GB2441823A

GB2441823A - Ball collector

Info

Publication number: GB2441823A
Application number: GB0618027A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Ivor Harper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-13
Filing date: 2006-09-13
Publication date: 2008-03-19
Also published as: GB0618027D0

Abstract

A device for receiving an object, comprising a cavity 16 for receiving the object, the cavity 16 including walls, an opening 6 into the cavity 16 and a lip 9 around the opening; and retainers 11 provided on the lip 9 to retain a received object in said cavity 16. The retainers 11 may engage the surface of the object and can be filaments, protrusions, bumps, spikes or tendrils (Fig 3a-e) and may be directed into the opening 6 and towards the cavity 16. The walls of the device preferably have at least one aperture 5 used to urge a retained object out of the cavity 16. Other ways to urge an object from the retained position include a ribbon (15, Fig 8), ridges (18, Fig 6) or a flexible sheet. The opening 6 is preferably elliptical and the cavity 16 may have a bulbous end. The device may fit via a tapered end 3 to a golf club and the object is preferably a golf ball.

Description

2441823

DEVICE FOR GAME

The present application relates to an accessory for playing a game, in particular for playing golf.

5

Golf is a popular game and has enthusiasts across the age range. During play, it is often necessary to retrieve a golf ball from the ground, which can be awkward for the less agile for example the elderly, or those with arthritis or other medical conditions.

10 It would be helpful, and enhance the enjoyment of the game, if a device was available to assist in the retrieval of a golf ball from the ground during a game, such that a player did not need to bend and reach down to the ground.

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a device for receiving 15 an object, comprising a cavity for receiving said object, the cavity including walls, an opening into said cavity, a lip around said opening; and means provided to the lip to retain a received object in said cavity.

Preferably the means are filaments provided on said lip.

20

Preferably the filaments are directed into the opening, or may be directed towards the cavity.

The walls of the cavity may have at least one opening, the cavity may include a 25 ribbon, extending from at least one opening.

The cavity walls may have ridges on an internal surface, the cavity may include a resilient sheet, or a bulbous end.

30 The opening may be elliptical.

2

In addition the device may include a further portion in addition to the receiving portion. The further portion may be smaller than the receiving portion, and may be tapered.

5 According to a second aspect the present invention provides a golf club adapted to engage with the further portion of such a device.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

10

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the device according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 engaged with a golf ball,

Figures 3 (a) to (e) show filaments for the device of Figure 1,

15 Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a device according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a device according to a fourth embodiment of 20 the present invention,

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 8 shows the device of Figure 1 with an ejection feature,

Figure 9 shows a side view of the device of Figure 1 positioned adjacent a golf club, 25 Figures 10 (a) to (e) show the further portion of the device according to a sixth embodiment, and

Figures 11 (a) to (b) show the further portion of the device according to a seventh embodiment.

30 As can be seen from Figure 1, the device comprises an elongate body including a larger first end 2 which tapers to a narrowed second end 3.

3

The larger first end 2 of the device is broadly hemispherical in shape with an opening 6 in the equatorial plane. The opening 6 has a chamfered rim 8 encircling a cavity 16 dimensioned to receive a portion of a spherical body such as, for example, a 5 golf ball. The larger first end 2 further includes apertures 5 into the curved surface which extend into the cavity 16. Filaments 11 mount an internal lip 9 of the cavity 16 adjacent rim 8.

The narrowed second end 3 is ridged, but may include a screw thread or other 10 uneven surface, or may be smooth (not shown). It tapers in a direction away from the first end 2.

Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 with a spherical body such as a golf ball received into the cavity 16 through opening 6. The device may be made from a hard, 15 rigid, material or alternatively might be made from a flexible material. In either case it is contemplated that the device is made of a plastics material, although an alternative material might also be suitable.

The filaments 11 may also be made from a hard material, such as a hard 20 plastics material, or may be made from a flexible material, such that they are springy or resilient, and for example may be made from softer, resilient plastics, rubber or other suitable material.

When made from a rigid material such a device would need to be large enough 25 to fit comfortably over any ball to be received into cavity 16. If the device is made from a more flexible material the device can flex to accommodate the body of a ball it is desired to receive into a cavity 16.

In either case the material of the filaments may be selected dependent on the 30 material of the device itself. For example, for a device made from a rigid, flexible material, the filaments might preferably be made from a material that is sufficiently

4

flexible to allow the ball to ease into the cavity 16, the filaments then intruding so far against the surface of such a held ball that the ball is retained securely. In this case the filaments may be eased out of the way of a ball being received into the cavity by the movement of the ball into the cavity, and then may press against the surface of the 5 received ball while it remains within the cavity. Alternatively the filaments may be deflected out of their usual position by such an action, and return to this position to press against the surface of the received ball while it remains within the cavity. As can be seen it is contemplated that the cavity will receive one half of the ball so that the opening 6 must accommodate the largest circumference of a received ball, which

10 will act to increase the effectiveness of the filaments 11.

In addition, for a device made from a more flexible material the filaments 11 might need only to intrude against a captured ball to retain the ball in the cavity, and so might be less flexible, and possibly less numerous.

15

The rim 8 has a chamfered edge to more easily fit over a surface of a ball when a ball is being received into the cavity 16. The internal lip 9, upon which the filaments 11 are mounted, may be a wide solid band on an inside surface of the cavity 16 adjacent rim 8 and may assist in gripping a received ball.

20

Figure 3 (a) to (e) show a variety of filaments that might be suitable for use with such a device, including the raised bumps in Figure 3(a), the spikes of Figure 3(b), the tendrils of Figure 3 (c), the rows of filaments of Figure 3(d) and the arrangement of Figure 3(e) in which filaments extend from a flexible, supple material

25 on lip 9. As can be seen it is contemplated that the filaments can range from bumps 23 on the lip 9, to spikes 24, longer spikes or tendrils 25, tendrils 27 on a material 28 on lip 9, and a multiple of such filaments. The filaments may be attached to lip 9 by conventional means.

30 A vacuum may form behind a ball received into cavity 16, acting to retain the ball in the cavity and resisting efforts to release the ball when it is desired to do so. A

5

variety of means are contemplated to overcome the formation of such a vacuum to assist in the ejection of a retained ball from the cavity 16 regardless of the formation of such a vacuum.

5 The apertures 5 of Figures 1 and 2 provide for one such means. Any ball or object retained in the cavity 16 may be accessed through the apertures 5, the apertures 5 providing a means to urge any object held in the cavity out of the cavity through opening 6. For example, a ball held in the cavity 16 may be poked through an aperture 5, and thereby urged out of the cavity against the action of the filaments 11 10 of the device. A ball in the cavity may be poked by a finger or other object through the aperture 5.

In a second embodiment shown in Figure 4 the device does not have apertures 5 to assist in removing a retained ball, but instead has ridges 18 on an internal surface 15 of the cavity 16. The curved surface of the first end 2 of the device may be formed from a flexible material, or include flexible areas, such that pressure exerted on the external surface of the first end can exert a force on a retained ball through the ridges 18, urging it out of the cavity through opening 6 against the action of the filaments 11 of the device.

20

In a third embodiment shown in Figure 5, the device does not contain apertures or ridges on an internal surface, but is hemispherical with a slightly bulbous end 19 such that a ball received into cavity 16 traps a portion of air behind it. A similar action of exerting pressure against the external surface of the first end, in 25 particular on the bulbous end and any retained air in the bulbous end, can urge a retained ball out of the opening 6.

Alternatively a portion of the first end 2 of the device may be flexible such that simple pressure on an area of the portion 2 will be sufficient to urge the ball out 30 of the cavity 2.

In a fourth embodiment shown in Figure 6 there are no apertures 5, ridges 18 or bulbous end 19 to assist in the ejection of a retrieved ball, instead opening 6 is elliptical, and the first end is shaped for such an elliptical opening. Such an elliptical device may be made from a flexible material, and so be capable of deforming around a ball to receive it into cavity 16, or may be made from a hard inflexible material, in which case a retained ball may be ejected by poking into the openings 21 either side of the retained ball.

Alternatively a part of the receiving end 2 may be made from a hard inflexible material, and receive a ball into the cavity 16 through opening 6, the ball easing past filaments 11 to be retained in the cavity by action of the filaments against the surface of the ball. The remaining portion of the receiving end of the device, providing for the openings 21 when a ball is received into the opening 6, may flex to allow a ball to be received, and may further flex to allow the ball to be urged out of the opening 6.

Figure 7 shows a fifth embodiment in which the first end 2 has a pair of openings 19 which extend through the rim 8, such that the cavity can flex about the openings 19 to receive and retain a golf ball.

Figure 8 shows a yet further embodiment, in which the device of Figure 1 includes further features to assist in the ejection of a ball from the opening 6. Figure 8 shows the device of Figure 1 with a ribbon 15 protruding from an aperture 5. The ribbon may be attached to an internal surface of the cavity 16 and is positioned such that any ball held in the cavity 16 will rest against a portion of the ribbon, pushing the ribbon further into the cavity, and such that a portion of the ribbon remains protruding from an aperture 5. Pulling the ribbon outwardly and away from the device will cause the ribbon to exert a force on the ball urging the ball out of the cavity, so releasing the held ball easily. Such a ribbon may also be used with any of the further embodiments of the device.

7

Alternatively, an internal surface of the cavity 16 may include a flexible sheet (not shown) which is urged taut by a ball received into cavity 16. As in the third embodiment, squeezing the receiving end 2 will urge the sheet against a received ball urging the ball out of the cavity through opening 6.

5

While these embodiments illustrate different means by which a retained ball may be ejected from cavity 16, it is contemplated that more than one embodiment may be combined in a device.

10 The tapered narrow end 3 of the device reduces the size and weight of the device. In addition, it is also adapted to preferably be urged into a top surface of a golf club, or received into an opening in a golf club, for example in a top surface of a golf club. The device received into such an opening may be stored there, or may be attached to the top end of the club with the first end 2 extending outwardly from the

15 top of the club and capable to be urged against a golf ball it is desired to capture. For such use, a golf club may need to be adapted to receive the tapered narrow end, or have an opening to receive the tapered end, or a device may need to be attached to the club to hold the device.

20 Figure 9 shows the device adjacent a golf club adapted to receive the device of

Figure 1.

The second end 3 of the device may be attached to a top of the handle of a golf club 14 in many ways. The simplest attachment may be by having the second end 3

25 large enough to fit over the top of the handle, the second end 3 having an opening 40 large enough to receive the handle of a golf club. The second end may attach to the handle by, for example, a push fit, the opening 40 shaped to receive the golf club top and possibly including a cushioned interior (not shown) which the golf club can squeeze into and be retained by.

30

8

Figure 10 (a) shows an attachment mechanism to attach the second end 3 to a golf club in which the second end 3 includes a hinged, two part wall 43 which, when closed, fits around the handle of a golf club, and can open, the two parts of the wall pivoting about the hinge 41, to release an enclosed club handle. The hinge is 5 positioned along the direction of the length of the club handle. The two parts of the wall 43 include co-operating engagement means to secure the second end 3 to the golf club handle.

Figures 10 (b) to (e) show details of the second end 3, in particular the 10 mechanism by which the second end is attached to the golf club handle. Figure 10 (b) shows the first end 2 attached to one part 42 only of the two part wall 43 forming the second end 3, the second part 44 pivoting about the hinge 41 and first part 42 to enclose or release a golf club handle. Figure 10(c) shows a detail of the second end 3 with a hinge 41 and catch mechanism which includes a hook 45 and opening 46 to 15 receive the hook 45. Figure 10(d) shows a detail of the second end 3 with a hinge 41 and catch mechanism that includes a Velcro strip 50 for wrapping around an exterior surface of the wall 43 to secure the second end 3 around a golf club handle. Figure 10(e) shows a detail of the second end 3 with a hinge 41 and catch mechanism that includes a finger 47 on wall 44 and opening 48 on wall 42 to receive the finger 47.

20

As explained above the first end 2 of the device may be attached to one half of the wall 43, such that with the device in a closed orientation and the catch mechanism engaged the first end 2 may be positioned on the end of a golf club for use, and with the device in an open orientation with the catch mechanism unengaged the two parts 25 42, 44 of the wall 43 pivot about the hinge 41 to open or close the device.

Figures 11 (a) and (b) show a further embodiment of the device in which a further portion 32 is provided for engagement with a golf club handle, the portion 32 fixable to a golf club handle by any of the means outlined in Figures 10 (a) to (e) and 30 including engagement means 33. The second end 3 of the device is adapted to engage

9

with the portion 32 and includes engagement means 34 to cooperatively engage with engagement means 33.

In use, the device may assist in the retrieval and retention of a ball, for 5 example a golf ball .

In particular, during the course of a game of golf it is often necessary to bend down to pick up a ball, from a hole, from the green, from a bunker or from deep grass. This can be awkward for some, in particular for those who may be arthritic or who are

10 not as flexible as they would wish. When needed, the tapered end of the present device can be fitted into an opening or suitable fixture on a golf club, for example at the top of the golf club, and the golf club inverted such that the device attached to the top of the golf club can easily be manoeuvred to approach the ground. Alternatively the second end 3 of the device may be attached to the golf club by pushing the handle

15 into the opening 40, or by pivoting the two portions 42, 44 of the wall 43 about the hinge 41 and arranging the two walls around the top of a golf club handle, securing the second end in place by any one of the catch mechanisms shown in Figures 10; or the additional portion 32 may be secured to the top of a golf club handle and the second end 3 of the device may be engaged with this portion.

20

By extending the inverted golf club towards a desired ball, a user can then easily slide the device over the golf ball it is desired to retrieve, without having to bend down.

25 To retrieve such a ball, the opening 6 of the device is positioned over the golf ball, the chamfered rim 8 of the ball fitting easily over the surface of the ball. The device can then be urged further over the ball by means of a force exerted onto the golf club, and the filaments 11, or first end 2 of the device itself may then flex to slide over the ball and receive the ball into the cavity 16.

30

10

The filaments 11 are provided to retain a ball in the cavity 16. If the device is made from a hard, rigid material the filaments 11 provided on the lip 9 may be flexible to slide over the ball. With the ball received into the cavity 16 the filaments urge against a surface of the received ball, pressing against a middle portion, entering 5 into the indentations of the golf ball, and providing a grip on the ball due to friction, acting to retain the ball in the cavity. If the device is made from a more flexible material it may itself flex to receive the ball in which case the filaments need not be so flexible. In this case the filaments may be mere bumps on lip 9 which, when the ball is received into the cavity by the flexibility of the device, may rest adjacent the 10 retained ball, or protrude into the indentations of the golf ball, and hold it in place by friction.

The golf ball is held firmly in place in the cavity by the filaments 11. Once a desired golf ball has been captured the golf club may then be further manoeuvred so 15 that the user can access the device and the golf ball held in the device. The ball may be removed from the cavity 16 by any of the means described, depending on the embodiment in use. The ball can be poked through the openings 5, 19 or 21, the device may be squeezed, or a ribbon 5 may be pulled, if present. Once the ball is retrieved the device may be removed from the golf club, either by removing the 20 tapered end from the club, disengaging the hook 45 from the opening 46 or the ribbon 50, or detaching the second end 3 from the portion 32, and stored securely elsewhere - in a pocket or other receptacle.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment. For 25 example, the end 2 may not be a hemisphere but may be any desired shape. The cavity, suitable for receiving a ball may be hemispherical, elliptical, square or any other shape. The arrangement may be such that the cavity does not receive one half of the received ball so that the opening does not need to accommodate the largest circumference of a received ball, but may receive more or less that half of the 30 received ball. The opening of the fifth embodiment may be a single opening or more than two openings. The filaments 11 may comprise one or more flaps. The rim 8

11

may not be chamfered. Means to eject the ball from the cavity 16 may include a push-button or other device.

w

Claims

1. A device for receiving an object, comprising:

a cavity for receiving said object, the cavity including walls,

an opening into said cavity,

a lip around said opening; and means provided to the lip to retain a received object in said cavity.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said retaining means is engageable with said object.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the means are filaments provided on said lip.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said filaments are directed into the opening.

5. A device as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein said filaments are directed towards the cavity.

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the arrangement being such that said retaining means is urged against a surface of any object received into said cavity, thereby retaining said object within said cavity.

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the walls of the cavity have at least one opening, the arrangement being such that an object retained within said cavity may be urged out of said cavity by means of said at least one opening.

I2?

yi

8. A device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said cavity includes a ribbon, extending from at least one opening, the arrangement being such that an object retained within said cavity may be urged out of said cavity by means of said ribbon.

9. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cavity walls have ridges on an internal surface, the arrangement being such that an object retained within said cavity may be urged out of said cavity utilizing said ridges.

10. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cavity includes a flexible sheet, the arrangement being such that an object retained within said cavity may be urged out of said cavity by means of said flexible sheet.

11. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cavity includes a bulbous end, the arrangement being such that an object retained within said cavity may be urged out of said cavity by means of said bulbous end.

12. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said opening is elliptical.

13. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said device further includes a tapered portion.

14. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said object is a golf ball.

15. A golf club adapted to engage with the device of any one of claims 1 to 12.

16. A golf club adapted to receive the tapered end of the device of claim 11.

17. A device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

la

18. A device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying description.