Method for locating objects

Abstract

An ultraviolet light source such as an ultraviolet flashlight 15 is used to locate lost or concealed objects such as a golf ball 11 located in rough ground 20 . The method is preferably carried out in darkness or subdued light.

1 . A method of locating a lost or concealed object which comprises illuminating with ultraviolet light an area in which the object is thought to be located.  
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the area is illuminated with a beam from an ultraviolet flashlight.  
   
   
       3 . A hand-held ultraviolet flashlight for use in locating lost or concealed objects.  
   
   
       4 . A method for locating an object, the method comprising: 
 illuminating an area with an ultraviolet light; and    wherein the object reflects more of the ultraviolet light than the area surrounding the object.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the object is a golf ball.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the object is a tennis ball.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the object is jewelry.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the object has an ultraviolet-responsive surface.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the method is occurs in darkness or under subdued light conditions.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus for locating an object, the apparatus comprising: 
 a light bulb that emits an ultraviolet light;    wherein the object has an ultraviolet-responsive surface; and    wherein pointing the ultraviolet light at the object causes the object to become more visible to a person.    
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the apparatus is handheld.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the apparatus is a flashlight.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the object is a golf ball.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the object is a tennis ball.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the object is jewelry.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the object reflects more of the ultraviolet light than the area surrounding the object.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the apparatus is used in darkness or under subdued light conditions.