This invention relates to golf tools and more particularly, to a novel multipurpose golf tool designed to set a golf tee at a desired height and angle to correct or enhance a golfer's swing. The present invention is a golf tool that cleans golf clubs, provides a stand or holder for golf clubs, corrects divots, provides a golf ball marker, and sets a golf tee at a desired height and angle.
There are many golf aids and pocket tools available to assist golfers. There are various tools and devices to clean golf clubs, provides a stand or holder for golf clubs, correct divots, provide a golf ball marker, and set a golf tee. While some of these prior art golf tools have gained popularity, they are not capable of allowing a golfer to set a golf tee at a predetermined angle.
In recent years, drivers have increased in shaft length and club head size. In order to optimize launch, a golfer may require adjustments when making a tee shot. For example, a taller clubface generally requires a higher tee height for the golfer to hit the golf ball with the middle of the clubface. Also, if maximum height is desired on a tee shot, it is preferable to tee the golf ball at an impact point higher than the center of the clubface. Hitting a golf ball just about the true middle of the club face launches the golf ball higher while minimizing backspin. A golfer's game is improved when he can consistently set his golf tee at a particular predetermined height.
A golfer's game is further improved when he can consistently set his golf tee at a small angle with respect to an axis perpendicular to the ground plane. Disposing the golf tee at about a 5 degree angle with respect to the vertical axis in various directions can correct a hook, create or enhance a backspin, correct a slice, or enhance a drive such that the golf ball travels farther and in the desired direction.
There is none presently known that allows a golfer to precisely set a golf tee at a desired height and angle to correct or enhance a golfer's swing. Thus, it is desirable to design a multipurpose golf tool that fulfills this need and others.
In accordance with this invention, there is provided an improved golf tool comprising one or more of the following components: a golf tee height adjuster, a divot repairer, a club face cleaner, a ball marker, an object rest, a golf tee leveler, and a golf tee angle adjuster. In a preferred embodiment, all of these components are incorporated in the golf tool.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf tool that allows a golfer to set a golf tee at a plurality of predetermined angles.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf tool that allows a golfer to set a golf tee at about a 5 degree angle with respect to an axis perpendicular to the ground plane in various directions to assist the golfer to correct a hook or slice, create or enhance a backspin, or enhance a drive such that the golf ball travels farther and in the desired direction.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-purpose pocket sized golf tool.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf tool that allows a golfer to set a golf tee at a plurality of predetermined heights.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf tool that cleans golf clubs, provides a stand or holder for golf clubs, corrects divots, provides a golf ball marker, and sets a golf tee at a desired height and angle.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golf tool that is versatile and readily adaptable to different applications for a golfer.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golf tool that is simple to make and of light weight, so that it can be easily manufactured and used by amateur and professional golfers.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a relatively simple golf tool that is economical for mass production from the viewpoint of the manufacturer and consumer, thereby making it economically available to the buying public.
Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarily meet each objective. Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additional features of the present invention that will be described herein and will form a part of the subject matter of this specification.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The invention will be described by reference to the specification and the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:
The drawings are not to scale, in fact, some aspects have been emphasized for a better illustration and understanding of the written description.
2 golf tool
3 body
4 golf tee height adjuster
5 open end
6 club face cleaner
8 divot repairer
10 object rest cutout or depression
12 golf tee leveler
14 golf tee angle adjuster
15 substantially perpendicular angle
16 ball marker storage recess
17 second round recess
18 magnetic disk
20 golf tee
22 ground or playing green
24 golf club
26 divot
28 ball marker
30 head of a golf club
32 length
34 width
36 thickness
37 storage recess's central axis
38 recesses
39 second recess's central axis
40 tee head channel
41 angle
41A offset angle
42 shoulder
44 proximal distal end of the body
46 distal end of the body
47 ball marker portion
48 prong
50 prong
52 length
54 angular teeth
56 distance
60 diameter
62 diameter of magnetic disk
64 thickness of magnetic disk
66 end
67 distance
The golf tee angle adjuster allows a golfer to set a golf tee at a plurality of predetermined angles. In particular, the golf tool's angle adjuster allows a golfer to set a golf tee at about a 5 degree angle with respect to an axis perpendicular to the ground plane in various directions to assist the golfer to correct a hook or slice, create or enhance a backspin, or enhance a drive such that the golf ball travels farther and in the desired direction.
The pocket multipurpose golf tool is an all-in-one unit, compact in size, and incorporating a golf tee leveler, a golf tee angle adjuster, and one or more of the following components: a golf tee height adjuster, a divot repairer, a club face cleaner, a ball marker, and an object rest.
Definitions
As used in this specification, a backspin means the backward rotation of the golf ball in flight along its horizontal axis (the top of the ball is rotating back towards the player), or the measured rate of that rotation. Aerodynamically, backspin produces lift which creates greater carry.
As used in this specification, a slice means a type of shot in which the ball curves in the shape of a banana, specifically, starting out to the left of the target and then bending dramatically back to the right of the target (for a right-handed golfer; reverse for left-handed golfers).
As used in this specification, a hook means a trajectory or ball flight in which the golf ball starts out to the right (for a right-handed golfer) before curving severely back to the left and missing its target to the left. (Reverse for left-handed golfers.) A hook is the opposite of a slice.
As used in this specification, a drive means the first shot on a hole hit from the teeing ground and generally refers to shots hit with a driver, 3-wood or 1-iron or driving iron.
As used in this specification, a tee shot means the first shot on a hole hit from the teeing ground with lesser clubs such as a 3-iron.
As used in this specification, shaft means the part of the club that extends from all the way to the top of the club inside the grip to the club head.
As used in this specification, club face means the striking surface, or the lofted part of the club head that makes contact with the ball.
As used in this specification, club head means the most massive part of the club at the bottom end (opposite the grip or handle) of the shaft, in other words, the part of the club that makes contact with the ball.
The golf tool 2 is small and unobtrusive, easily carried in a pocket.
Additionally, indicia, such as company logos, symbols, etc. may be imprinted, embossed or affixed (via adhesive or mechanical fastener) on the exterior surface of body 3, such as for advertising or other purposes. Indicia, such as golf tee height markings or measurements, or labeling of the angles of the golf tee leveler 12 and/or golf tee angle adjuster 14 may also be imprinted, embossed or affixed (via adhesive or mechanical fastener) on the exterior surface of body 3.
Golf Tee Height Adjuster 4
The golf tee height adjuster 4 comprises a series of recesses 38 on the rear face defined to position a golf tee at one of a several predetermined heights from the ground.
Differing shaft length and club head size requires adjustments to golf tee height for the golfer to hit the golf ball with the middle or upper portion of the club face when making a tee shot. For example, a taller club face generally requires a higher tee height for the golfer to hit the golf ball with the middle of the club face. Also, if maximum height is desired on a tee shot, it is preferable to tee the golf ball higher than the true middle of the club face to launch the golf ball higher while minimizing backspin. The golf tee height adjuster 4 offers the experienced golfer a consistent teeing height every time. For beginning players, a consistent teeing height is particularly difficult to achieve, and the teeing process itself can be difficult as well, particularly when inserting a golf tee 20 into harder ground 22. The golf tool 2 of the present invention also eases the mechanics of the teeing process for the golfer by providing support to the golf tee 20 during its insertion into the ground 22 while producing a consistent teeing height.
One face of the golf tool 2 body 3 defines a series of aligned and connecting recesses 38 that accommodate at least a portion of a conventional golf tee 20. The series of recesses 38 are configured to measure and set a golf tee 20 a desired distance to position a golf ball at one of a plurality of predetermined distances above the ground 22. The predetermined distances are in the range of from about 0.25 to about 3.5 inches, preferably between about 0.5 and about 2.25 inches. The predetermined distances are disposed in about 0.25 inch increments.
In the embodiment depicted, there are provided a series of eight recesses 38. Each recess 38 comprises a tee head channel 40 whose profile accommodates and generally conforms to the head of a golf tee 20 with a diameter of about 0.5 inch and a thickness of about 0.130 inch. Each recess 38 comprises a shoulder 42 of about 0.07 to about 3/16 inch that generally conforms to the shoulder of a conventional golf tee 20 and defines the distance between each tee head channel 40. In one preferred embodiment, each shoulder 42 tapers inwardly about 0.050 inch. Each recess 38 (tee head channel and shoulder) in the series extends a distance of from about 0.20 to about 0.25 inch and is about 0.230 inch deep at its deepest point. Each recess 38 in the series is disposed such that the recesses 38 are adjoining and the respective cavities are in communication with one another. The tee head channel 40 of the lowest recess 38 is disposed a distance of about 0.66 inch from the outer surface of the proximal end 44 of the body 3.
Referring to
In one preferred embodiment (not depicted), the open end 5 is disposed about the midpoint of a rounded cutout or recess similar to that depicted and described with respect to object rest 10. In one embodiment, the open end comprises a void or opening about 0.5 inches wide, or with a radius of about 0.375 inch, and about ⅜ inch deep, but it is not so limited. The open end may be formed in a different shape or size as long as it sufficiently guides a golf tee during the insertion process (into the ground).
In yet another embodiment, there is provided a rounded depression or recess along the proximal end 44 on both opposing faces of the body 3. The depression that coincides with the golf tee height adjuster 4 provides a means for a finger to easily grip the golf tee 20 for insertion and removal.
In one aspect, the tool 2 may include height indicia to identify the resulting height the ball will be set above the ground. Such height indicia may include, but is not limited to, a visible height identification marker and/or a tactile height identification marker. By way of illustration, a visible height identification marker includes an alphanumeric reference (e.g., 1, 2, 3 or A, B, C, and the like) or a measurement (e.g., ½ inch, 5 mm, or the like). Another exemplary visible height identification indicia includes a color-coded system where the entire tool 2 or a portion of tool 2 is marked with a number, letter, or color which corresponds to the particular height the ball will be placed above the ground 22 using that recess 38. Another exemplary tactile height identification system includes a system where tool 2 is marked with indentations, detents, surface patterns, or the like which corresponds to the particular height the ball will be placed above the ground 22 using that recess of the tool 2. According to an exemplary embodiment, indicia may include both a visible and tactile height identification system using colored recesses.
Further alternate embodiments position the recess in other locations on the body 3, or use other geometrical shapes to indicate the height, including a depression or depressions with or without color coding in or on the front or rear surfaces of the tool 2. Still further alternate embodiments could also use color, patterns or tactile features over part of the tool's body 3 or over the entire tool 2 to indicate teeing height.
In using the tee height adjuster, a golfer preferably places a golf tee in the ground such that at least one half, and more preferably, at least two thirds, of the golf ball is above the crown when the golf ball is teed up.
Divot Repairer 8
Alternatively, a single prong, or three or more prongs, may be used in various embodiments. Each prong 48, 50 preferably has a length 52 of from about 1 to about 2 inches, preferably from about 1.125 to about 1.375 inches. This component 8 may be used to repair a divot 26 or a ball mark in a conventional manner.
Object Rest 10
Club Face Cleaner 6
In one aspect (not depicted), the teeth 54 can be made to withdraw into the tool 2. Teeth 54 may be formed of the same material as body 3, or may be formed of one or more different materials such as, but not limited to, nylon, brass, bristle material, stainless steel, hair, and polyester. In another embodiment the teeth 54 are oriented in a slightly downward angle to increase the amount of force a user can exert.
Ball Marker 28
The recess is sized and configured to receive a ball marker 28 such that it is flush with the peripheral surface of the body 3. The floor of the storage recess 16 has a second round recess 17 that receives a magnetic disk 18 having a diameter 62 of about 6 millimeters and a thickness 64 of about 1.5 millimeters such that the top surface of the magnetic disk is substantially flush with the floor of the storage recess 16. The magnetic disk 18 is preferably a rare earth magnet such as neodymium and is secured to the body 3 by adhesive, compression fit or other means.
In one aspect, the depth of the storage recess 16 is not uniform. At one end 66, the storage recess 16 is deeper to allow a finger to easily dislodge the ball marker 28 from the storage recess 16 and magnetic disk 18. The ball marker 28 may be dislodged by applying fingertip pressure to the seated ball marker 28 at end 66. As will be apparent, applying pressure to the portion of the ball marker disposed at end 66 will cause the one end of ball marker 28 to tip into the deeper portion of the recess (at end 66) and correspondingly raise the opposing end above the surface of the body 3 in a manner that it 28 may be easily gripped and removed. In one embodiment, the deeper end 66 is gently tapered to a depth that is up to twice the depth of the remaining portion of the storage recess 16 and/or to a depth that corresponds to the depth of the magnetic disk holding second recess 17. The second recess is positioned such that its central axis 39 is offset from the central axis 37 of the storage recess 16 to facilitate easier removal of the ball marker 28 from the storage recess 16 during use. In the embodiment depicted, the central axis 37 of storage recess 16 is disposed at a distance of 0.625 inch from the central axis 39 of second recess 17. In one embodiment, the second recess is disposed at the opposing side of the storage recess 16 away from the deeper end 66 of the recess.
Additionally, indicia, such as company logos, symbols, etc. may be imprinted, embossed or affixed (via adhesive or mechanical fastener) on the exterior surface of magnetic disk 28, such as for advertising or other purposes.
Golf Tee Leveler 12 and Golf Tee Angle Adjuster 14
Referring to
The second side is a tee angle adjuster 14 and disposes a golf tee 20 at an angle 41 of from about 5 to about 7 degrees, preferably about 5 degrees, with respect to the axis perpendicular to the ground plane. To achieve this position, the proximal 44 end portion where the tee adjuster is disposed is positioned flat on the ground 22 and is sloped or unfigured such that an angle 41 of from about 83 to about 89 degrees, preferably 85 degrees is formed between the central axis 37 of the golf tee height adjuster 4 and the proximal end 44 surface of golf tool 2. Placing the golf tee 20 at such an angle 41 corrects or enhances a golf swing. By way of illustration, disposing the golf tee 20 at about a 5 degree angle to the left of the golfer may correct a hook. By way of further illustration, biasing the golf tee 20 at about a 5 degree angle forward of the golfer may create or enhance a backspin. By way of further illustration, biasing the golf tee 20 at about a 5 degree angle to the right of the golfer may correct a slice. By way of further illustration, biasing the golf tee 20 at about a 5 degree angle back, or toward, the golfer may enhance a drive such that the golf ball travels farther.
As previously described, the portable multipurpose golf tool has a body with a front face, a back face, a distal end and a proximal end. There is provided a series of recesses on the back face, adapted to receive a portion of a standard golf tee with a head or circular top end and a shank or spiked bottom end, thereby providing a means for setting the spiked bottom portion of the golf tee while the circular top end of the golf tee is concurrently mounted in one of the recesses. There is additionally provided a golf tee angle adjuster disposed on the proximal end, having at least one planar surface having an offset angle 41A with respect to a planar surface containing circular top edge of golf tee, thereby providing the golf tee with a predetermined angle 41, 41A with respect to a playing green substantially equal to the offset angle 41A.
Materials and Manufacturing Methods
The golf tool 2 is preferably constructed from a material that holds its shape. The golf tool 2 is preferably sturdy, but can also be pliable, as long as the tool 2 provides sufficient structural integrity to support the pressures exerted on it during its use. According to one embodiment, the golf tool 2 is moisture repellant or resistant, such that it resists corrosion from exposure to the elements and changes in size. The golf tool 2 is constructed of a material such as wood, metal, plastic, combinations and/or mixtures thereof. An exemplary material of the golf tool 2 is a moldable thermoplastic such as nylon or polypropylene. The golf tool 2 may be of unibody design, i.e., it is formed from a single piece of material with no moving parts.
On one aspect, the golf tool 2 is manufactured by an injection molding process with a thermoplastic. While many thermoplastics may be suitable used with the present invention, Applicant believes that pure nylon is subject to excessive shrinkage and pure polypropylene does not have suitable strength. Preferably, the thermoplastic comprises from about 5% to about 50%, preferably from about 10% to about 33% (by volume), of a filler such as fiberglass to reduce shrinkage and/or increase strength. Polypropylene exhibits the best color characteristics for colored plastic golf tools. Thus, the most preferable material is polypropylene with about 10 volume percent fiberglass.
The tool 2 may also be formed from separate components. An exemplary embodiment of the tool 2 formed from separate or multiple components is an embodiment where the length of tool body 3 is adjustable; thereby further allowing a golfer to select the desired height that a golf ball is to be teed above the ground 22. The length of body 3 may be made adjustable through telescope expansion of the body 3, two or more body 3 components in an adjustable, e.g. threaded, connection, or friction fit configuration. Another exemplary embodiment is the body 3 molded from thermoplastic and the protrusions or bristles of the golf club face cleaner 6 formed and/or the prongs 48, 50 of the divot repairer 8 of a metallic or harder plastic material and fixed to the body 3.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the invention be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the conception regarded as the present invention.
This application claims the benefit of priority from provisional U.S. Ser. No. 61/077,032 filed Jun. 30, 2008.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61077032 | Jun 2008 | US |