Patent Application
20230372784
This invention generally relates to retrieving a ball or other object. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for, and method of, assisting a user in picking up a golf ball, for example without requiring the person to bend over or squat down.
During a game of golf, players have been required to bend over or squat many times to pick up their ball. This is a significant inconvenience for players and can even prevent people from participating in golf if they have physical limitations that preclude them from bending over or squatting. This is true for standard golf, but it is especially true for mini golf because players complete each hole in quick succession and need to pick up their ball more times in a shorter amount of time.
Known golf ball retrieval devices are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 6,749,522 to Aikman titled Golf Ball Retrieval Device and U.S. Pat. No. 8,523,699 to Bennett titled Golf Ball Lifter. One problem with such prior art devices is that the golf club handle must be altered or damaged by screws or pins when attaching the ball retrieval device. This is especially important when the player is using clubs that he or she does not own, such as during a mini golf game where the clubs are owned by the host establishment. Another problem with prior art devices is that they are bulky and can extend beyond the width of the club handle, thus interfering with the player's grip when using the club.
There remains a need for novel ball retrieval devices that can attach to a golf club without causing damage. There remains a need for novel ball retrieval devices that can remain attached to a golf club during regular play and not interfere with the player during use.
All US patents and applications and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Without limiting the scope of the invention a brief summary of some of the claimed embodiments of the invention is set forth below. Additional details of the summarized embodiments of the invention and/or additional embodiments of the invention may be found in the Detailed Description of the Invention below.
A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification is provided as well only for the purposes of complying with 37 C.F.R. 1.72. The abstract is not intended to be used for interpreting the scope of the claims.
In some embodiments, a ball retriever comprises a first portion comprising a braided tube defining a cavity and a second portion comprising an attachment mechanism arranged to engage a reaching device.
In some embodiments, the braided tube comprises a plurality of filaments. In some embodiments, the plurality of filaments comprise a plurality of first filaments and a plurality of second filaments. In some embodiments, the first filaments extend in a first helical direction and the second filaments extend in a second helical direction. In some embodiments, each first filament overlaps a plurality of the second filaments and each second filament overlaps a plurality of the first filaments. In some embodiments, at least one of the first filaments is fixedly attached to at least one of the second filaments. In some embodiments, each of the first filaments is fixedly attached to at least one of the second filaments.
In some embodiments, the braided tube comprises a treated end portion. In some embodiments, the treated end portion comprises a sealed end. In some embodiments, the braided tube comprises a first sealed end and a second sealed end.
In some embodiments, the braided tube comprises a nominal diameter less than 1.6 inches.
In some embodiments, the first portion comprises a sidewall comprising a plurality of apertures. In some embodiments, an aperture comprises a vacuum break.
In some embodiments, the second portion comprises a strap. In some embodiments, the strap surrounds the first portion. In some embodiments, the strap comprises a hook and loop fastener.
In some embodiments, the ball receiver comprises a fastener attaching the second portion to the first portion. In some embodiments, the fastener comprises a rivet.
In some embodiments, a ball retriever comprises a first portion and a strap, the first portion consisting of a plurality of filaments arranged to form a braided tube, the strap arranged to engage a reaching device, the strap surrounding the first portion.
These and other embodiments which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and objectives obtained by its use, reference can be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof and the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described various embodiments of the invention.
A detailed description of the invention is hereafter described with specific reference being made to the drawings.
While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific embodiments of the invention. This description is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated.
For the purposes of this disclosure, like reference numerals in the figures shall refer to like features unless otherwise indicated.
In some embodiments, a retrieval device 20 comprises a first portion 30 and a second portion 40. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a tubular shape defining an interior cavity 32. In some embodiments, the second portion 40 comprises an attachment mechanism arranged to engage another object, such as a reaching device. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 is fastened to the second portion 40 and the second portion 40 is arranged to attach the first portion 30 to another object, such as a reaching device.
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 is arranged to engage and retain an item being retrieved, such as a golf ball. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a flexible sheath. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a length of expandable braided sleeve or mesh. In some embodiments, braided sleeves are manufactured by weaving plastic and/or metal strands (e.g. filaments) in a helical pattern to form a tube with a predetermined diameter, which may change in response to external forces. In some embodiments, braided sheaths are particularly useful due to their flexibility, elasticity, and expansion properties. These properties can be adjusted during manufacturing by changing the type of strand material, number of strands in the weave, weave pattern, and diameter of the finished sleeve. As such, braided sheaths are available in a wide range of diameter sizes, each of which can be uniquely configured by varying the aforementioned manufacturing parameters. Furthermore, a braided sheath can expand to a larger diameter when an object is forced inside its interior cavity 32. For example, a braided sheath with a one-inch diameter can expand to two, three, or more inches in diameter, depending on the manufacturing parameters mentioned above. In some embodiments, when a sheath is expanded over an object, the sheath's elastic properties also cause it to apply an inward radial force on the object as the wall of the sheath attempts to return to its original diameter. In some embodiments, a sheath is arranged to retain an item, such as a golf ball, within the sheath as the retrieval device 20 is moved.
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises any suitable braided sleeve configuration that is arranged to engage and retain an item, such as a golf ball. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 is sized to expand over an object and apply sufficient inward radial force to retain the object inside the cavity 32 defined by its tubular wall.
In some embodiments, a dimension of the first portion 30 in an at-rest condition is less than a dimension of an object to be retrieved, such as a golf ball. Desirably, the first portion 30 is capable of expanding its dimension to be greater than the dimension of the object being retrieved. In some embodiments, a diameter of the first portion 30 in an at-rest condition is less than a diameter of an object to be retrieved, such as a golf ball. Desirably, the first portion 30 is capable of expanding its diameter to be greater than the diameter of the object being retrieved.
In some embodiments, an object to be retrieved comprises a golf ball. In some embodiments, a golf ball comprises a diameter of 1.68 inches.
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a tubular shape having a nominal diameter of 1.5 inches or less in an at-rest orientation. In some embodiments, the tubular shape is expandable to an inner diameter greater than 1.68 inches, to accommodate a standard size golf ball. In some embodiments, a length of the first portion 30 is approximately 3 inches in an at-rest orientation.
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a length:diameter ratio ranging from 1.5:1 to 6.2:1 in an at-rest orientation. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a length:diameter ratio ranging from 1.75:1 to 3:1 in an at-rest orientation. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a length:diameter ratio of 2:1 in an at-rest orientation.
In various embodiments, a ball retrieval device 20 can be arranged to retrieve objects of any suitable size. In some embodiments, an object is smaller than a golf ball, such as a marble. In some embodiments, an object is larger than a golf ball, such as a racquet ball. In some embodiments, an object comprises a soccer ball, a basketball, etc. Desirably, the first portion 30 is sized appropriately to engage the object(s) being retrieved.
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a treated end portion 36 to prevent fraying. In some embodiments, a treated end portion comprises a sealed end portion 36, for example where individual fibers of the first portion 30 are fused to one another. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 can be cut to length using a hot knife. The blade of the hot knife is heated to a sufficient temperature that allows the blade to melt through the material as the cut is made. The melting action fuses the cut ends of the plastic strands together such that they remain in their braided configuration and do not fray. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that there are other methods for preventing fraying such as sealers, glues, and other methods. Any suitable method for preventing fraying can be used.
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a first treated end portion 36 and a second treated end portion 38. In some embodiments, the first portion comprises a first sealed end and a second sealed end.
In some embodiments, the second portion 40 comprises an attachment mechanism arranged to engage another object, such as a reaching device, such as a handle of a golf club. In some embodiments, the second portion 40 is adjustable in size and capable of retaining a plurality of orientations of different size. In some embodiments, the second portion 40 comprises a flexible strap 42. In some embodiments, a strap 42 comprises a hook and loop fastener allowing the strap 42 to engage itself and/or another object. In some embodiments, a strap 42 comprises a first location comprising one part of a hook and loop fastener (e.g. a plurality of hooks) and a second location comprising the complimentary part (e.g. a plurality of loops). In some embodiments, a strap 42 comprises a first side 44 comprising one part of a hook and loop fastener (e.g. a plurality of hooks) and a second side 46 comprising the complimentary part (e.g. a plurality of loops). When the strap 42 is wrapped back onto itself, the hook and loop surfaces meet and become removably attached to each other. In some embodiments, the strap 42 comprises a Velcro material. In some embodiments, the strap 42 is arranged to surround the first portion 30. In some embodiments, a length of the strap 42 is greater than a diameter of the first portion 30, and a second end portion of the strap 42 is arranged to overlap a first end portion.
In some embodiments, the strap 42 can be of any width that allows sufficient engagement of the ball retrieval device 20 with an object such as a reaching device. In some embodiments, the strap 42 can be of any suitable length sufficient to surround and engage a reaching device. In some embodiments, a strap 42 can be cut from a bulk supply roll and has sufficient length to enable engagement of the first portion 30 around the circumference of a reaching device.
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a first segment 31 and a second segment 33. In some embodiments, the second portion 40 surrounds the second segment 33. In some embodiments, the second portion 40 prevents expansion of the second segment 33 of the first portion 30. In some embodiments, the first segment 31 of the first portion 30 comprises a sufficient length extending outward from the second portion 40 to allow the first segment 31 to sufficiently expand and surround an object, such as a golf ball. In some embodiments, the first segment 31 comprises a length:diameter ratio ranging from 1:1 to 6:1 in an at-rest orientation. In some embodiments, the first segment 31 comprises a length:diameter ratio ranging from 1.25:1 to 3:1 in an at-rest orientation. In some embodiments, the first segment 31 comprises a length:diameter ratio of 1.5:1 in an at-rest orientation.
In some embodiments, the second portion 40 comprises any suitable mechanism for engaging an object such as a reaching device. For example, a cinch, clamp, drawstring, elastic, or any other suitable mechanism can be used. In some embodiments, the second portion 40 can comprise a permanent or semi-permanent attachment mechanism by way of welding, gluing, molding, or other suitable method.
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 is attached to the second portion 40. Any suitable method of attaching the first portion 30 to the second portion 40 can be used.
In some embodiments, the retrieval device 20 comprises a fastener 50 arranged to attach the second portion 40 to the first portion 30. Any suitable type of fastener 50 can be used. In some embodiments, a fastener 50 comprises a first portion 54 attached to a second portion 56. In some embodiments, the first portion 54 comprises a surface arranged to contact a strap 42 and the second portion 56 comprises a surface arranged to contact the first portion 30.
Any other suitable method of attaching the first portion 30 to the second portion 40 can be used. For example, screw fasteners, bolt and nut, welding, friction welding, ultrasonic welding, melt and resolidify, gluing and other adhesives, sewing, or any other suitable attachment method can be used.
A retrieval device 20 can be used with any suitable type of reaching device.
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 may narrow at an open end 35 depending on the elastic properties of the first portion 30 and the relative size of the reaching device 70. This feature, as shown in
In some embodiments, a ball 7 can be removed from the cavity 32 by applying an inward force to the first portion 30, for example by squeezing the first portion 30 at a location between the first diameter 62 and the second portion 40.
In some embodiments, a first ball can be retrieved and oriented within the first portion 30 of the retrieval device 20. Without removing the first ball, a second ball can be retrieved and oriented within the first portion 30. As the second ball enters the first portion 30, the first ball can be pushed farther down the length of the first portion 30, past the second portion 40, through the aperture and into the inner chamber of the ball carrying device 74. Additional balls can be retrieved until the inner chamber is full.
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a first sealed end 36 wherein the material comprising the first portion 30 is treated to prevent fraying. In some embodiments, the filaments 47 that comprise the first portion 30 are fixedly attached to one another at the first sealed end 36 using any suitable method. In some embodiments, adjacent filaments are attached using an adhesive. In some embodiments, adjacent filaments 47 are melted and thereby fused together. In some embodiments, the first filaments 48 and the second filaments 58 are attached to one another at the first sealed end 36. In some embodiments, each first filament 48 is attached to at least one second filament 58 at the first sealed end 36. In some embodiments, each second filament 58 is attached to at least one first filament 48 at the first sealed end 36. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a second sealed end 38 having features similar to the first sealed end 36. In some embodiments, each filament 47 located at a sealed end of the first portion 30 is fused to at least one other filament 47 at the sealed end. It should be noted that a “sealed end” as used herein does not mean that the entrance to the cavity 32 is closed—a “sealed end” means that the end portion of the tubular sidewall of the first portion 30 has been treated to prevent fraying or other disintegration of the first portion 30.
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a tubular sidewall comprising at least one aperture 52. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a tubular sidewall comprising a plurality of apertures 52. In some embodiments, an aperture 52 provides fluid communication between the cavity 32 of the first portion 30 and the environment outside of the first portion 30. In some embodiments, an aperture 52 prevents a vacuum from forming between a ball and the cavity 32, allowing a user to more easily remove a ball from the cavity 32. In some embodiments, an aperture 52 is located near the second portion 40. In some embodiments, an aperture 52 comprises airspace located between adjacent filaments 47.
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a tubular sidewall comprising a plurality of strands, wherein each strand comprises a plurality of filaments 47. In some embodiments, the filaments 47 within a strand generally extend parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the plurality of strands are arranged in a weave pattern similar to the weave pattern of filaments 47, 48, 58 shown in
In various embodiments, the filaments 47 comprise any suitable material. In some embodiments, filaments 47 comprise metal. In some embodiments, filaments 47 comprise one or more polymers. In some embodiments, the filaments 47 comprise a non-elastomeric material. In some embodiments, filaments 47 comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a material having a relatively low frictional coefficient, which can help prevent a ball from frictionally engaging the first portion 30 and make it easier to remove a ball from the cavity 32. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a material having a frictional coefficient that is less than a frictional coefficient of rubber and/or elastomeric materials. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a material having a frictional coefficient of 0.5 or less. In some embodiments, the first portion 30 comprises a material having a frictional coefficient of 0.3 or less.
In some embodiments, the second portion 40 comprises a buckle 43. In some embodiments, a strap 42 is attached to the buckle 43 at a first location 61 and extends around the first portion 30. In some embodiments, the strap 42 engages the buckle 43 at a second location 63. In some embodiments, the strap 42 wraps back onto itself. In some embodiments, the strap 42 comprises a hook and loop fastener. In some embodiments, a side of the strap 42 comprises a first portion comprising one part of a hook and loop fastener (e.g. a plurality of hooks) and a second portion comprising the complimentary part (e.g. a plurality of loops).
In some embodiments, the first portion 30 consists of a plurality of filaments 47.
In some embodiments, the second portion 40 consists of a strap.
In some embodiments, a device for retrieving an object comprises a cylindrical, expandable mesh structure with an initial diameter. In some embodiments, the initial diameter is smaller than a diameter of the object to be retrieved. In some embodiments, when the object is positioned within the mesh, the mesh has sufficient retention force to keep the object positioned within the mesh.
In some embodiments, at least one end of the mesh is configured to prevent the mesh from fraying, for example comprising a treated end portion. In some embodiments, an end of the mesh is melted together to prevent fraying
In some embodiments, the device comprises a strap connected to one end of the mesh in one location.
In some embodiments, the device comprises a reaching device, wherein the strap is configured to connect the mesh to an end of the reaching device. In some embodiments, the mesh is removably attached to the reaching device. In some embodiments, the mesh is permanently attached to the reaching device. In some embodiments, the reaching device is a golf club and the object is a golf ball. In some embodiments, a reaching device comprises a hollow chamber, connected at one end to an end of the mesh, wherein the hollow chamber is sized to hold more than one object.
In some embodiments, the mesh has a length that permits it to hold more than one object.
In some embodiments, a device for retrieving a golf ball comprises a cylindrical mesh structure with an initial diameter and two ends, wherein the initial diameter is smaller than the diameter of a golf ball. A golf club with two ends, with a handle at one end, wherein one end of the golf club is removably attached to the mesh, and wherein the mesh has a retention force sufficient to hold the golf ball.
In some embodiments, the two ends of the mesh are configured to prevent fraying. In some embodiments, a portion of the mesh at the two ends of the mesh are melted together.
In some embodiments, the device comprises a strap, the strap attached to the mesh at one location, wherein the strap is used to removably attach the mesh to the golf club. In some embodiments, the mesh is attached to the handle.
In some embodiments, a method for retrieving a golf ball comprises attaching a golf ball retriever to a handle of a golf club, the golf ball retriever comprising a cylindrical, expandable mesh structure with an initial diameter and a first and second end, and a strap connected to the first end of the mesh, wherein the initial diameter of the mesh is smaller than the diameter of a golf ball and wherein, when the golf ball is positioned within the mesh, the mesh has sufficient retention force to keep the golf ball positioned within the mesh, by positioning the first end of the mesh over the handle of a golf club and removably attaching the mesh to the handle with the strap. The method comprises positioning the second end of the mesh over the golf ball and applying pressure to the mesh to force the second end of the mesh over the golf ball. In some embodiments, the method further comprises removing the golf ball from the mesh by applying pressure to the mesh between the first end of the mesh and the golf ball.
The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this field of art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the claims.
Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. For instance, for purposes of claim publication, any dependent claim which follows should be taken as alternatively written in a multiple dependent form from all prior claims which possess all antecedents referenced in such dependent claim if such multiple dependent format is an accepted format within the jurisdiction (e.g. each claim depending directly from claim 1 should be alternatively taken as depending from all previous claims). In jurisdictions where multiple dependent claim formats are restricted, the following dependent claims should each be also taken as alternatively written in each singly dependent claim format which creates a dependency from a prior antecedent-possessing claim other than the specific claim listed in such dependent claim below.
This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.
This application claims the benefit of US Patent Application No. 63/342,940, filed May 17, 2022, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63342940 | May 2022 | US |
