Patent Application
20120214616
The present invention relates generally to golf accessories and more particularly to reusable golf tees adapted for use with driving range practice mats.
Practice, or driving, ranges are well known in the golfing industry and operate as designated areas for practicing golf shots. In this capacity, driving ranges are commonly utilized for recreational, instructional and training purposes.
While certain practice ranges utilize grass hitting surfaces to closely simulate actual playing conditions, the considerable maintenance required to maintain a grass-based practice range is often unattainable due to, among other things, cost factors as well as high volume usage. Accordingly, golf mats are commonly utilized on practice ranges to allow for repeated ball striking on a relatively consistent hitting surface. To promote a more realistic surface, practice range golf mats are often constructed to include a plurality of synthetic fibers similar in look and feel to blades of grass that are, in turn, mounted onto a relatively soft and compressible foam base designed to cushion and absorb forces associated with repeated golf club strikes.
Due to its relatively solid construction, golf mats of the type as described above are not typically designed for penetration by the sharpened tip of a traditional golf tee. Rather, a vertical bore is commonly formed into conventional golf mats through which a golf mat tee can be disposed, the tee being constructed of a highly flexible and durable material, such as rubber, to allow for repeated use.
One type of reusable golf mat tee which is well-known and widely used in commerce is in the form of an elongated, hollowed, one-piece tube that includes a widened, outwardly protruding flange at its bottom end. In use, the golf mat tee is inserted through the vertical bore in the mat with the enlarged flange firmly abutting the underside of the mat. Disposed as such, the free end of the tee serves as a support surface for holding a golf ball a fixed height above the top surface of the mat.
As can be appreciated, reusable golf mat tees of the type as described above have been found to suffer from a notable shortcoming. Specifically, each tee is a fixed in length and therefore capable of supporting a ball a constant, pre-determined distance above the top surface of the mat. However, it has been found that a considerable degree of variance in the desired lift, or height, of a golf ball above the top surface of a mat is typically required, the variance being largely dependent upon, inter alia, the particular size, style or type of club to be utilized as well as individual user preferences.
Accordingly, adjustable length golf tees for use in conjunction with practice range mats are known in the art. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,663 to Elliot A. Lipstock, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, there is described an adjustable length golf tee for use with a commercial practice mat. The tee includes a base, a first support unit and a second support unit that are telescopingly joined together in an interlocking relationship to prevent disassociation. In use, the base is designed to be fittingly inserted through a vertical bore in a complementary golf mat, the top end of the second support unit having a concave structure that is adapted to support a golf ball above the top surface of the mat. As can be appreciated, by adjusting the position of second support unit relative to the first support unit and, in turn, the position of the first support unit relative to the base, the golf ball height can be modified to meet user needs.
Although useful in varying the amount of lift of a golf ball above a practice range mat, the adjustable length tee described in the above-referenced '663 patent suffers from a number of notable shortcomings.
As a first shortcoming, the adjustable length practice mat tee described in the '663 patent has been found to be inadequately designed to absorb the forces associated with routine golf club strikes. Rather, the forces imparted onto the tee during its use have been found to result in permanent fragmentation. Inadvertent breakage of the practice mat tee can attributed to, among other things, the solid, inflexible construction of its second, or top, support unit as well as the relatively large diameter of the interior cavity in the base that receives the first support unit.
As a second shortcoming, the adjustable length practice mat tee described in the '663 patent is constructed to allow for a variance in tee length that falls in the range between approximately 1.375 inches and 2.500 inches. Due to unforeseen increases in both the thickness of practice mats as well as the head size of current golf clubs, the aforementioned tee length range has been found to be largely inadequate. In particular, the aforementioned tee fails to lift a ball above the top surface of the mat to height suitable for use with certain oversized golf clubs, thereby limiting its usage.
As a third shortcoming, the adjustable length practice mat tee described in the '663 patent utilizes a design that does not closely simulate the size, shape and aesthetically-pleasing appearance of traditional golf tees used in most rounds of actual golf play. In particular, the adjustable length practice mat tee described above includes both a concave ball support surface that is significantly oversized (approximately 0.625 inches in diameter) and a first support unit provided with externally protruding shock absorbing ribs that are rather conspicuous in nature.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved reusable golf tee adapted for use with driving range practice mats.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a reusable golf tee of the type as described above that is adjustable in length.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a reusable golf tee of the type as described above that is durable in nature.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a reusable golf tee of the type as described above that can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of golf club head sizes and user preferences.
It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a reusable golf tee of the type as described above that is aesthetically pleasing and closely resembles the appearance of traditional golf tees used in actual golf play.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a reusable golf tee that has a limited number of parts, is inexpensive to manufacture and is easy to use.
Accordingly, as a principal feature of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable length golf tee comprising (a) a base member shaped to define a longitudinal interior cavity, (b) an intermediary member telescopingly coupled to the base member, the intermediary member being shaped define a longitudinal interior receptacle, and (c) an upper member telescopingly coupled to the intermediary member, the upper member being hollowed out along the majority of its length, the free end of the upper member being adapted to receive and support a golf ball.
Various other features and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, an embodiment for practicing the invention. The embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:
a)-(c) are assembled section views of the reusable golf tee shown in
Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a reusable golf tee that is constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral 11. As will be described in detail below, golf tee 11 is designed for use with a complementary driving range practice mat. In use, the overall length of tee 11 can be adjusted between an extended, or lengthened, position, as shown in
As seen most clearly in
Preferably, each of base member 13, intermediary member 15 and upper member 17 is constructed of a material that is sufficiently rigid so as to provide adequate support for a golf ball positioned thereon yet flexible and deformable so as to provide adequate durability. For example, each of members 13, 15 and 17 is preferably manufactured out of rubber, polyurethane or a synthetic composite thereof. With members 13, 15 and 17 assembled in a fitted telescoping relationship, it should be noted that the use of a polyurethane-based material creates a significant degree of friction between pieces that serves to retain tee 11 in its set length until an adequate compressive or expansive force is applied thereto, which is highly desirable.
As seen most clearly in
Pedestal 19 is generally annular in shape and includes a flat top surface 19-1 and a flat bottom surface 19-2. As will be described further below, base member 13 is dimensioned for fitted insertion through a countersunk bore B that is formed in a complementary practice range mat M, with flat bottom surface 19-2 resting directly upon the surface of the ground and flat top surface 19-1 firmly abutting against the countersunk underside of mat M. In this capacity, pedestal 19 is firmly wedged in place between the ground surface and mat M.
Tubular body 21 projects generally orthogonally away from flat top surface 19-1 of pedestal 19 and includes an inner surface 21-1, an outer surface 21-2 and an open free end 21-3. An integral, annular shelf 25 is formed onto inner surface 21-1 of tubular body 21 at its free end 21-3. As will be described further below, shelf 25 sharply reduces the cross-sectional diameter of longitudinal interior cavity 23 at free end 21-3. In this manner, shelf 25 serves as an interlocking engagement surface for retaining a portion of intermediary member 15 within interior cavity 23, thereby precluding separation of intermediary member 15 from base member 13.
As seen most clearly in
An outwardly protruding, annular collar 29 is integrally formed onto outer surface 15-2 of intermediary member 15 at first end 15-3. Collar 29 is dimensioned for fitted insertion within the lower, widened portion of interior cavity 23, the frictional engagement between outer surface 15-2 of collar 29 and inner surface 21-1 of base member 13 serving to releasably retain the position of intermediary member 15 at various positions within base member 13. Furthermore, collar 29 is sized and shaped to abut firmly against the underside of shelf 25 when tee 11 is disposed in its extended position, thereby precluding separation of intermediary member 15 from base member 13.
As seen most clearly in
Outer surface 15-2 is generally rounded at second end 15-4 for aesthetic purposes. In addition, an inwardly protruding flange 35 is integrally formed onto inner surface 15-1 at second end 15-4. As can be seen, flange 35 reduces the cross-sectional diameter of receptacle 27 at second end 15-4. In this manner, flange 35 serves as an interlocking engagement surface for retaining a portion of upper member 17 within the widened lower region of receptacle 27, thereby precluding separation of upper member 17 from intermediary member 15.
As seen most clearly in
Head 37 is generally in the form of a solid cylindrical boss that includes a flat top surface 37-1, a flat bottom surface 37-2 and a continuous rounded outer wall 37-3. It should be noted that head 37 is dimensioned for fitted insertion within the lower, widened portion of receptacle 27, the frictional engagement between outer wall 37-3 of head 37 and inner surface 15-1 serving to releasably retain upper member 17 at various positions within the length of intermediary member 15. Furthermore, top surface 37-1 of head 37 is sized and shaped to abut firmly against the underside of flange 35 when tee 11 is disposed in its extended position, thereby precluding separation of upper member 17 from intermediary member 15.
Elongated stem 39 comprises a cylindrical portion 39-1 that projects generally orthogonally away from flat top surface 37-1 of head 37 and a funnel-shaped cup portion 39-2 formed onto the free end of cylindrical portion 39-1 in coaxial alignment therewith. As can be appreciated, cup portion 39-2 outwardly flairs towards its free end in order to receive and support a standard-sized golf ball, the free end of cup portion 39-2 having a diameter D2 that is approximately 0.45 inches.
As can be appreciated, tee 11 is preferably assembled by telescopingly connecting members 13, 15 and 17. Specifically, base member 13 is telescopingly mounted over intermediary member 15, with collar 29 on intermediary member 15 fittingly disposed within the lower, widened portion of interior cavity 23 in base member 13. At the same time, intermediary member 15 is telescopingly mounted over upper member 17, with head 37 on upper member 17 fittingly disposed within the lower, widened portion of receptacle 27.
Assembled in the manner set forth above, reusable tee 11 can be used in the following manner to provide means for supporting a golf ball at a variable height above the top surface of a practice range mat. Specifically, referring now to
In
By applying a significant downward force onto stem 39, upper member 17 travels vertically downward within intermediary member 15, with the presence of vent hole 33 enabling air trapped within receptacle 27 to escape as needed. As seen in
Further application of a downward force onto stem 39 causes intermediary member 15 to travel vertically downward within base member 13. Ultimately, the downward displacement of intermediary member 15 (which, in turn, carries upper member 17) results in the abutment of interior wall 31 against the flooring surface on which the practice mat M is mounted, thereby precluding further downward displacement of intermediary member 15, as shown in
Configured as such, tee 11 has a minimum length L2 of approximately 1.750 inches. Accordingly, it is to be understood that tee 11 is capable of being configured to have any length that falls between its minimum length L2 of approximately 1.750 inches and its maximum length L1 of approximately 3.400 inches.
As can be appreciated, tee 11 is provided with a number of notable design features that renders it more advantageous than reusable practice mat tees that are well known in the art.
As a first design feature, each of members 13, 15 and 17 is hollowed out along the majority its length. As a result, tee 11 is designed to collapse or otherwise temporarily deform upon being struck with a golf club. This temporary deformation of tee 11 acts to absorb the forces applied thereto upon impact in a controlled manner, thereby rendering tee 11 more durable in nature, which is highly desirable.
As a second design feature, tee 11 is provided with a thin, smooth aesthetic appearance that more closely resembles the appearance of tees used in actual rounds of golf. In particular, the reduced-sized cup portion 39-2 (approximately 0.450 inches diameter) is both aesthetically pleasing and also limits the drag applied to a golf club as it strikes a ball supported by tee 11, which is highly desirable.
As a third design feature, tee 11 utilizes dimensions that limit the risk of separation between members 13, 15 and 17 as a result of a golf ball strike. In particular, base member 13 is constructed such that the transverse cross-section diameter D1 of its interior cavity 23 (which is approximately 0.750 inches) is less than its overall height H (which is approximately 1.375 inches). As can be appreciated, it has been found that by maintaining the diameter D1 of interior cavity 23 at a value that is less than the overall height H of base member 13, tee 11 is rendered less susceptible to separation between members 13, 15 and 17, which is highly desirable.
As a fourth design feature, tee 11 is configured to allow for a wider range of lengths. Specifically, as noted above, tee 11 is capable of being configured to have any length within the range of 1.750 inches and 3.400 inches. As a result of this substantial increase, tee 11 is more adequately able to accommodate use with larger club heads, which is highly desirable.
The embodiment shown in the present invention is intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/463,569, which was filed on Feb. 18, 2011 in the names of Elliot A. Lipstock, David J. Reali and Paul M. Wolstenholme, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61463569 | Feb 2011 | US |
