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Golf ball retrieval and positioning systemRelated Patent Categories: Games Using Tangible Projectile, Golf, Club Or Club Support, And Turf Repair Tool Or Ball RetrieverGolf ball retrieval and positioning system description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070219014, Golf ball retrieval and positioning system. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/384,661, which was entitled "GOLF BALL RETRIEVAL AND POSITIONING SYSTEM" and filed Mar. 20, 2006. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to golf accessories, and in particular, to accessories that allow a golfer to tee and position golf balls and other objects without bending over. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] The game of golf is one of the most popular forms of recreation in the United States and throughout the world. Golf is marketed as a game that can be enjoyed throughout one's lifetime. However, in practice, many golfers are forced to give up golf prematurely due to the strain and pressure that the game places on one's back and joints. Much of this strain and pressure results from the fact that golfer's are constantly required to bend over and manipulate items adjacent their feet during a round. For example, golfers must bend over to tee a golf ball before beginning a hole, mark or clean a golf ball on the green, and retrieve a golf ball from a cup after completion of the hole. In a typical 18-hole golf round a golfer may be forced to bend completely over a total of seventy times. [0006] A few products have emerged in recent years that purport to alleviate the above back pressure and strain by allowing a golfer to tee or pick up a golf ball from a relatively upright position (i.e., without bending over). Such products, however, have proven less than desirable as they are generally expensive, cumbersome to carry and use, and may result in limiting the effectiveness of traditional golf clubs. [0007] For example, one prior art device requires that a golfer carry, in addition to his/her fourteen golf clubs, a telescoping golf retrieval and placement device that is akin to a telescoping golf ball retriever commonly used to retrieve a golf ball from water or other hazards. Such devices typically include an elongate or telescoping pole and a pick-up tool disposed on one end thereof. In various applications, the pick-up tool is designed to hold the golf ball securely such that it may be retrieved without being dislodged as the pick-up tool bumps seaweed, mud, brush, or other objects that are common to golf hazards. Unfortunately, however, such golf ball retrieval and placement devices are expensive, cumbersome to carry and operate, and must be carried in an already tightly packed golf bag. Other prior art golf ball retrieval and placement devices incorporate pick-up tools that are attached to the hozzle of a golf club or that clip over the golf club grip. Such devices also have drawbacks in that they are generally cumbersome to use and limit the effectiveness of the golf clubs themselves. For example, pick-up tools that are clipped over the grip of a golf club may cause undue wear and tear to the grip. [0008] As a result, there is a need for an improved system and method for simply positioning and retrieving golf balls without requiring a golfer to significantly bend at the waist. The improved system and method should be inexpensive, compact, easy to use, and should operate as a non-damaging accessory to a conventional golf club. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] The above needs are addressed and other advantages are provided by an improved golf ball retrieval and positioning system. Unlike other anti-bend golf products, the golf ball retrieval and positioning system of various embodiments of the present invention includes a golf ball positioning device and a golf ball retrieval device that also functions as a base for supporting a golf ball in a teeing position. The components of the present invention are modular and interface with an existing golf club through a hole that exists in the end of a golf club grip. As a result, the present invention provides an improved system for teeing and retrieving golf balls without having to bend over. The system is inexpensive, easily portable, and non-damaging to the golf club. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) [0010] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: [0011] FIG. 1 depicts an improved golf ball retrieval and positioning system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golf ball positioning device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a golf ball positioning device inserted into the grip of a golf club in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a golf ball positioning device cradling a golf ball in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a golf ball retrieval and teeing device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 6 is a front view of a golf ball retrieval and teeing device supporting a golf ball in a teeing position in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a golf ball retrieval and teeing device inserted into the grip of a golf club and receiving a golf ball in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a golf ball retrieval and teeing device in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; [0019] FIG. 9 is a front view of a golf ball retrieval and teeing device supporting a golf ball in a teeing position in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; [0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a golf ball positioning device being used to position a golf ball onto a golf ball retrieval and teeing device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Continue reading about Golf ball retrieval and positioning system... Full patent description for Golf ball retrieval and positioning system Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Golf ball retrieval and positioning system patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Golf ball retrieval and positioning system or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Golf ball retrieval and positioning system Next Patent Application: Golf club grip Industry Class: Games using tangible projectile ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Golf ball retrieval and positioning system patent info. 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