Retractible golf ball retriever

Abstract

A golf ball retriever is adapted to be placed in the butt end of a golf club by way of inserting a three pronged device into the shaft of the golf club. The retriever includes the three-pronged device, which is placed equidistantly and concentrically in copper tubing, and anchored with a cylindrical dowel The three-pronged device is permanently affixed within the shaft by way of a retaining clip, which likewise maintains the relative position of the prongs within the shaft of the golf club. The prongs are easily reinserted and retained in the shaft of the golf club when not in use. Use of the three-pronged device enables a ball to be lifted from the putting green or cup.

I claim  
     
         1 . Apparatus for retrieving a golf ball from a playing surface of the type comprising an elongated angled prong, each of three prongs arranged about a cylindrical axis for attachment to a cylindrical tube lying substantially in a common plane arcuately curved toward each other, said tube means for inserting said prongs into an elongated hollow shaft with a handle end and an opposite end, wherein said insertion allows said prongs to retreat into said shaft or, in the alternative, exit said shaft, so as to receive and cradle a golf ball therein said prongs.  
     
     
         2 . The retriever of  claim 1  wherein said prongs are composed of a resilient material.  
     
     
         3 . The retriever of  claim 1  wherein said prongs are contained in said cylindrical tube.  
     
     
         4 . The retriever of  claim 1  wherein said cylindrical tube adapted to slidably move inside of said shaft.  
     
     
         5 . The retriever of  claim 1  wherein said prongs adapted to extend outwardly from said shaft at a predetermined angle relative to said elongated shaft.  
     
     
         6 . The retriever of  claim 1  wherein said prongs present an interior concave potential space on the inside surface of said prongs.  
     
     
         7 . The retriever of  claim 1  wherein said potential space is able to receive and retain a golf ball when said ball is aligned with said prongs on a horizontal axis and a downward pressure is applied to said prongs.  
     
     
         8 . The retriever of  claim 1  wherein said ball is removed from said prongs with minimal manual dexterity.  
     
     
         9 . The retriever of  claim 1  wherein said prongs shall retreat into said shaft and rest. therein.