Abstract:
A method for retrieving a golf ball employs a gripper with a magnetic coupling. The coupling has a cavity containing a magnet. The magnet has a field strength adequate to hold onto a vertical surface of an unmagnetized metal object while a golf ball is held in the gripper. The magnetic coupling is magnetically attached a non-magnetized head of a golf club. In operation, downward force is applied through the golf club to depress the magnetic coupling in order to encompass and grip the golf ball with the gripper. The head of the club is lifted and the golf ball removed from the gripper. The device can be stored by clipping it to an object.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to golf ball retrieval, and in particular, to magnetic attachment of devices onto a golf club. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     In the game of golf, a golfer often has to retrieve a golf ball from a playing surface or from a putting cup. This requires the golfer to bend from the waist with hand outstretched. Since back problems are common in the general population, regularly bending over to retrieve a golf ball can cause discomfort, pain, or even injury to the lower back. Problems can arise with the shoulder as well. These problems are often worse for elderly or handicapped golfers who may actually be unable to bend over sufficiently to retrieve a golf ball. Even a golfer without physical limitations can become fatigued toward the end of a round of golf and may find bending over for ball retrieval tedious. 
     Some golfers will carry a pole with a scoop on the distal end for retrieving a golf ball. In some cases, these ball retrievers are designed to retrieve a ball that has fallen into a water trap. However, carrying a pole dedicated to retrieving golf balls adds to the overall weight of a golf bag packed with clubs, balls and various other accessories. 
     Known devices are designed to be attached to a golf club where they can be used for retrieving a golf ball. Some of these devices require modification of the golf club to accomplish the attachment of the ball retriever. However, golfers are very reluctant to modify their golf clubs for fear of impairing the club performance due to weight imbalance, induced vibrations, etc. Moreover, fine golf clubs are very carefully crafted and would not be supplied with non-critical features simply to accommodate attachment of subsidiary accessories. 
     See also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,401,970; 3,669,427; 3,749,407; 5,460,366; 5,690,558; and 5,829,806, as well as US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2007/0049396; 2008/0261714; and 2011/0053701. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the illustrative embodiments demonstrating features and advantages of the present invention, there is provided a method for retrieving a golf ball, employing a gripper with a magnetic coupling. The method includes the step of magnetically attaching the magnetic coupling to a non-magnetized head of a golf club. The method also includes the step of applying a downward force through the golf club to depress the magnetic coupling in order to encompass and grip the golf ball with the gripper. Also included is the step of lifting the head of the club and removing the golf ball from the gripper. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a golf ball retriever including a coupling and a gripper for holding a golf ball. The coupling is attached to the gripper and has a cavity containing a magnet. The magnet has a field strength adequate to hold onto a vertical surface of an unmagnetized metal object with the gripper holding a golf ball therein. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for retrieving a golf ball. The method employs a gripper with a magnetic coupling. The method includes the step of inverting a golf club with the underside of its head oriented up. The method also includes the step of magnetically attaching the magnetic coupling on the underside of the head of the golf club by placing the magnetic coupling against a portion of the head that is a non-magnetized, ferromagnetic metal. Also included is the step of reorienting the golf club and applying a downward force through the golf club to depress the magnetic coupling and deform at least a portion of the gripper in order to encompass and grip the golf ball with the gripper. The method includes the step of lifting the head of the club and removing the golf ball from the gripper. The method also includes the step of removing the magnetic coupling from the head of the golf club. Also included is the step of storing the magnetic coupling and the gripper by clipping one of them to an object. 
     By employing methods and apparatus of the foregoing type, an improved technique for retrieving golf balls is achieved. In a disclosed embodiment a magnetic coupling supports a gripper. The field strength of the magnet is sufficient to hold the gripper on the head of an ordinary golf club. The disclosed magnet will not be readily dislodged from the club head when the gripper has seized and then lifted a golf ball. 
     In one embodiment the magnetic coupling is a cylindrical collar that holds a magnetic disk flush with the distal end of the collar. The proximal end of the collar provides a cavity for holding the stem of a disclosed gripper. A clip is tethered on an eyelet formed on this collar and can be used to clip the device to an article of clothing or a golf bag. 
     A variety of grippers are disclosed. One gripper has a pair of trapezoidal loops crowned with semicylindrical stubs (or other prongs) that can be joined together and inserted into the previously mentioned collar of the magnetic coupling. Another gripper has a pair of U-shaped elements that are joined together at their bases and fitted with stretchable elements that are strung through tips of the elements. Yet another gripper has an opposing pair of shells that can be spread apart in order to clamp around a golf ball. Another gripper is cup-shaped and a stretchable element strung through its rim is used to hold a golf ball. 
     Still yet another gripper has a stool-like configuration with a trio of springy legs that are urged together by a stretchable element that is strung through the tips of the legs. The golf ball can be held between the legs, which have on their tips inwardly directed lips for capturing the ball. 
     Another gripper has a pair of opposing plates with lips that turn inwardly to grip a golf ball. The ball is further captured between these plates by an opposing pair of stops lying on a plane between the plates. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above brief description as well as other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a golf ball retriever exemplifying apparatus and methods in accordance with principles of present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the retriever of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded of a retriever that is an alternate to that of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the retriever of  FIG. 1  attached to the head of golf club and in the process of retrieving a golf ball; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevational view of the retriever of  FIG. 1  with its magnetic coupling attached to a vertical surface of a metal object; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a golf ball retriever that is an alternate to that of  FIGS. 1 and 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a golf ball retriever that is an alternate to that of  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a golf ball retriever that is an alternate to that shown in the foregoing Figures; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a golf ball retriever that is an alternate to that shown in the foregoing Figures; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a golf ball retriever that is an alternate to that shown in the foregoing Figures; and 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a golf ball retriever that is an alternate to that shown in the foregoing Figures. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2  a golf ball retriever is shown with a magnetic coupling  10  attached at the joint between trapezoidal loops  12 A and  12 B of gripper  12 . Loops  12 A and  12 B each have four integral branches, namely, a distal transverse branch that connects through two converging side branches to a transverse proximal branch. Loops  12 A and  12 B may be made of injection molded plastic, although in other embodiments they may be made of metal, wire coated with an elastomer, etc. 
     Mounted on the proximal branch of loops  12 A and  12 B are semicylindrical stubs  14 A and  14 B, respectively. Stubs  14 A and  14 B can be joined together to form a cylindrical stem that is inserted into cylindrical collar  10 A and secured in place by glue, heat sealing, crimping, pinning, or other fastening means. Stem  14 A/ 14 B does not fill collar  10 A completely but leaves open a cavity for receiving magnet  16 , which can be secured by gluing or other fastening means. Collar  10 A is metallic (e.g. steel) in this embodiment although other embodiments may use different materials such as plastic. 
     Eyelet  10 B is shown as a tab that projects radially from the side of collar  10 A. Tether  18  is shown as a cord that loops through eyelet  10 B and is crimped into a proximal tubular socket in alligator clip  20 , whose jaws are shown gripping an object  22 . 
     In this embodiment the branches of loops  12 A and  12 B have a diameter of 5/32 inch (4 mm) and form an inside perimeter that is sized to grip a golf ball. The disclosed inside perimeter is 1 9/16 inches (4 cm) wide at the distal end and 1⅛ inches (2.9 cm) wide at the proximal end, while the inside distance from the proximal to distal end is 1 11/16 inches (4.3 cm). Loops  12 A and  12 B lie in diverging planes and have a 1 inch (2.5 cm) separation at their distal ends. It will be understood that the foregoing dimensions are exemplary and that different dimensions can be used in other embodiments. Also, in some embodiments, loops  12 A and  12 B may have a different configuration and may have an outline that is circular, oval, triangular, polygonal etc. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an alternate gripper is formed of trapezoidal loops  24 A and  24 B, which are the same as the previously mentioned gripper  12 , except for the configuration of the proximal branch of the loops. The center of the proximal branch of loop  24 A has a pair of ends  26 A and  28 A that turn away and form a pair of contiguous parallel stubs. Likewise, the proximal branch of loop  24 B has a pair of ends  26 B and  28 B that also turn away and form a pair of contiguous parallel stubs. The stubs  26 A,  28 A,  26 B and  28 B are brought together to form a stem that is fastened inside previously mentioned collar  10 A. 
     To facilitate an understanding of the principles associated with the foregoing apparatus, the operation of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-2  will be briefly described in connection with the diagrams of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The operation of the embodiment of  FIG. 3  is essentially the same. In  FIG. 4  golf club  30  has a head  32  arranged to act as an iron, although putters or other clubs that have a head formed with a ferromagnetic metal can be used as well. 
     The club will be initially inverted with the underside of head  32  facing up. The golfer will then place magnetic coupling  10  against the underside of head  32  so that magnet  16  will magnetically attach to head  32  and support gripper  12 . The golfer can then bring head  32  down and position loops  12 A and  12 B of gripper  12  to partially straddle golf ball B, lying on the ground, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The golfer will then apply a downward force through golf club  30  and coupling  10 , causing gripper  12  to deform so that loops  12 A and  12 B can encompass golf ball B as shown in  FIG. 1 . Next, the golfer will lift club  30  to bring golf ball B within reach. 
     Magnet  16  has a field strength sufficiently strong to hold magnetic coupling  10  on head  32  throughout this process. For example,  FIG. 5  shows club head  32  (an unmagnetized metal object) being lifted and its underside forming a vertical surface. In this position, the weight and any acceleration forces of ball B and gripper  12  will apply a vertical force and angular moment at the joint between coupling  10  and club head  32 . Head  32  is not modified to produce its own magnetic field to enhance the properties of magnetic coupling  10 . Head  32  may simply be a non-magnetized material with ferromagnetic properties that allows magnet  16  to be strongly attracted and attached to head  32  (e.g., a metal object such as steel or other material with properties that allow magnetic attraction). 
     Once head  32  and gripper  12  are lifted, the golfer can then pull ball B out from between loops  12 A and  12 B of gripper  12 . Around this time (before, after, or contemporaneously), gripper  12  will be manually grasped and pulled to remove magnetic coupling  10  from head  32 . 
     The device of  FIG. 1  (without golf ball B) can now be stored using clip  20 . Specifically, clip  20  is shown in  FIG. 1  attached to object  22 . Object  22  may be an article of clothing worn by the golfer. For example, clip  20  may be attached to a shirt, a belt, pants etc. Alternatively, clip  20  may be attached to a golf bag (not shown) being used by the golfer. Consequently, gripper  12  will be readily available when needed and can be retrieved simply by releasing clip  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the illustrated ball retriever is an alternate to that of  FIG. 1 . Components corresponding to those of  FIG. 1  have the same reference numeral but increased by 100. Magnetic coupling  110  is a cylindrical collar holding a magnet  116  with a field strength similar to that previously described. Collar  110  also has an eyelet  110 B for tethering a clip as described before. 
     Gripper  112  has a pair of U-shaped elements  112 A and  112 B each lying on planes that diverge relative to coupling  110 . The proximal edges of elements  112 A and  112 B each have semicylindrical stubs designed to fit inside collar  110  in a manner similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, elements  112 A and  112 B may have proximally projecting pads that can be fastened together by a screw or other means. 
     The right and left tips of element  112 A each have a hole  135 A. The right and left tips of element  112 B each have a hole  135 B. Extension spring  134  has on either end, hooks  134 A that hook into holes  135 A and  135 B on the left tips of elements  112 A and  112 B. Likewise, extension spring  136  has on either end, hooks  136 A that hook into holes  135 A and  135 B on the right tips of elements  112 A and  112 B. 
     The device of  FIG. 6  can be used in a manner similar to that previously described for the device of  FIG. 1 . Specifically, with magnetic coupling  110  attached to the underside of the head of the golf club, elements  112 A and  112 B can be pressed down to deform slightly, stretch springs  134  and  136 , and encompass a golf ball. In particular, the golf ball will rest upon springs  134  and  136  and cause them to bow slightly outward. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the illustrated ball retriever is an alternate to that of  FIG. 6 . Components corresponding to those of  FIG. 6  have the same reference numeral but increased by 100. Magnetic coupling  210  is a cylindrical collar holding a magnet  216  with a field strength similar to that previously described. Collar  210  also has an eyelet  210 B for tethering a clip as shown before. Gripper  212  has a pair of U-shaped elements  212 A and  212 B each lying on planes that diverge relative to coupling  210 . The proximal edges of elements  212 A and  212 B can be connected to collar  110  in the manner described before in connection with  FIG. 6 . 
     The right and left tips of element  212 A each have a keyhole-type of aperture with a hole  235 A opening into slot  238 A. The right and left tips of element  212 B each have a keyhole-type of aperture with a hole  235 B opening into slot  238 B. Elastic cord  240  is strung through the four holes  235 A and  235 B to act as a stretchable element tending to pull elements  212 A and  212 B together. 
     The device of  FIG. 7  can be used in a manner similar to that previously described for the device of  FIG. 6 . Specifically, with magnetic coupling  210  attached to the underside of the head of the golf club, elements  212 A and  212 B can be pressed down to deform slightly, stretch cord  240 , and encompass a golf ball. In particular, the golf ball will rest upon cord  240  and cause it to bow slightly outward. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the illustrated ball retriever is an alternate to that of  FIG. 1 . Components corresponding to those of  FIG. 1  have the same reference numeral but increased by 300. Gripper  312  has a transverse plate  342  that is integral with an opposing pair of parallel plates  312 A and  312 B. The distal ends of plates  312 A and  312 B terminate in in-turned lips  344 A and  344 B, respectively. A pair of stops  346  (only one visible in this view) depend from opposite edges of plate  342  and intersect a plane parallel to and equidistant from plates  312 A and  312 B. 
     Magnetic coupling  310  is a cylindrical collar attached to plate  342 . Collar  310  holds a magnet  316  with a field strength similar to that previously described. 
     The device of  FIG. 8  can be used in a manner similar to that previously described for the device of  FIG. 1 . Specifically, with magnetic coupling  310  attached to the underside of the head of the golf club, lips  344 A and  344 B can be pressed down to spread plates  312 A and  312 B, so that they encompass a golf ball. In particular, the golf ball will rest upon lips  344 A and  344 B. Stops  346  will prevent the ball from escaping in a direction parallel to plates  312 A and  312 B. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the illustrated ball retriever is an alternate to that of  FIG. 8 . Components corresponding to those of  FIG. 8  have the same reference numeral but increased by 100. Gripper  412  has a transverse plate  442  that is integral with an opposing pair of shells  412 A and  412 B. Shells  412 A and  412 B are cup shaped and each has a rim that is distally depressed to form bevelled distal lips  448 A and  448 B. 
     Magnetic coupling  410  is a cylindrical collar attached to plate  442 . Collar  410  holds a magnet  416  with a field strength similar to that previously described. 
     The device of  FIG. 9  can be used in a manner similar to that previously described for the device of  FIG. 8 . Specifically, with magnetic coupling  410  attached to the underside of the head of the golf club, bevelled lips  448 A and  448 B can be pressed down to spread shells  412 A and  412 B, so that they encompass a golf ball. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , magnetic coupling  510  is a cylindrical collar attached to cup-shaped member of  550 . Magnetic coupling  510  is similar to that described in  FIG. 1  and holds a magnet  516  having a field strength similar to that previously described. Attached to the rim of member  550  are a trio of equiangularly spaced legs  552 . Legs  552  diverge slightly and have a gutter-like shape, the concave side facing inwardly. The tips of legs  552  each have a distal, inwardly directed lip  554 . 
     Each of the legs  552  have a pair of distal holes  556 . An elastic cord  558  is strung through the holes  556  of the trio of legs  552  to act as a stretchable element. Previously mentioned cord  18  ( FIG. 1 ) is looped around one of the legs  552  to tether previously mentioned clip  20 . Clip  20  will be used as before to secure and hold the illustrated device. 
     The device of  FIG. 10  can be used in a manner similar to that previously described for the device of  FIG. 7 . Specifically, with magnetic coupling  510  attached to the underside of the head of the golf club, lips  554  can be pressed down upon a golf ball (not shown) to spread legs  552 , stretch cord  558 , and encompass a golf ball. In particular, the golf ball will rest upon lips  554  and cord  558 , causing the cord to bow slightly outward. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the illustrated golf ball retriever is in the form of a cup  660  having an inside diameter large enough to encompass a golf ball. The proximal end of cup  660  is closed and has attached on it a magnetic coupling (hidden from view), similar to coupling  10  of  FIG. 1 . The open end of cup  660  has on its rim four keyhole-shaped notches  662 . An elastic cord  664  is strung in a closed loop through notches  662  to act as a stretchable element. 
     The device of  FIG. 11  can be used in a manner similar to that previously described for the device of  FIG. 10 . Specifically, after magnetically attaching cup  660  to the underside of the head of the golf club, cord  664  can be pressed down upon a golf ball (not shown) to stretch cord  664 , which will then encompass and hold a golf ball. In particular, the golf ball will rest upon cord  664 , causing the cord to bow slightly. 
     Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.