A golf ball retriever includes an elongate telescoping handle to which is attached a frame defining a golf ball entrance plane to be positioned over a golf ball. The dimensions of the plane are large relative to the diameter of the ball so that it is easily positioned under adverse conditions of visibility. A U-shaped hoop connected at both ends to the frame defines a ball-retaining chamber having openings large enough to freely pass mud and debris but too small to pass the ball. An elastic member or spring extends at least partly across the entrance plane, thereby dividing the entrance plane into two parts, neither of which is large enough to permit passage of the ball unless the spring is forced aside. The spring is arranged to be readily forced aside when the frame is pushed onto the ball to admit the ball to the ball-retaining chamber. The spring is stiff enough to prevent spontaneous release of the ball from the chamber. The spring has tubular ends. It may be a helical wire compression spring or a rubbery tube. It is held in place elastically at the entrance plane by two in-line projections attached to opposite sides of the frame that fit into the tubular ends.
A device and method for collecting and removing various objects, such as balls and lawn refuse, from the ground is described. The collection device comprises an elongated handle connected to a frame assembly. Secured to the frame assembly is a bag wherein objects are collected as the device is pushed by an individual via the elongated handle. An outlet exists for the user to unload the collected objects.
The ball retriever includes a golf ball capturing housing having an entrance plane through which a golf ball can enter the housing. The entrance plane is defined by a first wall portion and a second spaced apart second wall portion where at least a portion of the housing moves to permit the golf ball to pass through the entrance plane and capture the ball within the housing. One of the wall portions can include a ridge disposed in close proximity to the entrance plane wherein the distance between the ridge and an opposing wall portion is smaller than the diameter of the golf ball such that the opposing wall moves to permit the ball to pass through the entrance, across the ridge and in to the housing.
