GOLF BALL RECORDERS

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf ball retriever that can be removably installed to the butt end of a golf club grip to facilitate retrieval of a golf ball.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The prior art provides a variety of golf ball retrievers for recovering a golf ball from difficult-to-reach places, such as water hazards, dense foliage, bunkers, and mud or wet soil. For example, existing standalone golf ball retrievers often include a telescopic handle and a retriever head. The retriever head can include a spring-loaded grip or can include a rubberized pocket to grip and hold the golf ball in place. Other golf ball retrievers are attached directly to the butt end of a putter grip, such that the putter shaft functions as an elongated handle. These golf ball retrievers are typically affixed to a putter grip using a machine screw or are affixed to a putter grip using a barbed fastener that is received within the vent port of the putter grip. Despite their general availability in the marketplace, however, there remains a continued need for an improved golf ball retriever. In particular, there remains a continued need for an improved golf ball retriever that can be readily attached to and removed from a putter grip without damaging the putter grip.

[0003] US 2009 / 149 270 A1 relates to a device for picking up balls or golf balls is disposed in the region of the grip of a club. It includes several holding elements, which are displaceable under the effect of at least one resilient element from a rest position on the grip into an actuatable position in which they are capable of picking up the golf ball. By the holding element being at least two gripping arms, which are fitted into each other in the rest position under the effect of at least one resilient element, a compact device for picking up that is simple to operate is created.

[0004] US 9 463 363 B2 relates to a golf club grip for a golf club includes an elongated member having a first end, a second end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first end is configured to receive a golf club shaft. The second end includes an opening that comprises an insert having a first threaded portion therein. The elongated member comprises a stopper extending inward from the inner surface a predetermined distance. The stopper separates the golf club shaft and insert.

[0005] US 2016 / 074 722 A1 relates to an assembly for propping a golf club up so that the grip end of the club is elevated above the ground. The assembly is composed of a club stand hingeably mounted within the grip so as to be flush with the grip surface. The grip has the same circumferential shape as golf grips lacking the assembly so that the golf feels no or little difference between the two grip types.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The above object is solved by a golf ball retriever according to claim 1.

[0007] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, 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 from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a golf ball retriever joined to a putter grip. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the golf ball retriever of Figure 1. Figure 3 depicts the golf ball retriever of Figure 1 including a grip cap. Figure 4 depicts the golf ball retriever of Figure 1 in the fully open position. Figure 5 depicts the golf ball retriever of Figure 1 in a partially closed position. Figure 6 depicts the golf ball retriever of Figure 1 in the fully closed position. Figure 7 depicts the golf ball retriever in the process of retrieving a golf ball. Figure 8 is a close-up view of the golf ball retriever of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a close-up view of the golf ball retriever of Figure 7 grasping a golf ball. Figure 10 depicts the golf ball retriever of Figure 7 as having grasped a golf ball. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The current embodiments include a golf ball retriever adapted to be removably affixed to a threaded port in a putter grip to allow a golf ball to be easily retrieved from difficult to reach areas. The threaded port provides a threaded opening for counter weights and other accessories, and also provides a point of attachment for the golf ball retriever. The golf ball retriever includes folding arms that are movable from a stowed position to a deployed position, forming a claw-like pocket for grasping a golf ball. The golf ball retriever is discussed in Part I below, and its installation and operation are discussed in Part II below.I. Golf Ball Retriever

[0010] Referring first to Figures 1-2, a golf ball retriever 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is illustrated and generally designated 10. 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 comprising an internally threaded opening in the butt end of a putter grip 100, while the first and second folding arms 14, 16 cooperate to define a claw-like pocket for grasping a golf ball. Each such feature is separately described below.

[0011] The base 12 includes an outer profile that generally corresponds to the outer profile of the putter grip 100, such that the golf ball retriever 10 appears as an extension of the putter grip 100. The base 12 is generally cylindrical in the present embodiment, however in other embodiments the base 12 can include other geometries to match that of the putter grip 100, for example a polygonal cross-section, further optionally a quadrilateral cross-section or a pentagonal cross-section. The base 12 includes a sidewall 20, the sidewall 20 including an exterior side surface 22, an interior side surface 24, upper and lower surfaces 26, 28, and a first hinge portion 30 opposite of a second hinge portion 32. The first hinge portion 30 and the second hinge portion 32 each comprise first and second spaced-apart horns 34, 36 having openings for receiving a hinge pin. 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 first and second magnets 46, 48. The magnets 46, 48 are magnetically attracted to first and second ferromagnetic elements 50, 52 in the first folding arm 14. The base 12 also includes an annular flange 54 extending radially inward from the sidewall 20 at the lowermost portion thereof, such that the flange 54 defines a central aperture 56 extending through the base 12. The base 12 is formed from a molded glass-filled thermoplastic in the present embodiment, but can be manufactured from other materials in other embodiments.

[0012] As also shown in Figure 2, the grip cap 18 includes a head 58 and a shank 60. The head 58 includes a tool opening 62, for example a six-sided opening for a hex tool or a four-sided opening for a flathead screwdriver. The shank 60 is externally threaded and is sized to pass through the central aperture 56 in the base 12 for threadably engaging the threaded port 102 in the putter grip 100. The head 58 includes an outer diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the central aperture 56 but less than or equal to the inner diameter of the sidewall 20, such that the head 58 bears against the flange 54 to clamp the base 12 to the putter grip 100. The grip cap 18 comprises an aluminum screw head in the present embodiment, but can be formed from other materials in other embodiments, for example other metals, thermoplastics, or composite materials. Further optionally, the grip cap 18 can be as described in U.S. Patent 9,463,363 to Dingman et al. The grip cap 18 can include for example a threaded extension to threadably engage a weighted insert or other feature housed within the putter grip 100 when not being used to secure the base 12 to the putter grip 100.

[0013] As noted above, the golf ball retriever 10 includes first and second folding arms 14, 16 that are movable from a stowed position to a deployed position for grasping a golf ball. The first folding arm 14 is rotatably joined to the first hinge portion 30 and includes first and second spaced apart 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 recess 74 interconnecting the curved side surface 72 and the planar bottom surface 68. As explained in Part II below, the concave recesses 74 provides a grasping point for manipulation of the first folding arm 14 from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0014] To retain the first folding arm 14 in the stowed position, the first and second arm segments 64, 66 each include a retention latch 76. The retention latch 76 mechanically interfaces with a notch 78 in the outer radial surface of the sidewall 22 and houses respective first and second ferromagnetic elements 50, 52 (e.g., stainless steel or other corrosion resistant steel) that are magnetically attracted to the respective first and second magnets 46, 48. In other embodiments this configuration is reversed, such that the magnets 46, 48 are housed within the retention latches 76, while the ferromagnetic elements 50, 52 are housed within the base 12. In still other embodiments, two permanent magnets are used in place of the ferromagnetic elements 50, 52, the permanent magnets being 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.

[0015] The first folding arm 14 also includes a channel 80 for receiving the first hinge pin 38. The channel 80 is interposed between the first and second horns 34, 36 of the first hinge portion 30. The first folding arm 14 can be opened by depressing a cantilevered edge 82, overcoming the magnetic attraction that otherwise retains the first folding arm 14 in the stowed position. The bottom surface 68 of the first folding arm 14 mechanically interferes with the first and second horns 34, 36 of the first hinge portion 30 to lock the first folding arm 14 in the deployed position. The outer-most portion of the first and second horns 34, 36 is outwardly inclined, such that the first folding arm 14 is oriented at greater than 90 degrees when in the deployed position (best shown in Figure 9). For example, the first folding arm 14 can have a maximum range of motion of at least 90 degrees, further optionally 95 degrees to 130 degrees.

[0016] As noted above, the golf ball grip 10 also includes a second folding arm 16. The second folding arm 16 is held in the stowed position by the first folding arm 10 and is biased into the deployed position by a hinge spring 84. The second folding arm 16 includes a single arm segment 86 that is 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 that underlie the first folding arm 14 when both folding arms 14, 16 are in the stowed position. In this respect, the first folding arm 14 maintains the second folding arm 16 in the stowed position, preventing the second folding arm 16 from springing into the deployed position by operation of the hinge spring 84. The second folding arm 16 terminates at a sloped projection 94 that curves inward for grasping a golf ball. The hinge spring 84 extends around the second hinge pin 40, which is received within a channel 92 that is interposed between the first and second horns 34, 36 of the second hinge portion 32. Like the first folding arm 14, the second folding arm 16 can have a maximum range of motion of at least 90 degrees, further optionally 95 degrees to 130 degrees. The second folding arm 16 is generally the same length as the first folding arm 14, such that the three arm segments 64, 66, 86 collectively comprise a three-finger claw for grasping a golf-ball from difficult-to-reach places. The first and second folding arms 14, 16 are formed from a glass-filed thermoplastic in the current embodiment, but can be formed from other materials in other embodiments.

[0017] While described above as having three arm segments, in other embodiments the folding arms 14, 16 provide a different number 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 comprise a two-finger claw for grasping a golf ball. In another alternative embodiment, both folding arms 14, 16 are U-shaped and are laterally offset from each other, such that the folding arms comprise a four-finger claw for grasping a golf ball. In still another alternative embodiment, the second folding arm 16 includes three arm segments, being generally W-shaped, such that a W-shaped folding arm 16 and a U-shaped folding arm 14 cooperate to provide a five-finger claw for grasping a golf ball. Still other configurations are possible in other embodiments.

[0018] While primarily described above in connection with a grip cap 18 to removably secure the base 12 to the putter grip 100, in alternative embodiments a grip cap 18 is omitted. In these alternative embodiments, the base 12 is instead removably secured to the putter grip 100 via double-sided tape, hook-and-loop fasteners, snap-fit connectors, or combinations thereof. Still other methods of attaching the base 12 to the putter grip 100 are possible in other embodiments.II. Installation and Operation

[0019] Installation of the golf ball retriever 10 and its operation will now be described in connection with Figures 3-10. The first and second folding arms 14, 16 are moved to the deployed position by depressing the cantilevered edge 82 on the first folding arm 14. Alternatively, a user can grip the concave recess 74 on either side of the first folding arm 14 and pivot the first folding arm 14 to an upright position. Once the first folding arm 14 rotates past approximately 30 degrees, the second folding arm 16 springs upright in response to the spring 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 deployed position.

[0020] With the first and second folding arms 14 in the fully deployed position as shown in Figure 3, the user can align the central opening 56 of the base 12 with the threaded port 102 in the putter grip 100. The user can then thread the grip cap 18 into the threaded port 102, securing the golf ball retriever 10 to the putter grip 100. The first and second folding arms 14, 16 can be returned to the stowed position by folding the second folding arm 16 and thereafter folding the first folding arm 14. The retention latches 76 mechanically and magnetically secure the first folding arm 14 to the base 12. Because the second folding arm 16 includes first and second lateral protrusions 88, 90 that underlie the first folding arm 14, the first folding arm 14 maintains the second folding arm 16 in the stowed position, generally shown in Figure 6.

[0021] To recover a golf ball, the user deploys the folding arms 14, 16 in the manner discussed above. The user can either depress the cantilevered edge 82 on the first folding arm 14 or grip the concave recess 74 on either side of the first folding arm 14 to pivot the first folding arm 14 to an upright position. Once the first folding arm 14 rotates free of the second folding arm 16, the second folding arm 16 springs upright in response to the spring force of the torsion spring 84. In this fully deployed position, each folding arm 14, 16 is at its maximum range of motion, thereby forming a claw-like pocket. The putter (comprising a grip 100, a shaft 102, and a head 104) can be inverted as shown in Figures 7-8 and moved toward the golf ball 110. The user then lowers the golf ball retriever 10 onto the golf ball 110 as shown in Figure 9, causing the folding arms 14, 16 to deflect slightly around the golf ball 110 until the retention latches 76 of the first folding arm 14 and the sloped projection 94 of the second folding arm 16 mechanically grasp the golf ball 110.

[0022] Once the golf ball 110 is secured in the pocket of the golf ball retriever 10, the user returns the golf club to the upright position as shown in Figure 10 and manually removes the golf ball 110. The user then folds the second folding arm 16 against the base 12 and thereafter folds the first folding arm 14 until the retention latches 76 mechanically and magnetically secure the first folding arm 14 to the base 12. Because the second folding arm 16 includes first and second lateral protrusions 88, 90 that underlie the first folding arm 14, the first folding arm 14 maintains the second folding arm 16 in the stowed position. The putter can then be returned to a golf bag or used in the normal course of play as desired by the user.

[0023] This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles "a," "an," "the" or "said," is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Claims

1. A golf ball retriever (10) for attachment to a threaded opening in a putter grip (100), the golf ball retriever (10) comprising: a base (12) including a sidewall (20) and an annular flange (54), the sidewall (20) including a first hinge portion (30) opposite of a second hinge portion (32), the annular flange (54) extending radially inward from the sidewall (20) and encircling a central aperture (56) extending through the base (12); a first folding arm (14) rotatably joined to the first hinge portion (30) of the sidewall (20) via a first hinge pin (38); a second folding arm (16) rotatably joined to the second hinge portion (32) of the sidewall (20) via a second hinge pin (40); and wherein the first folding arm (14) and the second folding arm (16) are disposed opposite of each other to grasp a golf ball (110) when in a deployed position, and wherein the first folding arm (14) and the second folding arm (16) are rotatable to a stowed position in which a portion of the first folding arm (14) overlies a portion of the second folding arm (16), wherein the first folding arm (14) includes first and second arm segments (64, 66), and the second folding arm (16) includes a third arm segment (86), and the third arm segment (86) is disposed between the first and second arm segments (64, 66) when the first and second folding arms (14, 16) are in the stowed position, characterised in that the golf ball retriever further comprises a grip cap (18) including a head (58) and a shank (60), the head (58) including a tool opening (62), the shank (60) being sized to extend through the central aperture (56) and into a threaded opening in a putter grip (100), the head (58) including an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the sidewall (20); and each of the first and second arm segments (64, 66) include a retention latch (76) that mechanically secures the first folding arm (14) to the base (12) via a notch (78), and includes first and second ferromagnetic elements (50, 52) that are magnetically attracted to first and second magnets (46, 48) in the sidewall (20) to maintain the first folding arm (14) in the stowed position, each of the first and second arm segments (64, 66) includes a concave recess (74) interconnecting a curved side surface (72) and a planar bottom surface (68) as a grasping point for manual manipulation of the first folding arm (14) from the stowed position to the deployed position.

2. The golf ball retriever (10) of claim 1, further including a torsion spring (84) to bias the first folding arm (14) or the second folding arm (16) in the deployed position.

3. The golf ball retriever (10) of one of the preceding claims, wherein the annular flange (54) defines an inner diameter that is less than an outer diameter of the head (58) of the grip cap (18), such that the head (58) of the grip cap (18) overlies the annular flange (54) to secure the base (12) to the putter grip (100).

4. The golf ball retriever (10) of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sidewall (20) includes first and second ferromagnetic elements (50, 52) that are magnetically attracted to first and second magnets (46, 48) in the first and second arm segments (64, 66) for maintaining the first folding arm (14) in the stowed position.

5. The golf ball retriever (10) of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sidewall (20) includes first and second magnets (46, 48) that are magnetically attracted to third and fourth magnets in the first and second arm segments (64, 66) for maintaining the first folding arm (14) in the stowed position.

6. The golf ball retriever of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the third arm segment (86) includes first and second lateral protrusions (88, 90) that underlie the first and second arm segments (64, 66) when the first folding arm (14) and the second folding arm (16) are in the stowed position.

7. A golf ball retriever (10) system comprising: a putter grip (100) including a distal end, a proximal end, and an elongated handle therebetween, the putter grip (100) including an axial opening for a golf club shaft at the distal end and including an internally threaded opening at the proximal end opposite of the distal end; the golf ball retriever (10) of one of the preceding claims threadably joined to the proximal end of the putter grip (100).