WO2004037354A1

WO2004037354A1 - Golf tee

Info

Publication number: WO2004037354A1
Application number: PCT/AU2003/001401
Authority: WO
Inventors: Malcolm Geoffrey Clements; Craig Justin Moss
Original assignee: VELOCITEE GOLF Pty Ltd
Current assignee: VELOCITEE GOLF Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2002-10-22
Filing date: 2003-10-22
Publication date: 2004-05-06
Anticipated expiration: 2005-04-22
Also published as: AU2002952189A0

Abstract

A golf tee comprising a support section (13) being cylindrical in shape and having an upper surface (19) adapted to support a golf ball, and a sidewall (17). The golf tee also comprises an elongate section (15) tapering inwardly from a bottom edge (21) of the sidewall (17) and extending along the longitudinal axis of the golf tee. The golf tee also has an anchoring means (27) integral with the elongate section (15). The anchoring means (27) comprising an elongate element (29) projecting from the end of the elongate section (15), the elongate element (29) having at least two projections (35, 37) radially projecting outwardly in opposed relation. Each projection (35, 37) is substantially adjacent the end of the elongate element (29) having a length greater than its width.

Description

"Golf Tee"

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to golf tees. In particular the present invention relates to a golf tee of improved construction.

Background Art

There is a vast assortment of golf tees on the market, ranging in many different shapes, colours and materials.

As is well known, the purpose of a golf tee is to assist in hitting a golf ball. The golf ball is placed on a golf tee, which provides an elevated position from which the ball may be struck. This position may be adjusted according to the player by altering the depth the tee is placed in the ground.

Golf tees, of the well-known type, have an upper section, which is configured so that the ball may rest thereon without rolling off, and a lower section, usually consisting of a spike which may be easily driven into the ground.

In use the tee is placed in the ground at the desired height and a ball is placed thereupon. The player then positions his/herself and, hopefully, drives the ball down the fairway.

A problem with golf is that the tees are often hit by the golf club at the same time the ball is being struck. This has several disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the tee is often dislodged from the ground and may land some distance away from its original position, which may make it hard to locate. Another disadvantage is that, as a result of the force exerted by the club on the tee, the tee may break into several pieces, rendering it unusable. Furthermore, with the constant connection between the tee and the club, the hitting surface of the club maybe marked and damaged. The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application.

It is an object of this invention to provide a golf tee of improved construction such that it is less likely to be dislodged from the ground when hit by a golf club. It would also be advantageous if the golf tee were more durable and less likely to mark the hitting surface of a club.

Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention provides a golf tee comprising a support means and an anchoring means adapted to resist dislodgement of the golf tee when hit by a club, the support means comprises a support section, adapted to support a golf ball, and an elongate section, adapted for insertion into the ground, wherein the elongate section supports the anchoring means.

The anchoring means provides resistance to removal when the tee is hit by the club, a feature not present in known golf tees. This will assist the player, as he/she will not need to search for the golf tee.

Preferably the elongate section tapers downwardly from the support section along the longitudinal axis of the golf tee to a first end remote from the support section.

Preferably the elongate section is in the form of a spike.

Preferably the elongate section has a blind bore extending from the first end and along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the elongate section.

The anchoring means may be releasably retained in the blind bore. The anchoring means may comprise an elongate element. Preferably a first portion of the elongate element is adapted to be releasably retained in the blind bore, leaving a second portion of the elongate element exposed.

The anchoring means may have at least one projection projecting radially outward from the second portion.

Preferably the at least one projection extends from substantially adjacent the end of the elongate element in a rearward direction.

The at least one projection may provide a leading edge. The leading edge may be adjacent the end of the elongate element. The leading edge may be adapted to assist insertion of the golf tee in the ground. Preferably the leading edge substantially resembles a chisel edge.

In one aspect of the invention, there are two projections outwardly projecting in opposed relation to each other to define a substantially flat region, rectangular in shape. Each projection may have a length substantially greater than its width.

In another aspect of the invention there are two projections outwardly projecting in opposed relation to each other to define a substantially flat region, having a truncated triangular shape. Each projection may gradually extend outwardly from the leading edge in a rearward direction from the end of the elongate element, to define the truncated triangular shape. Preferably the edge is adjacent the end of the elongate element.

In a further aspect of the invention the anchoring means has four projections projecting radially outward from the elongate element. The projections may be mutually spaced. Each projection may extend rearwardly from the end of the elongate element, with each projection gradually increasing in width. Each projection may gradually extend outwardly in a rearward direction from the end of the elongate element to a projection apex. From the projection apex the projection may gradually extend inwardly in a rearward direction from the projection apex, terminating a predetermined distance from the elongate element. Preferably the four projections provide a star shaped spike configuration having a spike apex common with the end of the elongate element.

The support section and elongate section may be made from a resiliently deformable material.

The support section may be cylindrical in shape, having a sidewall and an upper surface. The upper surface may be concave in shape so that the golf ball may be supported thereon. The sidewall may be adapted to bear indicia. The indicia may be for the purpose of advertising.

The support section and elongate section may be made from thermoplastic polyurethane Re-Flex 124E.

Preferably, the anchoring means is formed of a material harder than the support means. The anchoring means may, for example be made from thermoplastic polyurethane Re-Flex 421 E or from an appropriate metal.

In the above description the anchoring means and the support means are two separate pieces, the golf tee may however have the anchoring means integral with the support means.

The present invention also provides a golf tee comprising

a support section being cylindrical in shape, having an upper surface adapted to support a golf ball, and sidewalls,

an elongate section tapering, inwardly from a bottom edge of the sidewall and extending along the longitudinal axis of the golf tee, the elongate section having a blind bore extending from an end remote from the support section substantially along the longitudinal axis of the golf tee

an anchoring means comprising an elongate element having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is releasably retained in the blind bore of the elongate section, and the second portion is exposed, the second portion having at least two projections radially projecting outwardly in opposed relation, each projection being substantially adjacent the end of the second portion remote from the first portion and having a length greater than its width.

The present invention also provides a golf tee comprising

a support section being cylindrical in shape, having an upper surface adapted to support a golf ball, and sidewalls

an elongate section tapering inwardly from a bottom edge of the sidewall and extending along the longitudinal axis of the golf tee,

an anchoring means integral with the elongate section, the anchoring means comprising an elongate element projecting from the end of the elongate section, the elongate element having at least two projections radially projecting outwardly in opposed relation, each projection is substantially adjacent the end of the elongate element having a length greater than its width.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of three specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of the support means;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the anchoring means according to a first embodiment;

Figure 3 is a side view of figure 2;

Figure 4 is an end view of figure 2; Figure 5 is a plan view of the anchoring means according to a second embodiment;

Figure 6 is a side view of figure 5;

Figure 7 is an end view of figure 5;

Figure 8 is a plan view of the anchoring means according to a third embodiment; and

Figure 9 is an end view of figure 8.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

A golf tee according to a specific embodiment of the present invention comprises a support means 11 and an anchoring means 27. As shown in figure 1 , the support means 11 comprises a support section 13 and an elongate section 15.

The support section 13 is cylindrical in shape having sidewalls 17 and an upper surface 19. The upper surface 19 is concave such that a golf ball (not shown) may be positioned and supported thereon.

The sidewalls 17 are capable of bearing indicia (not shown) such as in the form of advertising.

The elongate section 15 tapers downwardly substantially along the longitudinal axis of the support means 11 from the bottom edge 21 of the sidewalls 17 to an end 23.

The elongate section 15 has a blind bore 25 extending substantially along the longitudinal axis, with the opening of the blind bore 25 at end 23.

Adjacent the end 23, the elongate section 15 tapers inwardly, as shown in figure 1 , to assist the insertion of the tee into the ground. The support means is made from a suitably resiliently deformable material to partially absorb the force exerted on the tee when hit by a club.

The golf tee also comprises an anchoring means 27. The anchoring means 27, as shown in figures 2 to 4, is in the form of an elongate element 29 having a first portion 31 and a second portion 33. The first portion 31 is adapted to be releasably retained in the blind bore 25 such that the second portion 33 is exposed. The second portion 33 has two projections 35, 37 extending radially outward from the elongate element 29 in opposed relation to define an anchor 39. Each projection 35, 37 having a length greater than its width, such that the anchor 39 is rectangular in shape

The anchor 39 has an end 41 which tapers to an edge 43 to assist in the insertion of the anchoring means 27 in the ground.

In an assembled condition, the golf tee comprises the support section 11 with the anchoring means 27 retained in the blind bore 25. In use the golf tee is placed in the ground by pushing down on the support section 13, forcing the anchoring means 27 into the ground. A ball is then placed on the upper surface 19. A player then strikes the ball. If the club hits the tee resistance to the tee dislodging from the ground is provided by the anchoring means 27.

In a second embodiment, as shown in figures 5 to 7, the two projections 35, 37 also extend radially outward from the elongate element 29 in opposed relation. Each projection 35, 37 also extends gradually outward from an edge 43 in the direction rearward from the end 41 , to define an anchor 39 resembling a truncated triangle.

In a third embodiment, as shown in figures 8 and 9, the anchoring means comprises four projections 38 mutually spaced and extending radially outward from the elongate element 29.

Each projection 38 gradually extends radially outward in a direction rearward from the end 41 to a projection apex 51 , before extending radially inward to a predetermined point 53. The projections 38 provide an anchor 38 resembling a star shaped spike having a spike apex 55. This configuration assists with insertion of the anchor 39 into the ground.

Obviously the support means and anchoring means can be integral.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows

1. A golf tee comprising a support means and an anchoring means adapted to resist dislodgement of the golf tee when hit by a club, the support means comprising a support section, adapted to support a golf ball, and an elongate section, adapted for insertion into the ground, wherein the elongate section supports the anchoring means.

2. A golf tee according to claim 1 wherein the anchoring means provides resistance to removal of the tee when the tee is hit by the club.

3. A golf tee according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the elongate section tapers downwardly from the support section along the longitudinal axis of the golf tee to a first end remote from the support section.

4. A golf tee according to claims 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the elongate section is in the form of a spike.

5. A golf tee according to claims 3 or 4 wherein the elongate section has a blind bore extending from the first end and along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the elongate section.

6. A golf tee according to claims 5 wherein the anchoring means is releasably retained in the blind bore.

7. A golf tee according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the anchoring means comprises an elongate element.

8. A golf tee according to claim 8 wherein a first portion of the elongate element is adapted to be releasably retained in the blind bore, leaving a second portion of the elongate element exposed when the elongate element is retained in the blind bore.

9. A golf tee according to claim 8 wherein the anchoring means has at least one projection projecting radially outward from the second portion.

10. A golf tee according to claim 9 wherein the at least one projection extends from substantially adjacent the end of the elongate element in a rearward direction.

11. A golf tee according to claims 9 or 10 wherein the at least one projection provides a leading edge.

12. A golf tee according to claim 11 wherein the leading edge is adjacent the end of the elongate element.

13. A golf tee according to any one of claims 11 or 12 wherein the leading edge is adapted to assist insertion of the golf tee in the ground.

14. A golf tee according to claim 11 ,12 or 13 wherein the leading edge substantially resembles a chisel edge.

15. A golf tee according to any one of claims 9 to 14 wherein there are two projections outwardly projecting in opposed relation to each other to define a substantially flat region, rectangular in shape.

16. A golf tee according to claims 9, 10, 11 or 12 wherein each projection has a length substantially greater than its width.

17. A golf tee according to any one of claims 9 to 14 wherein there are two projections outwardly projecting in opposed relation to each other to define a substantially flat region, having a truncated triangular shape.

18. A golf tee according to claim 17 wherein each projection gradually extends outwardly from the leading edge in a rearward direction from the end of the elongate element, to define the truncated triangular shape.

19. A golf tee according to claims 9 or 10 wherein the anchoring means has four projections projecting radially outward from the elongate element.

20. A golf tee according to claim 19 wherein the projections are mutually spaced.

21. A golf tee according to claims 19 or 20 wherein each projection extends rearwardly from the end of the elongate element, with each projection gradually increasing in width.

22. A golf tee according to claims 19, 20 or 21 wherein each projection gradually extends outwardly in a rearward direction from the end of the elongate element to a projection apex.

23. A golf tee according to claim 22 wherein each projection gradually extends inwardly from the projection apex in a rearward direction from the projection apex, terminating a predetermined distance from the elongate element.

24. A golf tee according to any one of claims 19 to 23 wherein the four projections provide a star shaped spike configuration having a spike apex.

25. A golf tee according to claim 24 wherein the spike apex is common with the end of the elongate element.

26. A golf tee according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support section and elongate section are made from a resiliently deformable material.

27. A golf tee according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support section is cylindrical in shape, having a sidewall and an upper surface.

28. A golf tee according to claim 27 wherein the upper surface is concave in shape so that the golf ball may be supported thereon.

29. A golf tee according to claim 27 wherein the sidewall is adapted to bear indicia, the indicia being for the purpose of advertising.

30. A golf tee according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support section and elongate section are made from thermoplastic polyurethane Re- Flex 124E.

31. A golf tee according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the anchoring means is formed of a material harder than the support means.

32. A golf tee according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the anchoring means is made from thermoplastic polyurethane Re-Flex 421 E.

33. A golf tee according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the anchoring means is integral with the support means.

34. A golf tee comprising

a support section being cylindrical in shape, having an upper surface adapted to support a golf ball, and a sidewall,

an elongate section tapering inwardly from a bottom edge of the sidewall and extending along the longitudinal axis of the golf tee, the elongate section having a blind bore extending from an end remote from the support section substantially along the longitudinal axis of the golf tee

35. A golf tee comprising

a support section being cylindrical in shape, having an upper surface adapted to support a golf ball, and a sidewall an elongate section tapering inwardly from a bottom edge of the sidewall and extending along the longitudinal axis of the golf tee,

36. A golf tee as substantially herein described with reference to the drawings.