Background of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for retrieving an article. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a device for the retrieval of golf balls.

Description of the Prior Art

Golf is one of the most popular sporting pastimes enjoyed by a variety of people the world over. Regardless of a player's skill (i.e. from beginner to professional level) there are times when a player's ball will find a hazard. In such instances it is not always feasible for a player to enter the hazard (e.g. water traps, long rough etc) to retrieve the ball.

The need to retrieve a ball from a hazard, or areas of long rough, has over the years seen the development of a wide variety of devices to assist players. One example of such a device is discussed in US Patent 5,590,924 to Quinn et al entitled "Golf Ball Retrieval Rake". The device of Quinn includes a rigid head composed of a plurality of spaced curved tines, the space between the tines being less than the diameter of the golf ball. The arrangement of the tines of Quinn allows the device to be raked through the hazard, when the tines contact a ball it is forced up the tines by the raking action into a ball retaining region.

A similar ball rake is discussed in US Patent 6,695,370 to Johnson entitled Golf ball retrieval device and method. The device of Johnson includes a plate member with spaced apart tear shaped tines each having a leading edge and an opposing trailing edge, and a surface spaced apart from an opposing surface of an adjacent tine a distance greater than the diameter of a golf ball. This enables the tines of the Johnson rake to guide the golf ball between the spaced apart surfaces during a raking movement of the retriever. A flange which extends along the trailing edge of each tine is also provided to lift and trap the ball between the tines during a raking movement of the retriever.

As can be seen from the above examples the retrieval devices employ a rigid head which is designed to be dragged through the hazard in order to scoop the ball into the ball retaining area of the device. As such, devices of the type discussed in Quinn and Johnson are not readily suited to the retrieval of a ball when it is lodged against or under debris such as rocks, fallen tree limbs etc. In such cases it is not unusual for such rakes to become snagged on such obstructions. Moreover, the raking action utilised by such devices may in some instances act to cover the ball in debris thereby obscuring the player's view of the ball or worse yet burying the ball entirely, making retrieval of the ball more difficult if not impossible.

Clearly it would be advantageous to provide a retrieval device that allows for the harvesting of balls from various terrain types where access to the ball is limited.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Summary of the Present Invention

In a first broad form the present invention seeks to provide a device for retrieval of at least one article, said device including:

a handle;

a head coupled to the handle, said head including a retrieval assembly having a plurality of resiliently flexible members defining a receptacle for said article; and

wherein the resiliently flexible members of said retrieval assembly on application of pressure on the handle flex about the article to admit the article into said receptacle.

Typically the handle comprises a series of telescopic joints allowing the handle to be adjusted to discrete lengths between a fully retracted and a fully extended position.

Typically the handle has a length of at least 200mm in the fully retracted position.

Typically the handle has a length of at least 2000mm in the fully extended position

Typically the head is removably securable to the handle. Typically the head is attached to the handle by a fastener. Typically the head is attached to the handle by a quick release mechanism. Typically the quick release mechanism is a press button release. Typically the quick release mechanism is a snap on fitting.

Typically the plurality of resiliently flexible members are in the form of a plurality of resiliently flexible webs.

Typically the plurality of resiliently flexible webs are arranged to form a cage like structure housing the receptacle therewithin.

Typically the plurality of resiliently flexible webs forming the cage like structure are arranged into a first set and second set of webs.

Typically the first set of webs is formed from a material having a higher degree of flexibility than that of the material used to form the second set of webs.

Typically the cage like structure has a bulbous shape.

Alternatively the resiliently flexible members are a plurality of resiliently flexible resilient prongs.

Typically the prongs each include an arched section and wherein the arched sections of each prong co-operate to define said receptacle.

Typically each prong further includes a foot disposed distal to the head, each foot having a larger diameter than that of its respective prong.

Typically each foot includes a toe angled outwardly and downwardly in relation to its respective prong, and a heel extending into a distal opening to the receptacle.

Typically each foot includes an inclined surface for making glancing contact with the article as it enters the opening. Alternatively the resiliently flexible members are in the form of a pair of resiliently flexible loops.

Typically at least one of the loops has a larger radius of curvature than the remaining loop.

Alternatively the resiliently flexible members are in the form of a resiliently flexible loop and at least one resiliently flexible web coupled to the loop.

Typically the resiliently flexible members are tubular members.

Typically the resiliently flexible members have a plano-convex cross section profile.

Typically the resiliently flexible members have a cross section profile including a convex external surface and a concave internal surface.

Typically the cross section profile is configured to allow side portions of the resilient member to move relative to one another by pivoting about a relatively narrow portion between the side portions.

Typically the cross section profile includes at least one of a cleft, a recess, and a groove, for defining the relatively narrow portion between the side portions.

Typically the side portions move towards one another as pressure is applied to the convex external surface to thereby reduce an effective width of the resiliently flexible member, and the side portions move away from one another as pressure is applied to the concave internal surface to thereby expand the effective width.

Typically the resiliently flexible members are at least partially plastically deformable to allow manual adjustment of the shape and relative positioning of the resiliently flexible members.

In a second broad form the present invention seeks to provide a retrieval device, for retrieving at least one ball, said device including:

a handle;

a head coupled to the handle, said head including a ball retrieval assembly having a plurality of resiliently flexible members defining a ball receptacle; and wherein the resiliently flexible members of said ball retrieval assembly on application of pressure on the handle flex over the ball to thereby manoeuvre the ball within said ball receptacle.

Typically the handle comprises a series of telescopic joints allowing the handle to be adjusted to discrete lengths between a fully retracted and a fully extended position.

Typically the handle has a length of at least 200mm in the fully retracted position.

Typically the handle has a length of at least 2000mm in the fully extended position

Typically the head is removably securable to the handle.

Typically the head is attached to the handle by a.fastener.

Typically the head is attached to the handle by a quick release mechanism.

Typically the quick release mechanism is a press button release.

Typically the quick release mechanism is a snap on fitting.

Typically the plurality of resiliently flexible members are in the form of a plurality of resiliently flexible webs.

Typically the plurality of resiliently flexible ^' webs are arranged to form a cage like structure housing the receptacle there within.

Typically the plurality of resiliently flexible webs forming the cage like structure are arranged into a first set and second set of webs.

Typically the first set of webs is formed from a material having a higher degree of flexibility than that of the material used to form the second set of webs.

Typically the cage like structure has a bulbous shape.

Alternatively the resiliently flexible members are a plurality of flexibly resilient prongs. Typically the prongs each include an arched section and wherein the arched sections of each prong co-operate to define the receptacle.

Typically each prong further includes a foot disposed distal to the head, each foot having a larger diameter to that of its respective prong.

Typically each foot includes a toe angled outwardly and downwardly in relation to its respective prong, and a heel extending into a distal opening to the receptacle.

Typically each foot includes an inclined surface for making glancing contact with the ball as it enters the opening.

Typically the ball is a golf ball and the heel of each foot is adapted to engage a dimple of the golf ball.

Alternatively the resiliently flexible members are in the form of a pair of resiliently flexible loops.

Typically at least one of the loops has a larger radius of curvature than the remaining loop.

Alternatively the resiliently flexible members are in the form of a resiliently flexible loop and at least one resiliently flexible web coupled to the loop.

Typically the resiliently flexible members are tubular members.

Typically the resiliently flexible members have a plano-convex cross section profile.

Typically the resiliently flexible members have a cross section profile including a convex external surface and a concave internal surface.

Typically the cross section profile is configured to allow side portions of the resilient member to move relative to one another by pivoting about a relatively narrow portion between the side portions.

Typically the cross section profile includes at least one of a cleft, a recess, and a groove, for defining the relatively narrow portion between the side portions. Typically the side portions move towards one another as pressure is applied to the convex external surface to thereby reduce an effective width of the resiliently flexible member, and the side portions move away from one another as pressure is applied to the concave internal surface to thereby expand the effective width.

Typically the resiliently flexible members are at least partially plastically deformable to allow manual adjustment of the shape and relative positioning of the resiliently flexible members.

Typically angular pressure exerted on the handle effects flexing of the resiliently flexible members.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a retrieval device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a detailed view of a head for the retrieval device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is an end view of the head of Fig 2A;

FIG. 2C is a partial sectional end view of the head of Figs 2A & 2B;

FIG. 3 A and 3B are detailed views of the head of the retrieval device according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A to 4D depict the various modes of operation of the head of Fig 3;

FIG. 5A and 5B are detailed views of the head of the retrieval device according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the head of the retrieval device according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7A to 7F depict various example cross section profiles which may be applied to the resiliently flexible members of the retrieval device; and,

FIG. 8 A to 8C are detailed views of one example of a cross section profile in unflexed, flexed closed and flexed open states, respectively. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

With reference to Fig 1 there is illustrated a retrieval device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this particular example the retrieval device 100 is adapted for the retrieval of golf balls and includes a telescopic handle 101 coupled to head 102. As shown head 102 in this instance includes a cage like.structure 103 for receiving and retaining the ball 200 within receptacle 106 provided therein.

Figs 2 A and 2B depict one arrangement of the head 102 and cage 103 in greater detail. In this instance a portion of the handle 101 is inserted into the base of the head 102. A grub screw 107 is inserted through the outer wall of the head 102, to thereby couple the handle 101 and the head 102 together. This arrangement allows for the use of multiple heads 102 having different ball retrieval and retaining arrangements (which are discussed in greater detail below). As noted above the retrieval and retaining arrangement in this instance is in the form of a cage like structure 103. As depicted the cage like structure 103 is formed from a plurality of webs 104 extending from head 102. The webs are arranged such that adjacent webs 104 form a series of openings 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f, 105g, 105h and 105i for admitting a ball into receptacle 106.

Each of the webs 104 is formed from a flexibly resilient material such as a suitable polymer e.g. HDPE or the like. In one embodiment each of the webs 104 may be formed from the same material having the same amount of resistivity. In operation the user positions cage like structure 103 such that at least one of the openings 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f, 105g, 105h or 105i is positioned adjacent the ball: Angular pressure is then applied to the handle 101 forcing the webs 104 forming the relevant opening 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f, 105g, I05h, 105i into contact with the ball. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the type of angular pressure applied on the handle to force the webs 104 into contact with the ball will depend on the lie of the ball and may for example be lateral pressure, axial pressure, rotational pressure, longitudinal pressure or combination thereof.

_' As the pressure is continuously applied through handle 101 the bail is pressed against the webs of the relevant opening 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f, 105g, 105h, 105i causing webs 104 to splay outwardly causing an expansion of the relevant opening 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f, 105g, 105h, 105i thereby allowing the ball to pass through into receptacle 106. Once the ball enters the receptacle 106 the pressure on handle 101 is released thereby allowing the webs 104 of relevant opening 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f, 105g, 105h, 105i to spring back to their original position returning the opening 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f, 105g, 105h, 105i to its original size and thereby preventing the ball from exiting the receptacle 106.

It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that while the operation of the device has been discussed utilising a web configuration wherein the webs have the same level of flexibility, however other configurations aire possible. For example, one or more webs 104 may be constructed from a material having a lower degree of flexibility than that of the remaining webs 104. Such webs act as stiffening webs to add a degree of stability to the cage like structure 103 and act to maintain the overall shape of the cage like- structure 103 through repeated retrieval operations (i.e. act to prevent collapse of the cage 103 through weakening of the less resilient webs).

Fig 2B depicts the end view of the cage 103 of Fig 2A. As can be seen in this example the cage includes a total of 9 webs 104 with the series openings 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f, 105g, 105h and 105i being formed between each of the webs 104. In this particular case the webs are laid out in a circular configuration with the series of openings being formed by the angular spacing of the webs about the circumference of the circle. As there is an odd number of webs 104 utilised in this particular version of the head 102 the angular spacing between at least one set of adjacent webs 104 is larger than that of the spacing between the remaining webs 104 (i.e. at least one of the opening has a wider draw than the remaining openings). In the depicted example the webs 104 defining opening 105a are disposed at first angle a and the remaining webs 104 forming openings 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e, 105f, 105g and 105i are disposed at a second angle β, in this case a is 72° and β is 36°.

It will of course be appreciated by those of skill in the art that a variation of angular spacings of the webs is possible for any number of webs. For example an 8 web version of the head may have two sets of adjacent webs with an angular spacing of 72° (i.e. two openings formed at a spacing of 72°) while the remaining webs are disposed at an angle of 36° with respect to one another (i.e. six openings formed at a spacing of 36°). Other variations such as a 5, 6 and 7 webs are also possible based on a 72°/ 36° spacing configuration. It will of course be appreciated by one of skill in the art that any number of webs can be deployed at any angular interval within 360° in order to produce the required number of openings of an appropriate size to admit and retain the article to be retrieved (e.g. a 10 web version would have an angular spacing of 36° between each web).

Fig 2C is a partial sectional end view of the cage 103 showing openings 105c and 105d. As shown, the webs 104 in this instance have a generally plano-convex profile, with the convex surface facing outwardly, which assists with entry of the ball 2001 into the receptacle 106. As the webs 104 are forced against the ball 201 to cause expansion of the opening 105c the convex edges of adjacent webs 104 act to guide the ball into the opening. In addition to this, the convex shape also reduces the level of friction between the surface of the ball 201 and the webs 104. As shown, the tapered sections formed at the apex of each convex surface and rear concave edge of the webs 104 act in this case to assist in the retention of ball 202 within the receptacle 106. As the tapered sections of adjacent webs 104 extend into opening 105d when the webs are in their normal position they effectively narrow the opening thereby preventing ball 202 from exiting the receptacle 106 without the application of sufficient force to cause flexation of the webs 104 and subsequent expansion of opening 105d. The applicant has found by shaping the webs 104 in this manner a greater spacing between the webs 104 can be achieved reducing the pressure required to admit the ball into the receptacle without adversely affecting the retention of the ball within the receptacle 106.

In desirable forms the webs 104 have a cross section profile including a convex external surface and a concave internal surface. The respective radius of curvature of the external and internal surfaces may vary depending on the article to be retrieved, the number of webs, etc. The applicant has found that having a convex external surface allows the article to more easily enter the receptacle 106 during the retrieval operation, whilst the concave internal surface causes the ball to be more securely retained within the receptacle 106.

During the retrieval operation, the angle of incidence of the hall and the convex external surface is relatively high, resulting in the convex external surfaces of the adjacent webs 104 having glancing contact with the ball with relatively low friction. In contrast, once the ball is inside the receptacle 106, if the ball is forced out between the webs 104 to exit the receptacle the angle of incidence of the ball with the concave inner surface of the webs 104 will typically be acute, creating greater friction. This means that movement of the ball relative to the webs 104 is more difficult once the ball is inside the receptacle 106, and therefore ball is less likely to exit the receptacle under similar forces as required to have the ball enter the receptacle 106.

In particularly desirable embodiments the convex external surface and concave internal surface are particularly configured to ensure that the pressure required for an article, such as a golf ball, to enter the receptacle 106 is substantially lower than the pressure required for an article to exit the receptacle 106. In preferred embodiments the pressure required to enter the receptacle 106 may be about half of the pressure required to exit the receptacle. This can help to allow ease of entry of the ball whilst preventing inadvertent escape of the ball from the receptacle 106 after retrieval.

It is also noted that the overall bulbous shape of the cage 103 provides further benefits. The outward longitudinal curving of the webs 104 in forming the bulbous cage 103 (as can be seen in Fig 2A), causes the webs 104 to twist or otherwise be displaced more easily when the ball is made to enter the receptacle 106 compared to when the ball is made to exit the receptacle.

It will be appreciated that the particular combination of a bulbous shaped cage 103 and webs 104 having the plano-convex profile as described above will provide enhanced ease of use.

With reference to Figs 3A and 3B there is illustrated a retrieval and retaining arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention. As shown the retrieval and retaining arrangement in this case includes a plurality of flexibly resilient prongs 301 extending from the head 102. Each of the prongs 301 includes arched sections 302 which act to form a receptacle 303 for the ball therebetween. As shown the end of the prongs 301 are provided with a foot 304, each foot 304 having a larger diameter than that of the prongs 301. Both the spacing between the feet 304 and the prongs 301 themselves is less than the diameter of the ball 200 (in this case a golf ball) to be retrieved by the device. In addition to this each foot 304 has, at its tip, a toe 305 angled outwardly and downwardly in relation to its respective prong 301, while a heel 306 of each foot 304 extends into the opening to the receptacle 303.

With the retrieval and retaining arrangement of Figs 3A and 3B, a number of modes of operation are possible, two of which are shown in Figs 4A to 4D. The first mode of operation is shown in Figs 4A and 4B in this example the feet 304 of prongs 301 are positioned adjacent the ball 200. Once in position pressure is then applied to the head 102 via handle 101 not shown (in this particular example downward pressure is applied). The applied pressure forces the feet 304 into contact with the surface of the ball 200. As the pressure is maintained on the head 102, the feet 304 are forced over the ball causing the prongs 301 to splay outwardly thereby admitting the ball 200 into the receptacle 303. Once the ball 200 is positioned within the receptacle 303 the pressure is released allowing the prongs 301 to spring back toward their original position causing the heels 306 of feet 304 to grip against the ball, thereby retaining the ball 200 within the receptacle 303 as depicted in Fig 4B. The heels 306 are preferably configured to have a size and shape which allows the heels 306 to engage with dimples of the ball 200, to thereby provide even further enhanced retention of the ball 200 within the receptacle 303.

It will be appreciated that the particular configuration of the feet 304 as shown also promotes ease of entry of the ball 200 into the receptacle 303 under the above discussed first mode of operation. Specifically, an inclined surface 307 is defined between the toe 305 and heel 306 of each foot 304, and it is this inclined surface 307 which initially contacts the ball 200 as the feet 304 of prongs 301 are positioned adjacent the ball 200. The inclined surface 307 is typically flat and makes glancing contact with the ball 200 which helps to allow the ball 200 to slide across the inclined surface 307 with reduced frictional resistance as the feet 304 are forced over the ball 200. In one particular embodiment the included surface 307 forms an angle of about 45° to an axis of the head 102. The generally flat inclined surface 307 also helps to avoid engagement of the feet 304 with dimples formed in the ball 200 as the ball 200 enters the receptacle 303. The alternate method of capturing the ball 200 within receptacle 303 of the arrangement of Figs 3A and 3B is shown in Figs 4C and 4D. As illustrated the arched sections 302 of the prongs 301 are positioned adjacent to the ball 200. Once the head 102 is positioned pressure is then applied through handle 101 (not shown) forcing the arched sections 302 of the prongs 301 into contact with the ball 200. As pressure is maintained the prongs 301 contacting the ball are forced apart to admit the ball 200 into receptacle 303. Once the ball 200 is positioned within the receptacle 303 the downward pressure is released allowing the prongs 301 spring back toward their original position thereby retaining the ball 200 within the receptacle 303 as depicted in Fig 4D.

The prongs 301 may also desirably provided with a cross section profile including a convex outer surface and a concave inner surface, in a similar manner as described above for the webs 104 of the embodiment described with reference to Figures 2 A to 2C. It will therefore be appreciated that the particular cross section profile of the prongs 301 may be selected to allow easier entry of the ball 200 between the prongs 301 in the alternative method of capturing the ball 200 described above. In any event it will also be appreciated that prongs 301 having a plano-convex profile will help to more securely retain the ball within the receptacle 303 irrespective of the method actually used to capture the ball.

Another example of a retrieval and retaining arrangement according to the present invention is shown in Figs 5A and 5B. The retrieval and retaining arrangement in this instance includes two flexibly resilient loops 501 , 502 attached to the head 102. As shown loop 501 is slightly larger than that of loop 502. Again, as with the example discussed in relation to Figs 4A to 4D, there are a number of methods for retrieving a ball with the arrangement as shown in Fig 5A and 5B.

In one mode of operation of the device of Fig 5A and 5B the larger loop 501 is positioned adjacent the ball 200, once in place pressure is exerted on the handle 101 forcing loop 501 into contact with the ball 200. As pressure is maintained on handle 101 , loop 501 flexes over the ball allowing the ball to pass through and contact loop 502 as shown in 5B. As loop 502 contacts the ball 200 it flexes to admit a portion of the ball. Loop 502 in this instance has a limited degree of flexibility comparative to loop 501 due primarily to its radius of curvature. The limited flexibility comparative to loop 501 prohibits the ball 200 passing through the second loop 502. In addition to preventing the ball 200 from passing through the second loop

502 the limited flexibility causes loop 502 to actively grip the ball's surface, holding the ball in position. Once the ball 200 is positioned between the two loops 501, 502 the pressure applied to handle 101 is released and the ball is retained in place by the frictional engagement of the loops 501 , 502.

*

Alternatively retrieval of the ball 200 utilising the arrangement of Figs 5 A and 5B by positioning the apex of each loop 501, 502 adjacent the ball 200. Once in position pressure is applied through handle 101 to force the apex of loops 501, 502 into contact with the ball 200. As contact is made with, the ball 200 the loops 501, 502 are forced apart with the ball being drawn into the space (receptacle) formed therebetween. Once the ball is admitted to the space formed between the loops 501 , 502 the downward pressure is released causing the loops 501, 502 to spring back toward their original positions* thereby gripping the ball 200.

Yet another example of retrieval and retaining arrangement according to the present invention is shown in Fig 6. As illustrated the retrieval and retaining arrangement includes a flexibly resilient loop 601 and a web 602 extending from the head 102. Web 602 is attached to the rear face of the loop and adjacent the apex so as to form a receptacle 603 for the ball.

In order to retrieve the ball with arrangement of Fig 6 either the primary opening 604 of the loop 601 or the secondary openings 605 formed between the rear face of the loop 601 and the web 602 are positioned adjacent the ball. Once the relevant openings, primary 604 or secondary 605, are positioned, pressure is exerted on the handle 101 forcing the relevant openings, primary 604 or secondary 605, into engagement with the ball.

Depending on the orientation of the retrieval and retaining arrangement, either loop 601 flexes over the ball to admit the ball through the primary opening 604 into the receptacle 603, or the combination of the loop 601 and web 602 flexes over the ball to admit the ball through the secondary 605 into receptacle 603. As soon as the ball is admitted into the receptacle 603 the pressure on the handle 101 is released allowing the loop 601 and/or web 602 (as the case may be) to return to their original positions thereby retaining the ball within receptacle 603. Again, the further embodiments described with reference to Figs 5A, 5B and 6 can also benefit from having the resilient loops formed with a cross section profile as described in detail above for the webs 104 of the embodiment described with reference to Figure 2C. It will be appreciated from the above descriptions that the use of loops with cross sections having a convex outer surface and concave inner surface can further enhance ease of entry of the ball into the respective receptacles of each embodiment, whilst helping to ensure more secure retention of the ball after retrieval.

As. mentioned above for each of the described embodiments, it is desirable to utilise resiliently flexible members (whether these are in the form of webs, prongs or loops, depending on the particular embodiment) having a cross section with a convex outer surface and concave inner surface to form the receptacle of the ball retriever, in order to allow ease of entry of the article into the receptacle and yet increase the ability of the receptacle to retain the article once captured. Whilst the web cross section illustrated, in Fig 4C shows one simple example of such a desirable configuration, more advanced cross section configurations may alternatively be used to even further enhance the flexibility and pressure sensitivity of the resiliently flexible members.

A number of example cross section profiles which may be applied to the resiliently flexible members are illustrated in Figs 7A to 7F, and it can be seen that each example profile generally has a convex outer surface 701 and a concave inner surface 702.

Fig 7A shows an example profile 710 that is similar to those shown in Fig 4C. It will be appreciated that such a profile will be simple to manufacture, and the cross section will generally remain stable in use given its solid construction.

Fig 7B shows an example profile 720 similar to profile 710 but having a hollow 721 defined within outer walls which provide the convex outer surface 701 and the concave inner surface 702. A hollow tubular construction of this type can allow further flexibility of the cross section compared to a solid cross section, and may also better allow the resiliently flexible members to resiliently deform rather than undergo damage when excessive loads are applied. Fig 7C shows an example profile 730 which is also similar to profile 710 but in this case includes a recess 731 in the concave inner surface. The recess 731 acts to decrease the thickness of the profile 730 and thus allow additional flexibility such that portions of the resiliently flexible members on either side of the profile 730 can more easily flex with respect to one another. ^' , ^{■ '}

Fig 7D shows a further example profile 7D in which the convex outer surface 701 and concave inner surface 702 are not necessarily provided as smooth circularly curved surfaces. For example, the convex outer surface 701 is formed from two sub-surfaces which meet at a point to provide a leading edge 741. Such a construction allows more pronounced curvatures to be used and also allows the ball to be more effectively guided between the resiliently flexible members.

Fig 7E shows an example profile 750 which is a variation of the profile 741 to further include a recess 752 in the concave inner surface, for provide similar results as described for profile 730.

Fig 7F shows an example profile 760 which further adds to profile 750 a cleft 763, which can even further enhance flexibility across the cross section. It will be appreciated that the portions of the resiliently flexible member on either side of the cleft 763 will be allowed to effectively pivot about the material remaining beneath the cleft 763.

It will be appreciated that numerous different variations of cross section profiles can be used whilst providing an effectively convex outer surface 701 and effectively concave inner surface 702.

A further example of a cross section profile will now be described with reference to Figs 8A to 8C, in order to better illustrate the benefits of providing features in the cross section of the resiliently flexible members to enhance their flexibility.

In this example, the cross section profile 800 includes convex outer surfaces 801 which are divided by a cleft 803, and concave inner surfaces 802 which are divided by a groove 804 leading into a generally circular recess 805 within the profile 800. The concave inner surfaces 802 include flanges 806 defined by the groove 804 and recess 805. Resiliently flexible members having such a cross section profile 800 may be conveniently manufactured using moulding or extruding methods, and as described below, this particular configuration provides improved ease of entry and retention of an article.

The portions of the resiliently flexible member on either side of the cleft 803 are allowed to move relative to one another, by pivoting about the narrow portion of resilient material remaining between the cleft 803 and recess 805.

Fig 8B shows the cross section profile 800 which has been flexed towards a closed state due to application of force to the convex outer surfaces 801 as indicated by arrows F. It will be appreciated that a force may be applied to only one of the convex outer surfaces 801 with a reaction being provided by virtue of the torsional stiffness of the resilient member to achieve a similar flexion towards the closed state. Accordingly, the cross section profile 800 may be flexed towards the closed state as a ball 200 (partial outline shown in dashed lines) presses against one of the convex outer surfaces 801 during retrieval.

The portions of the resiliently flexible member on either side of the cleft 803 have moved towards one another and their motion has been restricted by the flanges 806 abutting when the gap of the groove 804 is reduced to zero. The cleft 803 has expanded as part of the flexion of the cross section. This represents a minimum width of the cross section 800, and if a pair of resiliently flexible members are flexed towards such a closed state during retrieval of the ball 200 then this causes the width of the opening formed between the pair of resiliently flexible members to be increased, to thereby offer reduced resistance to entry of the ball 200 into a receptacle defined by a plurality of resiliently flexible members having the cross section profile 800 as shown. Accordingly, this increases the ease of entry of the ball 200 into the receptacle, and gives an improved degree of sensitivity to applied pressure during retrieval of an article.

Fig 8C shows the same cross section profile 800 which has been flexed towards an open state due to application of force to the concave inner surfaces 802 as indicated by arrows F. Again, it will be appreciated that a force may be applied to only one of the concave inner surfaces 802 with the torsional stiffness of the resiliently flexible member providing a reaction such that the cross section profile 800 may move towards an open state as the ball 200 (partial outline shown in dotted lines) is pressed against one of the concave inner surfaces. The pressure tending to cause the ball to exit may be due to gravitation, centripetal or other forces.

The portions of the resiliently flexible member on either side of the cleft 803 have moved away from one another and their further motion has been substantially restricted by the cleft 803 closing, although it will be appreciated that some further flexibility may be available after the cleft 803 closes, due to flexibility of the material used to form the resiliently flexible member. This represents a maximum width of the cross section, and if a pair of resiliently flexible members are flexed towards such an open state whilst the ball 200 is in the process of exiting the receptacle, then this will cause the width of the opening between the resiliently flexible members to be reduced, thereby offering a greater resistance to the exit of the ball 200 from the receptacle. This provides improved retention of the article.

It is noted that the particular configuration of the cross section 800 can be adjusted to provide a desired degree of sensitivity to pressures applied during entry or exit to/from the receptacle. For instance, the natural size of the cleft 803 can be selected to calibrate the degree of retention of the article, and at rest would be open sufficient to allow the optimum relative movements of the portions of the resiliently flexible members on either side of the cleft 803.' Similarly, the distance between the flanges 806 (i.e. the gap 804 in the unflexed state as shown in Figure 8 A) can be selected to calibrate the degree of the preferred rotation when the flanges 806 meet as shown in Figure 8B.

It should be appreciated that the representation of the cross section 800 and ball 200 is not necessarily to scale, but is intended to illustrate typical interactions therebetween in use.

Example embodiments particularly suitable for use with standard golf balls having a diameter of about 43 mm may have resiliently flexible members with cross sections having a natural (i.e. unflexed) width of about 7 to 10 mm. In other words, ratios of article diameter to cross section width may preferably range from about 4.3:1 to 6: 1 , although such ratios are not essential and may be adjusted to suit particular retrieval requirements.

It will also be understood that the cross section profile may vary along the length of the respective resiliently flexible member. For example, the overall size of the cross section may vary, or cross section features such as clefts may be selectively applied to portions of the length of the resiliently flexible member to allow further control over the sensitivity to applied pressure.

In example embodiments, the resiliently flexible members may be formed in such a way as to allow some plastic deformation. This can be used to allow manual adjustment of the shape of the receptacle and the openings between webs/loops/prongs to modify the ease of entry of the ball into the receptacle. It will be understood that this may be achieved through selection of the cross section profile and material used to form the resiliently flexible members.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments allow a retrieval device to be provided which allows articles such as golf balls to be effectively retrieved using a straightforward single action. Specific features of the preferred embodiments allow the article to be permitted to easily enter the receptacle yet be securely retained within the receptacle, thereby further enhancing the ease of use of the retrieval device.

These ease of use improvements help to extend the practical applicability of the retrieval device in difficult environments. For example, a suitably configured retrieval device capable of allowing a golf ball to easily enter the receptacle without requiring an excessive application of force can allow effective retrieval of golf balls from very soft surfaces such as mud in pond beds, with the risk of further burying the golf ball as part of the retrieval action being substantially reduced.

Accordingly, the retrieval device may be useful in retrieving articles from dry land or in water, from between rocks, against debris, fallen tree limbs, in long grass or aquatic or marine growth and from muddy surfaces. In the case of retrieval of a ball lodged in a stand of long grasses or the like, the improved ease of entry of the ball can reduce the force required to retrieve the ball and thus reduce the risk of dislodging the ball. This also reduces the likelihood of grass being inadvertently captured in the retrieval device in use.

The retrieval device can also retrieve articles where the only access is vertical, and the head, being flexible, can be made to adopt unusual shapes suitable to most situations. The use of resiliently flexible members in the retrieval device also allows for improved resistance to damage. The resiliently flexible members are capable of collapsing or deforming in response to excessive loads, for instance if the members are inadvertently stood on or run over by a golf cart, or the like, and after the load is removed, the resiliently flexible members can be easily restored to their operative positions and shapes.

Despite the above beneficial features, the retrieval device is nevertheless of relatively straightforward construction, and the head can be manufactured as a single moulded part for fitting to the handle. It will be appreciated that this allows the retrieval device can be manufactured at relatively low cost, and with minimal assembly requirements.

As mentioned above, the head of the retrieval device may be removably securable to the handle, which allows for the use of different heads, depending on the retrieval and retaining requirements. The head may be suitably attached to the handle by a suitable fastener, such as a grub screw fitting or the like. A threaded engagement or interference fit between the head and handle may alternatively be used.

In other desirable embodiments the head may be attached to the handle by a quick release mechanism, such as a press button release or a snap on fitting, It will be appreciated that a quick release mechanism will allow heads to be rapidly changed to suit a particular retrieval scenario. However, it is not essential that the head is removably securable to the handle, and embodiments may be provided where the head is permanently fixed to or even integrally formed with the handle.

It may also be desirable to provide a head which is adapted for installation on the grip of a golf club, such that the golf club shaft acts as the handle in such cases. This may be achieved using an interference fit or any other suitable means of installing the head onto the grip, but preferably this will not involve substantial modifications to the golf club itself.

Whilst the above examples of the retrieval device have been adapted for use in retrieving golf balls, and thus are suitable for use by golfers, commercial golf ball salvagers and the like, it will be appreciate that the retrieval device may be suitable for retrieving a variety of other articles. For instance, suitably adapted forms of the retrieval device may find application in the retrieval of other types of balls used in sports or otherwise, bird or reptile eggs, fruits, nuts and berries. Essentially, the retrieval device may be conveniently used by any user whom needs to salvage or retrieve an article, particularly from difficult or unusual positions. It will also be appreciated that the receptacle may be of sufficient size to accept more than one article. For example the receptacle may be of sufficient size to accept and retain two or more articles.

It will be appreciated that the use of the terms "web", "loop" and "prong" helps to define particular forms of the resiliently flexible members used in different embodiments of the retrieval device, and have been selected to aid understanding of how the resiliently flexible members may be desirably configured in different embodiments, without necessarily restricting the structure of the resiliently flexible members.

The term "web" will be understood to define resiliently flexible members such as those used in the embodiments illustrated in Figs 1 and 2A to 2C, where each of the resiliently flexible members extend from the head at one end and converge and join at an opposite end at a common point at a distal end of the cage like structure formed by the resiliently flexible members. In other words, the webs can be said to provide resilient ribs or arms of the cage like structure. In the event the resiliently flexible members do not converge and join, but rather each end connected to the head, these are then more appropriately referred to as "loops", as per the embodiments illustrated in Figs 5A and 5B, for example. A cage like structure may be formed using loops instead of webs, although the web construction allows the cage like structure to be integrally formed in a moulding process. Finally, "prongs" will be understood to refer to resiliently flexible members which extend from the head at one end and terminate in space at an opposite distal end, as per the embodiments of Figs 3 A and 3B.

Suitably the resiliently flexible members are formed from a suitably resiliently flexible polymer such as LDPE, HDPE or other such suitable thermoplastics. In preferred forms the entire head, including the resiliently flexible members, is formed from the same material, for example using a moulding process. Preferably the handle is formed from a suitable metal e.g. aluminium, mild carbon steel, stainless steel or metal alloy or the like. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications will become apparent. All such variations and modifications which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope that the invention broadly appearing before described.