This international PCT patent application claims the benefit of, and priority to, United States Provisional Application No. 63/081,180, filed September, 21, 2020, entitled “Touchless Golf Ball Removal System”, each said patent application and priority case hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, the invention presented herein relates to the removal of a golf ball from a putting green cup. This may be accomplished with or without human contact with any common surfaces, which may help to reduce the risk of viral transfer and possibly provide a more ergonomically efficient means of removing the golf ball than bending over, while also complying with USGA regulations.

BACKGROUND

The desire to remove a golf ball from a putting green cup using a golf club has been known for many years. But perhaps none of the prior art fully satisfies the USGA requirements. Specifically, prior art devices may not be radially symmetric, they may affect the rebound rate and rebound direction of the golf ball hitting the device, and in some circumstances may extend past the maximum allowed distance from a golf flagstick in the region of the flagstick above and below approximately 3” above the ground surface. Prior art may include features that are not in compliance with USGA regulations regarding symmetric features along the flagstick length. The present invention may satisfy all of the above-mentioned requirements. Due to the Covid- 19 outbreak, perhaps the most significant problem the golf industry currently faces is the removal of a golf ball from the putting green cup without players or anyone else contacting common surfaces, while also fully conforming to USGA regulations. As a result, a variety of efforts may have been directed towards ball removal with only one common contact point for users to access, perhaps by using only his/her golf club.

A consequence of this may be that all ball removal systems exist outside the flagstick in the region approximately 3” above and approximately 3” below the putting surface. The invention disclosed herein may include embodiments to actuate a ball-elevator from a region higher than approximately 3” above the putting surface while the ball-elevator rests approximately 3” below the putting surface with no mechanical linkage between the two that extends outside the flagstick.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a variety of aspects which may be utilized in different combinations to accomplish a goal of removing a golf ball from a putting green cup with only one common contact area, while in full compliance with the USGA regulations. A user may use a putter or other tool, such as a tee, their hand, or their foot to physically contact the system to lift his/her golf ball out of the cup.

One goal of the invention disclosed herein is to provide a radially symmetric golf ball elevating device that may rest at a distance greater than approximately 3” below the putting surface inside and at the bottom of the cup. In some embodiments, this may be done with a disk with protruding petal-like attachments. The petals may be captured in a manner where they can hinge upwards when resting in the bottom of the cup and hinge downward when elevating a golf ball. Other embodiments of the ball-elevator may be used without the use of petals.

Another goal of the invention disclosed herein may be to provide a mechanical or other type of coupling between an actuating device and a ball elevating device that may not occupy any space outside of the flagstick when in a resting position. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished through the use of magnets that may use attraction or repulsion forces and the magnets may exist both outside or inside the flagstick. These magnets may provide coupling between the ball elevating device and an actuation rod that may exist inside (in the center of) the flagstick.

In keeping with an overall goal of actuating the ball-elevator using a device not outside of the flagstick both approximately 3” below and approximately 3” above the cup, a common surface or hook may be provided for the golfer to use to lift the ball-elevator. This may be accomplished using a variety of methods. In but one example, in some embodiments, a disc for a putter to come into contact with may be used and mechanically or otherwise coupled to an actuating rod via, for example, magnets using either the attraction or repulsion forces of the magnets. The disc may be comprised of a soft material to minimize any wear to the putter from coming in contact with it. A slot in the side of the flagstick located approximately 3” above the putting surface to allow for a protruding hook, disc or a receptacle for a tool (for example a golf tee).

Embodiments disclosed herein may include the use of an actuating rod that may be completely enclosed in a flag’s stick in the region approximately 3” above and below the putting surface. Certain embodiments may include the use of magnets which may function as a force governor or break- away safety system, perhaps based on the properties of paired-magnets. In some embodiments, once an inner magnet (10) moves entirely through an outer ring magnet (11), the repulsive force may reverse directions. In circumstances where a ball-elevator or actuating device becomes mechanically jammed, it’s possible that no device damage will occur to the internal actuator rod because it may simply de-couple with any of the jammed parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the current invention in a lower or resting position, and with an actuating disc.

Fig. 2 shows a zoomed-in view of an embodiment of the current invention in a lower or resting position and with an actuating disc.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the current invention in a raised position and including an actuating disc.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the current invention in a raised position and with an actuating hook and a slot in flag stick.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

It should be understood that the present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed with initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. The specific embodiment or embodiments shown are examples only. The specification should be understood and is intended as supporting broad claims as well as each embodiment, and even claims where other embodiments may be excluded. Importantly, disclosure of merely exemplary embodiments is not meant to limit the breadth of other more encompassing claims that may be made where such may be only one of several methods or embodiments which could be employed in a broader claim or the like. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.

As mentioned earlier, the present invention includes a variety of aspects which may be combined in different ways. Each of these aspects is first discussed separately. The invention may involve:

(1) A golf ball elevating device (Fig 1,2, 3, 4 - Item 13)

(2) A coupling between the golf ball elevating device and the actuating rod (Fig 1,2, 3, 4 - Items 10 and 11)

(3) An actuating rod enclosed inside of the flagstick from the bottom of the flagstick to at least 3” above the putting surface (Fig 1,2, 3, 4 - Item 9)

(4) A coupling between the golf ball actuating device and the actuating rod (Fig 1,2, 3, 4 - Items 10 and 11)

(5) An actuating device to provide a structure that lifts the ball-elevator without human contact (Fig 1,2,3 - Item 14, Fig 4 - Item 9). (6) An actuating device to provide a structure that lifts the ball-elevator with human contact

(Fig 1,2,3 - Item 14, Fig 4 - Item 9).

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the upward movement of the center post may cause the ball elevator (13) to rise. This may due to a magnetic coupling (either attraction or repulsion) between the lower inner magnet (10) and the outer magnet (11) that resides such as inside the ball elevator (13). As the ball elevator rises, the petals (12) may fall from their upward slanting position to their downward slanting position due to gravity and possibly the weight of the golf ball. Once the ball elevator exits the top of the golf cup, the ball may fall outwardly onto the putting green (1) as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. Once the Golf ball has been ejected onto the putting green (1), a player may lower the ball actuator or hook (16) using a putter, foot, hand, or tool. In the case of using the hook (16) configuration, the ball elevator will come to rest in the bottom of the golf cup with the petals in their upward slanting position.

As shown in Fig. 1, one embodiment of the present invention may be located on a putting green (1). A putting green cup (2) may be located underneath the putting green (1) at a desired distance. The putting green cup (2) may be of a cylindrical shape and may functionally act as a receptacle for an item such as a golf ball (3). A flagstick may be included and may have a flagstick upper portion (4) and a flagstick lower portion tube (8). The flag stick upper portion (4) and flagstick lower portion tube (8) may be made of aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, or any other desired material and may act as a structure to display a flag (6) or other signage at a visible or otherwise desired height. In this particular embodiment, a top ferrule (5) may be included at the top of the flagstick upper portion (4) and may act to couple the flagstick upper portion (4) with a flag (6) or other signage which may help to indicate to golfers or spectators where the putting green cup (2) is located on the putting green (1). Possibly coupled to, or otherwise located on or near the lower portion tube (8) may be a bottom ferrule (7). The bottom ferrule (7) may functionally help eliminate friction and may also help allow sand, soil, or other debris to pass through so as to possible help eliminate sticking. In some embodiments, it may also help to keep the flag stick portions (4, 8) upright and withstand ambient conditions. A center pole (9) may extend upward from the bottom ferrule (7) and may act to couple the bottom ferrule (7) with the lower portion tube (8). It may also be coupled to the upper portion (4) and lower portion tube (8) of the flagstick. The center pole (9) may be made of any desired material including but not limited to fiberglass, plastic, or the like. It may be of any desired size, length, or diameter, and may even be adjustable in length so as to be customizable for each putting green cup (2). In some embodiments and structures, the height of the center pole may be configured and arranged to conform to USGA standards. For rec-league type of play, the center pole may be raised to different heights depending on the event, skill level of the users, desired visibility of the flag, and/or any other reason.

Certain embodiments, such as shown in Fig. 2 may include at least one petal (12). Other embodiments may include any number of desired petals and all options should be understood as disclosed herein. The petals (12) may be located adjacent to the bottom ferrule (7) and/or the bottom of the center post (9). In some embodiments, they may have a default resting position which may be a raised position, and they may be responsive to use of the actuator disc or otherwise. For example, when the actuator disc is utilized by a user, it may act to raise the center post (9) which may then effect the resting, raised petals to lower as the post (9) raises, and thus providing a ramp for the ball to roll down, once it is raised completely out of the putting green cup (2). Once the ball is released down a ramp and onto the putting green (1), the actuator disc may then be lowered, while the petals simultaneously raise back up to fit into the putting green cup (2), and until the actuator disc comes to a rest on a collar (15). Perhaps at that same resting position for the actuator disc, the ball elevator (13) may also be at a resting position, perhaps in the bottom of the putting green cup (2) with the petals (12) in a raised position. In some embodiments, the petals may have cuffs or other structure to impact the direction in which the ball will roll down onto the green (1). This may also be customizable and configurable for or even by a particular user upon the raising of the center pole (9). The system of the present invention may even then be coordinated with where a user is locationally such as by rotating a portion or otherwise, and may release their ball in their locational direction.

In embodiments such as shown in Fig. 3, it may be desired to remove a golf ball (3) from the putting green cup (2). This may be accomplished by a user raising an actuator disc (14). In some embodiments, the actuator disc may be the only surface that a user may have to contact to enact the system. The actuator disc or other configured or arranged structure may be made of a firm material such as metal, as but one example, or a softer, smooth material such as plastic, silicone, or even a padded material. The actuator disc may be a rounded shape, or may be similar to a button or switch. Depending on what shape, form, and material of the actuator disc, triggering it may be done via use of a golf club, a user’s foot, a user’s hand, a motion sensor, a smartphone control, or any other desired tool. For example, in certain embodiments if desired, the actuator disc (14) or other element may be activated by motion sensor, remote activation, button, or even Bluetooth, or otherwise, and may not require any contact whatsoever with a user, including perhaps spring loaded or the like. This may enable a wide variety of users including judges or other officials, and/or those with physical handicaps. Once an actuator disc or other structure is raised or otherwise triggered, it may then raise the center pole (9) via use of magnetic coupling, as but one example. The magnetic coupling may be comprised of an inner magnet (10) and outer magnet (11) and may act to raise the center pole (9) as a result of said magnetic coupling (either attraction or repulsion) between the upper inner magnet (10) and outer magnet (11) which may reside inside a ball elevator (13). A ball elevator (13) may be a flat or otherwise configured or arranged surface which may be effected by manual or other raising of the center post by use of said inner (10) and outer (11) magnets and which will raise a golf ball (3) out of a putting green cup (2).

In other embodiments, such as shown in Fig. 4, a user may raise the center post (9) by use of a lifting apparatus, in this embodiment, a hook-type apparatus. The hook (16) may be coupled with the center post (9). It may be located at any desired height along the center post, and may even be adjustable. The hook (16) may made of a material similar to that of the center post, or of any other desired material. Examples include but are not limited to plastic, fiberglass, or even a soft, padded material. In some instances, a hook (16) may be used, and in some instances, it may be a closed loop. In yet other embodiments, it may be a flat surface. In embodiments such as shown in Fig. 4, a user may use a tool, such as but not limited to their foot, their hand, or a golf club, and place the tool under the hook (16), and then raise the tool to raise the hook up. This may then raise the coupled center post (9) which may then raise the coupled ball-elevator (13) perhaps by use of inner and outer magnets (10, 11) or other coupling. Once the center post is raised, it may then effect the resting, raised petals to lower as the post (9) raises, and thus providing a ramp for the ball to roll down, once it is raised completely out of the putting green cup (2). In certain embodiments, the hook (16) may be directionally controlled by a user. For an example, the hook (16) may be movable around the center post (9) it is coupled to. A user, while raising the hook (16) with a tool, may also move the hook (16) around the post to the direction it wants the ball released down a ramp formed by the lowered petals (12). Once the ball is released down a ramp and onto the putting green (1), the actuator disc may then be lowered, while the petals simultaneously raise back up to fit into the putting green cup (2), and until the actuator disc comes to a rest on a collar (15). Perhaps at that same resting position for the actuator disc, the ball elevator (13) may also be at a resting position, perhaps in the bottom of the putting green cup (2) with the petals (12) in a raised position.

In other embodiments, the actuation of the system may be triggered by a sensor. As but one example, the bottom ferrule (7) or the putting green cup (2) may have a sensor configured to receive information regarding the weight of the ball (3) and the timing at which the ball entered the cup (2). Once the weight of the ball is received by the sensor, it may wait 5, 10, 15, or even 20 second (as but one example), and then automatically raise the center post to actuate the raising of the ball elevator (13) and to form a ramp of petals (12) for the golf ball (3) to be ejected back to the user on the putting green (1).

In yet other embodiments, the system may be actuated by any control, perhaps such as a remote control, or even voice control. Once a user has their ball entered into the putting green cup (2), they may direct the system to “release my ball” or simply push a button. A voice sensor, possible located near the center post hook (16), actuating disc, or any other desired location, may then actuate the raising of the center post (9) to trigger the system to release the golf ball. In alternate embodiments, a user may even be able to direct the system to “release my ball south” or “release my ball north” to have the ramp of petals (12) direct the ball to eject in the locational direction of the user.

Previously presented definitions of invention, together with newly developed golf ball removal intuitive statements of invention from prior specifications, all now considered as clauses for potential use later, include the following:

1. A golf ball retrieval system comprising: a flagstick enclosed coupling, wherein said enclosed coupling comprises a first magnet and a second magnet; an actuator, wherein said actuator is coupled to said first magnet; a ball elevator, wherein said ball elevator is coupled to said second magnet; and a flagstick, wherein said enclosed coupling, said actuator, and said ball elevator are enclosed by said flagstick.

2. A golfball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause wherein said first magnet comprises a flagstick internal magnet.

3. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause wherein said second magnet comprises a flagstick internal magnet.

4. A golfball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause wherein said first magnet comprises a flagstick external magnet.

5. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause wherein said second magnet comprises a flagstick external magnet.

6. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause further comprising actuator with a flagstick external actuator hook. 7. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause further comprising actuator with a flagstick external lifter.

8. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause wherein said actuator comprises a tee actuator.

9. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause wherein said actuator comprises a tool actuator.

10. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 wherein said ball elevator comprises a ramp.

11. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 wherein said ball elevator comprises at least one set of symmetrical movable petal.

12. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause wherein said flagstick comprises a slotted flagstick.

13. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause wherein flagstick comprises a vertically slotted flagstick.

14. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause wherein said ball elevator is coupled to said actuator rod.

15. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause wherein ball elevator is magnetically coupled to said actuator rod.

16. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause further comprising a coupling actuation.

17. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 16 or any other clause wherein said coupling actuation comprises an actuator disk. 18. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 16 or any other clause wherein said coupling actuation comprises a motion sensor.

19. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 16 or any other clause wherein said coupling actuation comprises a remote activator.

20. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 16 or any other clause wherein said coupling actuation comprises a Bluetooth application.

21. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 16 or any other clause wherein said coupling actuation comprises a pressure sensor.

22. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 16 or any other clause wherein said coupling actuation comprises a use of a tool.

23. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 22 or any other clause wherein said use of a tool comprises use of a golf tee inserted into a slot in in said flagstick.

24. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause further comprising a magnetic force governor .

25. A golfball retrieval system as described in clause 24 or any other clause wherein said magnetic force governor comprises a magnetic force threshold break away system.

26. A golfball retrieval system as described in clause 24 or any other clause wherein said magnetic force governor comprises an anti-jam safety system.

27. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause further comprising an enclosed coupling.

28. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 27 or any other clause wherein said ball elevator is coupled to said actuator rod is coupled in an enclosed manner. 29. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 27 or any other clause wherein said enclosed coupling comprises an enclosed inner magnet, outer magnet and actuator rod coupling.

30. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause wherein said magnetic coupling comprises an outer magnetic coupling.

31. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 30 or any other clause wherein said outer magnetic coupling comprises and inner magnet and outer magnet position on the outside of said flagstick.

32. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 30 wherein said outer coupling comprises an actuator rod position outside of said flagstick.

33. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 1 or any other clause wherein said magnetic coupling comprises an inner magnetic coupling.

34. A golfball retrieval system as described in clause 33 or any other clause wherein inner coupling comprises an inner magnet and inner magnet position inside said flagstick.

35. A golfball retrieval system as described in clause 33 or any other clause wherein inner coupling comprises an actuator rod position inside of said flagstick.

36. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system comprising: an inner magnet; an outer magnet, where said inner magnet magnetically coupled to said outer magnet forming a magnetic coupling; an actuator rod, wherein said magnetic coupling is capable of being coupled to said actuator rod; a ball elevator, wherein said ball elevator is capable of being coupled to said actuator rod; and a flagstick, wherein said inner magnet said outer magnet said actuator rod, and said ball elevator form a singular assembly with said flagstick.

37. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 36 or any other clause wherein flagstick comprises a vertically slotted flagstick.

38. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 36 or any other clause wherein said ball elevator is coupled to said actuator rod.

39 A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 36 or any other clause wherein ball elevator is magnetically coupled to said actuator rod.

40. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 36 or any other clause further comprising a coupling actuation.

41. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 40 or any other clause wherein said coupling actuation comprises an actuator disk

42. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 40 or any other clause wherein said coupling actuation comprises a motion sensor.

43. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 40 or any other clause wherein said coupling actuation comprises a remote activator.

44. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 40 or any other clause wherein said coupling actuation comprises a Bluetooth application.

45. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 40 or any other clause wherein said coupling actuation comprises a pressure sensor.

46. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 40 or any other clause wherein said coupling actuation comprises a use of a tool. 47. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 46 or any other clause wherein said use of a tool comprises use of a golf tee inserted into a slot in in said flagstick.

48. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 36 or any other clause further comprising a magnetic force governor to automatically reset said ball elevator.

49. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 48 or any other clause wherein said magnetic force governor comprises a magnetic force threshold break away system.

50. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 48 or any other clause wherein said magnetic force governor comprises an anti-jam safety system.

51. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 36 or any other clause further comprising an enclosed coupling.

52. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 51 or any other clause wherein said ball elevator is coupled to said actuator rod is coupled in an enclosed manner.

53. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 51 or any other clause wherein said enclosed coupling comprises an enclosed inner magnet, outer magnet and actuator rod coupling.

54. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 36 or any other clause wherein said magnetic coupling comprises an outer magnetic coupling.

55. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 54 or any other clause wherein said outer magnetic coupling comprises and inner magnet and outer magnet position on the outside of said flagstick.

56. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 54 or any other clause wherein said outer coupling comprises an actuator rod position outside of said flagstick. 57. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 36 or any other clause wherein said magnetic coupling comprises an inner magnetic coupling.

58. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 57 or any other clause wherein said inner coupling comprises an inner magnet and inner magnet position inside said flagstick.

59. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 57 wherein said inner coupling comprises an actuator rod position inside of said flagstick.

60. A method of retrieving a golf ball comprising the steps of: enclosing a coupling in a flagstick, wherein said coupling comprises a first magnet and a second magnet; actuating an actuator rod coupled to said first magnet; elevating a ball elevator coupled to said second magnet; and retrieving a golf ball.

61. A method of retrieving a golf ball as described in clause 60 or any other clause wherein said step of actuating an actuator rod coupled to said first magnet comprises actuating a flagstick external outer magnet coupled to said actuator rod.

62. A method of retrieving a golf ball as described in clause 60 or any other clause wherein said step of elevating a ball elevator coupled to said second magnet comprises elevating a flagstick external inner magnet coupled to said ball elevator.

63. A method of retrieving a golf ball as described in clause 60 or any other clause wherein said step of actuating an actuator rod coupled to said first magnet comprises actuating a flagstick internal outer magnet coupled to said actuator rod. 64. A method of retrieving a golf ball as described in clause 60 or any other clause wherein said step of elevating a ball elevator coupled to said second magnet comprises elevating a flagstick internal inner magnet coupled to said ball elevator.

65. A method of retrieving a golf ball as described in clause 60 or any other clause further comprising a step of actuating said actuator rod with a flagstick external actuating hook.

66. A method of retrieving a golf ball as described in clause 60 or any other clause further comprising a step of actuating said actuator rod with a flagstick external lifter.

67. A method of retrieving a golf ball as described in clause 60 or any other clause wherein said step of retrieving a golf ball comprises inserting a golf tee into a slot in said flagstick, wherein lifting up on said golf tee actuates said actuator rod.

68. A method of retrieving a golf ball as described in clause 60 or any other clause wherein said step of retrieving a golf ball comprises inserting a tool into said actuator to actuate said actuator rod.

69. A method of retrieving a golf ball as described in clause 60 or any other clause or any other clause wherein said step of enclosing a coupling in a flagstick, wherein said coupling comprises a first magnet and a second magnet comprises enclosing a coupling in a slotted flagstick, wherein said coupling comprises a first magnet and a second magnet.

70. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method comprising the steps of: coupling an inner magnet and an outer magnet; actuating an actuator rod; elevating a ball elevator; and incorporating said coupled inner magnet, said outer magnet, said actuator rod, said ball elevator as an assembly. retrieving a golf ball from a cup.

71. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 70 or any other clause wherein said step of incorporating said coupled inner magnet, said outer magnet, said actuator rod, said ball elevator as an assembly comprises incorporating said an assembly into a flagstick.

72. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 70 wherein said step of elevating a ball elevator comprises magnetically coupling said ball elevator to said actuator rod.

73. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 70 further comprising a step of actuating said magnetic coupling.

74. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 73 wherein said step of actuating said magnetic coupling comprises actuating an actuator disk.

75. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 73 wherein said step of actuating said magnetic coupling comprises actuating a motion sensor.

76. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 73 wherein said step of actuating said magnetic coupling comprises actuating a remote activator.

77. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 73 wherein said step of actuating said magnetic coupling comprises actuating a Bluetooth application.

78. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 73 wherein said step actuating said magnetic coupling comprises actuating a pressure sensor.

79. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 73 wherein said step of actuating said magnetic coupling comprises using a tool to actuate said magnetic coupling.

80. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 79 wherein said step of using a tool to actuate said magnetic coupling comprises inserting a golf tee into a slot in said flagstick. 81. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 70 further comprising said step of utilizing a magnetic force governor to automatically reset said ball elevator.

82. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 81 wherein said step of utilizing a magnetic force governor comprises utilizing a magnetic force threshold break away system.

83. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 81 wherein said step of utilizing a magnetic force governor comprises utilizing an anti-jam safety system.

84. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 81 further comprising said step of enclosing said magnetic coupling.

85. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 70 wherein said step of incorporating said coupled inner magnet and outer magnet, said ball elevator into a flagstick comprises coupling said coupled inner magnet and outer magnet, said ball elevator to said actuator rod in an enclosed manner.

86. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 84 wherein said step of enclosing said magnetic coupling comprises coupling an enclosed inner magnet, outer magnet and actuator rod.

87. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 84 wherein said step of enclosing said magnetic coupling comprises utilizing a flagstick external outer magnetic coupling.

88. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 87 wherein said step of utilizing a flagstick external outer magnetic coupling comprises utilizing a flagstick external inner magnet and outer magnet positioned inside of said flagstick. 89. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 87 wherein said step of utilizing a flagstick external outer magnetic coupling comprises utilizing an actuator rod position outside of said flagstick.

90. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 70 further comprising said step of utilizing an inner magnetic coupling.

91. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 90 wherein said step of utilizing an inner magnetic coupling comprises utilizing a flagstick internal inner magnet and outer magnet positioned inside of said flagstick.

92. A magnetic coupling ball retrieval method as described in clause 90 wherein said step of utilizing a flagstick internal inner magnetic coupling comprises utilizing an actuator rod position inside of said flagstick.

93. A magnetic coupling golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 36 or any other clause wherein said singular system comprises a movable pin system wherein when said movable pin system is removed from a cup said magnetic coupling, said actuator rod, said ball elevator, and said flagstick move together.

94. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 9 or any other clause wherein said tool actuator comprises a club handle.

95. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 9 or any other clause wherein said tool actuator comprises a putter head.

96. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 9 or any other clause wherein said tool actuator comprises a divot repair tool.

97. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 9 or any other clause wherein said tool actuator comprises a user’s foot. 98. A golf ball retrieval system as described in clause 9 or any other clause wherein said tool actuator comprises a user’s hand.

99. A method of retrieving a golf ball as described in clause 60 or any other clause wherein said step of retrieving a golf ball comprises actuating said actuator rod with a user’s hand.

100. A method of retrieving a golf ball as described in clause 60 or any other clause wherein said step of retrieving a golf ball comprises actuating said actuator rod with a user’s foot.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both retrieving techniques as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate ball retrieval. In this application, the retrieving techniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.

The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. As one example, terms of degree, terms of approximation, and/or relative terms may be used. These may include terms such as the words: substantially, about, only, and the like. These words and types of words are to be understood in a dictionary sense as terms that encompass an ample or considerable amount, quantity, size, etc. as well as terms that encompass largely but not wholly that which is specified. Further, for this application if or when used, terms of degree, terms of approximation, and/or relative terms should be understood as also encompassing more precise and even quantitative values that include various levels of precision and the possibility of claims that address a number of quantitative options and alternatives. For example, to the extent ultimately used, the existence or non-existence of a substance or condition in a particular input, output, or at a particular stage can be specified as substantially only x or substantially free of x, as a value of about x, or such other similar language. In context, these should be understood by a person of ordinary skill as being disclosed and included whether in an absolute value sense or in valuing one set of or substance as compared to the value of a second set of or substance. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure and should (and, it is believed, would) be understood to a person of ordinary skill in this field. Where the invention is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the invention and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.

It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing both the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system.

Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms — even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a “elevator” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “elevating” — whether explicitly discussed or not — and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “elevating”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “elevator” and even a “means for elevating.” Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description. Further, each such means (whether explicitly so described or not) should be understood as encompassing all elements that can perform the given function, and all descriptions of elements that perform a described function should be understood as a nonlimiting example of means for performing that function. As other non-limiting examples, it should be understood that claim elements can also be expressed as any of: components that are configured to, or configured and arranged to, achieve a particular result, use, purpose, situation, function, or operation, or as components that are capable of achieving a particular result, use, purpose, situation, function, or operation. All should be understood as within the scope of this disclosure and written description.

Any regulations, patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. Any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference.

Finally, all references listed in the list of References To Be Incorporated By Reference or other information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s).

REFERENCES TO BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

I. US Patents

II. US Patent Application Publications

III. Non-Patent Uiterature

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the retrieval devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such processes, methods, systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) an apparatus for performing the methods described herein comprising means for performing the steps, xii) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xiii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiv) all inventions described herein.

In addition, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement 1 of invention that may include claims directed to: a golf ball elevating device; specific configurations of a golf ball elevating device; golf ball elevating devices having particular components or functionalities; components or structures particularly for a golf ball or other such elevating device; enacting a system to mechanically retrieve a golf ball, to automatically retrieve a golf ball, to systematically retrieve a golf ball; enacting a system controlled to mechanically retrieve a golf ball, to automatically retrieve a golf ball, to systematically retrieve a golf ball; systems that enable a user to customize a golf ball or other retrieval system; providing systems that may retrieve other types of sporting balls or pucks.

With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws — including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws— to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.

Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” or variations such as

“comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. The use of the phrase, “or any other claim” is used to provide support for any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a subsequently listed claim, and the like. As one clarifying example, if a claim were dependent “on claim 20 or any other claim” or the like, it could be re-drafted as dependent on claim 1, claim 15, or even claim 25 (if such were to exist) if desired and still fall with the disclosure. It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.

Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.