And Turf Repair Tool Or Ball Retriever Patents (Class 473/286)
  • Publication number: 20100113175
    Abstract: A multi purpose golf tool adapted for repair for pitch mark type depressions in turf of a golf course. The tool employs an angled engagement of a handle and forks to a body to obtain mechanical advantage for forcing turf upward to repair turf depressions. A bottle opener and pop top opener are also provided. The device is also adapted to hold a cigar and to maintain a club shaft in an elevated position above the turf using an arched engagement of a handle end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Ryan Douglas Gill
  • Patent number: 7645200
    Abstract: A golf ball retrieval system is described, for mounting within a golf club, using as a dedicated ball retrieval device, or retrofitting to an existing golf club. The system in a first embodiment comprises a hollow shaft, an anchor member mounted within the shaft, a sliding member movable axially within the shaft, the sliding member having a bore axially therethrough, a plurality of grappling wires connected to a proximal end of the sliding member, a spring connecting the anchor member to the sliding member, a wire placed within the bore, the wire having a first end and a second end, the wire further comprising a handle at the first end, the handle protruding from the bore at the proximal end of the sliding member, the second end of the wire being attached to the spring, and a shoulder attached to the wire between the spring and the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Burns P. Downey
  • Patent number: 7641566
    Abstract: A golf exercise device is disclosed that can be used for stretching the shoulder and back muscles. The device expands to a length that allows the user to place the device behind the user's head and grasp each end with the user's hands. The device collapses to a size small enough to easily fit into a golf bag. The center portion of the device is padded for comfort while the user is stretching. Clips can also be included to secure the device to the external portion of the golf bag. The device can hold golf balls in one end, and a net for retrieving golf balls from water hazards in the other. Zippered pockets can be attached to the device to hold personal items such as mobile phones, PDA's, sunglasses, car keys, or the like. Net-type bags with drawstring closures can also be included with the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Maureen O'Connor, Alfred O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20090318241
    Abstract: A retrieval apparatus for retrieving golf balls is disclosed. The retrieval apparatus may be attached to a golf club handle and may include a flexible collar disposed for attachment around the golf club handle. The retrieval apparatus may also include a pair of tines projecting distally from a neck portion and the collar wherein the neck portion bridges the collar to the pair of tines and, wherein the tines define a substantially circular forked carrier for holding the golf ball. The tines may also include a sloped surface on each of the tines disposed to lift the golf ball and guide the golf ball into the forked carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: THOMAS EDWARD QUINN
  • Publication number: 20090305807
    Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads with a three-dimensional alignment member and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: John A. Solheim, Leslie J. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7621819
    Abstract: Performance of at least four (4) useful functions are provided for by a multiple purpose golf tool. The first useful function being release of compression of turf associated with an impact from a golf ball. The remaining useful functions include supporting at least the grip of the club about the ground, applying a rotational pressure to a slot of a slotted head screw or applying a rotational pressure to a phillips slot of a phillips slotted head screw or club face groove cleaning or golf shoe spike cleaning or sharpening of a pencil or removal of a bottle cap from a bottle or lifting a beverage can pull tab relative to the beverage can or install and removal of a golf shoe spike relative to a golf shoe. The multiple purpose golf tool may be stored on a shaft of a putter directly below a grip of the putter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth Neu
  • Publication number: 20090286616
    Abstract: A golf iron lifter tool formed with an elongated stem surmounted by a pair of semicircular fingers terminating in ends spaced apart a distance to from a throat for receipt of the narrow part of a golf iron shaft and configured to be drawn up the shaft to frictionally engage and compress the golf club grip to be held stationary relative thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Michael M. Stone
  • Publication number: 20090275420
    Abstract: A golf putter head includes an opening, a deflectable plate and a cutout. The opening is located behind a putter face, and is larger than a golf ball. The deflectable plate is coupled to the golf putter head, with a first end of the deflectable plate projecting into the opening. The cutout is located above the deflectable plate, the cutout having a width that is greater than or equal to a width of the deflectable plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20090203461
    Abstract: R. Jerome Miller's new invention consists of a simple magnet embedded in the handle of the putting club, near the tip of the handle. The golf ball has a magnetic metal or plastic substance in its core, or integrated in the said ball's covering. This metal or other substance is responsive to the force of magnetism, while itself not being a magnet. When Miller's improved golf ball is putted into a golf course's green's cup, the player simply turns the putter upside down, sticks the handle into the cup, the ball clings to the putter's handle tip, and the golfer lifts the ball out of the cup and into said player's hand, all without the inconvenience of physically bending down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Ralph Jerome Miller
  • Publication number: 20090181788
    Abstract: A golf exercise device is disclosed that can be used for stretching the shoulder and back muscles. The device expands to a length that allows the user to place the device behind the user's head and grasp each end with the user's hands. The device collapses to a size small enough to easily fit into a golf bag. The center portion of the device is padded for comfort while the user is stretching. Clips can also be included to secure the device to the external portion of the golf bag. The device can hold golf balls in one end, and a net for retrieving golf balls from water hazards in the other. Zippered pockets can be attached to the device to hold personal items such as mobile phones, PDA's, sunglasses, car keys, or the like. Net-type bags with drawstring closures can also be included with the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Maureen O'Connor, Alfred O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7559849
    Abstract: A ball mark repair tool and method of use thereof, comprising, in general, a turf gripping element having a plurality of tapered tines and means for releasably and loosely affixing the turf-gripping element to the grip end of a golf club shaft, wherein positional placement and application of a force outside the peripheral edge of a ball mark functions to properly repair a ball mark aiding in maintaining a smooth and level putting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Gary James Cuddie
  • Patent number: 7559848
    Abstract: A golf club has a device for the alternate picking up and simultaneous placing down of a marker on the green or respectively the placing down of a golf ball through the intermediary of a mechanical pivotal mechanism, wherein both the picking up of the ball and the simultaneous placing of the marker as well as the placing of the ball and the picking up of the marker from the green is effected by the player whilst in a substantially standing position. By the mechanical pivotal mechanism being formed by a pivotally mounted rocker for the alternate picking up of ball and marker and the picking up and placing down of the marker being effected in a guided manner, the ball is picked up and the marker simultaneous placed down or respectively the ball is placed and the marker picked up in a correct manner without the player needing to bend down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Werner Nickel
  • Publication number: 20090149270
    Abstract: A device for picking up balls or golf balls (10) is disposed in the region of the grip (11) of a club (12). It includes several holding elements, which are displaceable under the effect of at least one resilient element from a rest position on the grip into an actuatable position in which they are capable of picking up the golf ball. By the holding element being at least two gripping arms (13, 14), which are fitted into each other in the rest position under the effect of at least one resilient element, a compact device for picking up that is simple to operate is created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Werner Nickel
  • Patent number: 7527563
    Abstract: Storage of a golf tool on a putter is disclosed where the golf tool may be easily placed in a storage state and easily removed from the storage state for use to perform a useful function associated with the play of the game of golf. The golf tool is stored on the shaft of a putter directly below the grip of the putter and on a rearward extent generally in a blind spot to the golfer while utilizing the putter to strike a golf ball. The attachment of the golf tool prevents axial rotation about the shaft of the putter from the blind spot into an orientation which would distract the golfer during putting. The golf tool will have at least structures to permit repair of divots on the green with additional structures to perform other functions available on the golf tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth Neu
  • Publication number: 20090082127
    Abstract: A golf tool including a body defining a divot repair tool with one or more fingers. A centrally disposed opening in the body is configured to receive a cigar. A solid perimeter body wall surrounds the opening and an exposed top edge of the body defines a rest support for a golf club handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Peter Delle Donne
  • Publication number: 20080261714
    Abstract: A golf ball collecting device including a cup adapted to successfully hold a golf ball therein. The cup incorporates a metal disc of magnetic material to enable the device to be attached by magnetic force to the end of a golf club. In this manner the golf club with the device attached thereto can be used to retrieve a golf ball from ground level without having to bend down. The golf ball can be gripped by the device by aiming the cup at the golf ball and pressing on it slightly, thus allowing the golfer to easily retrieve the ball without having to bend over or kneel and risk straining their knees or back. The device can be quickly and easily attached to the golf club by a second metal disc attached to the handle grip, and just as quickly and easily removed after the golf ball has been retrieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Deuk Sung Bae
  • Publication number: 20080182679
    Abstract: A golf ball retrieval device includes an annular collar sized for a snug friction fit onto a conventional golf ball. The collar in use is removable mounted on the grip end of a golf club and the collar tapped onto a golf ball so that the golf ball becomes frictionally lodged within the collar. The collar is stored in a resilient clip when not in use so as to journal a spike protruding from the collar into a corresponding elongate cavity in the handle of the clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Larry Trudeau
  • Publication number: 20080176668
    Abstract: A golf ball retrieval system is described, for mounting within a golf club, using as a dedicated ball retrieval device, or retrofitting to an existing golf club. The system in a first embodiment comprises a hollow shaft, an anchor member mounted within the shaft, a sliding member movable axially within the shaft, the sliding member having a bore axially therethrough, a plurality of grappling wires connected to a proximal end of the sliding member, a spring connecting the anchor member to the sliding member, a wire placed within the bore, the wire having a first end and a second end, the wire further comprising a handle at the first end, the handle protruding from the bore at the proximal end of the sliding member, the second end of the wire being attached to the spring, and a shoulder attached to the wire between the spring and the sliding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Burns P. Downey
  • Publication number: 20080161138
    Abstract: When the present invention when it is turned horizontally and the user looks at the hole from behind the ball, a level placed parallel to the horizontal edge of the present invention, when aligning the edge to the top of a golf hole, tells the slope. On the edge of the present invention are distance lines so that when the tool is held vertically, distances can be determined on the fairway to the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Jacobs
  • Patent number: 7390268
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved golf ball retrieval and positioning device. Unlike other anti-bend golf products, the golf ball retrieval and positioning system of various embodiments of the present invention includes a golf ball positioning device and a golf ball retrieval device that also functions as a base for supporting a golf ball in a teeing position. The components of the present invention are modular and interface with an existing golf club through a hole that exists in the end of a golf club grip. As a result, the present invention provides an improved system for teeing and retrieving golf balls without having to bend over. The system is inexpensive, easily portable, and non-damaging to the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Touch Golf Products
    Inventor: Joel Merriman
  • Publication number: 20080146367
    Abstract: A portable golf caddy for a golfer includes a pole adapted to be inserted into the ground that has various removable attachments or accessories adapted to enhance a golfer's comfort and convenience while on a golf course. The golf caddy optionally includes one or more or a combination of the following attachments; a telescopically extended suction cup adapted to retrieve and to retain a golf ball; a range scope support; a laser device useful for stroke alignment; a measuring device for measuring the distance from a ball to a hole; a golf handle holder; a tee setting device; a cigar holder; and a beverage holder. Additional accessories may be provided as attachments to the caddy such as an umbrella or a scorekeeper. The caddy is lightweight and may be easily carried from one location to another to assist a golfer while golfing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Robert M. Cruz
  • Patent number: 7384347
    Abstract: A golf ball retrieval device (1) comprising: plurality of ball engaging members (3), an abutment member (4), a base member (8), the ball engaging members being held in a closely adjacent configuration by resilient means (7), thereby forming an open ended convolute sided cup shape (FIG. 1) wherein the end abutment member (4) covers an otherwise open area between the ends of the fingers distal from the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Tommy Milne
  • Patent number: 7351158
    Abstract: A divot repair tool comprises a cylindrical housing having at least one helical groove located on the inside wall of an axial bore of the housing. The blade is stored within the axial bore of the housing by mechanical cooperation with the grooves such that the blade projects and retracts from the housing as it is turned. The divot repair tool is preferably rigidly affixed within a golf club shaft at the handle end and the blade is rotated by a knob which includes a slot through which the blade extends and retracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Ernest B. Bronsveld
  • Patent number: 7351156
    Abstract: A golf ball teeing device includes a base adapted to mount to a golf club grip end and a ball carrier on the base. The ball carrier is positionable between an operational position for carrying a golf ball and a stowage position wherein a golf club on which the golf ball teeing device is mounted may be used to make a golf shot. During use, a golfer positions the ball carrier in the operational position and places a golf ball thereon. Using the golf ball teeing device, the golfer places the golf ball on a golf tee, then disengages the ball carrier and positions it in the stowage position. A self-righting golf tee may be used with the golf ball teeing device so that the golfer is not required to bend down to the ground at any time during the teeing operation. The self-righting golf tee may be tossed on the ground and tamped as necessary (e.g., using the golf club) to place it in a stable golf ball-receiving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Panneri Machining, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred J. Panneri, Ralph G. Stuart
  • Publication number: 20080070715
    Abstract: An extendible golf tool includes a handle portion with front and rear portions, an extendible portion with a rear portion operably connected to the front portion of the handle portion, and a generally pointed tool operably connected to the front portion of the extendible portion. A ball retriever attachment may optionally be provided at the rear portion of the handle portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Victor Barouh
  • Publication number: 20070298900
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a multipurpose golf assembly capable of being attached to a golf club. The assembly includes a turf repair tool having a first side and a second side interconnected by a median portion. The first side having at least one integrally attached turf repair implement, and the second side having an integral attachment device for creation of a reliable interference fit upon insertion into a golf club. The assembly further includes a cover constructed and arranged to enclose the first side of the turf repair tool by removable engagement with the median portion of the turf repair tool. The assembly may include at least one ball spot marker constructed and arranged to removably attach to the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: J.W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7309293
    Abstract: A device for securely engaging and retaining a golf ball. The device is preferably adapted for secure placement on the end of the grip of a golf club, such as a putter, thus enabling a user to use the club to extend his/her reach and pick up a golf ball from the ground or from within the golf cup. The device further preferably include a mechanism for releasing the ball that may be actuated with the foot of the user, thereby permitting placement of the ball on a tee or the ground without the user having to bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Inventor: Beatrice Dunks
  • Patent number: 7303484
    Abstract: A golf club (10) is provided having a removable ball mark repair tool (20) seated within a recess (18) forming a part of the club grip (16). The tool (20) has outer surfaces (64,68) which mate with adjacent surfaces (26,28) of the grip (16), so that these tool surfaces (64,68) are substantially flush and are continuations of the grip outer surfaces (26,28). The tool (20) and recess (18) are cooperatively configured with interlock structure (34,36,72,74) allowing the tool (20) to firmly seat within recess (18), yet allowing the tool (20) to be readily removed for use in repairing ball marks in turf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Brett Bieske
  • Patent number: 7223178
    Abstract: A golf putter, ball retriever and retainer configured to retrieve and hold a golf ball. The putter defines a substantially symmetrical configuration from heel to toe. The ball retriever and retainer is defined by a spherical recess formed in the sole of the putter and an opening defined on the top surface thereof. At least one resilient tab is defined in the sole to enlarge the sole opening. Ball alignment indicia are disposed on the top surface of the golf putter head, the ball alignment indicia defining at least a C-shaped configuration, whereby a ball is visually aligned between said first and second ends to center the ball on said striking face. The ball alignment indicia may further include at least one line segment disposed coincidentally to the initial direction of travel of the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: MPH Golf, LLC
    Inventor: David Vincent Henry
  • Patent number: 7198574
    Abstract: A golf club includes a head having a golf ball retriever integrated into the head. The retriever comprises a substantially vertical and substantially frusto conical passage (or throat) radially enclosed in the bottom the head. Because variations exist in regulation golf ball size and exterior, the diameter and taper of the throat is selected to be suitable for a variety of golf balls. A release hole extends though the head from the throat to a top surface of the head, and allows easy ejection of a ball from the throat. The head further includes aligning (or aiming) marks on opposite sides of the release hole to facilitate aligning the head for a stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Carlos Barbosa
  • Patent number: 7189167
    Abstract: A game apparatus is able to drop the balls one by one on the ground and to pick-up the balls on the ground one by one. The game apparatus includes a ball guide to store a plurality of balls to be movable by their own weight, an upper support provided at an upper portion of the ball guide, a lower housing provided at a lower portion of the ball guide, a ball stopper mechanism provided in the lower housing to stop and release the movement of the ball in the vertical direction, a drive part to stop and release the movement of the ball by the ball stopper mechanism, and a lever to operate the drive part from outside. The lever includes a ball picking mechanism for picking balls on the ground when the game apparatus is turned upside-down and pressed on the ball on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Takeo Imahata
  • Patent number: 7178844
    Abstract: The ball retriever includes a golf ball capturing housing having an entrance plane through which a golf ball can enter the housing. The entrance plane is defined by a first wall portion and a second spaced apart second wall portion where at least a portion of the housing moves to permit the golf ball to pass through the entrance plane and capture the ball within the housing. One of the wall portions can include a ridge disposed in close proximity to the entrance plane wherein the distance between the ridge and an opposing wall portion is smaller than the diameter of the golf ball such that the opposing wall moves to permit the ball to pass through the entrance, across the ridge and in to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Evilsizer
  • Patent number: 7086959
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf club putter and more specifically a putter head configuration which incorporates a golf ball receiving/retreieving and retaining aperture, which will permit a golfer to accomplish virtually effortless ball retrieval from a hole, green, water hazard or other portions of a golf course without bending over. The configuration allows a wide variety of golf ball sizes to be retrieved. Furthermore, the invention provides a means for a golfer to retrieve a golf club or a flag stick from the ground without the necessity of bending over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: The O Corporation
    Inventor: Frank D'Agguano
  • Patent number: 7059971
    Abstract: A putter used for playing the game of golf has a putter body formed with a vertical opening sized to engage the diametric circumference of a golf ball to permit the golf ball to be elevated by the putter. The putter body is sized to permit insertion into the cup formed in the surface of the green to engage a golf ball at the bottom of the cup for removal therefrom. The putter body is also formed with a magnetic ball marker retriever positioned along a peripheral edge of the putter body to permit the magnetic attraction of a ball marker for elevation thereof from the surface of the green. The putter permits a golf ball to be elevated and a ball marker to be placed on the surface of the green, as well as be retrieved from the surface of the green without requiring the player to bend over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Stephen R. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6991557
    Abstract: A tool mounted to the end of a golf club or other handle serves as means for retrieving a golf ball, for repairing a golf ball or club mark on the playing surface and for preventing the club grip from contacting the ground when the club is laid horizontally. The tool comprises a head detachably connected to the grip end of a golf club. In a preferred embodiment, the head includes a tang which fits into a slotted plug in the end of the club shaft under the grip. In an alternate embodiment, the head includes a yoke that cups over the outer radius of the golf club grip and is held in place by an external strap. The head has three flat surfaces serving as a shelf for lifting the golf ball and two walls forming a corner for the ball to rest against and for keeping the ball captive during the retrieval process. Two prongs protrude from the shelf for repairing ball marks. These two prongs or the body of the tool also serve to hold the grip off the ground when the club is laid horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Howard W. Lisby, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6964619
    Abstract: A combination putter and divot repair device includes an elongated shaft, a club head connected thereto. The front portion of the club head has a substantially flat surface for striking a golf ball. The rear portion of the club head defines a lip portion and further has a generally arcuate portion extending vertically from the lip portion. The device further includes a mechanism for repairing a golf ball divot, which is adjustably connected to the club head wherein the club head has a slot formed for allowing the repairing mechanism to pass therethrough. The repairing mechanism includes a tool member pivotally connected to the lip portion of the club head and movable between extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Luis R. Mejia
  • Patent number: 6962536
    Abstract: A compact golf accessory which may function as a cigar holder, golf club rest or golf ball retriever. The golf accessory is conveniently carried in a golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Tuga, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hall, Paul Hebert
  • Patent number: 6926622
    Abstract: A golf ball engagement and support member includes golf ball engagement and support arms of a size and configuration providing for the ready retrieval of a golf ball and facilitating placement thereof on a tee. The member also facilitates retrieval and placement of golf tees and ball markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Patrick D. Yates
  • Patent number: 6899635
    Abstract: A device utilizing a soft rubber composition disk and a soft composition suction cup with a magnetic ball marker located on the end of a golf club grip. To pick up golf balls on the course (including shallow water hazards), most specifically, to pick up golf balls from the holes and ball markers used in the game without bending over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Nadratowski, John Arthur Nadratowski
  • Patent number: 6893357
    Abstract: A thin elongated plastic member has at one end a golf club shaft receiving groove that is disposed between two opposite finger like supporting arms which extend longitudinally outward. The groove is integral with a first short slot extending longitudinally inward in opposite direction from the arms. Two oppositely disposed spaced apart scissor like prongs extend longitudinally outward and are separated by a second short slot extending longitudinally inward in opposite direction from the prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Robert A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6878072
    Abstract: A golf putter, ball retriever and retainer configured to retrieve and hold a golf ball. The putter defines a substantially symmetrical configuration from heel to toe. The ball retriever and retainer is defined by a spherical recess formed in the sole of the putter and an opening defined on the top surface thereof. The spherical recess is further defined by an opening on the sole of the putter, the sole opening defining a diameter slightly less than the diameter of a conventional golf ball. In order to receive a golf ball into the ball retriever and retainer, at least one resilient tab is defined in the sole to enlarge the sole opening. The top surface of the putter defines a shaft retriever proximate the trailing edge for engaging a golf club shaft or flag for lifting the same from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: MPH Golf, LLC
    Inventor: David Vincent Henry
  • Patent number: 6878071
    Abstract: A golf club head has tee handling and ball retrieval included therein. The tee handling includes an opening for receiving a tee head and having a roof coupled to a club shaft coupler, so that a golfer pressing upon the shaft may apply force through the golf club head to drive the tee into the earth. A partially open ring receives a tee shaft therein, but is sized to prevent a tee head from passing there through, so that a golf tee may be picked up and held therein. The tee may be picked up either when laying upon the ground or when already inserted into the earth. Ball retrieval is achieved by slightly cup-shaped relatively planar arms that form a semi-circular opening therebetween, into which a golf ball will nest and be retained by gravitational forces. A golf ball striking surface is additionally provided, which may be shaped to either serve as a putter, driver, or other suitable club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Gerald R. Schwieger, James T. Schwieger
  • Patent number: 6852040
    Abstract: A golf ball lifter and retriever made of a flexible, resilient, yet relatively stiff elastomeric plastic or rubber material for durability and function during repeated and extended use. The lifter may be mounted on the butt end of a club grip and is generally cylindrical having a ball engaging end portion and a club grip engaging end portion separated by a solid wall, the ball engaging end portion having four tapered fingers formed, by lengthwise slits extending inward from the ball engaging end of the lifter. The tapered fingers have gripping lips at the ball-engaging end. The slits are formed by the longitudinal edges of the tapered fingers and end in a circular bore acting as an edge joint and have two parallel circumferential ribs extending inward from the inner wall of the fingers for gripping the golf ball, the first rib being an inward extension of the gripping lips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Erik Williams
  • Patent number: 6837807
    Abstract: A golf green repair tool that includes a housing, a blade, locking apparatus, and extending apparatus. The blade is operatively attached to the housing, and has a retracted/stored position where it is contained within the housing and an extended/operational position where it is extended from the housing. The locking apparatus maintains the blade in each of its retracted/stored position and its extended/operational position by being engaged with the blade and releases the blade from each of its retracted/stored position and its extended/operational position by being disengaged from the blade. The extending apparatus automatically moves the blade from its retracted/stored position to its extended/operational position when the locking apparatus is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: MacAuley Duff Kerr
  • Patent number: 6824179
    Abstract: Golf ball pick up devices are disclosed which are simple in design and construction while permitting exceptional performance during usage. The golf ball pick up device will have an elongated handle with a tubular housing positioned at one end thereof and a tension member extending across the lower opening of the tubular housing. The tension member will have a displacement resistance which permits passage of a golf ball thereby and into a cavity of the tubular housing when the device is placed over the golf ball and which prevents passage of the golf ball thereby during subsequent manipulation of the device. Numerous optional features are explained including devices to set a tee, pick up a tee, place a golf ball, mark a golf balls location and pick up a golf ball marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Robert F Shelato
  • Patent number: 6817955
    Abstract: A golfing tool or accessory to reduce or eliminate substantial stooping and bending of a golfer includes a mounting member for snap-fitting the tool or accessory to a golf club shaft or grip and first member for cradling a golf ball. Another aspect of the invention includes a tee holder for holding the tee to allow it to be inserted into the ground by manipulating the golf club shaft without stooping or bending. Further aspects of the invention can include structure for picking up a tee lying horizontally on the ground and a scissors-action of jaws of the tool for popping a golf ball into position on the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventors: Jerry L. O'Donnell, James A. Egli
  • Publication number: 20040166955
    Abstract: A device utilizing a soft rubber composition disk and a soft composition suction cup with a magnetic ball marker located on the end of a golf dub grip. To pick up golf balls on the course (including shallow water hazards), most specifically, to pick up golf balls from the holes and ball markers used in the game without bending over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Nadratowski, John Arthur Nadratowski
  • Publication number: 20040147334
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf club putter and more specifically a putter head configuration which incorporates a golf ball receiving/retreieving and retaining aperture, which will permit a golfer to accomplish virtually effortless ball retrieval from a hole, green, water hazard or other portions of a golf course without bending over. The configuration allows a wide variety of golf ball sizes to be retrieved. Furthermore, the invention provides a means for a golfer to retrieve a golf club or a flag stick from the ground without the necessity of bending over.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Frank D'Agguano
  • Patent number: 6758762
    Abstract: The present is a novel golf grip capable of retaining a divot repairer and a ball marker. In a preferred embodiment the golf grip is a putter grip. The grip has an open end, a closed end, and a hollow body portion for accepting a golf club shaft. The closed end of the grip a slot is formed for insertion and retention of a divot repairer. In the body portion of the grip, proximate the closed end at least one aperture is formed in the grip for insertion and retention of a ball marker. The ability to retain a divot repair tool and a ball marker within a club grip, such as a putter grip, allows the golfer to readily repair the course during play, as well as speed up the course of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Carl Casey Markwood
  • Patent number: 6749522
    Abstract: A golf ball retrieval device includes an attachment pin, for mating with the end of a golf club grip, and a holder adapted to be removably dependently attached to the attached pin. The holder is generally formed in the shape of hollow hemisphere and is manufactured from a polycarbonate or like material in order to enable a slight spreading of two wings formed in the holder between two troughs in the sides of the holder. The holder is thus adapted to apply a slight gripping force about a golf ball inserted into the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Allen Aikman