge portion 30 to lock the first folding arm 14 in the fully extended position.

[0032] In the first and second folding arms 14, as Figure 3 In the fully extended position shown, the user can align the center opening 56 of the base 12 with the threaded port 102 in the putter grip 100. The user can then screw the grip cap 18 into the threaded port 102 to secure the golf ball retriever 10 to the putter grip 100. The first and second folding arms 14, 16 can be returned to the retracted position by folding the second folding arm 16 and then the first folding arm 14. A retaining latch 76 mechanically and magnetically secures the first folding arm 14 to the base 12. Because the second folding arm 16 includes first and second lateral protrusions 88, 90 located below the first folding arm 14, the first folding arm 14 holds the second folding arm 16 in the retracted position, approximately as shown. Figure 6 As shown in the image.

[0033] To retrieve the golf ball, the user unfolds the folding arms 14 and 16 as described above. The user can either press down the cantilever edge 82 on the first folding arm 14 or clamp the concave grooves 74 on both sides of the first folding arm 14 to pivot the first folding arm 14 to an upright position. Once the first folding arm 14 rotates away from the second folding arm 16, the second folding arm 16 springs upright in response to the elasticity of the torsion spring 84. In this fully unfolded position, each folding arm 14, 16 is at its maximum range of motion, thus forming a claw-like pocket. The putter (including the grip 100, shaft 102, and head 104) can be inverted, as... Figures 7-8 As shown in the diagram, and moves toward the golf ball 110. Then, the user lowers the golf ball retriever 10 onto the golf ball 110, as shown... Figure 9 As shown, this causes the folding arms 14, 16 to deflect slightly around the golf ball 110 until the retaining latch 76 of the first folding arm 14 and the inclined protrusion 94 of the second folding arm 16 mechanically grasp the golf ball 110.

[0034] Once the golf ball 110 is secured in the pocket of the golf ball retriever 10, the user returns the golf club to its original position. Figure 10 The user aligns the putter in the upright position shown and manually removes the golf ball 110. The user then folds the second folding arm 16 against the base 12, and subsequently folds the first folding arm 14 until the retaining latch 76 mechanically and magnetically secures the first folding arm 14 to the base 12. Because the second folding arm 16 includes first and second lateral protrusions 88, 90 located beneath the first folding arm 14, the first folding arm 14 holds the second folding arm 16 in the folded position. The putter can then be returned to the golf bag as needed or used during normal play.

[0035] The foregoing description represents the present embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, and these modifications and alterations shall be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law (including the doctrine of equivalents). This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or as limiting the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. The invention is not limited to those embodiments that include all such features or provide all the stated benefits, unless otherwise expressly set forth in the published claims. Any reference to a claim element in the singular (e.g., using the articles "a," "an," "the," or "the") shall not be construed as limiting that element to the singular.

Claims

1. A golf ball retriever for attachment to a threaded opening in a putter grip, the golf ball retriever comprising: A base, the base including a sidewall and an annular flange, the sidewall including a first hinge portion opposite to a second hinge portion, the annular flange extending radially inward from the sidewall and surrounding a central hole, the central hole extending through the base; A first folding arm, the first folding arm being rotatably connected to the first hinge portion of the sidewall via a first hinge pin; The second folding arm is rotatably connected to the second hinge portion of the sidewall via a second hinge pin. as well as A grip cover, the grip cover including a head and a handle, the head including a tool opening, the handle being sized to extend through the central hole and into a threaded opening in a push rod grip, the head including an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the sidewall; The first folding arm and the second folding arm are positioned relative to each other to grasp a golf ball when in the unfolded position, and The first folding arm and the second folding arm are rotatable to a retracted position, in which a portion of the first folding arm rests on top of a portion of the second folding arm. Its features are, The first folding arm includes first and second arm segments, and the second folding arm includes a third arm segment. When the first and second folding arms are in the retracted position, the third arm segment is disposed between the first and second arm segments. Each of the first and second arm segments includes a retaining latch that mechanically secures the first folding arm to the base via a notch, and each of the first and second arm segments includes first and second ferromagnetic elements that magnetically attract first and second magnets in the sidewalls to hold the first folding arm in the retracted position. Each of the first and second arm segments includes a concave groove that interconnects the curved side surface and the flat bottom surface, the concave groove serving as a gripping point for manual manipulation of the first folding arm from the retracted position to the unfolded position.

2. The golf ball retriever according to claim 1, further comprising: A torsion spring for biasing the first folding arm or the second folding arm in the unfolded position.

3. The golf ball retriever according to claim 1, wherein, The annular flange defines an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the head of the grip cap, such that the head of the grip cap is positioned above the annular flange to secure the base to the push rod grip.

4. The golf ball retriever according to claim 1, wherein, The sidewall includes first and second ferromagnetic elements, which are magnetically attracted to first and second magnets in the first and second arm segments to hold the first folding arm in the folded position.

5. The golf ball retriever according to claim 1, wherein, The sidewall includes first and second magnets that magnetically attract third and fourth magnets in the first and second arm segments to hold the first folding arm in the folded position.

6. The golf ball retriever according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first and second arm segments includes a planar upper surface, a planar bottom surface, and a curved side surface between the planar upper surface and the planar bottom surface.

7. The golf ball retriever according to claim 1, wherein, When the first folding arm and the second folding arm are in the retracted position, the third arm segment includes first and second lateral protrusions located below the first and second arm segments.

8. A golf ball retriever system, comprising: A golf grip comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and an elongated handle between the distal end and the proximal end, the golf grip including an axial opening for the golf shaft at the distal end and an internally threaded opening at the proximal end opposite the distal end; The golf ball retriever according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the golf ball retriever is connected to the proximal end of the golf grip.

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