Abstract:
A system for retrieving an object, particularly a substantially spherical object such as a golf ball, the system including a handle, a stationary member or loop that is rigidly attached to the handle, a reactive member or loop that is pivotally attached to the stationary member and a tension or compression member for biasing the reactive member substantially perpendicular to the stationary member. The tension/compression member is mounted externally, independent of the handle member and on the stationary member. Additionally, a telescopically extendable pole including a first hollow cylindrical tube and a second cylindrical tube which is telescopically displaceable within the first tube. In another arrangement, a system for selectively locking a set of telescoping tubes at a fixed relative longitudinal position including a series of hand operable, externally mounted, rotational locking collars and a two piece arcuate dimpled spacing mechanism.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and takes priority from co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/728,998, filed on Nov. 21, 2012, incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a device for retrieving an object such as a golf ball. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A variety of devices are known for retrieving golf balls and may include scoops or single loop devices for capturing a golf ball. 
         [0004]    The known golf ball retrievers do not successfully capture and retrieve the golf balls from a variety of different environments. When a golf ball is submerged in water the viscosity of the water tends to push the ball out of the retrieve when lifted out of the water. The known golf ball retrievers also are difficult to assemble or break easily. 
         [0005]    There is a need in the art for a golf ball retriever that has a high rate of success in capturing the ball in a variety of environments while still being easy to assemble and durable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is therefore a primary object of this apparatus to provide a device for retrieving objects such as golf balls that is easily assembled while remaining durable. It is a further object of this overall system is to provide a device for retrieving objects such as golf balls that has a high rate of success in capturing the golf ball in a variety of environments. The subject apparatus results from the realization that the problems retrieving a golf ball from various environments are addressed in a device with a detachable, telescoping handle and two loops interactively attached by a spring capable of retrieving objects. 
         [0007]    The instant system may feature a device possessing the capability of retrieving an object while providing an adjustable, telescoping handle removably attached to a stationary outer loop mechanism, wherein the stationary outer loop mechanism may be attached to the bottom portion of the detachable handle. Attached to the stationary loop are a plurality of detent angled pins to connect the detachable handle to the stationary loop. A reactive loop is pivotally attached to the inside side portions of the stationary loop and a retaining apparatus, force transmission mechanism or biasing device, such as a cylindrical helical spring, torsion band, or torsion bar or any other similar device within the art, may be connected between the internal portions of the stationary and reactive loops. 
         [0008]    The internal portions of the stationary loop and the reactive loop may contain extended areas or lips disposed with receiving apertures for the communication with the biasing element. Such construction exhibits superior mechanical advantage and design qualities as no connection to the system handle mechanism is thus required. Thus, in the case wherein handle failure is exhibited, the handle may be removed and discarded with no prejudice to capabilities of the retrieval system. 
         [0009]    The reactive loop may be disposed to rotate inside the stationary loop in response to the spring. The spring or torsion mechanism is a means for biasing the reactive loop substantially perpendicular to the stationary loop. The loops are disposed to interactively surround the object when positioned substantially perpendicular to each other and thus retain the object securely within the receiving area for removal. 
         [0010]    It is an additional object of the present system to provide a device for retrieving objects such as golf balls having a locking device which is positioned within the interior of first and second telescopically adjustable sections and wherein additional sections may be utilized in the same manner so as to afford the system up to any number of section which the user desires or specifies differing sections. 
         [0011]    Another object of the present device is to provide a device for retrieving objects such as golf balls having a locking device which can be activated by a small relative rotational displacement of the first and second sections to either lock or unlock the two sections to either prevent or permit telescopic displacements of the two sections. The same functionality may also be transferred to any arrangement of additionally configured sections, greater than the two sections illustrated. 
         [0012]    Yet another object of the present system is to provide a device for retrieving objects such as golf balls having a locking device coupled to the end of the smaller diameter section of a pair of telescopic sections and which slides up and down along the interior of the larger diameter section and which can lock the larger and smaller sections together at any desired telescopic position. 
         [0013]    Briefly stated, and in accord with one embodiment of the system, a telescopically extendable pole includes a first hollow cylindrical tube having an inner diameter and a second cylindrical tube having a first end and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first tube to permit telescopic displacements of the second tube within the first tube. Means for selectively locking the first and second tubes together at a fixed relative position include locking members which utilize swaging technology and also a two member locking mechanism comprising dimpled areas to conform or mate with recessions or apertures in the respective shaft surfaces. 
         [0014]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the object retrieval system embodiments in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the apparatus that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
         [0015]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the apparatus in detail, it is to be understood that the apparatus is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The apparatus is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0016]    These together with other objects of the system, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the system, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the system, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the system. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the retrieval system and head portion in its set position, illustrating the inner loop member and outer loop member, 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the retrieval system and head portion in its relaxed position illustrating the differing elements of the system including a handle and a stationary loop. The stationary loop is removably attached to the handle via the handle receiving mechanism. The handle has a plurality of detent angled pins attached to an end of the handle to connect the handle to the stationary loop, 
           [0020]      FIG. 3A-3C  is a perspective view of handle mechanism and the handle receiving mechanism, illustrating the plurality of detent angled pins attached to an end of the handle to connect the handle to the outer or stationary loop, 
           [0021]      FIGS. 4A-4C  are side views of different embodiments of the handle receiving mechanism and spring attachment mechanism of the outer or stationary loop, removed from the outer or stationary loop. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5A and 5B  are side views of the handle receiving mechanism illustrating the depressing retaining members which mate with the apertures of the handle receiving mechanism and spring attachment mechanism of the outer or stationary loop, 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the side plan view of an embodiment of the outer loop and inner loop in a prefabricated form prior to assembly, 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the retaining pins illustrating the extended retaining surface area portion of the pins, 
           [0025]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a view of an internally interlocking embodiment in the unengaged position, with the handle installed, further illustrate the handle installment by a rivet, 
           [0026]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a view of the internally interlocking embodiment in the engaged position, with the handle uninstalled or removed, 
           [0027]      FIG. 8C  comprises an isometric view of the internally interlocking embodiment, with the internally interlocking handle and inner ring removed, 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric view of the retrieval system and head portion in the fully engaged and operational position, 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the numerous features of the telescoping shaft which may be composed of composite materials, polymers, or combinations thereof, including the locking collar as rotational fitted into the individual lengths of shaft, 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of the telescoping composite shaft in the fully retracted position with the externally disposed tapered collar or sleeve stopper mechanisms engaged. These sleeve stopper mechanisms also acts as decorative collars which prevent water entry of the composite shaft, 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  illustrates a side cutaway view of the numerous features of the telescoping shaft which may be composed receiving and retaining system of the telescoping shaft, 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  illustrates a side cutaway view of the externally disposed tapered collar or sleeve stopper mechanisms as disassembled from the shaft in order to illustrate the tapers and tolerancing of the collar mechanisms, 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the telescoping shaft embodiment which utilizes the internally disposed two piece locking mechanisms comprising dimpled location areas in the fully extended position, with cutaway view around the areas comprising the two piece locking mechanisms, 
           [0034]      FIGS. 15  illustrates a side view of the telescoping shaft embodiment which utilizes the internally disposed two piece locking mechanism comprising the two piece arcuate, dimpled space retainers or spacing mechanism, in the fully retracted position, 
           [0035]      FIG. 16  is a partially cutaway perspective view of the telescoping shaft further illustrating the primary positioning elements, the two piece arcuate dimpled spacing mechanism of the locking device of the instant embodiment, 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the external surface of the telescoping shaft further illustrating the primary positioning elements, the two piece arcuate dimpled spacing mechanism of the locking device of the instant embodiment, as located within the shaft, 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of the primary positioning elements, the two piece arcuate dimpled spacing mechanism of the instant embodiment, removed from the shaft and free standing; and, 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  is a rear perspective view of the primary positioning elements, the two piece arcuate dimpled spacing mechanism of the instant embodiment removed from the shaft and free standing and the two competing inserts to create counter tension against one and other, which in turn creates a constant tension arrangement, unlike the prior art which as illustrated utilizes a solid mechanism which cannot create tension. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be construed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of the steps for producing the invention. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention. The instant apparatus and system, as illustrated herein, is clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. Thus the several embodiments of the instant apparatus are illustrated herein. 
         [0040]    The unique characteristic of the present invention is the ability to retrieve objects in a variety of environments and the device being portable by having a detachable, telescoping handle, and the provision of a biasing element attachment mechanism which is attached externally allowing a design with a great mechanical advantage which generates a short spring distance required and thus, quicker reactivity. 
         [0041]    Moreover, the novel design of the instant device, featuring the numerous embodiments of closed end systems, compensates for concurrent systems wherein the ends of the tubular members were open, as the closed end system illustrated herein prevents water from entering the shaft, thus inhibiting shaft failure and grounding as the system cannot now act as an electrical conduit. 
         [0042]    The present invention includes a device with a handle and a stationary loop. The stationary loop is rigidly attached to the handle. The handle has a plurality of detent angled pins attached to an end of the handle to connect the handle to the stationary loop. A reactive loop is pivotally attached to the stationary loop. Between the loops is a means for biasing the reactive loop substantially perpendicular to the stationary loop, each of the loops substantially surrounding the objective when positioned substantially perpendicular to each other. 
         [0043]    In a preferred embodiment the biasing means is a cylindrical helical spring having two ends, one end being attached to an internal portion of the reactive loop and the other end being attached to an internal portion of the stationary loop. The internal portions have extended lips with receiving apertures  29  for the spring. The reactive loop rotates inside of the stationary loop in response to the spring. 
         [0044]    As illustrated in the Figures, the present invention is a device for retrieving objects such as golf balls and is shown generally by reference number  10 . The retriever  10  generally comprises a handle  50 , a stationary loop or member  20 , a reactive loop or member  30  and a means for biasing the reactive member  40  to pivot into a preferable substantially perpendicular position with respect to the stationary member. To operate the retrieval system  10 , reactive loop  30  is set substantially parallel to stationary loop  20 . In this set position, spring  40  is stretched and exerts a force on reactive loop  30 . Because spring  40  is substantially parallel to loops  20  and  30  when in this set position, the force exerted by spring  40  on reactive loop  30  is met by an equal and opposite force exerted by retaining pins  23 , with an extended retaining surface area  27  or “dog bone” type construction. Thus, the reactive loop  30  remains in its set position inside the stationary loop  20  as the extended retaining surface area  27  retains movement or release of the reactive loop  30 . 
         [0045]    In a further embodiment, the handle  71  may be affixed to the cylindrically disposed handle receiving mechanism  21  of the outer loop  20  or stationary loop  20  via a rivet pin  100  which may be mounted via a correspondingly disposed through hole (⅛ diameter in one embodiment) in the handle receiving mechanism  21  and in the handle  71 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the retrieval system  10  in its set position, illustrating the inner loop member, or a reactive loop or member  30  and the outer loop member, or stationary loop member. In the position, a ball will be locked in position for retrieval.  FIG. 2  is a plan view of the retrieval system in its relaxed position, illustrating the differing elements of the system including a handle  50  and the stationary loop  20 . The stationary loop is removably attached to the handle via the handle receiving mechanism  21 . The handle  50  may contain a rivet and/or a plurality of detent angled pins  51  attached to an end of the handle to connect the handle to the stationary loop  20 . As further illustrated, the biasing element or spring  40  may be connected via the stationary loop biasing connection  22  and the reactive loop biasing connection  24 . 
         [0047]    Also illustrated is a set of extension members  90 , one located on the stationary loop and one located on the reactive loop, in such an opposing manner to retain, and prohibit movement of, the reactive loop unless an additional force acts upon the reactive loop to overcome the friction lock. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of handle mechanism  50  and the handle receiving mechanism  21  of the outer loop  20 , illustrating the plurality of detent angled pins  51  attached to an end of the handle  50  to connect the handle  50  to the apertures  29  in the handle receiving mechanism  21  of the outer loop  20  or stationary loop  20 . 
         [0049]    Furthermore,  FIGS. 3A-3C  is a side view of the handle receiving mechanism  21 , the spring attachment mechanism  22 , the spring retaining aperture  28  of the outer or stationary loop  20 , and the apertures  29  in the handle receiving mechanism  21  of the outer loop  20 , depicted apart from the outer or stationary loop. In practice, the spring attachment mechanism  22  is rigidly affixed to the stationary loop  20 . 
         [0050]      FIGS. 4A-4C  are cutaway views of interlocking handle retaining systems of different embodiments of the handle receiving mechanism and attachment mechanism of the outer or stationary loop,  FIG. 4A  illustrates a rectangular depression embodiment  93  and  FIG. 4B  illustrates a triangular depression embodiment  93 .  FIG. 4C  illustrates a system  95  completely removed from the interior of the stationary loop. 
         [0051]    The different embodiments illustrate mechanisms such  FIG. 5A and 5B  are a side view and rear view, respectively, of the handle  50 , detached from the outer loop  20  and further illustrating the plurality of depression retaining members, a rivet or detent angled pins  51  which mate with the apertures  29  in the handle receiving mechanism  21  of the outer loop  20 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the side plan view of an embodiment of the outer loop and inner loop in a prefabricated form prior to assembly. In a further embodiment the handle is detachable and also may comprise a telescoping feature.  FIG. 7  is a side view of the retaining pins  23 , with an extended retaining surface area portion  27  or “dog bone” type construction. In one embodiment, the two existing outer ring pins may be extended in length each by approximately 0.06 from the straight pin 0.25 inch to 0.32 inch in length. Thus, increasing the length to a length of 0.06 and the diameter from 0.12 inch diameter to 0.15 inch, will prevent the outer ring pins from pulling away from the inner ring slots once assembled by the half dogbone or bulbous shape locking the pins in their respective slots. In an additional embodiment, the size may be 3/32 or approximately 0.094. 
         [0053]    In an additional embodiment, there may be inserted the inner ring keyhole slots over the existing 0.12 pin diameter into the 0.13 keyhole slot diameter and again allowing the 0.06 extended length and the 0.15 diameter “bulb or dog bone end” will prevents the inner ring from coming loose from the outer pins during use. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 8A-8E  illustrate an alternative embodiment which encapsulates all of the operational capabilities of the prior embodiments, but features an internal linking between the differing embodiment of the handle  71  and the stationary loop  20 , rather than comprising nubbins or interlocking depression retaining members  27  which internally mate with corresponding cutouts, cutaways or recessed areas, disposed within the inner portion of the cylindrically disposed handle receiving mechanism  21  of the outer loop  20  or stationary loop  20 . The cutouts, cutaways or recessed area should be disposed with a 10-15 degree lead in to allow the nubbins or interlocking depression retaining members  27  to snap in place.  FIG. 8A  illustrates a view of this additional embodiment in the unengaged position, with the handle installed.  FIG. 8B  illustrates a view of the internally interlocking embodiment in the engaged position, with the handle uninstalled or removed.  FIG. 8C  comprises an isometric view of the internally interlocking embodiment, with the internally interlocking handle  71  and inner ring  30  removed, further illustrating the handle  71  and the interlocking depression retaining members  27  and the retaining pins  23 , with the extended retaining surface area portion  27 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric view of the internally interlocking embodiment in the fully engaged and operational position, with the handle  71  installed. Further, turning to  FIGS. 10-12 , an additional embodiment comprising a telescoping handle featuring a construction of composite, alloy materials, polymers, or combinations, and the elements thereof, are illustrated. In one exemplary embodiment, carbon fiber may be utilized.  FIG. 10  illustrates the numerous features of the telescoping shaft, which can be manufactured from various composites, including but not limited to carbon fiber, and may also be manufactured from various polymers and/or metals. Illustrated are the cap or locking collar  81  as rotational fitted into the individual lengths  82  of shaft. 
         [0056]      FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of the telescoping composite shaft in the fully retracted position with the externally disposed tapered collar or sleeve stopper mechanisms  82  engaged. These sleeve stopper mechanisms  82  also acts as decorative collars which prevent water entry of the composite shaft.  FIG. 12  illustrates a side cutaway view of the numerous features of the telescoping shaft which may be composed receiving and retaining system of the telescoping shaft.  FIG. 13  illustrates a side cutaway view of the externally disposed tapered collar or sleeve stopper mechanisms  82  as disassembled from the shaft in order to illustrate the tapers and tolerancing of the collar or sleeve stopper mechanisms  82 .  FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the telescoping shaft embodiment which utilizes the internally disposed two piece locking mechanisms  92  comprising dimpled location areas in the fully extended position, with cutaway view around the areas comprising the two piece locking mechanisms.  FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the telescoping shaft embodiment which utilizes the internally disposed two piece locking mechanism comprising the two piece arcuate, dimpled space retainers or spacing mechanisms  92 , in the fully retracted position. 
         [0057]      FIG. 16  is a partially cutaway perspective view of the telescoping shaft further illustrating the primary positioning elements, the two piece arcuate dimpled spacing mechanism  92  of the locking device of the instant embodiment.  FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the external surface of the telescoping shaft further illustrating the primary positioning elements, the two piece arcuate dimpled spacing mechanism  92  of the locking device of the instant embodiment, as located within the shaft.  FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of the primary positioning elements, the two piece arcuate dimpled spacing mechanism  92  of the instant embodiment, removed from the shaft and free standing and illustrating the dimpled area  93 .  FIG. 19  is a rear perspective view of the primary positioning elements, the two piece arcuate dimpled spacing mechanism  92  of the instant embodiment removed from the shaft and free standing and illustrating the dimpled area  93 . Additionally the two competing individual arcuate dimpled spacing mechanism or inserts create counter tension against one and other, which in turn creates a constant tension arrangement, unlike the prior art which as illustrated utilizes a solid mechanism which cannot create tension. 
         [0058]    The differing sections will be joined by the section sleeves or stoppers which will comprise a conical taper and operate in a swage like manner as in an internal manner, the smaller taper will fit into the larger segment with the tapers at each segment joinder. Differing embodiments may utilize from 2 to 10 total sections, wherein five sections may be optimal depending on the shaft orientation and requirements for each section of the shaft. The length for each section can be also adjusted according to different length, and examples, and in no way to be limited to these examples, may include 85 cm each section for 14 feet, 55 cm for 9 feet, 42 cm for 7 feet, 90 cm for 15 feet, 109 cm for 18 feet. The system may be manufactured with fixed link kits and assembled through an inner twist lock inside to achieve the lock purpose as illustrated in pictorial  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , wherein the cap or locking collar  81  of  FIG. 11  can be twisted down onto the receiving and retaining system. In a collapsed length embodiment, the most preferred lengths for this design would be limited to following length: collapsed to 34.5″ for 14 feet, 22″ for 9 feet, 17.5″ for 7 feet. 
         [0059]    Further, the FIGS illustrate, through the different pictorial views that the shaft to allow for telescoping and subsequent locking of a smaller outer diameter shaft inside a larger diameter shaft, in order to gain proper position and length as situations require. Depending on the length of shaft desired, between 1 and 10 inserts, designed to diminish in outer diameter as each fits the inside the inner diameter of each section, may be utilized. 
         [0060]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the instant retrieval system in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the system that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
         [0061]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the system in detail, it is to be understood that the system is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The system is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0062]    These together with other objects of the system, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the system, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the system, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the system.