Apparatus and method for recovering golf balls

Abstract

An apparatus and method for recovering golf balls is provided. The apparatus includes a hull for floating on the water, a motor mounted to the hull, a pumping system, pressure lines to deliver high pressure water and a return line. The apparatus also includes a suction nozzle for generating a suction capable of drawing water and golf balls. The apparatus also includes a separator for separating the golf balls and a handle to control movement of the suction nozzle.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for recovering golf balls, the apparatus comprising;
 a hull configured to float on water;   a motor mounted on the hull, the motor configured to propel the hull on the water;   a pumping system mounted on the hull, the pumping system configured to pump the water on which the hull floats and deliver high pressure water;   a pressure line connected to the pumping system, the pressure line configured to received and direct the high pressure water from the pumping system;   a return line connected to the pressure line, the return line configured to receive the high pressure water from the pressure line;   a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the pressure line and the return line, wherein the high pressure water passing from the pressure line to the return line generates a suction at the suction nozzle for drawing water and golf balls into the return line;   a separator connected to the return line, the separator configured to receive the golf balls from the water from the return line and to separate the golf balls from the water; and   a handle connected to the suction nozzle, the handle configured to position the suction nozzle relative to the hull.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the hull includes a central opening. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the motor is mounted in the opening and substantially in the center of the hull. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the separator comprises a basket mounted to the hull, wherein the basket is configured to receive the golf balls and the water from the return line and allow the water to pass through the basket. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the basket is mounted over the central opening. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the motor is an electric trolling motor. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pumping system comprises a water pump and a gasoline motor, wherein the gasoline motor powers the water pump. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is configured to position the suction nozzle in any direction. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is mounted on the hull with a handle mount to facilitate operation. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the handle mount is configured to allow the handle to pivot in any direction. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the handle mount is configured to allow the handle to telescope. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further configured to include a suction head connected to the suction nozzle, the suction head having a wider opening than the suction nozzle for covering a larger area. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising hydro jets disposed within the suction head, the hydro jets configured to loosen debris. 
     
     
         14 . A method of recovering golf balls, the method comprising;
 propelling a hull on water using a motor mounted on the hull, wherein the hull is configured to float on water;   pumping the water on which the hull floats   delivering high pressure water generated by the pumping to a pressure line;   generating a suction at a suction nozzle for drawing water and golf balls into a return line, wherein the return line is connected to the pressure line, and wherein the return line is configured to receive the high pressure water from the pressure line;   separating golf balls from the water using a separator connected to the return line; and   positioning the suction nozzle relative to the hull using a handle connected to the suction nozzle.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising delivering the golf balls and water to a basket, wherein the basket is configured allow the water to pass through the basket. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein pumping comprises using a water pump to move the water through the pressure line. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising mounting the handle to the hull using a mount to facilitate operation. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein positioning the suction nozzle comprises moving the handle on the mount in any direction. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein positioning the suction nozzle comprises telescoping the handle on the mount. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein generating the suction at the suction nozzle comprises generating the suction for a suction head connected to the suction nozzle to cover a larger area.