US20250367521A1

US20250367521A1 - Beverage container and golf tee device

Info

Publication number: US20250367521A1
Application number: US19/211,975
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Fazioli
Original assignee: Yorkmere LLC
Current assignee: Yorkmere LLC
Priority date: 2024-05-30
Filing date: 2025-05-19
Publication date: 2025-12-04

Abstract

A beverage container and golf tee device includes a container body having an interior cavity configured to house a beverage. The container body includes a neck portion ending in an edge, the edge defining an opening arranged in spatial communication with the interior space. The beverage container and golf tee device may adopt a first or beverage container configuration, and a second or golf tee configuration. In the first configuration, a beverage is contained within the interior space of the container body. In the second configuration, the container body is placed in an upright position with respect to a ground, edge of the neck portion is arranged in an elevated and spaced-apart relationship with respect to the ground, and a standard golf ball is stably rested on the edge of the neck portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. Non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/653,392 filed May 30, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to golf tees and beverage containers, and more particularly, to a combination beverage container and golf tee device which may be used as a beverage container and golf tee.

2. Description of the Related Art

Golf, a game of precision, skill, and patience, has evolved significantly over the centuries. Among the many innovations that have shaped the sport, the golf tee stands out as a seemingly small yet indispensable tool. From its modest beginnings to the intricate designs of modern times, the evolution of the golf tee mirrors the evolution of the game itself, reflecting advancements in technology, materials, and player preferences.
The origins of the golf tee can be traced back to the dawn of golf itself. In the early days of the game, golfers played off the natural terrain, using small mounds of sand or piles of soil to elevate the ball for the initial stroke. However, this method posed numerous challenges, including inconsistency in height and stability, leading players to seek a more reliable solution.
The first recorded mention of a specialized device for teeing up the golf ball dates back to the late 19th century. In 1889, Dr. George Grant patented a wooden peg-shaped tee, providing golfers with a simple yet effective tool for elevating their balls. Grant's invention marked a significant milestone in the history of golf, offering players greater control and consistency in their tee shots.
As golf grew in popularity and technological advancements flourished, so did the evolution of the golf tee. Throughout the 20th century, golf tees underwent numerous design iterations, with manufacturers experimenting with various materials and shapes to enhance performance and durability.
Wood remained the primary material for golf tees well into the 20th century, offering a natural feel and sufficient durability for repeated use. However, the advent of plastic and synthetic materials revolutionized tee design, providing golfers with options that were more resilient, customizable, and environmentally friendly.
In the contemporary era of golf, the tee plays an indispensable role in the game's dynamics and strategy. Golfers of all skill levels rely on tees to optimize their initial shots, providing a stable platform for launching the ball with precision and power.
Golf has also grown to include many types of tournaments, games and celebrations for golfers of all levels. Some of the games and celebrations include different types of drinks. Further, many golfers enjoy fluid intake during rounds for hydration. In addition to golf tees, water bottles and other drinking containers take up space in a golfer's bag and require additional organization in preparation for a round of golf as well as during the round.
Accordingly, there is an established need for a more convenient, entertaining solution for a golfer to carry golf tees and beverage while golfing. For example, there remains a more convenient solution for golf bag organization and ease for carrying golf tees and beverages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention is directed to a beverage container and golf tee device which may be alternately used as a beverage container and a golf tee, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for dedicated golf tee devices, dedicated beverage containers, and enhancing social and entertainment aspects of golfing.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate a beverage container and golf tee device may include a container body including an interior space configured to house a beverage, the container body comprising a neck portion ending in an edge, the edge defining an opening arranged in spatial communication with the interior space; wherein the beverage container and golf tee device is configured to selectively adopt a first configuration, in which the beverage is contained within the interior space of the container body, and a second configuration, in which the container body is placed in an upright position with respect to a ground, and edge of the neck portion is arranged in an elevated and spaced-apart relationship with respect to the ground, and further in which a standard golf ball is stably rested on the edge of the neck portion.
In a second aspect, the beverage container may include one or more protrusion extending downward with respect to a base of the beverage container.
In another aspect, the one or more protrusions may be configured to stably rest on a planar, horizontal surface.
In another aspect, in the second configuration, the one or more protrusions may be inserted into the ground.
In another aspect, the one or more protrusions may include a plurality of protrusions arranged angularly spaced apart with one another about a central vertical axis or centerline of the container body.
In another aspect, fours spike may be arranged at about 90-degree intervals.
In another aspect, the one or more spike may be wedge-shaped.
In yet another aspect, the one or more spike may be arcuate.
In another aspect, the beverage container and golf tee device may include a cap. The cap may be selectively arranged in an open position and a closed position, exposing or sealing the opening of the container body, respectively.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a container, including: a tubular container body including a base, a first end and a sidewall extending therebetween, the base including an upper surface facing the first end and a lower surface facing away from the first end; an opening at the first end, an edge of the sidewall surrounding the opening, the opening and edge extending substantially horizontal; a cavity within the container body, the sidewall connected to the base and the sidewall and the upper surface of the base defining the cavity such that the cavity is configured to hold a substance, the cavity in fluid communication with the opening, the base being wider than the opening; and a plurality of protrusions connected to the lower surface of the base, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions being elongated and extending between a bottom edge and a base end, the base end connected to the lower surface of the base and the bottom edge extending away from the lower surface of the base, the bottom edge being narrower than the base end such that the bottom edge is configured to be inserted into a surface.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a container, further including: a cap configured to be placed on the opening, the cap configured to seal the cavity.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a container, wherein the substance is a solid, liquid, or any combination thereof.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a container, wherein the container body further includes: a neck portion and a body portion, the neck portion and the body portion defined by the sidewall, the neck portion being tubular, the neck portion extending between the opening and the body portion, the neck portion including neck width; and the body portion connected to the neck portion, the body portion extending between the base and the neck portion, the body portion including a body width, wherein the body width is greater than the neck width.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a container, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is a spike configured to be inserted into a surface.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a container, wherein each bottom edge of each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is coplanar.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a container, wherein the base or each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is impermeable to fluid.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a container wherein the sidewall, base, and protrusions are formed of an impermeable material.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a combination golf tee and container device including: a container body including a base, a first end and a sidewall extending therebetween, the base including an upper surface facing the first end and a lower surface facing away from the first end; a platform and an opening at the first end, the platform formed of an edge of the sidewall surrounding the opening such that the platform is configured to support a golf ball;
a cavity within the container body, the sidewall connected to the base and the sidewall and the upper surface of the base defining the cavity such that the cavity is configured to hold a substance, the cavity in fluid communication with the opening, the base being wider than the opening; and a plurality of protrusions connected to the lower surface of the base, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions being elongated and extending between a bottom edge and a base end, the base end connected to the lower surface of the base and the bottom edge extending away from the lower surface of the base, the bottom edge being narrower than the base end such that the bottom edge is configured to be inserted into a surface.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is a spike configured to be inserted into a surface. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a device, wherein each bottom edge of each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is coplanar such that the container body may rest on a horizontal surface with the platform extending horizontally.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of using a container, the method including: storing a fluid in a cavity within a container body, the container body including a base, an opening, and a sidewall extending therebetween, the base and sidewall defining the cavity and the opening such that the cavity and opening are in fluid communication, the container body including a plurality of spikes extending from the base; and storing the container body on a surface such that spikes of the plurality of spikes are in contact with the surface.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: placing a golf ball on the opening wherein the golf ball is spaced apart from the surface by at least a height of the container body.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: inserting the spikes into a surface.
In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, further including: hitting a golf ball from the container body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, which are diagrammatic, embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective side view of a combination beverage container and golf tee device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, with the cap shown in a closed position with respect to the container body;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective, bottom view of the combination beverage container and golf tee device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the combination beverage container and golf tee device of FIG. 1 , with the cap shown in an open position with respect to the container body;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the combination beverage container and golf tee device of FIG. 1 wherein the device is placed on a horizontal surface and being filled with a beverage;

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of a user consuming the beverage from the combination beverage container and golf tee device of FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6A depicts a panoramic view of the combination beverage container and golf tee device of FIG. 1 positioned at a golf course;

FIG. 6B depicts an enlarged portion C of FIG. 6A wherein the device of FIG. 1 is on the ground of the golf course with protrusions of the device inserted into the ground and a golf ball supported on the device;

FIG. 7 depicts a cross-sectional, side view of the combination beverage container and golf tee device of FIG. 6B stabilized on the ground and supporting the golf ball;

FIG. 8 presents a golf club striking or hitting the golf ball while the golf ball is supported by the beverage container and golf tee device in elevated relationship with the ground;

FIG. 9A depicts perspective view a second embodiment of a combination beverage container and golf tee device according to this disclosure;

FIG. 9B depicts a side cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 9A; and

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method, according to this disclosure, of using the combination beverage container and golf tee device of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “inner”, “inwardly” and “outer”, “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centerline or a geometric center of an element being described, the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description. Also, as used herein, the words “connected” or “coupled” are each intended to include integrally formed members, direct connections between two distinct members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numbers are used to indicated like elements throughout, there is shown an FIG. 1-8 a preferred embodiment of a combination golf tee and beverage container device 100 which may serve as both a beverage container and a golf tee. Device 100 of this embodiment includes a container body 110 including opening 114, interior space or cavity 112, protrusions 130 protruding and extending from base 124. The interior cavity 112 allows device 100 to hold a variety of substances such as beverages while opening 114, via platform edge 144, allows a golf ball to rest on body 110 such that device 100 may also serve as a golf tee. Further, device 100 may include a vertical or longitudinal centerline 132 which, in this embodiment, is a central vertical axis.
Container body 110 includes top or first end 160, base 124 and sidewall 126 extending therebetween. Further, body 110 may include centerline 132 and be tubular with interior cavity 112 having an opening 114 at the first end. That is, sidewall 126 defines opening 114 at first end 160, and sidewall 126 entirely surrounds the sides of interior cavity 112 while base 124 extends laterally or substantially horizontal with respect to centerline 132 and forms a closed end of cavity 112. Sidewall 126 and base 124 are connected at connection portion 128 in manner that may render body 110, except for opening 114, impermeable to fluids and impervious to the environment. In other words, sidewall 126 and base 124 abut and are sealed together around the entire perimeter of base 124. Also, opening 114 is in fluid or spatial communication with interior cavity 112.
Due to the impervious seal of base 124 to sidewall 126, interior cavity 112 allows body 110 to function as a container for holding a variety of substances including solids and fluids. For example, body 110 may hold a variety of beverages, spices, candy and/or condiments.
As shown in FIGS. 3-7 , first end 160 serves the dual purpose of allowing a liquid to flow into cavity 112 and support golf ball 230 for a tee shot. Opening 114 may be entirely surrounded by platform edge 144 which is the portion of sidewall 126 surrounding opening 114. Also, opening 114 is preferably located at first end 160 (FIG. 3 ) of the container body 110. The first end 160 being separated from base 124 via sidewall 126 and cavity 112. In this embodiment, platform edge 144 forms platform 145 such that opening 114 and platform edge extend substantially in a horizontal plane and positioned such that a substance would fall downward through the opening 114 into the interior cavity 112. For instance, in the present embodiment, opening 114 is located at first end 160 of the container body 110 and would be oriented upward when device 100 is supported by protrusions 130 resting on a surface or inserted into the ground of surface 222.
Surface 222 may include any material on which golf may be practiced or played. For example, surface 222 may be a grassy tee area, ground, artificial tee, artificial turf, rubberized surface, etc.
In some embodiments, the container body 110 may include a main body portion 120 and a tee or neck portion 140. The interior cavity 112 of the container body 110 may be divided into a first space 122 (FIG. 7 ), defined by and within the main body portion 120, and a second space 142 (FIG. 7 ), defined by and within neck portion 140. Second space 142 extends from first space 122 to opening 114, such that opening 114, second space 142, and first space 122 are in fluid communication with one another.
The main body portion 120 may be significantly wider than neck portion 140. The neck portion 140 may be formed as a relatively narrow, preferably cylindrical, hollow, tube section, a proximal end of which extends from the main body portion 120. As shown in FIG. 7 , neck portion 140 includes a tee or neck width 162 which is narrower than second or body width 164. As shown, body portion 120 may include many widths that are wider than first width 162. In preferred embodiments, the neck portion 140 may be generally straight and extends away from main body portion 120. The neck portion 140 may extend between portion 120 and opening 114. Also, neck portion 140 may extend upwardly from the main body portion 120 when the container body 110 is arranged in an upright position that is supported by protrusions 130 in surface 222 or resting on a surface (e.g., the position of FIG. 1 ). For instance, the neck portion 140 of the present embodiment is elongated, tubular, generally straight and cylindrical, and extends vertically upward from the main body portion 120.
The combination of the neck portion 140 and the body portion 120 is beneficial to golfers. This configuration allows cavity 112 to be large enough to hold a particular volume of fluid or food, etc. While the neck portion 140 serves as a golf tee as it is narrower than body portion 120 portion allows device 100 to support a golf ball 230 on platform 145 such that golf club 240 (FIG. 8 ) may contact golf ball 230 before contacting device 100.
As shown in FIG. 3 , the distal end of neck portion 140 may include edge 144 opposite the proximal end of the neck portion 140 (i.e. with neck portion 140 separating edge 144 from main body portion 120). Edge 144 of the neck portion 140 may define opening 114. In some embodiments, opening 114 and edge 144 may extend in horizontal plane A. For instance, in the present embodiment, edge 144 is circular and arranged on a horizontal plane. Further, opening 114 may be defined by edge 144 as generally circular or in other shapes such as a triangular or square. Further, opening 114 and edge 144 may have non-planar arrangements as long as edge 144 provides a structure suitable to hold golf ball 230. For example, edge 144 may include 3 spaced apart points or prongs arranged in a plane.
Device 100 may further include a closure or cap 150, which may be selectively moveable from a closed position 152 (FIG. 1 ) and to an open position 154 (FIG. 3 ). In the closed position 152, cap 150 is mounted to neck portion 140 and seals opening 114 such that opening 114 is impervious to fluids and solids contained in body 110. In the open position 154, the cap 150 is removed from the neck portion 140 and the opening 114 is thereby exposed. In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a fastener mechanism configured to secure the cap 150 to the neck portion 140. For instance, in the present embodiment, the fastener mechanism consists of a male thread 146 provided on neck portion 140 and configured to rotationally advance with a female thread with provided inside the cap 150. In other embodiments, the fastener mechanism may alternatively or additionally include a snap fastener, a bayonet fastener, a friction fitting, or other fastening means configured to secure the cap 150 to the neck portion 140 in the closed position.
For purposes describing this embodiment, opening 114 and the edge 144 are dimensioned such that a standard, spherical golf ball having a diameter of 1.68 inches (42.67 mm) and a mass of 1.62 oz (45.93 g) may stably rest on the edge 144 and slightly pass through opening 114 to penetrate second space 142. That is, opening and second space 142 are configured to receive a portion of golf ball 230. It is noted that device 100 and/or opening 114 may be of various sizes and may accommodate different size and shaped objects or balls such as a pickle, ping pong, football, baseball (t-ball), soccer and tennis.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7 , base 124 may include an upper surface 156 facing interior cavity 112 and opening 114 and a lower surface 158 facing away from upper surface 156 and interior cavity 112. Lower surface 158 may be opposite upper surface 156. As shown in FIG. 2 and further shown in the side elevation view of FIG. 4 , base 124 may extend entirely between the edge of the sidewall 126, and sidewall 126 may extend from the base 124 to opening 114. First space 122, or interior of the main body portion 120, may be defined by the upper surface 156 of base 124 and the sidewall 126. For instance, main body portion 120 of the present embodiment includes a single, generally frustoconical sidewall 126 extending upward from the base 124. The sidewall 126 may include a rounded or convex, bottom connecting portion 128 providing a smooth transition between the sidewall 126 and base 124.
In some embodiments, device 100 may include at least one protrusion 130 or a plurality of protrusions 130 attached to the lower surface 158 of base 124. Each protrusion 130 may connect to lower surface 158 and extend away from base 124 and cavity 112 such that each protrusion 130 may extend downwardly if golf ball 230 is positioned on opening 114. As shown in FIG. 2 , this embodiment may include four protrusions 130 and protrusions 130 may be angularly spaced apart from one another with respect to centerline 132 of device 100 and also protrusions 130 may be equidistance from each other. This arrangement of the protrusions 130 aids device 100 to balance platform 145.
In some embodiments, each protrusion 130 may be generally elongated extending between based end 135 and bottom edge 134. For instance, each protrusion 130 may be elongated and arcuately formed about centerline 132. In embodiments comprising more than one protrusion 130, protrusions 130 may be arranged equidistant from the centerline 132 and/or angularly equidistant from one another; for instance, in the present embodiment, the four protrusions 130 are angularly equidistant from one another (or arranged at about 90-degree intervals) and equidistant from centerline 132. In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the neck portion 140 may be coaxially formed with the main body portion 120 about centerline 132. Protrusions 130 may thus be arranged equidistant from the neck portion 140, and thus neck portion 140 may provide a convenient gripping area for maneuvering protrusions 130 in operation of device 100 as will be described hereinafter. Also, a configuration such as that of FIG. 2 with protrusions 130 equidistant from each other and on the periphery of base 124, is desirable because the center of mass is balanced allowing device 100 to more easily stay upright.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4 , in preferred embodiments, such as the present embodiment, protrusions 130 are wedges, stakes or spikes, etc. configured to pierce surface 222 (FIG. 6A-8 ) as well as support device 100 in the upright position on a surface 200 such as in FIG. 4 . The respective bottom edges 134 of protrusions 130 may be generally coplanar with one another, and protrusions 130 may thereby be configured to stably rest and support device 100 on a generally flat, horizontal surface 200 while device 100 is upright. In preferred embodiments, bottom edges 134 are coplanar along a plane which is perpendicular to the central vertical axis or centerline 132. As shown in FIG. 3 , in such embodiments, the container body 110 may be supported on the planar or horizontal surface 200 in an upright position in which the bottom edges 134 stably rest on surface 200 and the neck portion 140 extends vertically upward.
In some embodiments, each protrusion 130 may be wedge-shaped, as shown, and serve as suitable for insertion into surface 222. The bottom edge 134 of each protrusion 130 may be pointed such as in FIG. 9 or a flat surface such as in FIG. 2 , and/or may be generally narrower than base end 135 of the protrusion 130. It is noted that narrowing of the width of the protrusions 130 is discussed with respect to the dimensions around the peripheral of the base, but it also may be true for the dimensions as measured radially or inwardly from the periphery of the base. This configuration may facilitate inserting the protrusions 130 into surface 222, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. Further, bottom edge 134 may form a tip for insertion into the ground.
It is noted, at least one protrusion 130 is required for insertion of device 100 into surface 222 for use as a golf tee. Also, device 100 may serve as a golf tee by resting protrusions 130 on a surface 200.
In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the center of mass 116 of the container body 110 is vertically aligned with the centerline 132 which may be the central longitudinal axis of the neck portion 140. For example, in the present embodiment, the center of mass 116 of the container body 110 falls along the central vertical axis or centerline 132, which constitutes the central longitudinal axis of portions 120, 140. Other configurations are contemplated with the neck portion extending at an angle to centerline 132 and opening 114 being substantially perpendicular to centerline 132.
Permitting device 100 to sit on planar surface 200, allows device 100 to be placed on a shelf or other surface for storage or display. It is noted, FIG. 2 depicts device 100 with four protrusions 130, but device 100 may be provided with more or less protrusions 130 and still be able to rest on a surface 200 as well as serve as a golf tee. Further, in the event that it is not preferred for device 100 to rest on surface 200 in an upright position, device 100 may include only one protrusion 130 for insertion into the surface 222.
A second embodiment of a combination golf tee and beverage container device 102 is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Device 102 includes an interior cavity 112 extending into each of five protrusions 130. Base 124 may extend across cavity 112 and include central portion 124 a as well as chamber portions 182. While base 124 may extend in substantially radial direction with respect to centerline 132, chamber portions 182 may extend radially and axially into protrusions 130. As a result, each protrusion 130 may include chambers 180 formed therein. Chambers 180 allow the volume of cavity 112 to be increased by the size of each chamber 180. It is noted that device 102 includes five protrusions 130 that are substantially narrower at the bottom edge 134 than base ends 135.
As shown in FIG. 9B, the lower portion of protrusions 130 may be solid and formed of a material that is strong enough to be forced into surface 222. That is, the portion of protrusions that are forced into the surface 222 may be solid. Protrusions 130 may be formed of an impermeable material and/or impervious material to the environment such that the contents of cavity 112 may not leak to outside the container body 110. Further, to enhance the balance of device 102, protrusions 130 may be equally spaced apart around the periphery of base 124.
Similarly, in the first embodiment of device 100, protrusions 130 may be solid from the base end 135 to bottom edge 134 to increase the strength of the protrusion for insertion into the ground.
Method 300, according to this disclosure, of use for device 100 is now described with reference to FIGS. 4-7 and FIG. 10 . In step 310, if device 100 includes cap 150, cap 150 is removed which may be accomplished through application of rotational force on cap 150.
In step 320, the container body 110 of device 100 may be filled with a liquid beverage 210 by pouring the beverage 210 into interior cavity 112 through opening 114 at first end 160 of the neck portion 140. In some embodiments, prior to filling the container body 110, the container body 110 may be stably supported in an upright position on a substantially horizontal surface 200 by resting coplanar edges 134 of protrusions 130 on the horizontal surface 200. In this upright position of the container body 110, the neck portion 140 may extend vertically upward, generally perpendicular to the surface 200, with the opening 114 oriented upward as heretofore described. This configuration may facilitate filling the container body 110. Furthermore, the center of mass 116 of the empty container body 110 may lie at the centerline 132 of the container body 110, promoting stability of container body 110 in the upright position to further facilitate filling the container body 110.
In the event, device 100 is not formed as described above with respect to centerline 132, device 100 may be held by a person, machine or other apparatus to accomplish step 310 by pouring or injecting fluid or other substances into opening 114. As, device 100 may be filled with a beverage or other substance as desired. This example pertains to on course hydration as well as games and entertainment with liquid beverages 210.
Once body 110 is filled with liquid beverage 210, the user, in step 330, may close opening 114 by rotationally threading or otherwise attaching the cap 150 to neck portion 140 of body 110 as heretofore described. In step 340, the device may be placed on a surface for display with the device resting on protrusions 130. Next, a user may then take the capped device 100, containing the liquid beverage 210, with them for a golf session at golf course 220 (FIG. 6 ). At this point, device 100 may be placed in a golf bag or otherwise carried to the golf course 220.
In step 350 and as shown in FIG. 5 , when desired, the user may unthread or otherwise disconnect the cap 150 from the neck portion 140 of the container body 110 to reveal the opening 114 and place the edge 144 of the neck portion 140 at or near the user's lips. Next, in step 360, the user may tilt the container body 110 upward, causing the beverage 210 to flow downward from the interior cavity 112 through the opening 114 and into the user's mouth, allowing the user to drink the beverage 210 contained within the container body 110.
With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7 and step 370 of FIG. 9 , preferably after the container body 110 has been fully emptied, the user may tee up a golf ball 230 on device 100. The user may place the uncapped container body 110 on or at surface 222 of golf course 220, in the upright position such that the neck portion 140 extends upward. In preferred embodiments, the user may exert a downward force on device 100 through sidewall 126 or through golf ball 230 on edge 144. As a result of the downward force, one or more protrusion 130 may be inserted into surface 222, as shown in FIG. 6B to further stabilize the container body 110 with respect to surface 222; such insertion may be facilitated by the one or more protrusion 130 being wedge-shaped. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the one or more protrusions 130 are arcuately formed about a center (e.g., central vertical axis or centerline 132), the user may slightly rotate or oscillate the container body 110 about the central vertical axis or centerline 132 when inserting the one or more protrusion 130 into the ground surface 222 thereby facilitating said insertion. Furthermore, in embodiments specifically comprising two or more protrusions 130, particularly in embodiments in which including four protrusions 130 at about 90-degrees from one another, such as the present embodiment, the container body 110 may be further laterally stabilized with respect to the ground surface 222 (and, similarly, with respect to the horizontal surface 200 when resting thereon, as heretofore described with reference to FIG. 4 ).
In preferred embodiments, when the container body 110 is stabilized on the ground surface 222 by the one or more protrusions 130 penetrating surface 222, the underside of the base 124 of the container body 110 may rest on or abut against the ground surface 222, as best shown in FIG. 7 . The ground surface 222 support may contribute to further stabilizing the container body 110 with respect to the ground surface 222. It is noted that the one or more protrusions 130 are able to be inserted into various surfaces. For example, ground surface 222 may include grassy areas, driving range mats, sand, dirt, rubberized surfaces, etc.
With continued reference to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 , once device 100 is placed on or mounted into surface 222 and in the upright position, the neck portion 140 extends upward and platform 145 with edge 144 of the neck portion 140 is arranged at a top area of the body 110, and the opening 114 is also located at the top area and oriented upward as heretofore described. The user, in step 380, may then rest a golf ball 230, such as a standard-sized golf ball as heretofore described, over opening 114 and on the edge 144 of the neck portion 140 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Preferably, the user places the golf ball 230 such that a geometric center 232 of the golf ball 230 is vertically aligned with the centerline 132 and the center of mass 116 of the container body 110, as shown in FIG. 7 .
With golf ball 230 placed on the edge 144 of the neck portion 140, golf ball 230 slightly penetrates the second space 142 of the neck portion 140 through the opening 114, as shown in FIG. 7 , allowing golf ball 230 to be stably supported on the neck portion 140. In the supported position, as shown, the golf ball 230 is spaced apart from surface 222. The separation between the golf ball 230 and the surface 222 may be about 1 to 2 inches, or suitable for using a variety of golf clubs to hit the ball. For instance and without limitation, the separation may be generally equal to the sum of the height of the neck portion 140, the height of the main body portion 120, and at least part of the height of the protrusion(s) 130 if said protrusion(s) are not fully inserted into the surface 222.
Turning to FIG. 8 and step 390, once the golf ball 230 is supported by device 100 in spaced-apart relationship with the surface 222, the user may then hit golf ball 230 using a golf club 240. Thus, device 100 serves as a convenient and stable golf tee device. It should be noted that, in being only slightly received through the opening 114 of the container body 110, the golf ball 230 is easily hittable and separable from the edge 144 of the neck portion 140 when hit. Furthermore, the center of mass 116 of the container body 110 falling at the centerline 132, combined with having the one or more protrusions 130 penetrate the ground, contributes to minimizing the chances of the device 100 tipping over when hitting the golf ball 230.
After use as a golf tee, the container body 110 may be refilled with beverage 210 and/or stored for subsequent use.
A preferred material for formation of device 100 is an impermeable and/or environmentally impervious material such as a thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, other impermeable materials such as plastics, ceramics, metals and metal alloys may be employed. Essentially, the chosen material should be strong enough to support the structure of device 100, golf ball 230 and able to form protrusions 130 capable of being inserted into the ground.
Device 100 as discussed above may be formed as a single unit via additive manufacturing. However, the preferred method of manufacturing is injection molding with PTE utilizing a two-piece mold. Two molds may be prepared with each mold corresponding to a portion or a portion or half of device 100. Then, two molded pieces of device 100 may be attached using processes such as heat sealing and food grade adhesives, etc.
In some embodiments, the container body 110 may be at least partially made of plastic, metal or other generally rigid materials. In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, the container body 110 may be manufactured into a single-piece unit, including the main body portion 120, the neck portion 140, the connecting portion 128, and the one or more protrusions 130. In other embodiments, one or more of the main body portion 120, the neck portion 140, the connecting portion 128, and the one or more protrusions 130 may be formed into a separate part with respect to the other of the main body portion 120, the neck portion 140, the connecting portion 128, and the one or more protrusions 130 and attached thereto; for instance, the one or more protrusions 130 may be formed as add-on, separate part(s) detachably attachable to the container body 110.
Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A container, comprising:

a tubular container body including a base, a first end and a sidewall extending therebetween, the base including an upper surface facing the first end and a lower surface facing away from the first end;

an opening at the first end, an edge of the sidewall surrounding the opening, the opening and edge extending substantially horizontal;

a cavity within the container body, the sidewall connected to the base and the sidewall and the upper surface of the base defining the cavity such that the cavity is configured to hold a substance, the cavity in fluid communication with the opening, the base being wider than the opening; and

a plurality of protrusions connected to the lower surface of the base, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions being elongated and extending between a bottom edge and a base end, the base end connected to the lower surface of the base and the bottom edge extending away from the lower surface of the base, the bottom edge being narrower than the base end such that the bottom edge is configured to be inserted into a surface.

2. The container of claim 1, further comprising:

a cap configured to be placed on the opening, the cap configured to seal the cavity.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the substance is a solid, liquid, or any combination thereof.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the container body further comprises:

a neck portion and a body portion, the neck portion and the body portion defined by the sidewall, the neck portion being tubular, the neck portion extending between the opening and the body portion, the neck portion including neck width; and

the body portion connected to the neck portion, the body portion extending between the base and the neck portion, the body portion including a body width,

wherein the body width is greater than the neck width.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is a spike configured to be inserted into a surface.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein each bottom edge of each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is coplanar.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the base or each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is impermeable to fluid.

8. The container of claim 1 wherein the sidewall, base, and protrusions are formed of an impermeable material.

9. A combination golf tee and container device comprising:

a container body including a base, a first end and a sidewall extending therebetween, the base including an upper surface facing the first end and a lower surface facing away from the first end;

a platform and an opening at the first end, the platform formed of an edge of the sidewall surrounding the opening such that the platform is configured to support a golf ball;

10. The device of claim 9, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is a spike configured to be inserted into a surface.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein each bottom edge of each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is coplanar such that the container body may rest on a horizontal surface with the platform extending horizontally.

12. A method of using a container, the method comprising:

storing a fluid in a cavity within a container body, the container body including a base, an opening, and a sidewall extending therebetween, the base and sidewall defining the cavity and the opening such that the cavity and opening are in fluid communication, the container body including a plurality of spikes extending from the base; and

storing the container body on a surface such that spikes of the plurality of spikes are in contact with the surface.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

placing a golf ball on the opening wherein the golf ball is spaced apart from the surface by at least a height of the container body.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising:

inserting the spikes into a surface.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

hitting a golf ball from the container body.