Golf ball retriever attachment

Abstract

A golf ball retriever, for use with a golf club, includes a generally spherical catcher member including a plurality of claws extending integrally from a base member and defining therebetween a first internal recess configured to hold a golf ball, wherein each of the claws include a tip portion curved inwardly toward the first internal recess. The tip portions define an opening for receiving a golf ball therethrough. A fastener extends from the internal recess and through the base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching the base member directly to the golf club.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to golf accessories, and more particularly to an attachment which can be mounted on a golf club to retrieve or pick-up a golf ball.

In golf, it is common to lose golf balls to hard-to-reach places, such as water hazards, behind or under the bushes, etc. In addition, a golf ball often ends up in a sand trap and, of course, in the cup on the green at the end of playing a hole. Accordingly, it becomes necessary for the golfer to bend down to retrieve the ball from the cup, or to make a difficult maneuver to retrieve the ball from a water hazard or through the bushes.

The prior art solutions vary from providing a collapsible rod having a grappling device (U.S. Pat. No. 1,723,091) to a golf ball catching device that can be removably slipped onto the grip of a putter for retrieving the ball. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the latter device includes a base 1 with a recess 2 for receiving the grip on the top portion of the putter shaft, and an integral round cup 3 is provided to pick-up the golf ball.

The device disclosed in FIGS. 1-2, was a very popular item at one time when all putters had a grip on the putter shaft that was round with one fixed dimension of about ⅞″. However, the grips on the modern putters vary in size and shape. Therefore, the golf ball catching device disclosed in FIGS. 1-2 is no longer practical or useful.

A more recent golf ball catching device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,638,177, which includes, inter alia, an adapter 1 for securing on a putter shaft, a chuck 3 for grabbing the golf ball, and a clutch 4 positioned between the adapter and the chuck. This device is complex and difficult to use, particularly on the modern day putters of different size grips. Another golf ball retriever is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,174.

Although conventional devices disclosed in FIGS. 1-2 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,723,091, 5,328,174, and 6,638,177, offer various solutions, they are complex, difficult to use, and require carrying of an entirely separate device adding to the overall number of accessories to be carried by a golfer. Additionally, the prior art devices cannot be simply attached to the grip of a golf club regardless of the shape or size of the grip and cannot be easily removed therefrom without causing some damage to the golf club. Therefore, there is a need in the industry for a golf ball retriever attachment which is simple in construction, easy to use, inexpensive to manufacture, and which can be used in conjunction with any golf club regardless of the shape or size of its grip.

OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball retriever attachment which overcomes the drawbacks associated with conventional devices.

An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball retriever attachment which is simple in design and construction, and can be easily attached to a golf club, such as a putter, chipper or a sand wedge.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball retriever attachment which is light-weight and does not require the use of a separate handle or an elongated shaft or the like component for use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball retriever attachment which can be very simply attached to, or detached from, a golf club by using a conventional mechanical fastener, such as a screw.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball retriever attachment which can be attached to, or detached from the grip of a golf club, regardless of the size or shape of the grip without damaging the grip.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball retriever attachment which is preferably made of rubber and includes a screw-fastener for attaching to a golf club by locking into its grip.

In summary, the main object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball retriever attachment for use with a golf club, which is simple in design and construction, easy to use, inexpensive to manufacture, and which can be used with any size or shape of the grip of a golf club.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a golf ball retriever, for use with a golf club, includes a generally spherical catcher member including a plurality of claws extending integrally from a base member and defining therebetween a first internal recess configured to hold a golf ball, wherein each of the claws include a tip portion curved inwardly toward the first internal recess. The tip portions define an opening for receiving a golf ball therethrough. A fastener extends from the internal recess and through the base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching the base member directly to the golf club.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a golf ball retriever, for use with a golf club, includes a generally spherical molded catcher member including three or more generally C-shaped claws extending integrally from a base member and defining first and second coaxial internal recesses, wherein the claws include a tip portion curved inwardly toward the first internal recess. The tip portions define an opening for receiving a golf ball therethrough. The claws include a spring or weakened portion on the inside thereof adjacent the base member. A mechanical fastener extends from the second internal recess and through the base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching the base member directly to the golf club.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a golf ball retriever, for use with a golf club, includes a generally cup-shaped catcher member including a base member and defining therein a first internal recess configured to hold a golf ball, and a second internal recess adjacent the base member. A fastener extends from the second internal recess and through the base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching the base member directly to the golf club. The catcher member may optionally include a plurality of generally opposed cut-outs.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method of using a golf club as a golf ball retriever, includes providing a golf club having a grip, and a golf ball retriever. The golf ball retriever includes a generally spherical catcher member including a plurality of claws extending integrally from a base member and defining therebetween a first internal recess configured to hold a golf ball, wherein each of the claws include a tip portion curved inwardly toward the first internal recess. The tip portions define an opening for receiving a golf ball therethrough. A fastener extends from the first internal recess and through the base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching the base member directly to the golf club. A sharp end of the fastener is pressed into the center of the top of the grip, and the catcher member is turned while applying a pressure toward the grip. The turning of the catcher member is continued until the base member contacts the grip, and then it is stopped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One of the above and other objects, novel features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s) invention, as illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional golf ball catching device;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the golf ball catching device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a golf ball retriever attachment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the golf ball retriever attachment of FIG. 3, shown ready to be mounted to the shaft of a golf club;

FIG. 5 is a slightly enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the golf ball retriever attachment of FIG. 4, shown mounted on top of a golf club;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the golf ball retriever attachment of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 illustrates the golf ball retriever attachment of the present invention, showing the claws slightly flexed outwardly to receive a golf ball;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, showing the claws fully flexed outwardly and the golf ball fully engaged;

FIG. 9 is bottom perspective view of a second embodiment of the golf ball retriever attachment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the golf ball retriever attachment of FIG. 9, shown with a golf ball;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the golf ball retriever attachment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a third embodiment of the golf retriever attachment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the golf ball retriever attachment of FIG. 12, shown with a golf ball;

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the golf ball retriever attachment of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 illustrates the golf ball retriever attachment of the present invention, shown in use by a golfer.

It is noted herewith that like parts or components have been designated by the same reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the golf ball retriever attachment GBR is in the form of a generally spherical catcher member 10, preferably including four generally C-shaped claws 12 extending outwardly from a base member 14. Preferably, the claws 12 extend at 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, about the spherical catcher member 10 (FIG. 6), and define a first internal recess 16 (FIG. 5). Each claw 12 includes a tip portion 18 that together define an opening 20 for receiving a golf ball GB therethrough to be held within the first internal recess 16 (FIGS. 4-5 and 7-8).

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a second internal recess 26 is in coaxial alignment with the first internal recess 16, and is provided adjacent the base member 14. The second internal recess 26 is generally frustoconical in shape including a base surface 28 and a flared or angled perimeter surface 30. As best shown in FIG. 6, one or more of the claws 12 include an internal, somewhat thinner, weakened portion 32, which functions as a spring and allows the claws to flex outwardly when a golf ball is being inserted through the opening 20, and to return to its initial unflexed position. In order to further aid in holding the golf ball GB in the internal recess 16, the weakened portion 32 includes a contact or abutment member 34. A conventional mechanical fastener, such as a screw 36, extends through a hole 38 in the base member 14, in a manner that the screw-threaded shank portion 40 thereof extends to be received into the top portion of a golf club GC through a hole 42 in the grip GP thereof (FIGS. 3-5).

Preferably, the golf ball retriever attachment GBR is made or integrally molded from a durable rubber, plastic, or the like material, that expands and contracts to original or initial shape or size. In order to mount the golf ball retriever attachment GBR to a golf club, such as a putter, chipper, or a sand wedge, etc., the shank 40 of the screw 36 is pressed through the hole 42 in the grip GP and gently turned clockwise until the base member 14 contacts the grip GP. In this manner, the golf ball retriever attachment GBR is mounted directly to the golf club GC, and can be used to pick up or retrieve a golf ball GB by simply aligning the catcher member 10 over the golf ball GB (FIG. 15) and pressing thereover such that the claws 12 flex outwardly thereby allowing the golf ball GB to come within the internal recess 16 through the opening 20 (FIGS. 7-8). As described above, the spring action of the weakened portions 32 helps retain the golf ball GB within the first internal recess 16.

In order to remove the golf ball retriever attachment GBR from the golf club GC, the catcher member 10 is simply slowly turned in a counter-clockwise direction until the shank portion 40 of the screw 36 is completely withdrawn from the grip GP.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a second embodiment of the golf ball retriever attachment GBR2, which includes a generally cup-shaped catcher member 17 with a base member 19. The catcher member 17 defines a first internal recess 21 for holding the golf ball GB and a second coaxially aligned internal recess 22 (FIG. 10) for accommodating the screw 36. A radially extending bead 23 encircles the opening 24 of the catcher member 17 (FIG. 9) to help retain the golf ball within the first internal recess 21 (FIG. 10).

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate a third embodiment of the golf ball retriever attachment GBR3, which is similar to the second embodiment GBR2 shown in FIGS. 9-11, with the exception that preferably two generally diametrically opposed and inverted U-shaped cut-outs 25 are provided in the catcher member 17. The cut-outs 25 further add flexibility to the catcher member 17 when retrieving the golf ball GB. It is noted herewith that the number, shape, configuration, and/or locations of the cut-outs may be varied, as desired. In addition, other structure or component may be used to add flexibility to the catcher member 17. For example, slits may be substituted for the cut-outs 25.

Like the first embodiment, the golf ball retriever attachments GBR2 and GBR3, shown in FIGS. 9-14, are also preferably made or molded from a durable rubber or plastic material, and can be mounted to a golf club GC, or removed therefrom, in the same manner as the first embodiment of the golf ball retriever attachment GBR, shown in FIGS. 3-8 and 15, and described above.

As can be observed from the above, the golf ball retriever attachment of the invention can be mounted to any golf club and helps the golfer pick up, or retrieve the golf ball GB from the cup or difficult-to-reach places, without having to bend down. It can be observed further from the above that the golf ball attachment of the invention can be attached to the grip of any size or shape of any golf club, simply by using a screw-fastener, which is designed to fit any golf club. Should it become necessary or desirable to change the grip, the screw-fastener is simply unscrewed to remove the old grip, and screwed back into the hole of the new grip.

While this invention has been described as having preferred sequences, ranges, steps, materials, structures, features, components, or designs, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the invention following in general the principle of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as those come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention and of the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. In combination with a golf club, a golf ball retriever, comprising: a) a generally spherical catcher member including a plurality of claws extending integrally from a base member and defining therebetween a first internal recess configured to hold a golf ball; b) each of said claws including a tip portion curved inwardly toward said first internal recess; c) said tip portions defining an opening for receiving a golf ball therethrough; and d) a fastener extending from said internal recess and through said base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching said base member directly to the golf club.

2. The golf ball retriever of claim 1, further comprising: a) a second internal recess adjacent said base member for accommodating a portion of said fastener.

3. The golf ball retriever of claim 2, wherein: a) said second internal recess is smaller in diameter than said first internal recess.

4. The golf ball retriever of claim 2, wherein: a) said second internal recess is generally frustoconical in cross-section.

5. The golf ball retriever of claim 1, wherein: a) at least one of said claws includes a spring portion on the inside thereof adjacent said base member.

6. The golf ball retriever of claim 1, wherein: a) each of said claws is generally C-shaped.

7. The golf ball retriever of claim 6, wherein: a) said catcher member is molded from a rubber material.

8. The golf ball retriever of claim 6, wherein: a) four of said claws extend from said base member and are equilaterally spaced from each other.

9. In combination with a golf club, a golf ball retriever, comprising: a) a generally spherical molded catcher member including at least three generally C-shaped claws extending integrally from a base member and defining first and second generally coaxial internal recesses; b) each of said claws including a tip portion curved inwardly toward said first internal recess; c) said tip portions defining an opening for receiving a golf ball therethrough; d) said claws including a spring portion on the inside thereof adjacent said base member; and e) a mechanical fastener extending from said second internal recess and through said base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching said base member directly to the golf club.

10. The golf ball retriever of claim 9, wherein: a) said second internal recess is smaller in diameter than said first internal recess.

11. The golf ball retriever of claim 9, wherein: a) said second recess is generally frustoconical in cross-section.

12. The golf ball retriever of claim 9, wherein: a) said catcher member is molded from a rubber material.

13. The golf ball retriever of claim 12, wherein: a) said claws are equilaterally spaced from each other.

14. The golf ball retriever of claim 12, wherein: a) the golf club comprises a putter.

15. In combination with a golf club, a golf ball retriever, comprising: a) a generally cup-shaped catcher member including a base member and defining therein a first internal recess configured to hold a golf ball; b) a second internal recess adjacent said base member; and c) a fastener extending from said second internal recess and through said base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching said base member directly to the golf club.

16. The golf ball retriever of claim 15, wherein: a) said catcher member includes a plurality of cut-outs.

17. The golf ball retriever of claim 16, wherein: a) said cut-outs are generally inverted U-shaped.

18. The golf ball retriever of claim 16, wherein: a) said second internal recess is smaller in diameter than said first internal recess and is generally coaxial therewith.

19. The golf ball retriever of claim 18, wherein: a) said catcher member is molded from a rubber material.

20. A method of using a golf club as a golf ball retriever, comprising: a. providing a golf club having a grip; b. providing a golf ball retriever; c. said golf ball retriever, comprising: i) a generally spherical catcher member including a plurality of claws extending integrally from a base member and defining therebetween a first internal recess configured to hold a golf ball; ii) each of the claws including a tip portion curved inwardly toward the first internal recess; iii) the tip portions defining an opening for receiving a golf ball therethrough; and iv) a fastener extending from the internal recess and through the base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching the base member directly to the golf club; d. pressing a sharp end of the fastener into the center of the top of the grip; e. turning the catcher member while applying a pressure toward the grip; f. continue turning of the catcher member until the base member contacts the grip; and g. stop turning of the catcher member.