GB2482669A

GB2482669A - Golf ball retriever

Info

Publication number: GB2482669A
Application number: GB1013297.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Trevor Warner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-09
Filing date: 2010-08-09
Publication date: 2012-02-15
Also published as: GB201013297D0

Abstract

A golf ball retriever that fixes into the end of the golf club shaft and is held secure by means of the spring effect intrinsic in its design on a soft plastic cap and shaft. Preferably the retriever uses a loop to scoop up a golf ball on the end of the spring fixing. The scoop can be used in either direction. Optionally the retriever can collapse to fit through a 3.5mm hole in the soft plastic cap and can reform on insertion to create a spring-fit against the inside wall of the golf club shaft.

Description

Golf Ball Retriever

Specification

1. Background

This invention relates to a device that fixes to the end of a golf club shaft for the purpose of retrieving golf balls from the ground or the hole or cup without the need for the player to bend.

Many golfers have trouble bending, or prefer not to bend to retrieve a golf ball from the ground or the hole. There are some existing products that offer the golfer the opportunity to lift the ball without bending. Existing products fit over, not into the end of the shaft handle and use either a suction fit or three sprung plastic fingers that push over the ball to retrieve it.

Both types of existing devices tend to be unreliable in various conditions, for example when the ball is wet.

Using either existing device to retrieve balls from the green can damage the green as they depend on downward pressure on the ball to retrieve it.

Another problem with devices fitting over the shaft is that they are not universal for all shafts with varying diameters.

A further issue with devices that fit over the shaft is that they can become removed from the shaft end by the action of placing the club into, and taking the club out of a golf bag.

2. Statement of Invention

This invention will locate into the shaft of the golf club through a pre-existing hole in the soft plastic cap which is always present. It holds its position by a spring action. It will retrieve the ball via a metal loop which will allow the ball to be lifted. It will work regardless of the weather conditions. It will fit into the shaft of any golf club regardless of its diameter within the range of clubs on the market.

Figure 1.1 shows the front view of the golf ball retriever for which this application is prepared. Figure 1.2 shows the side elevation. Figure 1.3 shows the top elevation.

In figure 1.1 the golf ball retriever is shown in a relaxed position with a metal necklace fixed to the device below the top loop. The loop is designed to be able to securely and quickly pass under the ball, whether in the cup or on the ground, using an angled, sideways action. The spring section is designed to pass through the 3.5mm (approx) hole in the soft plastic cap at the top end of the golf club shaft and into the shaft. On completion of insertion the action of the design of the device keeps it secure in the shaft by leaving it under tension through contact with the inner walls of the shaft and the 3.5mm (approx) hole in the soft plastic cap.

Figure 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 show the general arrangement of the top end of a golf club shaft. Figure 2.4 shows the top elevation and details the 3.5mm hole in the top of the soft plastic cap.

Figure 3.1 has the golf ball retriever at a 45 degree angle to show its general construction which is a single main component made of steel wire of between 1mm and 2.5mm gauge and a circular second component made of unspecified material which could be of many substrates with a single central hole through 100% of its thickness and which is known as the necklace. The portion forming the spring of the golf ball retriever below the necklace in figure 3.1 will compress to allow it to be fed through the 3.5mm hole in the soft plastic cap, on reforming inside the shaft it will form a secure fixing by locating to the inside walls of the shaft by spring action intrinsically designed into the device.

Figure 4.1 and figure 4.2 show the golf ball retriever inserted into the end of the golf club shaft and the action of the design to effect the secure fixing by means of spring action against the inside wall of the shaft.

Figure 5.1 and figure 5.2 show the general position of the golf ball when in the cup of the golf ball retriever as intended.

The device can be left in the golf club shaft for re-use when needed without interfering with the action of the club when in regular use or withdrawn for re-insertion and use later. The device works in all weather conditions.

3. Advantages No damage to the green.

Stays in place when placed in and taken out of golf bag.

Does not interfere with golfing stroke when not being used.

Does not work loose with use.

Is universal in fitting to the range of golf club shafts.

Works well in all ball and weather conditions.