U.S. patent application number 17/076662 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-29 for combination flagstick and ball retrieval device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sandgroup International Ltd.. Invention is credited to Michel Zwart.
Application Number | 20210121751 17/076662 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005220053 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-29 |
![](/patent/app/20210121751/US20210121751A1-20210429\US20210121751A1-2021042)
United States Patent
Application |
20210121751 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zwart; Michel |
April 29, 2021 |
COMBINATION FLAGSTICK AND BALL RETRIEVAL DEVICE
Abstract
A combination flagstick and ball retrieval device include an
elongated flagstick having a top end and a bottom end. A ferrule is
positioned along the bottom end of the flagstick, and a ball
retrieval device is secured along the flagstick at a location
adjacent to the ferrule. Both the ferrule and the ball retrieval
device include a shape and size that is suitable for engaging a
golf course cup. The ball retrieval device includes a generally
circular frame having a central aperture and a slotted channel for
receiving a connector that is secured onto the flagstick. The
connector including protrusions to engage the slotted channel. The
ball retrieval device also includes a malleable and resilient upper
member having an outside diameter that is greater than the outside
diameter of the frame member.
Inventors: |
Zwart; Michel; (Haarlem,
NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sandgroup International Ltd. |
Hong Kong |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005220053 |
Appl. No.: |
17/076662 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62926025 |
Oct 25, 2019 |
|
|
|
62930795 |
Nov 5, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 57/40 20151001;
A63B 57/357 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 57/30 20060101
A63B057/30; A63B 57/40 20060101 A63B057/40 |
Claims
1. A flagstick and ball retrieval device, comprising: an elongated
flagstick having a top end and a bottom end; a ferrule that is
positioned along the bottom end of the flagstick; and a ball
retrieval device that is in communication with the elongated
flagstick, wherein each of the ferrule and the ball retrieval
device are configured to be positioned within a golf course cup
located on a playing surface of a golf course.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a connector that is
secured onto the flagstick at a location adjacent to the
flagstick.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the ball retrieval device is
removably secured onto the connector.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein the ball retrieval device is
permanently secured onto the connector.
5. The device of claim 2, wherein the connector includes a main
body having a central opening for engaging the flagstick.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the ball retrieval device
includes a generally circular-shaped frame member having a central
aperture and an outside edge.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the main body of the connector is
removably positioned within the central aperture of the ball
retrieval device.
8. The device of claim 6, further comprising: a pair of locking
tabs that extend outward from the main body of the connector;
9. The device of claim 8, further comprising: a channel that is
located along a periphery of the central aperture and extends
downward from a bottom surface of the circular-shaped frame member;
and a pair of slots that are positioned along the channel.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the pair of locking tabs are
configured to engage the pair of slots via a twisting motion to
secure the ball retrieval device to the connector and the
flagstick.
11. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a golf course cup
having a continuous side wall, an open top end, a closed bottom
end, and a central opening for engaging the ferrule.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser.
No. 62/926,025 filed on Oct. 25, 2019 and U.S. Application Ser. No.
62/930,795 filed on Nov. 5, 2019, the contents of each of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The following disclosure relates generally to the game of
golf, and more particularly to a regulation sized golf flagstick
and a flagstick-mounted golf ball retrieval device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not
constitute prior art.
[0004] In 2019, the United States Golf Association amended its
rules by removing a penalty imposed on a player whose ball strikes
the flagstick that is left in the hole when putting from the green.
The rule was removed in an attempt to speed up the game by allowing
players more freedom to putt at their discretion.
[0005] Although the rule change has been received well by the
players, many golf courses have noticed an increase in damage to
the greens as a result. More specifically, courses are reporting a
significant increase in damage to the putting greens along the
periphery of the hole, as players are using their putters to remove
their ball from the hole, rather than bending down to remove their
ball with their hands.
[0006] Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a regulation
sized golf flagstick and a flagstick-mounted ball retrieval device
for use on a golf course hole that allows users to retrieve their
golf ball from the hole without having to bend down and manually
retrieve the same. It would also be beneficial to provide writings
such as advertisements onto the ball retrieval device in a manner
that will be seen by users while utilizing the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is directed to a combination flagstick
and ball retrieval device. One embodiment of the present invention
can include an elongated flagstick having a top end and a bottom
end. A flag or flag connector can be positioned along the top end
of the flagstick, and a ferrule can be positioned along the bottom
end of the flagstick. A ball retrieval device can be secured along
the flagstick, at a location adjacent to the ferrule. Both the
ferrule and the ball retrieval device can include a shape and size
that is suitable for engaging a golf course cup having an open top
end, a continuous sidewall, a capped bottom end and a ferrule
opening along the capped bottom end.
[0008] In one embodiment, the ball retrieval device can include a
generally circular frame having a central aperture and a slotted
channel. The central aperture can receive a connector that is
secured onto the flagstick and protrusions on the connector engage
the slotted channel to lock the ball retrieval device to the
connector and the flagstick.
[0009] In one embodiment, the ball retrieval device can include a
malleable and resilient upper member. The upper member can also
include a circular shape and can have an outside diameter that is
greater than the outside diameter of the frame member.
[0010] This summary is provided merely to introduce certain
concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the
claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings.
It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not
limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities
shown.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination flagstick and
ball retrieval device that is useful for understanding the
inventive concepts disclosed herein.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cutout view of the bottom end of the flagstick
of the combination flagstick and ball retrieval device, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of the ball retrieval
device of the combination flagstick and ball retrieval device, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the ball retrieval
device of the combination flagstick and ball retrieval device, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 3C is a side view of the ball retrieval device of the
combination flagstick and ball retrieval device, in accordance with
one embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the combination flagstick
and ball retrieval device in operation, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4B is another perspective view of the combination
flagstick and ball retrieval device in operation, in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 4C is yet another perspective view of the combination
flagstick and ball retrieval device in operation, in accordance
with one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] While the specification concludes with claims defining the
features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is
believed that the invention will be better understood from a
consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are
disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which
can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases
used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide
an understandable description of the invention.
[0021] Although described as pertaining to USGA rules and specific
sizes for use with cups and holds on golf courses, this is for
illustrative purposes only. To this end, the inventive device can
include any number of different shapes and sizes suitable for use
with cups and holes of different shapes and sizes in accordance
with the golf rules of any number of different countries, regions
or formats.
Definitions
[0022] As described herein, the term "removably secured," and
derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein
two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner
so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and
separated.
[0023] As described throughout this document, the term
"complementary shape," and "complementary dimension," shall be used
to describe a shape and size of a component that is identical to,
or substantially identical to the shape and size of another
identified component within a tolerance such as, for example,
manufacturing tolerances, measurement tolerances or the like.
[0024] As described herein, the terms "connector" and
"complementary connector" include any number of different elements
that work together to repeatedly join two items together in a
nonpermanent manner. Several nonlimiting examples include opposing
strips of hook and loop material (i.e. Velcro.RTM.),
attractively-oriented magnetic elements, flexible strips of
interlocking projections with a slider (i.e., zipper), tethers,
buckles such as side release buckles, and compression fittings such
as T-handle rubber draw latches, hooks, snaps and buttons, for
example. Each illustrated connector and complementary connector can
be permanently secured to the illustrated portion of the device via
a permanent sealer such as glue, adhesive tape, or stitching, for
example.
[0025] FIGS. 1-4C illustrate one embodiment of a combination
flagstick and ball retrieval device 10 for use with the game of
golf. In each of the drawings, identical reference numerals are
used for like elements of the invention or elements of like
function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals
are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the
description of the respective figure. For purposes of this
description, the terms "upper," "bottom," "right," "left," "front,"
"vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to
the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the device 10 can
include, a golf course cup 11, an elongated flagstick 12, and a
ball retrieval device 30 that can be secured to the flagstick.
[0027] In one embodiment, the golf course cup 11 can include a
continuous sidewall 11a having an open top end 11b, a capped bottom
end 11c, and a central opening 11d that is positioned along the
bottom end of the cup to receive the flagstick. In the preferred
embodiment, the cup 11 can include a USGA mandated height (distance
between top and bottom ends) of at least 4 inches, and an outside
diameter of 4.25 inches; however other shapes and sizes are also
contemplated.
[0028] As will be described below, the cup 11 can be positioned
within a hole that is dug into a golf course green so that the top
end 11b is positioned approximately 1-2 inches from the playing
surface. Although described as a part of the device 10, other
embodiments are contemplated wherein the flagstick can be
configured for use with an existing golf course cup or a cup that
is manufactured and/or sold separate from the system
components.
[0029] In one embodiment, the flagstick 12 can include, comprise or
consist of an elongated shaft having a USGA recommended outside
diameter of between 0.5 to 0.75 inches, and a length (from end to
end) of approximately 7 ft. In the preferred embodiment, the
flagstick can be constructed from fiberglass, but any number of
other materials that are relatively strong and stiff for their
weight are also contemplated.
[0030] In one embodiment, a ferrule 13 can be positioned along the
bottom end of the flagstick. The ferrule can include a
complementary shape and diameter as the central opening 11d of the
golf cup 11, so as to be removably positioned therein. Likewise, a
flag 14 or other such marker can be provided along the top end of
the flagstick, as is known in the art.
[0031] Although described above as including a specific dimension,
shape or length, this is for illustrative purposes only. To this
end, the flagstick can include any number of different dimensions
and sizes and can be provided in multiple segments which can be
serially connected to achieve different heights.
[0032] As shown best at FIG. 2, the device 10 can include a
connector 20 for securing the ball retrieval device 30 onto the
flagstick 12 in either a permanent or removable manner. In the
preferred embodiment, the connector 20 can include a generally
circular-shaped body 21 having a central opening 22 and a pair of
locking tabs 23 extending outward from the outside surface of the
body. The central opening 22 can include a diameter that is
complementary to the outside diameter of the flagstick 12 so as to
be positioned thereon.
[0033] In one embodiment, the connector can be constructed from two
identical halves and can further include a tightening screw 24 to
allow a user to secure the connector 20 onto the flagstick 12 at a
precise location along the length of the flagstick. Of course, any
number of other devices capable of adjusting the diameter of the
central opening so as to selectively tighten or loosen the
connector onto the flagstick are also contemplated.
[0034] Although described above as including a distinct connector,
other embodiments are contemplated wherein the connector can be
incorporated into the design of the below described ball retrieval
device 30 so as to allow the same to be removably secured onto the
flagstick 12 and/or ferrule using any number of different
techniques.
[0035] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate one embodiment of the ball retrieval
device 30, which can be secured to the flagstick 12 via the
connector 20, in order to allow a user to remove a golf ball from
the cup 11 by simply grasping the flagstick and removing the
same.
[0036] In one embodiment, the ball retrieval device 30 can include
a generally circular-shaped frame member 31 having an outside edge
31a, and a central aperture 32. A channel 33 having a pair of
generally L-shaped slots 34 can be positioned along the periphery
of the aperture 32 and can extend downward from the bottom surface
of the frame 31. The frame member 31 and channel 33 can preferably
be constructed from a rigid material such as plastic, for example,
however other construction materials are also contemplated.
[0037] In one embodiment, the central aperture 32, and the channel
33 can include a cross sectional shape, and inside diameter that is
complementary to the cross sectional shape, and outside diameter of
the connector body 21 so as to receive the same. Likewise, each of
the slots 34 can be positioned so as to receive one of the locking
tabs 23 via an upward and twisting motion. Such a feature
functioning to secure the ball retrieval device onto the
connector.
[0038] In one embodiment, the ball retrieval device 30 can include
a generally malleable and resilient upper member 35 that can be
positioned along the top surface of the circular-shaped frame
member 31. As shown, the upper member 35 can include an outer edge
35a, a middle section 35b, and a raised central aperture 36 having
a complementary shape, size and location as the central aperture 32
and central channel 33.
[0039] In the preferred embodiment, the malleable upper member 35
can be constructed from a soft and impact absorbing material such
as foam, silicone and/or rubber, for example. The use of a soft
material advantageously functions to absorb the impact force
encountered by a golf ball entering the hole and making contact
with the upper member, so as to prevent the ball from bouncing out.
Such a feature being particularly advantageous when the device 10
is in the "hands free" position demonstrated at FIG. 4C, for
example. Of course, any number of other soft, malleable materials
are also contemplated.
[0040] In the preferred embodiment, the upper member 35 can include
a curvilinear shape whereby the middle section 35b is located
beneath the central aperture 36 and beneath the outer edge 35a. The
middle section thus forming a recessed channel having a plurality
of drain holes 37 which extend through both the upper member and
frame member. The recessed channel also functioning to provide a
track in which a golf ball can rest once entering the cup and
during removal of the same.
[0041] In the preferred embodiment, the outer edge 35a of the upper
member 35 comprises an outside diameter that is less than, or
complementary to the inside diameter of the cup 11. Moreover, the
outside diameter of the outside edge 35a is greater than the
outside diameter of the outside edge 31a of the rigid frame member.
Such a feature is important in order to ensure that only the soft
malleable material of the upper member 35 makes contact with the
sides of the cup and the turf surrounding the cup when the
flagstick 12 and device 30 is being removed and reinserted into the
cup after a ball has been retrieved.
[0042] Although described above as including specific shapes, sizes
and construction materials, this is for illustrative purposes only,
as both the frame member and the upper member may be constructed to
include different shapes and sizes than described.
[0043] In one embodiment, any number of decorative elements 41 can
be positioned along the device 10, and preferably along the ball
retrieval device 30. As described herein a "decorative element" can
include any number and type of different colors, markings, words,
shapes, symbols, logos, designs, types of materials, texturing of
materials, patterns, images, and photographs, for example. These
elements can be used to convey any type of information such as golf
course name, hole number, playing rules and/or advertisements, for
example, and can be secured onto and/or into the device in
accordance with known techniques so as to be flush with the surface
thereof, recessed, raised and/or protruding outward therefrom, so
as to give a three dimensional effect.
[0044] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate one embodiment of the device 10 in
operation. As shown, the cup 11 can be positioned within a hole 1
preferably at a depth of approximately two inches from the playing
surface 2, and the flagstick 12 and ball retrieval device can be
positioned therein. Once a user putts their ball 5 into the hole,
the ball will rest on the upper member 35. Next, the user can lift
the flagstick 12 from the cup 11 at which time the ball 5 will be
removed from the cup via the upper member. As noted above, because
the outer surface 35a of the device is constructed from a soft and
resilient material, the system ensures that no damage will be
caused to the playing surface 2 or edges of the hole 1, while
inserting or removing the components from the cup.
[0045] As noted above, the connector 20 can position the ball
retrieval device 30 at any location along the flagstick 12. As
such, FIG. 4C illustrates one embodiment of the device 10 in the
"hands free" position where the ball retrieval device 30 is
positioned a set distance from the bottom end 11c of the cup so as
to be close (e.g., 1-3 inches) to the playing surface 2. Such a
feature allowing a user to remove the ball 5 from the hole 1 via a
pushing motion with their putter, and thus eliminating the need to
touch or remove the flagstick itself. Such a feature being
advantageous in preventing the spread of contagions such as
COVID-19. Moreover, because the top surface 35 is constructed from
an impact dampening material, the ball will not bounce out of the
hole as would happen with a hard material.
[0046] As described herein, one or more elements of the flagstick
and ball retrieval device 10 can be secured together utilizing any
number of known attachment means such as, for example, screws,
glue, compression fittings and welds, among others. Moreover,
although the above embodiments have been described as including
separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed
herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art
will recognize that one or more individually identified elements
may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, either
through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or
molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled
or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable
sections thereof.
[0047] As to a further description of the manner and use of the
present invention, the same should be apparent from the above
description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the
manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0048] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Likewise, the terms "consisting" shall be used to describe only
those components identified. In each instance where a device
comprises certain elements, it will inherently consist of each of
those identified elements as well.
[0049] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and
equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the
claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or
act for performing the function in combination with other claimed
elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present
invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the
invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The
embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the
principles of the invention and the practical application, and to
enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the
invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated.
* * * * *