Golf tee with enhanced aerodynamic drag

Abstract

This invention is a golf tee having an aerodynamic drag portion with a relatively large frontal area and aerodynamic drag coefficient, an intentionally minimized mass, and a subsequent reduction in flight distance upon being struck with a golf club. This reduced flight distance coupled with the relatively large area of the drag portion makes this tee relatively easy to find. It is economically feasible, therefore, to make this tee from a virtually indestructible but relatively more expensive material such as polyurethane. The resulting tee has significantly greater operational life than conventional tees.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of Invention [0002] This invention is a golf tee assembly containing a tee portion which elevates a golf ball and an aerodynamic drag portion to reduce its flight distance after being struck by a golf club. This reduced flight distance along with the relatively large size of the aerodynamic drag portion provides a tee which is relatively easy to find. In a preferred embodiment, the two portions are two distinct members which are adjustably attached. Since the tee is easily found, it is practical to make the tee from a durable but relatively more expensive material, such as polyurethane, providing a tee with an exceptionally long operational life. [0003] 2. Description of Prior Art [0004] Common rules of the game of golf allow the use of a tee to elevate a golf ball above the ground on the first stroke of a hole. This makes striking the ball easier, especially with golf clubs with relatively large heads such as a driver or fairway wood. Tees commonly used t...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

For a given club impact, a conventional tee can travel a relatively large distance in various directions making it difficult to find.

Breakage is also common, especially in the case of wooden tees.

Conventional tees therefore have a relatively short life due to loss or breakage.

Several patents for golf tees show the use of a disk-shaped member in their construction but which are not optimally effective in reducing the distance the tee can travel after being struck by a golf club.

Here again, the disk is typically shown as having a diameter considerably smaller than a golf ball, limiting its aerodynamic drag.

This large mass, combined with the initial velocity imparted to the tee by the club, means the tee assembly will have a relatively large amount of initial kinetic energy and its travel distance will be relatively great.

Therefore, this assembly is also not optimally designed to provide enhanced aerodynamic drag with reduced mass.

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