Flagstick Ball Retrieval Device for Cup Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Golfers face difficulties in retrieving balls from golf holes with flagsticks left in place, as the reduced annular space between the flagstick and the cup makes it challenging to insert hands for ball removal, potentially damaging the turf and requiring awkward bending or using unsanitary methods.
Innovation Solution
A golf ball retrieval device that attaches to existing flagsticks, featuring a polymer disk or tubular handle with a ball elevator mechanism, allowing easy ball removal without bending or direct hand contact, and designed to minimize damage to the green.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flagstick is left in the cup during putting, then play is expedited and the rule is followed, but the annular space between the flagstick and cup is reduced making ball retrieval difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ball retrieval device as an intermediary tool that attaches to the flagstick. This device includes a retrieval mechanism (such as a magnetic component, mechanical gripper, or extendable arm) that can reach into the reduced annular space between the flagstick and cup to retrieve the ball, thus solving the accessibility problem created by leaving the flagstick in place while maintaining the speed of play benefit
2Ease of operation
If a golfer bends over to retrieve the ball from the cup, then the ball can be retrieved, but it causes physical strain particularly for senior golfers
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval device attached to the flagstick serves as a mediator that extends the golfer's reach into the cup without requiring the golfer to bend over. The device can be operated from an upright position, eliminating the physical strain associated with bending while still enabling ball retrieval from the cup
3Ease of operation
If the golfer uses hand to retrieve the ball, then the ball can be removed, but there is risk of damaging the turf lip and transmitting communicable diseases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval device acts as an intermediary between the golfer and the ball, eliminating direct hand contact with both the ball and the cup/turf area. The device's retrieval mechanism (magnetic, mechanical, or robotic) can grasp and extract the ball without the golfer's hands needing to touch the turf lip or the ball itself, thus preventing turf damage and reducing disease transmission risk
Data Source
AI summary
A ball lifting device having an elevator is attachable to a flagstick for enabling easy removal of a golf ball that is holed while putting with the flagstick in place in the cup. The elevator may be attached to a handle portion that extends up along the pole portion of the flagstick allowing the elevator to be raised by way of the handle portion. The handle portion may have a hook portion for hooking up with a golf club so that hand contact with the device is eliminated. The handle portion may be a thin member. The handle portion may be a tubular portion. The elevator may be spring loaded with the spring manually loaded by a golfer and released to eject the golf ball from the cup.