PATENT APPLICATION by

Ronald P Sokol for an

ATTACHABLE BALL HOLDER

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 62/745,179, filed October 14, 2018, the entire application of which is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of sports equipment. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device for retrieving a ball from the cup located at the hole.

BACKGROUND

[0002] When playing golf, the main goal of the game is to repeatedly get one’s golf ball into the golf hole. These holes are marked on a golf course by flag sticks and are often lined with a cup. There are a wide variety of cup's used in holes on greens, some are plastic, metal or other material. Also, there are many variations of flagsticks used to mark the hole. However, an unintended consequence of putting one’s ball into a hole is the need to remove it afterward, which can be arduous for some players or time consuming.

[0003] Traditionally, golf rules have prohibited the placement of the flagstick in the cup at certain times while a golfer is putting. Even if the golf rules allow for the placement of the flagstick in the cup, when a ball has entered into the cup a golfer still needs to bend over to the ball. For many golfers, after walking multiple holes, and playing for some time, bending over to obtain a ball can in some instances become cumbersome. Constantly, bending over to retrieve a ball can exacerbate or cause back injuries, joint injuries, or soreness that can effect a golfer’s ability to shoot quality shots, and maintain a low score. Additionally, with the new rules implemented by the Professional Golf Association (PGA) there is a need and stress for a quick pace of play. In order to maintain a quick pace of play, a method of device to shorten the amount of time to retrieve a ball will be appreciated by all golfers and those skilled in the art.

[0004] Thus, a need exists for a device that can be used with various existing flagsticks and cups by a golfer to quickly and conveniently remove a golf ball from a cup. Various devices have been disclosed by other entities for use on the golf course, including US1599734A; however, these various devices have limitations.

SUMMARY

[0005] An attachable ball holder assembly is disclosed that is operable for removing a golf ball from a golf hole. The assembly comprises of a holding platform. The holding platform comprises of a first holding platform flange and a second holding platform flange. The holding platform comprises of a first central void ring area defining a first central void. The holding platform comprises of an upper sector and a lower sector, wherein the lower sector comprises a central circular depression. The assembly comprises of a ridge coupled to the holding platform and disposed above the circumference of the holding platform. The assembly comprises of a bushing assembly comprising a first pole bushing coupled to a second pole pushing, wherein the bushing assembly is configured with a second central void ring area defining a second central void having a diameter greater than the diameter of a flag stick pole. The first pole bushing is disposed within the first central void, wherein the first pole bushing comprises of a first flange coupled to a first half of the depression, wherein the first flange is semi circular. The second pole bushing is disposed within the first central void 1040. The second pole bushing comprises of a second flange coupled to substantially a second half of the depression; the second flange being substantially semi-circular.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention comprises a holding platform and a latch which may be defined by a plurality of pole bushings. The latch may be coupled to the flagstick pole. A raised lip for retaining a golf ball may be disposed on the outer circumference of the holding platform.

[0007] In some embodiments the holding platform is configured with a tray. Accordingly, the holding platform has a tray without any holes or voids. The holding platform can further be configured with a tray that comprises of one or more holes or voids.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the holding platform has at least one support arm extending from the circumference portion of the holding platform to the central portion. In some embodiments, at least one support arm extends like a spoke of a wheel. [0009] In one embodiment, outer structure support arms are configured to extend inward to a center ring with a void to receive the bushing assembly. The reducing bushing may be made in two or more sections. As such, the inner diameter may accommodate variations in flag stick diameters and configured to be reduced to a specified tolerance.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pole bushing may have one or more snap hooks for retaining the bushings in place.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bushing assembly has four snap hooks. These snap hooks can be made of various materials and methods of production. The attachable ball holder when installed will securely retain the ball while you lift the flag stick to retrieve golf balls.

[0012] In the accompanying drawings there is illustrated in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention, this being indicative, however, of one of various ways in which the principle of the invention may be employed.

[0013] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description of certain preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts embodied in the disclosure, and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the accompanying drawings there is illustrated in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention, this being indicative, however, of one of various ways in which the principle of the invention may be employed.

[0015] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description of certain preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts embodied in the disclosure, and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a attachable ball holder detachably coupled with a flagstick, in accordance with an example;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the attachable ball holder, in accordance with an example;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the attachable ball holder 100, in accordance with an example;

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the attachable ball holder 100, in accordance with an example;

[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the attachable ball holder assembly wherein two bushings are disposed therein within in the second central void ring area, in accordance with an example;

[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of two pole bushings, in accordance with an example;

[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom perspective view of two pole bushings, in accordance with an example;

[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of an attachable ball holder having a hinge; the embodiment is depicted in a closed position, in accordance with an example; and

[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of an attachable ball holder having a hinge; the embodiment is depicted in an open position, in accordance with an example.

DETAILD DESCRIPTION

[0025] A detailed description of the claimed invention is provided below by example, with reference to examples in the appended figures. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the components and steps of the invention as described by example in the figures below could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, without departing from the substance of the claimed invention.

Thus, the detailed description of the examples in the figures is merely representative of an example of the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Unless explicitly stated, the use of “or” means and/or, that is, this the non-exclusive meaning of or. [0026] FIG. 1-9 depicts an attachable ball holder 100 detachably coupled with a flagstick 200, with several embodiments depicted thereof. Any of FIG. 1-9 can be implemented as various combinations of embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the attachable ball holder assembly 100, is configured to remove a golf ball from a golf hole, in which a flagstick has been implanted. The flagstick pole is configured to be disposed within the golf hole.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, the assembly 100, is configured with a holding platform 101, comprising of a circumferential shape, that is configured to be the shape of the hole. The holding platform 101 is configured to include a first central void ring area 104. The holding platform 101, can be inserted and securably attached to a ground surface, allowing for the assembly to be balanced, and weight in a way that multiple balls can be supported within the assembly. The first central void ring area is configured to define a first central void. The second ring is configured to form a second central void ring area 132 as shown in FIG. 2, which illustrates a top view of the second central void ring area 132 having a bushing disposed within the second central void ring area.

[0028] Now referring to FIG. 3, which depicts a side view of the attachable ball holder 100, the holding platform 101 further comprises of an upper sector 112, and a lower sector 114. The lower sector 114, as comprises of a central circular depression. The central circular depression is configured to withhold a loose ball that has been inserted within the ground surface after golfer has rolled a golf put into the disposed cup. As depicted in FIG. 4, the upper portion is configured with a ridge 118 that is coupled to the holding platform and effectively disposed above the circumference of the holding platform 101.

The ridge can be configured with a height that is subordinate to the depth of the holding platform 101, from the ground surface.

[0029] In one embodiment the attachable ball holder assembly 100 is configured with two bushings that are disposed therein within in the second central void ring area 132. The bushing assembly 130, is configured with a first pole bushing 140 that is coupled to a second pole bushing 150, which is also depicted in great detail in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

[0030] FIG. 7 depicts a bottom view of the attachable ball holder 100 having a bushing assembly disposed therein the second central void ring area. The bushing assembly 130 is configured with a second central void ring area 132 that defines a second central void 134 that has a diameter greater than the diameter of the flagstick pole 200. Additionally, the first pole bushing 140 is disposed within the first central void 104, and comprises a first flange, that is substantially circular, is coupled to substantially a first half of the depression 116. In some embodiments, a second flange can be included that comprises of a substantially circular shape.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the attachable ball holder 100 can be configured with a hinge 120. FIG. 8 depicts the hinge operable in a closed position, where a first side and a second side of the attachable ball holder 100, are touching on a common side. Similarly, FIG. 9, depicts the hinge operable in an open position, where the first side and the second side of the attachable ball holder 100, are extended to no longer be in communication with each other.

[0032] In one embodiment, the holding platform 101 can include a plurality of open sections or holes oriented around the center 110 and constructed in a relatively circular shape. In one example, the holes are oriented around the center 110. Each of the plurality of holds can comprise of between 1% and 99% of the surface of the holding platform 101.

[0033] In one embodiment, the holding platform 101 can be conically formed such that a golf ball is configured to roll toward the center 110 of the holding platform 101. In one example, the conical angle can measure between 2% and 98% grade.

[0034] In one embodiment, the latch 102 can comprise of two identical bushings 103 which wrap around the pole of the flagstick 200 and attach to the holding platform 101 in the center thereof 110. Additionally, the assembly 100, comprises of a snap hook 104. on each identical bushing as the fastening mechanism on the bushing 104 that attaches to the holding platform 101.

[0035] In one embodiment, the holding platform 101 can be constructed of a material, and the latch 102 can be constructed of a rigid material. In one example, the holding platform 101 can be made of a flexible material which is between 10% and 90% less rigid than the latch 102. In another example, the holding platform 101 can be made of a flexible material which is between 20% and 70% less rigid than the latch 102.

[0036] In one embodiment, the second central void ring area can have at least one channel for receiving a snap hook of a bushing, wherein the channel is wider at the base and then narrows.

[0037] In one embodiment, the assembly 100 can have a plurality of support arts where the range of the incline angle of the support arms may be altered so long as the incline is sufficient in any of the above disclosed embodiments, to cause or assist a golf ball that is disposed upon the holding platform of the apparatus to gravitate towards the center area.

[0038] Various methods may be used for installing or using the device including, removing a top retaining nut of a flagstick, sliding the attachable ball holder down the flagstick pole with the pole of the flagstick being disposed within the central void of the flagstick. In one example, there can be a method of installing from the bottom side of the attachable ball holder the two bushings, such that the snap hooks of the two bushings lock onto the ledge of the second central void ring area, and the two bushings are coupled so as to form a bushing assembly.

[0039] Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms “comprising” or “comprises” do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as “a” or “an” etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.

[0040] It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure and only one particular configuration has been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

[0041] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise forms disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain principles and practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0042] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.