US20050064959A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20050064959A1
Application number: US10/943,388
Authority: US
Inventors: Luis Ortiz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-09-23
Filing date: 2004-09-17
Publication date: 2005-03-24

Abstract

A flexible golf tee includes a concaved head supported by an integrated upper portion comprising a flat, flexible area. An anchoring lower portion includes a pointed tip and a ledge formed where it is integrated with the upper portion. The anchoring lower portion stabilizes the golf tee and helps keep it in the ground upon golf club impact. The flat, flexible area significantly increase the tee's flexibility and can also serve as a footprint for promotional advertising space on the upper portion's front and back sides. The concaved head can include alignment means formed thereon for enabling golfers to achieve alignment using the alignment means and flat, flexible portion to achieve a desired direction of travel along the fairway by the golf ball to a target area. Depth indicators when used can enable golfer to track the depth to which the tee is being inserted into the ground.

Description

APPLICATION PRIORITY
The present patent applications claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 60/505,027 filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Sep. 23, 2003, entitled “Promotional golf tee including a flexible upper portion, alignment means and an anchoring mechanism.”

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and improved golf tee, specifically to new and improved features for a golf tee that include a flat, flexible area on its upper portion and an anchoring mechanism formed on the tee's lower portion to help retain the tee in the ground upon golf club impact. The present invention is also related to systems and methods of achieving proper golfer alignment with a golf tee/ball. The present invention is also related to use of as promotional items golf tees. The present invention is also related an injection molded, one piece, plastic golf tee that can support promotional advertising and function in accordance with the features of the present invention.

BACKGROUND

Golf tees were originally very simple structures, designed only to raise the golf ball off of the ground before striking the ball with a golf club from the teeing area. Golf tees, however, lack flexibility upon impact with a club. Conventional tees do one of two things upon impact. They either fracture along the spine, or “pop” out of the ground and travel haphazardly to be lost or so far out of line that the golfer does not attempt to recover the tee. Golf tees, because of their limited historical purpose, also offer little as a tool in the overall strategy of a golf game. Golf tees are generally viewed as nothing more than a stand or prop for the golf ball during initial driving in a tee box at golf courses.

A number of patents that propose ways to resolve some of the above mentioned problems. U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,055 discloses a golf tee having an integrated circular non-adjustable base that limits the depth to which a tee can be inserted into the ground and anchoring prongs to provide stability to tees upon impact with a club head and to keep the tees from popping out of the ground and traveling haphazardly. The disadvantage of the '055 device is that it lacks flexibility along the area of the tees stem (spine 14) to allow a club head to easily swing through the tee without disrupting the clubs trajectory. One reason traditional tees are designed to break or dislodge from the earth upon impact by a golf club or driver is so that the golfer's swing and club/driver travel is not significantly impacted. Another limitation with the design of the '055 tee is that it does not provide much “billboard” or advertising space along its surface because of placement of the integrated base (20).

U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,869 discloses a golf tee including a flexible upper half designed to withstand impact and a rigid lower half including retractable metal spikes that operate to further embed the tee into the ground during use. The disadvantage of the '869 device is that several mechanical parts must operate to deploy the metal spikes. The tee operates in a similar fashion to a retractable ball point pen, wherein physical manipulation of the tees head will cause deployment and retraction of the spikes, thereby taking away any benefit that the flexible upper portion could offer. Impact along the flexible upper portion will surely result in mechanical failure of the device. Furthermore, as with the '055 patent, the '869 patent does not provide adequate advertising space along its surface.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,976,431, 2,839,304, 5,242,170, and Des. 430,913 all provide some form of flexibility but lack any means of anchoring the tee to the earth. The listed patents require complicated manufacture and expense, having more than one part. Furthermore, the traditional golf tee, upon which the forgoing references are modeled, does not provide much “billboard” or advertising space along its surface.

Most known tees are of a complicated construction, are expensive to manufacture, are designed to break or take flight upon impact of the club head, or are of such restrictive function that their use by golfers is substantially limited. Furthermore, golf tees do not generally provide adequate space for incorporation of promotional advertising thereon, which should be a key feature of inexpensive items, such as golf tees, which are typically used as promotional items and given away. Typical wooden golf tee printing is small and can not be read easily by its users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Features of the invention described herein include a new and improved golf tee that is flexible and anchors itself upon/during impact with a club/driver, thus keeping the tee from breaking or too easily “popping” out of the ground and traveling haphazardly. Also described are methods for using a golf tee to obtain proper alignment of a golfer with a tee/ball and therefore cause a golf ball to travel substantially towards a target area selected by the golfer.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a single member golf tee made with a flexible material comprising a concaved head supported by an upper portion including a flat, flexible area formed thereon and an anchoring lower portion having a pointed tip for inserting the tee into the ground is described.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the flat, flexible area can significantly increase the flexibility and resiliency of the golf tee and its ability to withstand impact.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the flat, flexible area of the upper portion can be utilized as a footprint for enhanced promotional advertising space on either or both of its front and back sides, and can also be used together with a alignment means formed on/within the concaved head of the golf tee to achieve better golfer alignment with the ball/tee and the golfer's intended target down range along a fairway.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the golf tee can also incorporate at least one depth indicator that enables golfer to track the depth to which the tee is being inserted into the ground, thereby allowing a golfer to control the elevation of the concaved head above ground, and furthermore providing a means to ensure that a golf ball is being set at a proper/desired elevation to meet the needs of a particular golfer.

In accordance with a feature of the present invention, the golf tee device can include ground anchoring fins to help stabilize the golf tee upon impact with a club head and keep the tee from too easily “popping” out of the ground and traveling haphazardly.

The present invention provides additional benefits and advantages, such as:

- An improved golf tee that allows golfers to obtain a consistent tee height each and every time the ball is teed up.
- A golf tee made with flexible material that provides the tee with features of strength and resiliency.
- A golf tee that helps increase the speed and accuracy of play.
- A new and improved golf tee that retains a strong resemblance to conventional golf tee devices that have come to be accepted by the majority of golfers.
- A golf tee formed by a single piece of material (commonly referred to herein as a “single member” golf tee) including a flat, flexible stem integrated along the upper portion of the tee, allowing the upper portion of the tee to flex as a golf club swings through space occupied by the tee and supported ball, the flexible bridge thereby preventing interference with a golfer's swing and effective impact of the game ball.
- A single member golf tee with a flexible bridge feature integrated along the upper portion of the tee, wherein the flexible bridge provides a flat footprint that can be used for pad printing of promotion advertisements, company logos and personalized messages or names.
- A tee that can be manufactured in multiple colors and variations and can include fins for ground anchoring the tee.
- A golf tee device that conforms to the USGA rules of golf, thus enabling the tee to be utilized by players of all skill levels, amateurs and professionals alike.
- A golf tee that is simple in its one-piece configuration, economical to manufacture, convenient to carry and insert into the ground, and serves to substantially control factors that will enhance a golfer's skill and enjoyment level.

Further features and inventive aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of a feature of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of yet another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a rear view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of yet another feature of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the golf tee showing insertion indicator in accordance with another feature of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of yet another feature of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of an additional feature of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a rear view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a top view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view showing the golf tee device embodying the principles of another feature of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a top view showing an example of a golf tee device as shown inFIGS. 11-15 as it is being set up for use.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the golf tee device supporting a golf ball while deployed in the ground and awaiting club impact.

FIG. 18 is a plan view showing the golf tee device ofFIG. 11 in a flexed position just after a club head plays through the space occupied by the upper portion of the tee, wherein impact by the club head causes the tee to bend during club impact.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of one method for using an improved golf in accordance with aspects and features of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A golf tee in accordance with features of the present is shown inFIG. 1 (side elevational view) andFIG. 2 (front elevational view). The golf tee of this invention is a single member formed of suitable material such as rubber or molded plastic resin through known mold injection processes. The tee includes numerous structural features designed to effectively minimize and control a number of variables that can adversely affect a golfer's skill and enjoyment level. The tee provides a means for obtaining a truly consistent tee height, with respect to the ground into which the tee is inserted, each and every time the ball is teed up. Further, the tee provides a means for enabling the upper portion of the tee to bend or flex while a club head comes into contact with it. Lastly, the tee of this invention incorporates anchoring features to ensure the stability of the golf tee upon impact with a club, thus minimizing the potential that the tee will either fracture along the spine or “pop” out of the ground and travel haphazardly.

Thus, as shown in the drawings ofFIG. 1 the golf tee is indicated generally byreference numeral10. Thetee10 is inserted into the turf on a golf course for supporting a golf ball (as shown inFIG. 17 so that a golfer may drive the ball, as shown inFIG. 18. As shown inFIGS. 1-3, thegolf tee10 includes a concaved head supported by anupper portion14 including a flat, flexible area formed thereon, and an anchoringlower portion21 having a pointedtip24 for inserting thetee10 into the ground. Aconcaved head12 supporting by theupper portion14 is adapted to support a golf ball in an elevated position (FIG. 17) relative to the ground wherein thetee10 is retained by the anchoringlower portion21. Theconcaved head12 and pointedtip24 are features typically found in conventional golf tees. Theupper portion14 including a flat, flexible area formed thereon and the anchoringlower portion21, however, are not provided in the art.

Thegolf tee10 can be molded using a rigid, yet somewhat flexible, shatter resistant plastic resin. Thetee10, however, can be manufactured of other materials that are equally suited to this application, such as rubber, flexible/springy metal, etc. Thegolf tee10 can remain anchored in the ground during use because an anchoring means11 in the form of a ledge can be provided between theupper portion14 andlower portion21 of thetee10. The top surface of the ledge can keep the tee from popping out of the ground and traveling haphazardly.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of thetee10 indicating the location of the concavedhead12.FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of thetee10 wherein the pointedtip24 and flatupper portion12 are shown.

As shown in the drawings ofFIGS. 6-9, at the lower portion of thetee10 beneath the flatupper portion14, but above the pointedtip24, twoground anchoring fins22 can be integrated on thetee10 to extend vertically in an angled or “wedge-like” fashion outward from thelower anchoring portion21. The ground anchoring prongs22, upon being inserted into the ground, can serve as the mechanism to stabilize thetee10 upon impact with a club. The resistance provided by the top surface of theground anchoring fins22 can help prevent thetee10 from “popping” out of the ground and traveling haphazardly. It should be appreciated that at least one and more than two anchoring fins can be used without departing from the intended benefit of the anchoring feature of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 10, at fixed positions along the flatupper portion14, adepth indicator20 can extend inward or outward from the side of the flatupper portion14. Thedepth indicator20 can serve as the means for measuring the insertion of thetee10 at various positions into the ground, thereby ensuring a consistent tee height of the ball in relation to the ground each and every time the tee is used. Furthermore, thedepth indicator20 can be provided in the form of a notch or bump as shown inFIG. 10, or the like, such that the golfer can see and/or feel the indicator as thetee10 is being inserted into the ground. More than onedepth indicator20 can be located along the side of the flat, flexibleupper portion14, thus, when thetee10 is inserted into the ground, each and every indication point along the flat, flexibleupper portion14 can be used to indicate the tees insertion depth into the earth.

It should be apparent that there are other various possibilities with regard to the relative placement of thedepth indicator20 along thetee10.FIG. 10 highlights just two possibilities showing various positions of thedepth indicator20 in relation to the flatupper portion14 and thehead12.

Referring toFIGS. 11-15, a golf tee incorporating additional features is illustrated. As shown inFIGS. 11-15, an alignment means27/28 or29 is integrated into theconcaved head12 of thegolf tee10. The alignment means27/28 as shown inFIGS. 11-15 can include a v-notch28 and/or aslot27; however, it can be appreciated that the alignment means can include two slots or two v-notches, rather than one of each. As with firearms, it can be found to be easier to align two sites wherein a v-notch is used to center a pin or slot near the end of the firearm; but what is important here is that some form of alignment is provided integral with theconcaved head12 to provide a golfer a better way to aim the golf ball towards a preferred target or direction upon impact. The present inventor has determined that the same alignment configuration can be used generally to align a golf tee toward a preferred (“targeted”) area down range from the tee box on a golf course. It can be appreciated that an alignment means can also take the form of aline29 formed on the surface of or within theconcaved head10 as shown inFIG. 14, so long as the line is formed along its length at ninety degrees with the flat surface of the printable surfaces of the flat, flexible upper portion. Use of asingle line29 eliminates the need fornotches28 orslots27.

Referring toFIG. 16, a top view of the concavedhead12 including alignment means in the form of aline29 or v-notch28 orslot27 is shown. As shown inFIG. 16, a golfer can use his/her vision, as represented in the drawing byeye80, to generally peer through thenotch28 andslot27, or along theline29 toward a preferred location60 (e.g., target) down range along the fairway of a golf course. The golfer would attempt to align the tee using v-notches28 orslots27, or aline29 while inserting the tee into the ground. Once the tee is firmly emplaced within the earth, the golfer, as is normal in golf, will move to the side of the tee's placement area as represented byspace85 and attempt to align him-/her-self at 90° with respect to the expected path of travel for the golf ball after it and the backside of the flat, flexible portion are struck squarely by the front of a golf club or driver head. With the golf tee of the present invention, the golfer can be more sure that he/she is in ninety degree alignment with the direction of club/driver swing and ball travel by focusing only on visual alignment with the flat, flexible upper portion14 (e.g., a balanced view of both the front and back surfaces ofupper portion14 from the golfer's standpoint) of thegolf tee10. By closely achieving visual alignment with the flat, flexibleupper portion14 of the tee, the face of the driver or golf club used by the golfer should strike squarely against the back surface of the flat, flexible upper portion of the tee and, thus, should also strike the golf ball at almost perfect travel alignment with the golfer's intendedtarget60.

It should be appreciated that a wide selection oftees10 can also be manufactured at various lengths to selectively accommodate the unique swing of each golfer, as well as the specific club selection required at each tee box. Also, the dimensions of the flatupper portion14 can be varied as necessary based on desired positioning of thedepth indicator20 in relation to thehead12 and advertising space (e.g., “billboard”) considerations, thus possibly saving material and controlling manufacturing expenses.

The front and back areas of the flat, flexible area ofupper portion14 can be imprinted as shown inFIGS. 2-3 andFIGS. 7-8 when used as a promotional item for advertising, e.g., special promotions and give-aways.FIG. 2 illustrates a first side (e.g., front) of the flat, flexible area ofupper portion14 to carry printing for “Santa Fe Country Club”, whereasFIG. 3 provides the telephone number for the golf club on the flat area opposite the first side (e.g., back).FIG. 7 shows the name of a firm, “Ortiz & Lopez, PLLC”, imprinted on the first side of the flat, flexible area of theupper portion14 oftee10, where the opposite flat area ofupper portion14 provides print for the firm's website. As can be seen by these examples, thegolf tee10 of the present invention provides a generous footprint along the flat, flexible areas ofupper portion14 for printed text, logos, messages and personalization when compared to other golf tees.

It can now be appreciated that printing can be more easily provided on flat areas such as the flat, flexible areas (i.e., the front and back areas) of theupper portion14 using pad printing technology, silk screening, and other printing methods and systems well known in the art. It can also be appreciated that thepresent golf tee10 operates similar to a double-sided billboard as seen along roadways, although thegolf tee10 is of much smaller scale. Advertising is now maximized using the present invention, unlike limited printing space that is provided by previous tee designs. [0047]The process for using the golf tee stand to drive a golf ball is relatively simple and is essentially identical to that of conventional tees in present use. Namely, one first grasps thetee10 by its flat, flexibleupper portion14 and inserts the pointedtip24 into the teeing ground. Pressure is applied to thetee head12 to facilitate insertion into theground40 wherein it can then support agolf ball50, as shown inFIG. 17. Oftentimes, a golf ball is placed on thetee head12 before thepointed tip24 is inserted into the ground. Pressure is then applied directly to the golf ball (not shown) to make insertion of thetee10 easier. Thedepth indicator20, upon making/indicating contact with the ground, can serve both as a “stop” for thetee10 when it is in position (depth) or a visible, touchable marker. The anchoring means11, which can includefins22 as previously described, helps prevent thetee10 from becoming dislodged from theearth40.

FIG. 18 illustrates aclub head70 passing through the tee's position, as indicated byarrow75. Theclub head70 makes contact with theball50 and carries it away from the tee upon impact. The tee flexes55 as theclub head70 passes through it, and the tee remains anchored in theground40. With flexibility and anchoring of thetee10 as provided with the present invention, ill effects on a golfer's swing of the club are minimized.

To remove thetee10 from the ground, thetee10 is simply grasped by theupper portion14 and lifted vertically. Thetee10 can be reused many more times than a standard wooden tee can be used, at the discretion of the golfer.

If additionalground anchoring prongs22 as shown inFIG. 6 are provided, theground anchoring fins22 work simply after inserting thetee10 into the ground. The top surface of theground anchoring fins22, and/or also the top portion of theledge20, provide frictonal resistance to help stabilize thetee10 and retain it in the earth upon impact from the club head. The function of theground anchoring fins22 can be enhanced by twisting the tee one-half turn in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction after it has been inserted into the ground. This utilizes the soil above theground anchoring fins22 as an additional source of resistance to further stabilize thetee10.

Referring toFIG. 19, a flow diagram100 providing steps a golfer can take to use embodiments of the present invention is shown. As shown instep110, a golfer is provided with an improved golf tee comprising a concaved head for supporting a golf ball, a flat, flexible upper portion and a ground anchoring lower portion. As shown instep120, Golfer begins inserting golf tee into ground while visually observing alignment of the tee, using alignment notches/aiming lines formed into the concaved head of improved tee, alignment being optionally directed towards a down range area selected by the golfer. As shown in step,130, Golfer completes insertion of golf tee into ground down to a predetermined or familiar depth using guide integrated into the flat, flexible upper portion of the golf tee. As shown instep140, Golfer ensures steady placement of golf ball onto the concaved golf ball supporting head. As shown instep150, Golfer stands in position at ninety degree alignment with notches/lines as can be visually indicated by the golfer's direct alignment with the surfaces of the flat, flexible upper portion of the improved golf tee. Finally, as shown instep160, Golfer swings golf club or driver through the flat, flexible upper portion of the improved golf tee preferably in such a manner that the flat surface of the golf club or driver impact against the flat, flexible upper portion of the improved golf tee in substantially square alignment, wherein the flat, flexible upper portion bends away from the club or driver as it passes through space initially occupied by the flat, flexible upper portion of the golf tee, said golf ball thereby traveling substantially in the down range direction selected by the golfer

A number of advantages of the invention should now be apparent to those skilled in the art given the description provided herein, including:

- A new and improved golf tee is provided that stabilizes/anchors itself so that upon impact with a club, it is less likely to pop out of the ground and traveling haphazardly.
- An improved golf tee is provided that allows golfers to obtain a consistent tee height each and every time the ball is teed up.
- A golf tee is provided with improved strength and resiliency.
- A golf tee is provided that helps increase the speed and accuracy of play.
- A new and improved golf tee is provided that retains a strong resemblance to conventional golf tee devices that have come to be accepted by the majority of golfers.
- A single member golf tee is provided with a flat, flexible upper portion (e.g., a flexible bridge) integrated along the upper portion of the tee, allowing the upper portion of the tee to flex as a golf club swings through space occupied by the tee and supported ball, the flexible bridge thereby preventing interference with a golfer's swing and impact of the game ball.
- A single member golf tee is provided with a flat, flexible area integrated along the upper portion of the tee, wherein the flat, flexible area provides a flat footprint that can be used for pad printing of promotion advertisements, company logos and personalized messages or names.
- A golf tee is provided that can be manufactured in multiple colors and variations and can include prongs or fins for anchoring operation.
- A golf tee device is provided that conforms to the USGA rules of golf, thus enabling the tee to be utilized by players of all skill levels, amateurs and professionals alike.
- A golf tee is provided that is simple in its one-piece configuration, economical to manufacture, convenient to carry and insert into the ground, and serves to substantially control factors that will enhance a golfer's skill and enjoyment level.

Accordingly, the reader will see that the golf tee of the present invention provides a simple, economical, and convenient device that can help golfers of all skill levels to improve their mastery and enjoyment of the game of golf. While the description above contains many features, these features should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as the exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof.

Many other variations are possible. For example, the ground anchoring fins can take various shapes, the fins can be located at various points along the spine of the tee, the number of fins can be modified, the flat, flexible upper and lower portions can be resized or reshaped, the dimensions of the flat, flexible upper portion can be varied, etc. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.