APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RECOVERING GOLF BALLS

Abstract

An apparatus and method for recovering golf balls is provided. The apparatus includes a hull for floating on the water, a motor mounted to the hull, a pumping system, pressure lines to deliver high pressure water and a return line. The apparatus also includes a suction nozzle for generating a suction capable of drawing water and golf balls. The apparatus also includes a separator for separating the golf balls and a handle to control movement of the suction nozzle.

Description

FIELD

The present specification relates generally to an apparatus and method for recovering golf balls and more specifically relates to an apparatus and method for recovering golf balls submerged in water.

BACKGROUND

A typical golf course includes water hazards. Although not intentionally, golfers at the golf course generally hit balls into these water hazards. During a game of golf, a golfer generally has no time or desire to enter the water hazard to retrieve a ball from the water hazard. Accordingly, water hazards typically hold a significant number of golf balls.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for recovering golf balls. The apparatus includes a hull configured to float on water. The apparatus also includes a trolling motor mounted on the hull. The trolling motor is configured to propel the hull on the water. In addition, the apparatus includes a pumping system mounted on the hull. The pumping system is configured to pump water on which the hull floats and deliver high pressure water. The apparatus further includes a pressure line connected to the pumping system. The pressure line is configured to received and direct the high pressure water from the pumping system. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a return line connected to the pressure line. The return line is configured to receive the high pressure water from the pressure line. Also, the apparatus includes a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the pressure line and the return line, wherein the high pressure water passing from the pressure line to the return line generates a suction at the suction nozzle for drawing water and golf balls into the return line. The apparatus also includes a separator connected to the return line. The separator is configured to receive the golf balls from the water from the return line and to separate the golf balls from the water. In addition, the apparatus includes a handle connected to the suction nozzle. The handle is configured to position the suction nozzle relative to the hull.

The hull may include a central opening.

The trolling motor may be mounted in the opening and substantially in the center of the hull.

The separator includes a basket mounted to the hull, wherein the basket may be configured to receive the golf balls and the water from the return line and allow the water to pass through the basket.

The basket may be mounted over the central opening.

The trolling motor may be an electric trolling motor.

The pumping system may include a water pump and a gasoline motor, wherein the gasoline motor powers the water pump.

The handle may be configured to position the suction nozzle in any direction.

The handle may be mounted on the hull with a handle mount to facilitate operation.

The handle mount may be configured to allow the handle to pivot in any direction.

The handle mount may be configured to allow the handle to telescope.

The apparatus may further include a suction head connected to the suction nozzle, the suction head having a wider opening than the suction nozzle for covering a larger area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in operation;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a suction head in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7b is a front view of the suction head shown in FIG. 7a;

FIG. 8a is a perspective view of a separator in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 8b is a side view of the separator shown in FIG. 8a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation (e.g. “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, etc.) are for illustrative convenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure. However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it is contemplated that various components will, in practice, be utilized in orientations that are the same as, or different than those described or shown.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a representation of an apparatus for recovering golf balls is shown generally at 50 from different angles. It is to be understood that the apparatus 50 is purely exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations are contemplated. The apparatus 50 includes a hull 52, a trolling motor 54, a pumping system 56, a pressure line 58, a return line 60, a suction nozzle 62, a separator 64 and a handle 66.

In the present embodiment, the hull 52 is generally configured to float on water, such as on pond. The manner by which the hull 52 is designed to float is not particularly limited. The hull 52 is typically constructed from materials which can provide the mechanical strength and rigidity for supporting the various components described above herein with at least one operator while being sufficiently buoyant to float on water. Some examples of suitable materials include aluminum, wood, plastics, and composites. The design of the hull 52 is not particularly limited and can include various shapes and designs. In the present embodiment, the hull 52 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a central opening 68. The hull 52 is approximately 5 feet wide and 10 feet long with 20 inch high walls around the edge and the central opening 68. However, it is to be appreciated that the hull 52 can be modified to be larger or smaller to accommodate various different applications. For example, on golf courses with larger water hazards or where the apparatus 50 travels greater distances in the water from a launch point, the hull 52 can be modified to be larger to support larger equipment, or the hull 52 can be designed to reduce resistance when travelling at higher speeds through the water.

The trolling motor 54 is mounted on the hull 52 and is generally configured to propel the hull 52 on the surface of the water. The manner by which the trolling motor 54 is mounted to the hull 52 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the trolling motor 54 is mounted in the central opening 68 such that the propeller extends into the water through the central opening 68. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the trolling motor 54 is substantially in the center of the hull 52. It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of the description, that by mounting the trolling motor 54 near the center of the hull 52, the entire apparatus 50 is better balanced and more stable on the water. In other embodiments, the trolling motor 54 can be mounted off center to account for the approximate weight of a typical operator or other equipment. In further embodiments, the trolling motor 54 can be mounted to an external wall at the edge of the hull 52 similar to a typical outboard motor when the hull 52 does not include a central opening 68 for example.

It is to be appreciated that the trolling motor 54 is not particularly limited to any single type of motor. In the present embodiment, the trolling motor 54 is an electric trolling motor with a battery pack. It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the trolling motor 54 is generally configured to have sufficient power to move the apparatus 50 on a body of water and sufficient battery life to operate for a sufficiently long time to efficiently recover golf balls. In other embodiments, the trolling motor 54 can be modified to be another type of motor capable of propelling the apparatus 50 on the surface of the water. For example, variations can include various gasoline outboard motors. In further embodiments, the trolling motor 54 can also be omitted and alternative propulsion mechanisms can be used to move the apparatus 50 through the water such as one or more paddles, oars, and/or a pole.

The pumping system 56 is also mounted to the hull 52 and generally disposed within the hull 52. In the present embodiment, the pumping system 56 is mounted toward the stern of the apparatus 50. It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of the description, that by mounting the pumping system 56 near the stern of the apparatus 50, the weight of the pumping system 56 can offset the weight of an operator typically positioned near the bow of the apparatus 50. However, it is to be appreciated that variations are contemplated. For example, the pumping system 56 can also be unmounted from the hull 52 in some embodiments and simply rest inside the hull 52. It will be appreciated, that by not mounting the pumping system 56 to the hull 52, the pumping system 56 can be easily removed and replaced. In addition, an unmounted pumping system 56 can also be easily moved within the apparatus 50 to achieve more optimal weight balancing during use.

The pumping system 56 is generally configured to pump the water on which the hull 52 floats via an inlet (not shown) and deliver high pressure water via an outlet, such as into the pressure line 58. In the present embodiment, the pumping system 56 includes a water pump 70 and a gas powered motor 72 configured to power the water pump 70. In the present embodiment, the water pump 70 includes an inlet (now shown) for drawing in water on which the hull 52 floats. For example, the inlet can be a 2″ flexible tube extending over a wall of the hull 52 into the water. The tube can further include a mesh or filter over the opening to prevent large items from being drawn into the water pump 70 that may cause damage. It is to be appreciated that the pumping system 56 is not particularly limited and that variations are contemplated. For example, in other embodiments, the gas powered motor 72 can be modified to be an electric motor or other type of mechanism to drive the water pump. As another example of a variation, the pumping system 56 or a portion thereof can be mounted over or in the water such that no inlet tube is required.

In the present embodiment, the pressure line 58 is connected to the pumping system 56 and generally configured to receive the high pressure water generated at the pumping system 56. In particular, the pressure line 58 is connected to the outlet of the water pump 70. The pressure line 58 is not particularly limited and can be made from any material capable of handling the typical pressure of water leaving the water pump 70. Some examples of suitable materials include rubber tubing or flexible metal piping.

The pressure line 58 is also generally configured to direct the high pressure water from the pumping system 56 to the suction nozzle 62. In the present embodiment, the pressure line 58 runs along the side of the hull 52 on the exterior of the wall as shown in FIGS. 1-4. However, it is to be appreciated that the configuration of the pressure line 58 is not limited to this design. For example, in other embodiments, the pressure line 58 can run under the hull 52, or inside the hull 52. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the pumping system 56 is located at the stern and the suction nozzle 62 is located at the bow of the apparatus 50. However, in other embodiments, the pumping system 56 and the suction nozzle 62 can be disposed in the same general vicinity and the pressure line 58 can be shorter.

In the present embodiment, the return line 60 is connected to the pressure line 58 and generally configured to receive the high pressure water from the pressure line 58 at a suction nozzle 62 along with liquid and materials drawn in through the suction nozzle 62. In the present embodiment, high pressure water from the pressure line 58 is directed into the return line 60 to create suction at the suction nozzle 62. The return line 60 is not particularly limited and can be made from any material capable of handling the typical pressure of water travelling through the return line 60. Some examples of suitable materials include rubber tubing or flexible metal piping. In some embodiments, the pressure line 58 and the return line 60 can be made of the same material.

The return line 60 is also generally configured to direct the high pressure water and materials, such as golf balls, drawn in the suction nozzle 62 to the separator 64. In the present embodiment, the return line 60 runs along the same side of the hull 52 on the exterior of the wall as the pressure line 58 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. However, it is to be appreciated that the configuration of the return line 60 is not limited to this design. For example, in other embodiments, the return line 60 can run under the hull 52, inside the hull 52, or along the opposite side of the hull 52. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the separator 64 and the suction nozzle 62 are located at the stern and bow of the apparatus 50, respectively. However, in other embodiments, the separator 64 and the suction nozzle 62 can be disposed in the same general vicinity and the return line 60 can be shorter.

The suction nozzle 62 is in fluid communication with the pressure line 58 and the return line 60. In the present embodiment, the suction nozzle 62 connects the pressure line 58 and the return line 60. In addition, the suction nozzle 62 includes an opening for suction. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art, with the benefit of this description, that as the high pressure water passes across the opening for suction from the pressure line 58 and the return line 60, a suction force is generated at the opening. The suction generated at the suction nozzle 62 is dependent on the fluid dynamics of the pressure line 58 and the return line 60 as well as the pressure of the high pressure water and can be adjusted to provide sufficient suction at the suction nozzle 62 to recover golf balls and other materials resting at the bottom of the body of water in the vicinity of the suction nozzle 62. In the present embodiment, an optional suction head 74 is also attached to the suction nozzle 62. In particular, the suction head 74 includes a rectangular opening wider than the opening of the suction nozzle 62 to increase the area of suction. It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that the suction head 74 can be varied to include other shapes or other attachments. For example, the suction head 74 can also include a plurality of tines (not shown) for combing a soft surface to expose any golf balls that may have settled under the sediment at the bottom surface.

In the present embodiment, the separator 64 is connected to the return line 60 and generally configured to receive the contents of the return line 60 such as golf balls, water, and other materials. It is to be appreciated that in some applications, the separator 64 can be also configured to process dirt and sediment from the bottom of the body of water and separate the golf balls from the dirt and sediment. As shown in FIG. 1-4, the separator 64 is generally configured to direct golf balls delivered via the return line 60 away from the return line 60 while allowing liquids and smaller objects to fall through spaces in the separator 64.

In the present embodiment, the separator 64 directs the golf balls into a basket 76 mounted to the hull 52 above the central opening 68. The basket 76 is configured to receive the contents from the return line 60, which can include golf balls, water and other materials that made it past the separator 64. In the present embodiment, the basket 76 is configured to have openings that are smaller than the golf balls such that the water and smaller items can flow through the basket 76 and the central opening 68 back into the body of water. Accordingly, the golf balls remain in the basket 76 and can be removed when the basket 76 is full or at the end of a golf ball recovery operation. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the basket 76 is not particular limited. For example, the basket 76 can be sized to receive a sufficiently large number of golf balls from ponds and water hazards in a golf course such that the apparatus 50 can cover the entire body of water without needing to unload the basket 76. It is to be appreciated that the present embodiment of the separator 64 and the basket 76 can be varied. For example, the basket 76 can be modified to be netting or a mesh bag. In other embodiments, the basket 76 can also be configured to extend over the side of the hull 52 instead of above the central opening 68. The separator 64 can also be modified or omitted in some embodiments. For example, in embodiments where the basket 76 can be configured to separate the golf balls from water and debris, the separator 64 may not be necessary and the return line 60 can be modified to deliver the water, golf balls, and other debris from the bottom of the lake directly into the basket 76.

The handle 66 is connected to the suction nozzle 62 to allow for manual manipulation of the suction nozzle 62 when the suction nozzle 62 is under water. In particular, the handle 66 allows for the suction nozzle 62 to be moved to various positions relative to the hull 52. For example, the suction nozzle 62 can be moved in any direction, such as being lowered and raised, moved front to back, as well as moved from left to right. It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description, that by positioning the suction nozzle 62 relative to the hull 52 near a golf ball will allow for more efficient recovery of golf balls from the bottom of the body of water. In particular, the handle 66 allows an operator to make minor adjustments during the golf ball recovery operation to focus on specific areas with potentially more golf balls without changing the course of the apparatus 50. In addition, the movement provided by the handle 66 can also allow the operator to make sweeping motions with the suction nozzle 62 to cover a wider area more efficiently as the apparatus 50 moves across the surface of the water. In the present embodiment, the handle 66 is configured to allow the suction nozzle 62 to be lowered to a depth of about 20 feet. However, it is to be appreciated that the handle 66 is not particularly limited and can be longer to reach deeper depths or shortened to provide for better control of the suction nozzle 62.

Furthermore, by positioning the handle 66 near the bow and having the operator sit near the bow facing in a forward direction of travel of the apparatus 50, it allows the operator to manipulate the suction nozzle 62 to recover more golf balls 100 from a pond floor 110 as shown in FIG. 4. The position of the operator and the trolling motor 54 also allows the operator to maneuver the apparatus 50 on the body of water. In some embodiments, the apparatus 50 may also include a forward facing light source, such as a spot light or flood lamp to allow for operation of the apparatus 50 after or before normal business hours for a golf course where natural lighting may not be sufficient for operating the apparatus. In other embodiments, other types of sensors such as sonar, night vision cameras, or other suitable method for locating golf balls can be added to the apparatus.

In the present embodiment, the handle 66 allows for free movement and is thus only attached to the suction nozzle 62. In other embodiments, the handle 66 can be optionally mounted to the hull 52 using a hull mount. It is to be appreciated, with the benefit of this description that the optional hull mount can facilitate operation of the handle 66 by reducing the weight of the handle 66. For example, the handle mount can be configured to be pivotable such that the handle 66 can pivot about in any direction. In addition, the handle mount can also be configured to allow for telescoping motion of the handle 66 to extend and retract the suction nozzle 62 relative to the hull 52.

It is to be re-emphasized that the apparatus 50 shown in FIGS. 1-4 is a non-limiting representation only. In particular, it is to be understood that the various components of the apparatus 50 can be substituted and varied, such as described herein. For example, the hull 52 can be modified to be solid without the central opening 68. Accordingly, in this embodiment, some of the components, such as the separator 64 can be mounted over the exterior wall of the hull 52. As another example of a variation, the direction of travel of the apparatus 50 can be reversed such that the suction nozzle 62 is at the stern of the apparatus 50. Another example of a variation can include modifying the rigid hull 52 of the present embodiment to be an inflatable hull or supported by pontoons.

Various advantages will now be apparent to a person of skill in the art. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the trolling motor 54 and the handle 66 can be operated by a single operator positioned near the bow of the apparatus 50 as both would be within reach of the operator positioned near the bow of the apparatus 50. In addition, the basket 76 allows for the collection of a large number of golf balls without having to unload during operation of the apparatus 50. Furthermore, the present embodiment of the apparatus 50 is dimensioned and configured to fit easily on a trailer with all the components and weigh less than 1000 pounds such that the apparatus 50 can be easily towed throughout a golf course using a small truck or golf cart from one water hazard to another. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that many other advantages are present in the disclosed embodiments as well as contemplated variations.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment of an apparatus for recovering golf balls is shown generally at 50a. Like components of the apparatus 50a bear like references to their counterparts in the apparatus 50, except followed by the suffix “a”. The apparatus 50a includes a hull 52a, a motor 54a, a pumping system 56a, pressure lines 58a and 59a, a return line 60a, a suction nozzle 62a, a separator 64a and a handle 66a.

In the present embodiment, the hull 52a is generally configured to float on water, such as on pond. The manner by which the hull 52a is designed to float is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the hull 52a is a boat, such as a dinghy or small barge. It is to be appreciated that the hull 52a is not particularly limited and can include a retrofitted hull for use in the apparatus 50a. The design of the hull 52a is not particularly limited and can include various shapes and designs. In the present embodiment, the hull 52a is approximately 5 feet wide and 10 feet long. However, it is to be appreciated that the hull 52a can be modified to be larger or smaller depending on the application, such as the size of the pond or water hazard on the golf course.

The motor 54a is mounted on the hull 52a and is generally configured to propel the apparatus 50a on the surface of the water. The manner by which the motor 54a is mounted to the hull 52a is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the motor 54a is mounted at a conventional location of the hull 52a for mounting an outboard motor, for example, at the stern of the hull 52a as shown in FIG. 5. It is to be appreciated that the motor 54a is not particularly limited to any type of motor. In the present embodiment, the motor 54a is an outboard motor suitable for propelling the apparatus 50a across the surface of the water. In other embodiments, the motor 54a can be modified to be an electric trolling motor with a battery pack, such as the trolling motor 54 described above. In further embodiments, the motor 54a can also be omitted and alternative propulsion mechanisms can be used to move the apparatus 50a through the water such as one or more paddles, oars, and/or a pole.

The pumping system 56a is generally configured to pump the water on which the hull 52a floats via an inlet (not shown) and deliver high pressure water via an outlet, such as into the pressure lines 58a and 59a. In the present embodiment, the pumping system 56a is generally configured to operate similarly to the pumping system 56 described above. The pumping system 56a includes a water pump 70a and a gas powered motor 72a configured to power the water pump 70a. The water pump 70a draws in water on which the hull 52a floats via an inlet such as a flexible tube extending over a wall of the hull 52a into the water. The tube can further include a mesh or filter over the opening to prevent large items from being drawn into the water pump 70a that may cause damage. The outlet of the water pump 70a is connected to a hose which divides into the pressure lines 58a and 59a. The manner by which the high pressure water is divided between the pressure lines 58a and 59a is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the pressure line 58a has a larger diameter than the pressure line 59a. Accordingly, more water is diverted to the pressure line 58a. In other embodiments, the pressure line 59a can be larger than the pressure line 58a or the pressure lines 58a and 59a can be substantially identical in size.

In the present embodiment, the pressure line 58a generally configured to receive high pressure water generated at the pumping system 56a and deliver it to the suction nozzle 62a. The pressure line 59a generally configured to receive high pressure water generated at the pumping system 56a and deliver it to the suction head 74a. As shown in FIG. 6, the pressure lines 58a and 59a are divided from an outlet of the water pump 70a inside the hull 52a and extend through the stern wall of the hull 52a.

In the present embodiment, the return line 60a is is generally configured to operate similarly to the return line 60 described above. In particular, the return line 60a is configured to direct high pressure water and materials, such as golf balls, drawn in the suction nozzle 62a to the separator 64a. In the present embodiment, the return line 60a runs through the stern wall of the hull 52a as shown in FIG. 6. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill in the art with the benefit of this description that by having the pressure lines 58a and 59a and the return line 60a enter through the stern wall of the hull 52a, the lines would be more protected than those of the apparatus 50, where the lines were disposed on the exterior of the hull 52.

The handle 66a is connected to the suction head 74a to allow for manual manipulation of the suction head 74a during operation. In particular, the handle 66a allows for the suction head 74a to be moved to various positions relative to the hull 52a as it is being dragged along the pond floor 110. It is to be appreciated that the handle 66a is not particularly limited and that variations on the design and implementation of the handle 66a are contemplated. In some embodiments, the handle 66a can be omitted such that the suction head 74a is simply dragged across the pond floor. In other embodiments, the handle 66a can be substituted with other mechanisms form controlling the suction head 74a, such as a rudder system, or an active propeller system controlled remotely by the operator of the apparatus 50a.

It is to be understood that the various components of the apparatus 50a can be substituted and varied. For example, instead of dividing the high pressure water between the pressure lines 58a and 59a, a separate water pump can added such that each of the pressure lines 58a and 59a can be independently controlled. Furthermore, although the embodiment describes the collection of golf balls, it is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the apparatus 50 or the apparatus 50a can be used to collect various objects from a body of water not limited to golf balls.

Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the suction head 74a of the present embodiment is shown in greater detail. It is to be understood that the suction head 74a is purely exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations are contemplated. Furthermore, the suction head 74a can be optional in some embodiments where the suction nozzle 62a can be used to collect materials from the floor of the pond The suction head 74a includes a high pressure pipe 200, a plurality of hydro jets 202-1, 202-2, 202-3, 202-4 (generically, these hydro jets are referred to as hydro jet 202 and collectively they are referred to as “hydro jets 202”), an outlet port 204, and tines 206.

In the present embodiment, the high pressure pipe 200 is generally configured for receiving high pressure water from the pressure line 59a. The hydro jets 202 are disposed along the high pressure pipe 200 and generally configured to direct high pressure jets of water toward the pond floor 110. It is to be appreciated that the hydro jets 202 are not particularly limited and can include a variety of designs. For example, all the hydro jets 202 can direct jets of water that are parallel to each other. In other embodiments, the hydro jets 202 can be directed at different angles. In further embodiments, the hydro jets 202 can be movable and the water jets can be directed at varying angles as the suction head 74a moves along the pond floor 110. It is to be appreciated by a person of skill with the benefit of this description that the jets of water are used to loosen debris on the pond floor 110 which in turn would loosen any golf balls 100 that may be otherwise stuck to the pond floor 110.

The outlet port 204 is generally configured to connect to the return line 60a and is not particularly limited. As described above the return line 60a provides a suction and is configured to suck material from the pond floor 110. In the present embodiment, the outlet port 204 is a threaded connector. In other embodiments, the outlet port 204 can be another type of suitable connector such as a barb or nipple where the return line 60a can be secured using a hose clamp or clip.

In the present embodiment, the suction head 74a further includes a plurality of tines 206. The tines 206 are configured to collect golf balls 100. In particular, the tines 206 aid in positioning golf balls 100 under the suction head 74a to allow for more effective collection of golf balls 100 via suction. In addition, the tines 206 can also function to loosen golf balls 100 stuck on the pond floor 110, such as embedded in sediment, and supplement the hydro jets 202. Accordingly, the spacing between the tines 206 are designed to be slightly smaller than the golf ball 100 such that the golf balls 100 would be collected within the suction head 74a to be sucked through the outlet port 204. However, the design of the tines 206 is not particularly limited and can have different spacing.

It is to be re-emphasized that the suction head 74a shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b is a non-limiting representation only. In particular, it is to be understood that the various components of the suction head 74a can be substituted and varied, such as described herein. For example, although only four hydro jets 202 are shown, it is to be appreciated that the exact number of hydro jets 202 can be more or less. In some embodiments, the hydro jets can be omitted as well. As another example of a variation, the tines 206 can be varied to be a screen or other structure that can allow smaller debris, such as dirt and small rocks, to pass through while collecting the golf balls 100.

Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the separator 64a of the present embodiment is shown in greater detail. It is to be understood that the separator 64a is purely exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations are contemplated. The separator 64a includes an inlet port 300, and a plurality of rods 302 spaced apart from each other.

The inlet port 300 is generally configured to connect to the return line 60a and is not particularly limited. As described above the return line 60a delivers material and water from the pond floor 110 combined with water from the high pressure line 58a. In the present embodiment, the inlet port 300 is a threaded connector. In other embodiments, the inlet port 300 can be another type of suitable connector such as a barb or nipple where the return line 60a can be secured using a hose clamp or clip. The material and water received from the return line 60a is directed over the plurality of rods 302.

The plurality of rods 302 are generally configured to separate the golf balls from the other material received through the return line 60a. The plurality of rods 302 is not particularly limited and can be made from any material or combination of materials having substantially rigid characteristics. Some examples of suitable materials include metal, wood, and various plastics. In the present embodiment, the plurality of rods 302 is straight and angled slightly downward as they extend from the inlet port. In other embodiments, the plurality of rods 302 can be level or curved. In operation, water, golf balls and other debris enters the separator 64a via the inlet port 300. As the mixture is delivered to the plurality of rods 302, the water and other materials sufficiently small in size would fall through the spaces between each rod in the plurality of rods 302 while the golf balls would not be able to fit through the space. Accordingly, the golf balls would roll down the plurality of rods 302 into a collection bin (not shown). The water and other material falling through the plurality of rods 302 would be drained and returned to the pond.

It is to be re-emphasized that the separator 64a shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b is a non-limiting representation only. In particular, it is to be understood that the various components of the separator 64a can be substituted and varied, such as described herein. For example, the plurality of rods 302 can be substituted with another structure such as a screen. As another example of a variation, the separator 64a can be disposed over the edge of the hull 52a so that the water and material falling through the plurality of rods 302 would fall directly back into the pond.

While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative only and should not serve to limit the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for recovering golf balls, the apparatus comprising;

a hull configured to float on water;

a motor mounted on the hull, the motor configured to propel the hull on the water;

a pumping system mounted on the hull, the pumping system configured to pump the water on which the hull floats and deliver high pressure water;

a pressure line connected to the pumping system, the pressure line configured to received and direct the high pressure water from the pumping system;

a return line connected to the pressure line, the return line configured to receive the high pressure water from the pressure line;

a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the pressure line and the return line, wherein the high pressure water passing from the pressure line to the return line generates a suction at the suction nozzle for drawing water and golf balls into the return line;

a separator connected to the return line, the separator configured to receive the golf balls from the water from the return line and to separate the golf balls from the water; and

a handle connected to the suction nozzle, the handle configured to position the suction nozzle relative to the hull.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hull includes a central opening.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the motor is mounted in the opening and substantially in the center of the hull.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the separator comprises a basket mounted to the hull, wherein the basket is configured to receive the golf balls and the water from the return line and allow the water to pass through the basket.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the basket is mounted over the central opening.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor is an electric trolling motor.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pumping system comprises a water pump and a gasoline motor, wherein the gasoline motor powers the water pump.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle is configured to position the suction nozzle in any direction.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle is mounted on the hull with a handle mount to facilitate operation.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the handle mount is configured to allow the handle to pivot in any direction.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the handle mount is configured to allow the handle to telescope.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further configured to include a suction head connected to the suction nozzle, the suction head having a wider opening than the suction nozzle for covering a larger area.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising hydro jets disposed within the suction head, the hydro jets configured to loosen debris.

14. A method of recovering golf balls, the method comprising;

propelling a hull on water using a motor mounted on the hull, wherein the hull is configured to float on water;

pumping the water on which the hull floats

delivering high pressure water generated by the pumping to a pressure line;

generating a suction at a suction nozzle for drawing water and golf balls into a return line, wherein the return line is connected to the pressure line, and wherein the return line is configured to receive the high pressure water from the pressure line;

separating golf balls from the water using a separator connected to the return line; and

positioning the suction nozzle relative to the hull using a handle connected to the suction nozzle.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising delivering the golf balls and water to a basket, wherein the basket is configured allow the water to pass through the basket.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein pumping comprises using a water pump to move the water through the pressure line.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising mounting the handle to the hull using a mount to facilitate operation.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein positioning the suction nozzle comprises moving the handle on the mount in any direction.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein positioning the suction nozzle comprises telescoping the handle on the mount.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein generating the suction at the suction nozzle comprises generating the suction for a suction head connected to the suction nozzle to cover a larger area.