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US20080207355A1 - Golf tee with shape memory metal and method to produce the same - Google Patents

Golf tee with shape memory metal and method to produce the same Download PDF

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Publication number
US20080207355A1
US20080207355A1 US11/554,014 US55401406A US2008207355A1 US 20080207355 A1 US20080207355 A1 US 20080207355A1 US 55401406 A US55401406 A US 55401406A US 2008207355 A1 US2008207355 A1 US 2008207355A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
tee
connection mean
memory metal
shape memory
shape
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/554,014
Inventor
Tony L. Wong
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
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Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US11/554,014 priority Critical patent/US20080207355A1/en
Publication of US20080207355A1 publication Critical patent/US20080207355A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B57/00—Golfing accessories
    • A63B57/10—Golf tees
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
    • A63B2209/14—Characteristics of used materials with form or shape memory materials

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a golf tee having a flexible midsection made of shape memory metal.
  • This special class of metal to return to its original shape after being bent out of shape makes it possible for it to be successfully used in many applications. In this case, when an impact is applied to the golf tee, the force is deflected away from the tee. The golf tee returns to its original position after the impact.
  • Golf tee is an important accessory of a golf game. Golf tee positions the golf ball in an elevated position for the golf club to hit. When the golf club hits the tee, the tee is often lost or broken. Many patents were disclosed to overcome these shortcomings.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,470 disclosed a spring loaded golf tee.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 2,839,304 disclosed a deflectable tee.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,313 disclosed a vented tee.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,170 disclosed a flexible tee with a sliding tee top.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 2,531,470 disclosed a tee with a flexible body. This invention improves deflection characteristic of the prior patents by utilizing a shape memory metal as a mean to relieve impact energy.
  • the present invention has been accomplished to provide a golf tee to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks.
  • FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the golf tee assembly consists of a lower, an upper section, a connection mean and a protective sleeve.
  • FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the connection mean.
  • FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the protective sleeve for the connection mean.
  • FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the golf tee assembly consists of a lower, an upper section, a connection mean.
  • FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of this invention.
  • a main tee body has two sections: the lower section 1 and an upper section 2 .
  • a recess 5 is shown on top tee body 2 for positioning a golf ball.
  • Both tee bodies: 1 and 2 is connected by a connection mean 3 .
  • the said connection mean is covered with a resilient sleeve 4 .
  • Both tee bodies 1 and 2 can be made of polymeric material such as polycarbonate, nylon, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or other suitable resilient polymer by injection molding.
  • connection mean 3 is placed in the mold such that both the tee bodies can be molded around the connection mean to encapsulate the said connection mean within tee bodies 1 and 2 .
  • the tee bodies 1 and 2 can be made using different material.
  • the top tee body 2 can be made of a soft material, while the lower body 1 can be made of a harder material for better ground penetration.
  • FIG. 2 shows the connection mean 3 and retaining feature 6 on both end of the said connection mean.
  • This said connection mean is made of a shape memory metal such as nickel titanium.
  • the retaining feature can be combination of circular grove or spiral grove or other suitable form.
  • the shape the connection mean can be set to any shape by a memory setting process. Once the shape memory is set, the said connection mean will retain its preset shape after being deflected.
  • FIG. 3 shows the sleeve body 4 .
  • the sleeve is made of a resilient material to be place over the connection mean to protect the golf club from hitting the connection mean.
  • FIG. 4 shows a main tee body having two sections: the lower section 1 and an upper section 2 .
  • a recess 5 is shown on top tee body 2 for positioning a golf ball.
  • Both tee bodies: 1 and 2 is connected by a connection mean 3 .
  • the tee bodies 1 and 2 can be made using different material.
  • the top tee body 2 can be made of a soft material, while the lower body 1 can be made of a harder material for better ground penetration.
  • the connection mean 3 is placed in the mold such that both the tee bodies can be molded around the connection mean to encapsulate the connection mean 3 within tee bodies 1 and 2 .

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention discloses a golf tee consists of two sections and a shape memory metal that connects the said two sections for a golf tee that lessens impact and improves performance.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention
  • This invention relates to a golf tee having a flexible midsection made of shape memory metal. The ability for this special class of metal to return to its original shape after being bent out of shape makes it possible for it to be successfully used in many applications. In this case, when an impact is applied to the golf tee, the force is deflected away from the tee. The golf tee returns to its original position after the impact.
  • 2. Description of the Related Art
  • Golf tee is an important accessory of a golf game. Golf tee positions the golf ball in an elevated position for the golf club to hit. When the golf club hits the tee, the tee is often lost or broken. Many patents were disclosed to overcome these shortcomings. U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,470 disclosed a spring loaded golf tee. U.S. Pat. No. 2,839,304 disclosed a deflectable tee. U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,313 disclosed a vented tee. U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,170 disclosed a flexible tee with a sliding tee top. U.S. Pat. No. 2,531,470 disclosed a tee with a flexible body. This invention improves deflection characteristic of the prior patents by utilizing a shape memory metal as a mean to relieve impact energy.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention has been accomplished to provide a golf tee to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks.
  • It is one object of this invention to provide a golf tee that is flexible to deflect impact energy and be able to return to its original shape.
  • It is another object of this invention to provide a golf tee having a pre programmed shape.
  • It is another object of this invention to provide a golf tee that is not easily lost or break.
  • It is another object of this invention to provide a method for its construction.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The present invention will be explained by the accompanying drawings, wherein:
  • FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the golf tee assembly consists of a lower, an upper section, a connection mean and a protective sleeve.
  • FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the connection mean.
  • FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the protective sleeve for the connection mean.
  • FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the golf tee assembly consists of a lower, an upper section, a connection mean.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of this invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a main tee body has two sections: the lower section 1 and an upper section 2. A recess 5 is shown on top tee body 2 for positioning a golf ball. Both tee bodies: 1 and 2 is connected by a connection mean 3. The said connection mean is covered with a resilient sleeve 4. Both tee bodies 1 and 2 can be made of polymeric material such as polycarbonate, nylon, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or other suitable resilient polymer by injection molding. During injection molding, the connection mean 3 is placed in the mold such that both the tee bodies can be molded around the connection mean to encapsulate the said connection mean within tee bodies 1 and 2. Furthermore, the tee bodies 1 and 2 can be made using different material. For instance, the top tee body 2 can be made of a soft material, while the lower body 1 can be made of a harder material for better ground penetration.
  • FIG. 2 shows the connection mean 3 and retaining feature 6 on both end of the said connection mean. This said connection mean is made of a shape memory metal such as nickel titanium. The retaining feature can be combination of circular grove or spiral grove or other suitable form. The shape the connection mean can be set to any shape by a memory setting process. Once the shape memory is set, the said connection mean will retain its preset shape after being deflected.
  • FIG. 3 shows the sleeve body 4. The sleeve is made of a resilient material to be place over the connection mean to protect the golf club from hitting the connection mean.
  • FIG. 4 shows a main tee body having two sections: the lower section 1 and an upper section 2. A recess 5 is shown on top tee body 2 for positioning a golf ball. Both tee bodies: 1 and 2 is connected by a connection mean 3. The tee bodies 1 and 2 can be made using different material. For instance, the top tee body 2 can be made of a soft material, while the lower body 1 can be made of a harder material for better ground penetration. During injection molding, the connection mean 3 is placed in the mold such that both the tee bodies can be molded around the connection mean to encapsulate the connection mean 3 within tee bodies 1 and 2.

Claims (6)

1. A multi-body golf tee comprising: a cylindrical shape lower body with a pointed end for ground penetration, the lower body is connected to a one end of the connection mean through a retaining feature, the second end of the connection mean is connected to the upper body through a retaining feature, wherein the connection mean is imbedded within the upper and the lower tee body by injection molding the tee bodies around the connection mean; a soft and resilient sleeve covers the connection mean and prevents a golf club from being damaged.
2. A multi-body golf tee comprising: a cylindrical shape lower body with a pointed end for ground penetration, the lower body is connected to a one end of the connection mean through a retaining feature, the second end of the connection mean is connected to the upper body through a retaining feature, wherein the connection mean is imbedded within the upper and lower tee body by injection molding the tee bodies around the connection mean; the upper body is made from a soft and resilient material which allow it to flex upon impact.
3. The connection mean in claim 1 is made of shape memory metal.
4. The connection mean in claim 2 is made of shape memory metal.
5. The connection mean in claim 1 is made of shape memory metal, wherein its shape can be set to any suitable shape.
6. The connection mean in claim 2 is made of shape memory metal, wherein its shape can be set to any suitable shape.
US11/554,014 2006-10-28 2006-10-28 Golf tee with shape memory metal and method to produce the same Abandoned US20080207355A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/554,014 US20080207355A1 (en) 2006-10-28 2006-10-28 Golf tee with shape memory metal and method to produce the same

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/554,014 US20080207355A1 (en) 2006-10-28 2006-10-28 Golf tee with shape memory metal and method to produce the same

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080207355A1 true US20080207355A1 (en) 2008-08-28

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US11/554,014 Abandoned US20080207355A1 (en) 2006-10-28 2006-10-28 Golf tee with shape memory metal and method to produce the same

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130059679A1 (en) * 2011-09-01 2013-03-07 Roger E. Murken Golf Tee Extender
USD731602S1 (en) * 2014-02-05 2015-06-09 Steven C. Nelson Magnetically attached golf tee
USD771207S1 (en) * 2015-02-02 2016-11-08 Steven C. Nelson Collapsible golf tee
JP2020081281A (en) * 2018-11-22 2020-06-04 株式会社 エムエス製作所 Golf tee
US20230044669A1 (en) * 2021-08-03 2023-02-09 Tyler Katchmar Magnetic Golf Tee and Grip

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1736583A (en) * 1928-03-02 1929-11-19 Ulric C Deike Golf tee
US2146736A (en) * 1936-04-04 1939-02-14 John A Hammond Golf tee
US2470817A (en) * 1947-04-29 1949-05-24 Homer D Hendricks Flexible golf tee
US3079158A (en) * 1961-01-06 1963-02-26 Finn Thomas Golf tee
US20020022538A1 (en) * 2000-08-17 2002-02-21 Kyoung-Soo Choi Flexible golf tee
US6916035B2 (en) * 2001-01-23 2005-07-12 Russell A. Houser Athletic devices and other devices with superelastic components
US20060100037A1 (en) * 2002-05-10 2006-05-11 Pels Jacques M Golf tees and accessories
US20060105861A1 (en) * 2004-11-17 2006-05-18 Lien-Chuan Yang Golf tee composed of two parts
US7156758B2 (en) * 2004-11-13 2007-01-02 Alex Lu Durable golf tee

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1736583A (en) * 1928-03-02 1929-11-19 Ulric C Deike Golf tee
US2146736A (en) * 1936-04-04 1939-02-14 John A Hammond Golf tee
US2470817A (en) * 1947-04-29 1949-05-24 Homer D Hendricks Flexible golf tee
US3079158A (en) * 1961-01-06 1963-02-26 Finn Thomas Golf tee
US20020022538A1 (en) * 2000-08-17 2002-02-21 Kyoung-Soo Choi Flexible golf tee
US6916035B2 (en) * 2001-01-23 2005-07-12 Russell A. Houser Athletic devices and other devices with superelastic components
US20060100037A1 (en) * 2002-05-10 2006-05-11 Pels Jacques M Golf tees and accessories
US7156758B2 (en) * 2004-11-13 2007-01-02 Alex Lu Durable golf tee
US20060105861A1 (en) * 2004-11-17 2006-05-18 Lien-Chuan Yang Golf tee composed of two parts

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130059679A1 (en) * 2011-09-01 2013-03-07 Roger E. Murken Golf Tee Extender
USD731602S1 (en) * 2014-02-05 2015-06-09 Steven C. Nelson Magnetically attached golf tee
USD771207S1 (en) * 2015-02-02 2016-11-08 Steven C. Nelson Collapsible golf tee
JP2020081281A (en) * 2018-11-22 2020-06-04 株式会社 エムエス製作所 Golf tee
US20230044669A1 (en) * 2021-08-03 2023-02-09 Tyler Katchmar Magnetic Golf Tee and Grip

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