Golf tee with ball elevating members

Abstract

A golf tee includes a shaft portion with upper and lower end portions. A generally hollow funnel-shaped first end portion is provided for supporting a golf ball thereon and extends from the upper end of the shaft portion. One or more prongs extend upwardly from the first end portion to elevate the golf ball a predetermined distance off the top of the tee. A generally tapered second end portion is provided for anchoring the tee into the ground and extends from the lower end of the shaft portion. An optional height adjustment member is slidably positioned on the shaft portion for setting a height of the tee relative to the ground. The shaft portion includes a plurality of vertically spaced slots separated by at least one ring for selectively holding the height adjustment member in one of the slots.

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to golf tees, and more particularly to a golf tee with ball elevating members.

It is often said that in golf swing is everything. In other words, while teeing-off, a good contact of the club head with the ball, along with an appropriate follow-through of the swing, can take the ball to a great distance and land it at a desirable spot on the fairway. In this regard, appropriate placement of the ball to a desired height off the ground is very important. To this end, a golfer can use a very long tee, standard size tee, an extra short tee, or a tee with a fixed flat stopping point. The extra long tee is anchored into the ground and is manually raised or lowered to an approximate height. However, rarely do they lift or lower the tee to the exact height all the time. This results in skying or topping of the ball. Alignment is often off as well due to the fact that a golfer's feet and body posture are not square with the ball.

Further, while aiming at an intended direction in either archery or tennis, the participant's body typically faces the target before the swing or release of the arrow. On the other hand, in golf, a player's body, shoulders, legs and hips are at an angle to the intended target, making the alignment far more difficult.

In order to align to the target in golf, however, some golfers align the golf ball with the printing on the ball. For example, the name Titleist®, straight towards the preferred target, or a line drawn around the center of the ball.

Another tee that is commonly used for height control is a tee that only reaches into the ground at a precise height. This tee is helpful to the golfer if that height is perfect for his or her swing. Should they prefer the ball lower or higher on that tee, however, they cannot use the set height tee.

There are many existing tees that can be used to insure height control. Some are various sizes of rubber tees used on a mat found on driving ranges. Others are practice tees which require anchors, etc. Some golfers mark their balls by drawing horizontal lines across the tee stem. However, all of these are difficult to anchor the tee stem at an exact depth that will place the ball at an exact height required or desired by the golfer. In order to obtain that exact height of the ball at all times, it would require a golfer to measure from the ground to the top of the head of the tee, with a separate ruler. This would obviously be cumbersome, not to mention additional time required prior to tee-off.

Currently available tees generally have a portion for supporting the ball. However, they do not provide any means for elevating the ball off the tee itself.

Examples of various golf tees and other accessories are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,553,561; 1,596,110; 1,597,740; 1,625,911; 1,638,448; 1,936,625; 1,959,347; 2,700,788; 3,041,071; 3,079,158; 3,114,557; 3,203,700; 3,408,079; 3,883,144; 3,899,179; 4,128,245; 4,544,159; 5,052,689; 5,240,254; 5,356,146; 5,437,446; 5,569,102; 5,571,055; 5,672,122; 5,720,677; 5,890,976; 6,017,282; 6,475,107 B1; Des. 293,261; Des. 306,194; Des. 350,178; Des. 360,006; Des. 370,041; Des. 411,276; Des. 413,640; Des. 428,954; Des. 468,379; Des. 492,374; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/187,404, filed Aug. 1, 2003; and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0026726 A1 and 2005/0026727 A1.

In view of the drawbacks associated with conventional tees, there is a need in the industry for a golf tee which includes one or more ball elevating members enabling the ball to sit higher on the tee to thereby allow the golf club to sweep across the ball resulting in a longer travel distance for the ball.

OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a golf tee which overcomes the drawbacks associated with conventional golf tees.

An object of the present invention is to provide a golf tee which includes one or more elevated prongs or members to enable the ball to sit higher off the top of the tee.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf tee which includes a height adjustment mechanism for allowing a golfer to consistently and repeatedly set the ball at the same or different height relative to the ground, as preferred.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a golf tee with a height adjustment mechanism which eliminates the need for a golfer to carry multiple or an assortment of various length tees. In other words, a golfer need to carry only one golf tee of the present invention that allows the player to set different heights of the ball relative to the ground.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a golf tee which is longer than conventional tees and includes one or more elevated prongs or members for elevating the ball. The total length of tee is preferably about 3.525 inches to 4.025 inches, with the prongs being used about 0.025 inches.

In summary, the main object of the present invention is to provide a golf tee with one or more prongs to elevate the ball off the top of the tee. The golf tee also includes a height adjustment mechanism for allowing a golfer to control or adjust the height the golfer prefers when striking a ball with any club or driver that is selected based on the face angle thereof.

One of the above objects is met, in part, by the present invention, which in one aspect includes a golf tee with a shaft portion. A first end portion is provided for supporting a golf ball thereon and extends from a first end of the shaft portion. A ball elevating member extends from the first end portion. A second end portion is provided for anchoring the tee into the ground and extends from a second end of the shaft portion.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a golf tee with prongs for elevating a golf ball a predetermined distance off the tee, which includes a shaft portion. A generally hollow funnel-shaped first end portion with a generally vertical rim is provided for supporting a golf ball thereon and extends from an upper end of the shaft portion. The rim includes a generally planar upper end surface. A plurality of prongs each with a ball engaging surface extend a predetermined distance away from the upper end surface of the rim. A generally tapered second end portion is provided for anchoring the tee into the ground and extends from a lower end of the shaft portion. The ball engaging surfaces of the prongs hold the golf ball thereon thereby elevating it off the tee.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a golf tee with a shaft portion. A generally hollow funnel-shaped first end portion with a vertical rim is provided for supporting a golf ball thereon and extends from an upper end of the shaft portion. The rim includes an end surface. A ball elevating member extends a predetermined distance away from the end surface of the rim. A generally tapered second end portion is provided for anchoring the tee into the ground and extends from a lower end of the shaft portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One of the above and other objects, novel features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment(s) invention, as illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a golf tee in accordance with the present invention, shown with an optional height adjustment member;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view showing the golf tee of FIG. 1 anchored in the ground;

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the height adjustment member shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the golf tee of FIG. 1 shown in use on a golf course.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

As best shown in FIG. 1, the golf tee GT of the present invention includes a shaft portion 10 with a tapered lower end portion 12 for anchoring the tee into the ground, and a generally hollow funnel-shaped upper end portion 14 for supporting a golf ball GB thereon (FIG. 2). The end portions 12 and 14 extend from the lower and upper end portions 11 and 13 of the shaft 10, respectively. The upper portion 14 includes an oversized generally vertically oriented annulus or top rim 16 for stabilizing the golf ball GB under normal or windy conditions. Preferably, the vertical length (or height) of the upper portion 14 is about 0.475″. The golf tee GT is preferably molded from a plastic, wood, foam, or the like suitable material. The golf tee GT can also be made from a biodegradable plastic material, such as corn resin.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, preferably three ball elevating members or prongs 18 extend upwardly off the generally planar end surface 20 of the rim 16. The prongs 18 are generally equilaterally spaced on the rim 16, and are preferably integral therewith. Each prong 18 includes a generally planar or curved ball engaging surface 22. Preferably, each prong 18 is about 0.025″ in height and about 0.200″ in length. Although the prongs 18 are preferably generally square in cross-section or configuration, other shapes or forms may also be used. Likewise, the number, location, and/or height/length of the prongs 18 on the rim 16 may also be varied. When a golf ball GB is placed on the golf tee GT of the invention, it is elevated above the end surface 20 by the height of the prongs 18.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the shaft portion 10 includes a plurality of vertically spaced axial slots 24 separated by generally continuous rings 26. Preferably, nine slots 24 are provided. Each slot 24 has an axial length L, that is larger than an axial length L₂ of each ring 26. It is preferred that all slots 24 have the same axial length L₁ and all rings 26 have the same axial length L₂, where L₁ is larger than L₂. Further, the diameter D₁ of preferably each ring 26 is larger than the diameter D₂ of the shaft 10. Preferably, the slots 24 and the rings 26 are integrally molded with the golf tee GT. The axial length L₁ of each slot 24 is preferably about 0.153″, and the axial length of each ring 26 is preferably about 0.015″. (It is noted herewith that the number of slots and their axial lengths may be varied. For example, slots of varying lengths may be provided. Likewise, the rings 26 of varying diameters and lengths may also be provided.)

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, an optional height adjustment or height setting sleeve 28 has the configuration of a generally round disc 30 with a generally round hole 32 for receiving the shaft portion 10. Preferably, the diameter of the hole 32 is slightly less than the diameter of the shaft portion 10 for allowing a tight frictional engagement therebetween. For example, the diameter of the hole 32 is about 0.190″ and the diameter of the shaft portion is about 0.212″. The diameter of the disc 30 is preferably about 0.775″, which is generally the same as the diameter of the rim 16. Preferably, the disc 30 is made from a rubber, plastic, wood, foam, or the like suitable material. The disc 30 can also be made from a biodegradable plastic material, such as corn resin.

In order to stabilize the height adjustment sleeve 28 on the shaft portion 10, the thickness T of the disc 30 is provided to be slightly less than the axial length L₁ of each slot 24 (FIG. 3). Preferably, the thickness T of the disc is about 0.150″.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the height adjustment sleeve 26 is slipped over the shaft portion 10 through the hole 32 thereof to set the disc 30 in a desired slot 24. Upon anchoring the golf tee GT into the ground GD, the height adjustment sleeve 28 would come to rest on the grass GR to provide a desired height of the golf ball GB relative to the ground GD. By sliding the height adjustment sleeve 28 up or down on the shaft portion 10, the height for the golf ball GB can be lowered or made higher, respectively. For instance, positioning the height adjustment sleeve 28 in the slot numbered “1”, would yield the highest position for the golf ball GB to rest above the ground GD. On the other hand, positioning the height adjustment sleeve 28 in the slot numbered “9”, would yield the lowest position for the golf ball GB relative to the ground GD.

From the above, one can observe that by positioning the height adjustment sleeve 28 in the same selected slot 24, a golfer may achieve the same height for the golf ball GB relative to the ground GD in each instance of anchoring the golf tee GT into the ground. Alternatively, by inserting the golf tee GT into the height adjustment sleeve 28 at different/other slots 24, a golfer can achieve a different height preferred for any club C chosen.

In addition, by elevating the golf ball GB off the top of golf tee GT, a golfer can easily sweep across the ball to obtain a longer travel distance towards the fairway FW, the green G, etc.

While this invention has been described as having preferred sequences, ranges, steps, materials, structures, features, components, or designs, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations of the invention following in general the principle of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as those come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention and of the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf tee, comprising: a) a shaft portion; b) a first end portion for supporting a golf ball thereon extending from a first end of said shaft portion; c) a ball elevating member extending from said first end portion; and d) a second end portion for anchoring the tee into the ground extending from a second end of said shaft portion.

2. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein: a) said first end portion comprises an end surface; and b) said ball elevating member extends a predetermined distance away from said end surface.

3. The golf tee of claim 2, wherein: a) said first end portion comprises a generally hollow funnel-shaped member with a rim; and b) said rim comprises said end surface.

4. The golf tee of claim 3, wherein: a) a plurality of said ball elevating members extend from said rim.

5. The golf tee of claim 3, wherein: a) three of said ball elevating members extend from and are generally equilaterally spaced on said rim.

6. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein: a) said first end portion comprises a generally planar end surface; and b) said ball elevating member extends a predetermined distance away from said end surface.

7. The golf tee of claim 3, further comprising: a) a height adjustment member slidably positioned on said shaft portion for setting a height of the tee relative to the ground; and b) said shaft portion including a plurality of vertically spaced slots for selectively holding said height adjustment member.

8. The golf tee of claim 7, wherein: a) said height adjustment member comprises a generally round disc; and b) the diameter of said disc is generally the same as the diameter of said rim.

9. A golf tee, comprising: a) a shaft portion; b) a generally hollow funnel-shaped first end portion with a generally vertical rim for supporting a golf ball thereon extending from an upper end of said shaft portion; c) said rim including an end surface; d) a ball elevating member extending a predetermined distance away from said end surface; and e) a generally tapered second end portion for anchoring the tee into the ground extending from a lower end of said shaft portion.

10. The golf tee of claim 9, wherein: a) said ball elevating member comprises a top surface; and b) said top surface engages the golf ball thereby elevating it from said end surface.

11. The golf tee of claim 10, wherein: a) a plurality of said ball elevating members extend from said end surface.

12. The golf tee of claim 10, wherein: a) three of said ball elevating members extend from and are generally equilaterally spaced on said rim.

13. The golf tee of claim 9, wherein: a) said end surface is generally planar.

14. The golf tee of claim 9, further comprising: a) a height adjustment member slidably positioned on said shaft portion for setting a height of the tee relative to the ground; and b) said shaft portion including a plurality of vertically spaced slots for selectively holding said height adjustment member.

15. The golf tee of claim 14, wherein: a) said height adjustment member comprises a generally round disc; and b) the diameter of said disc is generally the same as the diameter of said rim.

16. A golf tee with prongs for elevating a golf ball a predetermined distance off the tee, comprising: a) a shaft portion; b) a generally hollow funnel-shaped first end portion with a vertical rim for supporting a golf ball thereon extending from an upper end of said shaft portion; c) said rim including a generally planar upper end surface; d) a plurality of prongs each with a ball engaging surface extending a predetermined distance away from said upper end surface; e) a generally tapered second end portion for anchoring the tee into the ground extending from a lower end of said shaft portion; and f) wherein the ball engaging surfaces of said prongs hold the golf ball thereby elevating it off the tee.

17. The golf tee of claim 16, wherein: a) three of said prongs extend from and are generally equilaterally spaced on said rim.

18. The golf tee of claim 16, wherein: a) one of said prongs is generally square in configuration.

19. The golf tee of claim 16, further comprising: a) a height adjustment member slidably positioned on said shaft portion for setting a height of the tee relative to the ground; and b) said shaft portion including a plurality of vertically spaced slots separated by alternately arranged generally continuous rings for selectively holding said height adjustment member in one of said slots.

20. The golf tee of claim 19, wherein: a) said height adjustment member comprises a generally round disc; and b) the diameter of said disc is generally the same as the diameter of said rim.

21. The golf tee of claim 20, wherein: a) said disc is made from a rubber, plastic, wood, foam, or biodegradable material; and b) said disc includes a hole having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of said shaft portion for creating a tight fit therebetween for securing said disc on said shaft when the tee is anchored into the ground.

22. The golf tee of claim 21, wherein: a) the diameter of the hole is about 0.190 inches and the diameter of the shaft portion is about 0.212 inches.

23. The golf tee of claim 21, wherein: a) the diameter of said disc is about 0.775 inches.

24. The golf tee of claim 21, wherein: a) said disc has a thickness of about 0.150 inches.

25. The golf tee of claim 24, wherein: a) the axial length of one of said slots is about 0.153 inches; and b) wherein said disc is secured in one of said slots between two of said rings and stays in place when the tee is anchored into the ground.