AUTOMATIC GOLF TEE-UP DEVICE

Abstract

A device for moving a golf ball tee above a golf ball hitting surface comprises a chassis, cylindrical first and second in roller bodies mounted to the chassis, a cylindrical tee having a top end and a bottom end, and being compressed between and supported for translational movement by the first roller and the second roller, and a motor operatively connected to the first roller. The motor selectively causes rotation of the first roller in a first rotational direction, thereby moving the tee so that the top end thereof is positioned above the golf ball hitting surface, and selectively causes rotation of the first roller in a second rotational direction, thereby moving the tee so that the top end thereof is positioned below the golf ball hitting surface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to golf tee-up devices and, more particularly, to automatic tee-up devices that use a motorized mechanism to repeatedly raise a tee beneath a golf ball such that the ball is supported atop the tee and that have a reduced height profile allowing incorporation into systems or areas where profile height is limited or would otherwise adversely affect performance of a user.

Automatic tees and automatic tee-up devices are well documented in the art. Traditionally, automatic tee-up devices fall under two different types: those placed upon a hitting surface that place a ball onto a fixed tee and those placed below the hitting surface that place the ball onto a tee that can be raised to the hitting surface.

Those devices of the type placed beneath a hitting surface usually make use of motorized levers or pistons and other large drive mechanisms to lift the ball onto the tee and raise the tee above the hitting surface while also allowing the height of the tee above the hitting surface to be adjusted. These devices are desired by both commercial enterprises as well as consumers because of the automation which lends itself to faster setup when practicing golf swings or playing a simulated golf round in a gold simulator. As such, these devices are hugely popular in indoor and outdoor golf ranges as well as indoor and in-home golf simulators. However, these devices require a significant amount of vertical space to house the mechanisms, thereby posing a problem for indoor and in-home golf simulators, indoor and outdoor golf ranges, or other situations where the ceiling height of the room is limited. Moreover, such devices generally make use of tees that are permanently fixed onto part of the mechanism and require partial disassembly of such mechanisms in order to replace a tee when damaged.

The present invention is designed to overcome this problem by raising a tee from below a hitting surface while requiring a minimal amount of space to house the mechanism and allowing replacement of damaged tees without disassembly or use of tools. The device is preferably modular and of a small enough nature that it could be placed not only into in-home and indoor golf simulators as well as indoor and outdoor golf ranges, but also into a portable golf hitting mat that could be used indoors or outdoors by consumers or commercial enterprises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The automatic golf tee-up device of the invention is a low-profile, easily modularized, automatic tee-up device designed to be placed below a hitting surface and capable of driving a tee upward through the hitting surface to support a golf ball while allowing replacement of a damaged tee without disassembly or the use of tools.

The device of the invention comprises a chassis, a first roller comprising of a cylindrical first roller body defining a first roller longitudinal axis, the first roller being mounted to the chassis so as to be rotatable about the first roller longitudinal axis, a second roller comprising of a cylindrical second roller body defining a second roller longitudinal axis, the second roller being mounted to the chassis so as to be rotatable about the second roller longitudinal axis, a cylindrical tee having a top end and a bottom end, and being compressed between and supported for translational movement by the first roller and the second roller, and a motor operatively connected to the first roller such that the motor selectively causes rotation of the first roller in a first rotational direction, thereby moving the tee so that the top end thereof is positioned above the golf ball hitting surface, and selectively causes rotation of the first roller in a second rotational direction, thereby moving the tee so that the top end thereof is positioned below the golf ball hitting surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments when considered in the light of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the device of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side of an embodiment of a tee for use with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken through the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken through the center of the cylindrical wall of the device shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 within a protective cover.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the cylindrical wall of the device extending through an aperture in a hitting surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following description are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The device of the invention comprises a chassis 1, a first roller 104 comprised of a cylindrical first roller body defining a first roller longitudinal axis, the first roller 104 being mounted to the chassis 1 so as to be rotatable about the first roller longitudinal axis, a second roller 103 comprising of a cylindrical second roller body defining a second roller longitudinal axis, the second roller being mounted to the chassis so as to be rotatable about the second roller longitudinal axis. A tee 4 having a top end and a bottom end is compressed-between and supported for translational movement by the first roller 104 and the second roller 103. The tee 4 is preferably cylindrical in shape. A motor 2 is operatively connected to the first roller 103 such that the motor 2 selectively causes rotation of the first roller 104 in a first rotational direction, thereby moving the tee 4 so that the top end thereof is positioned above a golf ball hitting surface 120, and selectively causes rotation of the first roller 104 in a second rotational direction, thereby moving the tee 4 so that the top end thereof is positioned below the golf ball hitting surface.

FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of the invention comprised of the chassis or chassis assembly 1, motor 2, and a tee 4. The chassis assembly 1 is further comprised of a chassis frame 10 to which the motor 2 and a tee support plate 30 are secured, a chassis cap 11, and a drive assembly 100.

The drive assembly 100 further comprises a drive frame 101 with drive frame position mount 102. The drive frame 101 supports a cylindrical head pulley 103 and cylindrical pinch roller 104 connected to gears 105, as seen in FIG. 1, a tail pulley 106, and drive frame cap 107. The head pulley 103 and pinch roller 104 both have central axes defined by the respective cylinder's cross-sectional center projected along the length of the head pulley or pinch roller. The head pulley axle and pinch roller axle extend from one side of the head pulley 103 or pinch roller 104, respectively, to the other, along the respective central axis and may be composed of a suitable metal, plastic, or other material known to one skilled in the art. Two gears 22 can be integrally molded individually as part of the head pulley 103 and pinch roller 104 or can be affixed by alternate means to the lateral end of the head pulley and pinch roller such that the head pulley axle or pinch roller axle projects through the gears. It is to be understood that the head pulley 103, tail pulley 106, and pinch roller 104 may be made from any material known to be appropriate by one skilled in the art and may incorporate bearings or bushings in their construction. It is also to be understood that the pinch roller 104 may have rubber or rubber-like surfaces made of an appropriate material known to one skilled in the art and that cleaning brushes (not shown) may be incorporated into the device to remove debris from the pinch roller surfaces.

An integral sleeve (not shown) extends from the lateral aspect of the head pulley 103 and pinch roller 104 opposite the gears 22 and may circumferentially cover the head pulley axle and pinch roller axle. It is to be understood that the head pulley axle, pinch roller axle, or both may project through the drive frame 101 with the non-projecting axle being rotatably connected to the drive frame 101 such that movement about the axle by the head pulley or pinch roller is freely achieved. The axle(s) projecting through the drive frame 101 interface with the motor 2 such that the motor 2 drives the rotation of the axle and thereby of the gears 22 and head pulley 103 and pinch roller 103.

In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the pinch roller axle projects through the drive frame 101 while the head pulley axle is rotatably connected to the drive frame 101. A conveyor belt 108 is wrapped about the head pulley 103 and tail pulley 106 and contacts the pinch roller 104. The drive frame cap 107 is secured to the drive frame supports 109 with screws 110. The drive frame cap 107 has two ports that positionally correspond to and allow the head pulley sleeve and pinch roller sleeve to project through the drive frame cap thereby maintaining the pinch roller 104 and head pulley 103 in parallel configuration. It is to be understood that the head pulley 103 and pinch roller 104 could also be rotationally connected to the drive frame cap 107 such that movement of both the pinch roller 104 and head pulley 103 about their respective axles could occur. In addition, the drive assembly could be almost completely enclosed or may be modular, although in the preferred embodiment it is advantageous for the drive assembly to be modular due to the ease of replacement or repair without need to remove individual components.

It is also to be understood that the conveyor belt 108 may have rubber or rubber-like surfaces made of an appropriate material known to one skilled in the art and that cleaning brushes (not shown) may be incorporated into the device to remove debris from the surface of the conveyor belt.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive assembly resides within the chassis frame 10 and is adjustably suspended from chassis frame 10 by a drive frame screw 12, which is threaded through drive frame spring 111 and into drive frame mount 102. Drive frame spring 111 maintains tension between the drive frame mount 102 and chassis 1, allowing the drive frame screw 12 to be threaded to various depths into the drive frame mount 102 while minimizing vertical movement between drive frame 101 and the chassis frame 10. The position of drive frame 101 is further anchored to the chassis frame 10 by the projecting pinch roller axle into motor 2, thereby creating a rotational axis for the drive frame 101 about the pinch roller axle such that adjustment of the depth of drive frame screw 12 into drive frame mount 102 alters the angle at which the drive frame 101 is positioned within the chassis 10. This allows tee 4 to be appropriately positioned as it is pulled through the tee support 30 such that it is perpendicular to a hitting surface placed above tee support 30 where it might otherwise be disposed at slightly oblique angles to the hitting surface, with a resulting inability to maintain a golf ball atop the tee 4.

The chassis frame 10 may have one or more ports on the lateral aspect that correspond to and allow the pinch roller axle, the head pulley axle, or both to project through the chassis frame and into the motor 2. In the illustrated embodiment, motor 2 is secured over the one or more ports in the lateral aspect of the chassis frame 10 and is secured to the chassis frame 10 by two chassis frame screws 22 such that the motor 2 can receive and interact with the pinch roller axle, head pulley axle, or both. It is to be understood that the motor 2 may be otherwise affixed to the chassis frame 10 using any appropriate method including pegs, rivets, bolts, adhesives, and the like. Moreover, the motor 2 could be secured at any suitable position on or within the chassis assembly 1.

The chassis frame 10 has one or more tee guide ramps, such as the ramps 13 and 14 illustrated in FIG. 1, that may be integrally molded to the chassis frame 10 or affixed by any other appropriate method as deemed suitable by one with ordinary skill in the art. These tee guide ramps have tapered edges that funnel the tee 4, once inserted into the device, toward the drive assembly and conveyor belt 108. One of the tee guide ramps 13 may be in a vertical orientation such that the tee guide ramp extends from the bottom of the chassis frame 10 upward and tapers from its medial aspect to its lateral aspect. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the tee guide ramp 13 in conjunction with a corresponding chassis cap tee guide ramp 15 controls lateral movement of the tee 4 within the device. The tee guide ramp 13 may also incorporate a photoreceptor 16 that may be connected to a processing unit, control means, or sensing means such that passage of a tee 4 past the tee guide ramp 13 would block or interrupt incoming light to the photoreceptor 16, thereby allowing data recordation by the control means, sensing means, or processing unit or allowing the control means, sensing means, or processing unit to automate the movement of the tee 4 through the device.

Another tee guide ramp 14 may be integrally molded into the bottom of the chassis frame 10 such that the edge tapers toward the bottom of the chassis frame 10 so as to control the elevation of the tee 4 when moving toward the conveyor belt 108 such that the tee 4 is properly aligned and is pulled along the conveyor belt 108. In a preferred embodiment, the chassis frame 10 has two or more mounting ports 17 on its bottom that allow the device to be securely affixed to or beneath surfaces or within other devices. It is to be understood that other means may be used to affix the device such as adhesive, rivets, or other methods deemed suitable by one skilled in the art. In addition, the chassis frame 10 has at least one drive frame mounting support 18. The drive frame mounting support 18 extends from the top corner of the front of the lateral portion of the chassis frame 10 and perpendicular to the plane of the lateral portion of the chassis frame 10. The drive frame screw 12 passes or is threaded through the drive frame mounting support 18, the drive frame spring 111, and into the drive frame mount 102. The chassis frame 10 may have one or more chassis cap supports, or none, with 2 being preferred. The chassis cap supports 19 extend from the bottom corner of the front of the lateral portion of the chassis frame 10 and the top corner of the rear of the lateral portion perpendicular to the plane of the lateral portion and parallel to the drive frame support 109.

The chassis cap 11 is secured to the chassis frame 10 by screws that pass through ports that extend from the lateral surface of the chassis cap 11 to the medial surface of the chassis cap 11 and correspond to ports located on the cross-sectional ends of the drive frame support 109, chassis cap supports 19, and chassis frame bottom portion. In a preferred embodiment, the chassis cap 11 also comprises a tee guide ramp 15. The tee guide ramp 15 is positioned such that it extends along the medial surface of the chassis cap 11 vertically from the bottom surface of the chassis cap 11 and tapers from its medial aspect to its lateral aspect forming a wedge. This tee guide ramp 15 is positioned a distance away and across from and is parallel to the tee guide ramp 13 in the chassis frame 10 such that the tee 4 may pass through and between the tee guide ramps 13, 15.

The chassis cap tee guide ramp 15 preferably incorporates a photoemitter 20 to be used in conjunction with the photoreceptor 16 of the chassis frame tee guide ramp 13. The photoemitter 20 is ideally positioned in the chassis cap tee guide ramp 15 so that it is directly across from the photoreceptor 16 such that light or signal emitted from the photoemitter 20 may be received by the photoreceptor 16; however, the photoemitter 20 may be positioned at other angles as deemed appropriate by one of ordinary skill in the art. The photoemitter 20 may be connected to a processing unit or control means and sensing means allowing the operation of the photoemitter 20 and photoreceptor 16 to be automated.

In a preferred embodiment, the tee support 30 is secured to the chassis frame 10 and chassis cap 11 by screws threaded through holes (four being shown in the illustrated embodiment) in the upper surface of the tee support 30. The screws are received by threaded holes in the top surface of the lateral portion of the chassis frame 10 and the top surface of the chassis cap 11. It is to be understood that the tee support 14 may be secured by any number of screws or by other means deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art such as adhesive, rivets, or bolts, or may be integrally molded to the chassis frame 9.

A cylindrical wall 31 extends from the bottom surface of the tee support 30 through the top surface of the tee support 30, and is preferably integrally molded to the tee support 30. The cylindrical wall 31 defines a passage through which the tee 4 can pass once fed upward by the drive assembly 100. The cylindrical wall 31 may further define a photosensor opening 32 extending from the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 31 to the outer surface of the cylindrical wall 31 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tee support 30. A U-shaped access slot 33 may be provided that extends from the front edge of the tee support 30 to some distance from the cylindrical wall 31, and a further access slot 34 extends from the rear edge of the tee support 30 to the photosensor opening 32 in cylindrical wall 31. The U-shaped access slot 33 allows the drive frame screw 12 to be accessible through the tee support 30. The access slot 34 provides space for a photosensor 35 to be positioned within photosensor opening 32. The photosensor 35 may be connected to a processing unit or control means or sensing means to allow for automation of movement of the tee 4 through the device and through the passage defined by the cylindrical wall 31 above the hitting surface that is positioned over the device.

In a preferred embodiment, the tee 4 is a hollow cylinder with a single closed end at the top as shown in FIG. 3, and is composed of any flexible, compressible material of a durable nature deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. The tee 4 preferably has a uniform wall thickness such that the pinch roller 104 and conveyor belt 108 impart uniform pressure and grip to evenly feed the tee 4 through the device. It is to be understood that the tee wall may be of any uniform thickness or may be varied in thickness such that the flexibility, durability, and ability to hold a ball are still maintained and the even feeding of the tee 4 through the device can be attained.

In other embodiments, the tee 4 may not be hollow, as long as it is sufficiently flexible and compressible that it can be compressed between the pinch roller 104 and the head pulley 103 and translated vertically upon rotation of the pinch roller 104 and head pulley 103. The tee 4 could be formed, for example, of a solid piece of foamed rubber or rubber-like material.

The tee 4 may be provided in varying lengths or, as in the preferred embodiment, a single standard length to allow for user customization or ease of replacement of damaged tees, respectively. The tee 4 may also be provided in any number of colors or have other graphics or designs incorporated onto any portion of the surface or interior. It is preferred that the tee 4 have a flared tip with the closed end having a concave surface capable of stably holding a ball; however, it is to be understood that the tip may also be un-flared or minimally flared, that the closed end surface may be flat, or that the tee 4 could be a hollow tube with 2 open ends, either of which may be flared to any degree or un-flared.

The motor 2 may be one of any type of electric motor or other motorized mechanism as deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the motor 2 may be powered by alternating or direct current. In addition, standard or rechargeable batteries may be used as the main source of power or may serve as an optional back-up power supply. Motor 2, together with the photoemitter 20, photoreceptor 16, and photosensor 35 may all be connected to a processing unit or other control means such as, but not limited to, a switch or foot pedal, computing device, or relay. The control means and sensing means may be connectable to other hardware such as storage media, network interfaces, and the like. Such control and sensing means may operate the motor 2, photoreceptor 16, photoemitter 20, and photosensor 35 in order to automate the movement of the drive assembly 100 and thereby in turn the movement of the tee 4 through the device. The control sensing means may use additional input from other connected devices or programs to execute movement in response to program events or hardware signals.

In operation according to a preferred embodiment, a tee 4 is inserted into the device either from the rear of chassis frame 10 or from above through the opening defined by cylindrical wall 31. If inserted from the rear of chassis frame 10, light emitted from photoemitter 20 will be interrupted and not received by photoreceptor 16. Sensing means, such as electronic sensors, hubs, input devices, relays, processing units, computing devices or other appropriate structure known to one ordinarily skilled in the art, in communication with control means will determine that the tee 4 has been inserted into the device and will send a signal to the control means to operate the motor 2. Motor 2 drives the gears 105 attached to pinch roller 104 and head pulley 103, causing counter-rotation of the head pulley 103 and pinch roller 104 about the head pulley axle and pinch roller axle. Rotation of the conveyor belt 108 about the tail pullet and friction between the conveyor belt and the tee 4 results in the tee being pulled onto and along the conveyor belt toward the head pulley 103 and pinch roller 104. The tee is then compressed between the head pulley and pinch roller, thereby being directed toward the opening defined by the cylindrical wall 31 in the tee support 30 and driven upward through the opening just below the hitting surface. When inserted from above, the tee 4 at least partially obstructs the photosensor 32, preventing light from entering. Sensing means in communication with control means will determine that the tee has been inserted into the device through the opening defined by the cylindrical wall 32 and will send a signal to the control means to operate the motor 2 in the reverse direction. Friction and rotation between the head pulley 103 and pinch roller 104 results in the end of the tee being drawn in and compressed between the head pulley and pinch roller, driving the tee along the conveyor belt until the tee is no longer obstructing the photosensor 32.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the device is housed within a protective cover 5 formed any sufficiently strong, rigid material, such as steel. The cover 5 may preferably take the form of a rectangular prism within an open bottom. The cover 5 may preferably be provided with a number of access ports, and requires a main port aligned with the cylindrical wall 31 such that the top of the cylindrical wall extends above the top of the cover 5. The cover 5 may also be provided with one or more mounting flanges to help retain the device in a desired position.

When a golf ball is placed on the hitting surface over the opening, sensing means connected to the photosensor 35 will detect the ball over the opening and send a signal to the control means, initiating operation of motor 2, thereby driving the tee 4 upward through the opening and lifting the golf ball above the hitting surface. The height of projection of the tee 4 above the hitting surface may be adjustable through the control means and sensing means connected to the motor 2, photosensor 35, photoemitter 30, and photosensor 16.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present invention has been described in what is considered to represent its preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

1. A device for moving a golf ball tee above and below a golf ball hitting surface, comprising: a chassis;a first roller comprising of a cylindrical first roller body defining a first roller longitudinal axis, the first roller being mounted to the chassis so as to be rotatable about the first roller longitudinal axis;a second roller comprising of a cylindrical second roller body defining a second roller longitudinal axis, the second roller being mounted to the chassis so as to be rotatable about the second roller longitudinal axis;a tee having a top end and a bottom end, and being compressed between and supported for translational movement by the first roller and the second roller; anda motor operatively connected to the first roller such that the motor selectively causes rotation of the first roller in a first rotational direction, thereby moving the tee upward, and selectively causes rotation of the first roller in a second rotational direction, thereby moving the tee downward.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a strap conveyor, wherein the first roller is a pinch roller, wherein the second roller is a head pulley of the strap conveyor, and wherein the strap conveyor further comprises: a tail pulley comprising a cylindrical tail pulley body defining a tail pulley longitudinal axis, the tail pulley being mounted to the chassis so as to be rotatable about the tail pulley longitudinal axis; anda strap wrapped about and stretching between both the head pulley and the tail pulley such that rotation of the head pulley and the tail pulley causes movement of the strap about the head pulley and the tail pulley, the pinch roller resting on the strap such that friction occurs between the strap and the pinch roller when the pinch roller and the strap are in motion.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the motor is coupled to a control means capable of generating a control signal in response to which the motor causes rotation of the first roller.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the chassis further comprises at least one tee guide ramp.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the chassis further comprises at least two tee guide ramps.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a tee support secured to the chassis and defining a passage through and beyond which an end of the tee may selectively be extended by operation of the motor.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a photoemitter and a photoreceptor mounted to the chassis, the photoreceptor being coupled to a first sensing means that generates a sensing signal when the photoreceptor detects an interruption of light emitted from the photoemitter in the direction of the photoreceptor.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a tee support secured to the chassis and defining a passage through and beyond which an end of the tee may selectively be extended by operation of the motor.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising a photosensor secured within the passage and being coupled to a second sensing means that generates a sensing signal based when light is detected by the photosensor entering through a top end of the passage in the tee support.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the motor is coupled to a control means capable of generating a control signal in response to which the motor causes rotation of the first roller.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the first sensing means and the second sensing means are coupled to the control means such that the control means generates the control signal in response to the sensing signal generated by the first sensing means or the second sensing means.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the tee is cylindrical in shape.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the tee is a hollow cylinder with a closed top end.

14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a golf ball hitting surface secured above the chassis and defining a passage through which the top end of the tee is extendible, wherein when the motor selectively causes rotation of the first roller in the first rotational direction, the tee is moved so that the top end thereof is positioned above the golf ball hitting surface, and when the motor selectively causes rotation of the first roller in the second rotational direction, the tee is moved so that the top end thereof is positioned below the golf ball hitting surface.