Golf ball retriever attachment

Abstract

A golf ball retriever, for use with a golf club, includes a generally spherical catcher member including a plurality of claws extending integrally from a base member and defining therebetween a first internal recess configured to hold a golf ball, wherein each of the claws include a tip portion curved inwardly toward the first internal recess. The tip portions define an opening for receiving a golf ball therethrough. A fastener extends from the internal recess and through the base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching the base member directly to the golf club.

1 . In combination with a golf club, a golf ball retriever, comprising: 
 a) a generally spherical catcher member including a plurality of claws extending integrally from a base member and defining therebetween a first internal recess configured to hold a golf ball;    b) each of said claws including a tip portion curved inwardly toward said first internal recess;    c) said tip portions defining an opening for receiving a golf ball therethrough; and    d) a fastener extending from said internal recess and through said base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching said base member directly to the golf club.    
   
   
       2 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a) a second internal recess adjacent said base member for accommodating a portion of said fastener.    
   
   
       3 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 2 , wherein: 
 a) said second internal recess is smaller in diameter than said first internal recess.    
   
   
       4 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 2 , wherein: 
 a) said second internal recess is generally frustoconical in cross-section.    
   
   
       5 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 a) at least one of said claws includes a spring portion on the inside thereof adjacent said base member.    
   
   
       6 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 a) each of said claws is generally C-shaped.    
   
   
       7 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 6 , wherein: 
 a) said catcher member is molded from a rubber material.    
   
   
       8 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 6 , wherein: 
 a) four of said claws extend from said base member and are equilaterally spaced from each other.    
   
   
       9 . In combination with a golf club, a golf ball retriever, comprising: 
 a) a generally spherical molded catcher member including at least three generally C-shaped claws extending integrally from a base member and defining first and second generally coaxial internal recesses;    b) each of said claws including a tip portion curved inwardly toward said first internal recess;    c) said tip portions defining an opening for receiving a golf ball therethrough;    d) said claws including a spring portion on the inside thereof adjacent said base member; and    e) a mechanical fastener extending from said second internal recess and through said base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching said base member directly to the golf club.    
   
   
       10 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 9 , wherein: 
 a) said second internal recess is smaller in diameter than said first internal recess.    
   
   
       11 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 9 , wherein: 
 a) said second recess is generally frustoconical in cross-section.    
   
   
       12 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 9 , wherein: 
 a) said catcher member is molded from a rubber material.    
   
   
       13 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 12 , wherein: 
 a) said claws are equilaterally spaced from each other.    
   
   
       14 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 12 , wherein: 
 a) the golf club comprises a putter.    
   
   
       15 . In combination with a golf club, a golf ball retriever, comprising: 
 a) a generally cup-shaped catcher member including a base member and defining therein a first internal recess configured to hold a golf ball;    b) a second internal recess adjacent said base member; and    c) a fastener extending from said second internal recess and through said base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching said base member directly to the golf club.    
   
   
       16 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 15 , wherein: 
 a) said catcher member includes a plurality of cut-outs.    
   
   
       17 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 16 , wherein: 
 a) said cut-outs are generally inverted U-shaped.    
   
   
       18 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 16 , wherein: 
 a) said second internal recess is smaller in diameter than said first internal recess and is generally coaxial therewith.    
   
   
       19 . The golf ball retriever of  claim 18 , wherein: 
 a) said catcher member is molded from a rubber material.    
   
   
       20 . A method of using a golf club as a golf ball retriever, comprising: 
 a. providing a golf club having a grip;    b. providing a golf ball retriever;    c. said golf ball retriever, comprising: 
 i) a generally spherical catcher member including a plurality of claws extending integrally from a base member and defining therebetween a first internal recess configured to hold a golf ball;  
 ii) each of the claws including a tip portion curved inwardly toward the first internal recess;  
 iii) the tip portions defining an opening for receiving a golf ball therethrough; and  
 iv) a fastener extending from the internal recess and through the base member into the shaft of a golf club for attaching the base member directly to the golf club;  
   d. pressing a sharp end of the fastener into the center of the top of the grip;    e. turning the catcher member while applying a pressure toward the grip;    f. continue turning of the catcher member until the base member contacts the grip; and    g. stop turning of the catcher member.