Golf tee with level

Abstract

The golf tee includes a shaft having an upper end and a lower end, and a housing mounted at or near the upper end of the shaft portion, the housing having a support surface, and a level indicator mounted at least partially within or on the housing to indicate when the support surface is in a substantially horizontal position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to golf tees, including golf tees that are provided with or assigned a level, and more particularly, to golf tees that have specific features and capabilities to potentially assist a golfer in more accurately preparing a golf ball before striking it with a golf club. [Background technology]

[0002] Golf tees are widely known and commonly used by golfers around the world. A typical golf tee comprises a shaft portion having a tapered or pointed lower end and a rest or substrate, which may be recessed or somewhat concave, at the upper end of the shaft portion and is adapted to prevent the golf ball from falling or otherwise support the golf ball so as not to interfere with any movement of the golf ball resulting from the golfer's strike.

[0003] The purpose of a golf tee is to lift or elevate a golf ball above the playing surface or turf and is most often used at the start of a golf hole or on the teeing ground (or tee) for the first shot of each of the typical 18 holes on a golf course. Golf tees come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and are usually manufactured from materials such as wood, plastic, bamboo or another suitable material.

[0004] Golf tees or pegs are typically driven into the turf to a selected depth at the teeing area so that a ball-supporting rest or recess is elevated above the turf, after which a golf ball is placed on the rest and then the golfer prepares to hit the golf ball from the teeing area onto the fairway.

[0005] Golf is a game that requires great skill, and extensive research and analysis goes into every tool and accessory that is part of the game. This includes optimizing golf clubs with better gripping surfaces and sizes, using golf club materials for best weight and balance, and the like. Additionally, there has been a great deal of research into the composition of golf balls, their surface textures and designs to provide the best aerodynamic properties to increase distance and improve ball flight direction based on a given swing of the golf club. Research is also being conducted into the shoes, clothing, gloves and other products used by golfers. The above points emphasize the importance of the smallest details, all of which, individually or in combination, can help improve a golfer's game and provide a more enjoyable and satisfying experience.

[0006] Golf tees are one of the important accessories that golfers use continuously. However, despite their widespread use, golf tees have traditionally had a very narrow application, as they were primarily used to elevate the golf ball and nothing else. Apart from small variations in shape and length, for example, golf tees are a fairly standard accessory used by golfers, and their functions and features have not changed significantly over the years. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Summary of the Invention In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf tee comprising a shaft portion having an upper end and a lower end, a housing portion mounted at or near the upper end of the shaft portion and having a support surface, and a level indicator at least partially mounted within or on the housing portion to indicate when the support surface is in a substantially horizontal position.

[0008] The level indicator may be at least partially within a housing portion of the golf tee, may be at least partially within a shaft portion of the golf tee, or may be at least partially outside the housing portion and shaft portion.

[0009] Preferably, the level indicator comprises a body portion and an at least partially transparent top surface, the body having a liquid therein with an air bubble or void therein, the top surface having a surface marking thereon, the air bubble being positioned within the surface marking when the golf tee is in a substantially horizontal position. The surface marking may comprise a circular marking substantially in the center of the top surface.

[0010] In one embodiment, the body portion is formed within a housing portion of the golf tee, and an upper surface of the body portion is substantially flush with a support surface of the housing portion. In a further embodiment, the housing portion includes a body portion housing the level indicator, the body portion having a plurality of upwardly extending tabs that form a support surface of the housing portion, and on which a golf ball is placed prior to hitting or driving the golf ball.

[0011] The golf tee of the present invention may further comprise a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a remote device when the support surface is in a substantially horizontal position.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf tee comprising a shaft portion having an upper end and a lower end, a housing portion mounted at or near the upper end of the shaft portion and having a support surface, and a level indicator at least partially mounted within or on the housing portion to indicate when the support surface is in a substantially horizontal position and when the support surface is not in a substantially horizontal position.

[0013] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of determining when a golf tee is in a preselected position comprising forming a shaft portion having an upper end and a lower end, assembling a housing portion having a support surface for a golf ball at or near the upper end of the shaft portion, and assembling a level indicator at least partially within or on the housing portion to indicate when the support surface is in a substantially horizontal position.

[0014] In this method, the level indicator may be formed with a body portion and a top surface that is at least partially transparent, the body being filled with a liquid contained therein, the liquid including air bubbles or voids therein, forming at least one marking on the top surface of the level indicator such that when the golf tee is in a substantially horizontal position, the air bubbles will come to rest at a location within the surface marking.

[0015] Thus, the present invention is a golf tee that has a structure and provides information that can substantially benefit a golfer in preparing a golf ball. Conventional golf tees are typically inserted into the ground or turf without paying undue attention to making sure that the top surface of the golf tee is level. However, a golf tee that is inserted into the turf such that the top surface of the tee is not level can ultimately affect the nature and quality of a golf shot.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf tee having a body with a shaft section with a pointed lower end and an upper end, with a golf ball rest or support formed at the upper end of the shaft, the golf tee further comprising a level to enable a golfer to ascertain whether the rest or support of the golf tee is horizontal or nearly horizontal. While the term horizontal in this specification is primarily intended to mean horizontal or nearly horizontal or substantially horizontal when applied to the rest or ball support, the present invention also includes the ability for a golfer to select whether the rest or ball support of the golf tee should be other than horizontal in a given situation, for example when the playing surface is inclined or sloped.

[0017] In one embodiment, the golf tee of the present invention has a recess or concave area that forms a rest or ball support, and an opening or chamber in the body of the golf tee below the recess where a level is located. In another embodiment, the level may be located elsewhere on or within the golf tee, but at all times the golfer should have visual, audible or tactile feedback indicating when the rest or support of the golf tee is in a substantially horizontal position. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf tee according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the golf tee shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the golf tee shown in the previous drawing. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a golf tee of the present invention, more clearly illustrating the location and arrangement of the spirit level in one form of the present invention. [Diagram 5]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a golf tee of the present invention incorporating various different features and additional structures and warning or notification systems that may be used individually or all together with the golf tee of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective side view of a golf tee according to a further aspect of the present invention; [Figure 7] 7 is another perspective side view of the golf tee shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a perspective plan view of the golf tee shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings, including a plan view of a level formed inside the golf tee body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Detailed Description of the Invention Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various features and configurations of a golf tee according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the drawings are merely specific examples of the present invention, and that there may be many different configurations and versions of golf tees that may be considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0020] The drawings show a golf tee 10 of the present invention. The golf tee 10 includes a body 12 having a shaft portion 14 with a lower end 16 terminating in a point 18 and an upper end 20. The shaft portion 14 is generally cylindrical, but may taper slightly from the upper end 20 to the lower end 16. The shaft portion 14 is primarily formed from solid wood, but may have chambers and recesses, as described below. However, the golf tee 10 and shaft portion may be formed from any other suitable material that enables the golf tee 10 to function as intended, including materials such as plastic, metal, composite, fiber, paper-based, or combinations thereof.

[0021] The upper end 20 of the shaft portion 14 is formed with a mounting portion 24 which functions as a golf ball support and retainer. The upper end 20 is typically widened, as is common with golf tees, so that the mounting portion 24 has a larger surface area than the cross-section of the shaft portion 14. The mounting portion 24 has an outer edge 26 and a recess or concave portion 28 extending across the mounting portion 24, the lowest portion of the recess 28 being approximately at the center of the mounting portion 24. The mounting portion 24 is adapted to support a golf ball placed thereon by a golf player, and the recess may, as to its shape, more or less conform to the contours of the golf ball in one embodiment.

[0022] In this embodiment of the invention, a level 30 is located within the rest 24. The level 30 may be circular or disk-shaped (although other shapes may be used) and has an upper surface 32 formed from a transparent material. The upper surface 32 has a centrally located marker circle 34 and liquid within the level 30 that contains an air bubble 36. When the axis of the shaft portion 14 is generally vertical and the rest 24 is generally horizontal, the air bubble 36 within the level 30 will indicate this condition by being located within the marker circle 34. In this condition, the golf tee 10 of the present invention will indicate that the rest 24 is generally horizontal or nearly horizontal. Conversely, of course, a golfer will know when the rest 24 of the golf tee 10 is not in a generally horizontal position when the air bubble 36 is not centered within the marker circle 34, but is only partially within the marker circle 34 or is completely outside the marker circle 34. Thus, the golf tee 10 of the present invention constitutes an invaluable and simple guide to the golfer providing information regarding the attitude and angle of the golf tee 10 and the mounting portion 24 so that the golfer can prepare to hit at a desired location using the golf tee 10, and may serve as an aid or guide to the golfer in achieving optimal playing preparation.

[0023] A golfer need not use the golf tee of the present invention only when it is in a horizontal position. The level can provide information that may be used by a golfer who wants to orient the golf tee in a different position depending on the situation and personal preference. In this regard, the level 30 may have several marker lines or circles that the golfer may use to obtain information regarding the lie of the grass. Thus, the golf tee can serve as a useful accessory that can provide the golfer with real-time, accurate information for optimal line-out shots, which may result in a better follow-through shot.

[0024] 3 of the drawings shows a plan view of the golf tee 10 of the present invention as it is typically viewed by a golfer as the tee 10 is being driven into the turf. The golfer will immediately see where the bubble 36 is within the marker circle 34 or how the bubble 36 is positioned relative to another marker line on the level 30, allowing for instant visibility of the golf tee 10's position. Additionally, according to one aspect of the present invention, the level 30 may have a color or neon type background behind the bubble 36, which may make the bubble 36 stand out even more for easier viewing without having to struggle to recognize its location. Different colors may be used by the level 30 depending on the golfer's preferences or to identify the tee 10 as belonging to a particular golfer, for example.

[0025] In one embodiment, the level 30 is located within the body of the golf tee in the position shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. In this figure, the body 12 of the golf tee 10 defines a chamber 40, which is located just below the rest 24. The level 30 itself is selected so that at least the top surface 44 of the level 30 is flat and flush with the rest 24 itself, so that the stability of the golf ball when placed on the golf tee 10 is not compromised and it does not fall off easily. In another embodiment, the top surface 44 of the level 30 may be concave, for example, to match the contour of the rest, but it should be noted that any suitable shape that does not normally interfere with the function of the golf tee 10 may be used. Furthermore, the chamber 40 may be constructed and dimensioned such that the level 30 is securely embedded within the chamber 40 and snap-fitted within the chamber 40 so as not to be displaced or pop out of the chamber 40 under substantial impact of a golf club swing. An adhesive or another suitable material or object may be used to immovably secure the level 30 within the chamber 40 .

[0026] The chamber 40 may be only slightly larger than the level 30 so that the level 30 locks inside when pressed in, or it may be larger than the level 30 depending on production economics and the optimum approach to mass produce golf tees with the level 30 therein. When the chamber 40 is larger than the level 30, any form of attachment that immovably secures the level 30 within the chamber 40 may be used, such as an adhesive attachment.

[0027] The golf tee 10 of the present invention may incorporate other features and may display attitude or other sensed information in formats and signals different than those described above.

[0028] 5 of the drawings illustrates a golf tee 10 of the present invention incorporating additional components and features. These additional features are intended to convey the broad range of uses and capabilities of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0029] The level 30 itself may be positioned in or on the golf tee at different locations. For example, the level 30 may be further down in the body of the golf tee 10. Another possible location for the level 30 is against, surrounding, or directly under the rest 24, so that the level 30 resembles a ring. The bubble 36 may be present wherever optimal visibility will be achieved. Additionally, in the ring-like level 30, there may be two bubbles for accuracy, which may be located more or less opposite each other on the ring with appropriate line markings to indicate where the bubble should be when the golf tee is properly inserted and in the desired horizontal position.

[0030] The golf tee of the present invention may have a light or an audio signal that is emitted when the golf tee 10 is positioned in a horizontal position with the rest 24. FIG. 5 of the drawings shows a battery compartment 60 adapted to accommodate a battery 66 to function as a power source. The golf tee 10 may include an LED light 62 that is illuminated and / or a speaker 64 that emits a sound when the tee is properly positioned. The light and sound may be viewed through an opening or window in the side or elsewhere on the golf tee 10. The chamber 48 may accommodate a level sensor that activates the light 62 and / or the speaker 64 when the golf tee 10 reaches a desired position. All components are, of course, connected to a battery source 66 to operate with the required power. The battery 66 itself may be permanently sealed or may be replaceable. If sealed, the golf tee 10 is simply discarded when the battery 66 is depleted once the level function is no longer required.

[0031] The golf tee may have a switch that automatically activates the golf tee 10 when inserted into the turf. A switch 76 is located at the tip or point 18 of the golf tee 10 to activate the battery 66 and other power-requiring components for automatic operation when the tee 10 is used. The system may include some sort of timer, which will disconnect the battery 66 after a predetermined period of time to protect against unnecessary use. There may also be a gravity switch on the golf tee 10 that is activated when the tee is placed at or near a horizontal stem position.

[0032] Reference is now made to Figures 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings, in which a golf tee 80 includes a shaft portion 82 and a golf ball supporting cup portion 84. The shaft portion 82 is flattened and has a pointed end 86 which facilitates insertion of the golf tee 80 into the ground. The cup portion 84 includes a housing 88 which includes a chamber and has a base surface 90 upon which a golf ball may rest. Three tabs 92 extend upwardly from the base surface 90 to provide additional structure for stabilizing the golf ball when it is placed on the golf tee 80 without interfering with the golf drive.

[0033] Located within the housing 88 is a level 94 which functions and provides information in exactly the same manner as described in the previous embodiment. The level 94 provides information regarding the angle and attitude of the golf tee 80 and its base surface 90. The level 94 includes a bubble 96 which moves within the level 90 depending on the angle relative to the horizontal, and a circular marker 98 formed on the surface of the level 90. When the bubble 96 is generally centered within the circular marker 98, the base surface 90 may be maintained in a substantially horizontal position.

[0034] Golf tee 80, such as that shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, may have additional structures and components and configurations as described above with respect to the other embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] It should be noted that the tee of the present invention is highly suitable for golf, but is not limited to this application. Any situation or sport requiring a ball or another object or peg to be placed on a platform, elevated, etc., can benefit from the present invention. For example, a baseball tee having the structure and features of the present invention may be used. The possibilities are not exhaustive and the examples should not be construed as limiting. The present invention may be useful in many situations.

[0036] Other comments and features The level indicator (bubble level) may be located on the top of the tee and insert (as shown herein), on the side of the tee, or hidden inside the tee.

[0037] In the present invention, a center bubble, visual (color change or light), sound or vibration (touch) type level indicator may be used.

[0038] Color or light changes and sounds or vibrations from an LED (or other light source) may be facilitated by an inserted battery or another power source, such as a solar power source.

[0039] In one embodiment, the indicator may be remote. The remote indicator may be present inside golf equipment or accessories or clothing, such as golf gloves, hats, shoes, etc.

[0040] The golf tee of the present invention may be synchronized with a smart phone app, golf GPS, tracking or simulator type device to indicate level and collect other information such as club strike speed. Additionally, the golf tee may be synchronized with a smart phone app, golf GPS, tracking and simulator type device to transmit tee angle information and direction information from the tee to the current hole location or provide other information that may be useful to the golfer.

[0041] Throughout this specification, the illustrated embodiments and examples should be considered as examples, and not as limitations on the disclosed or claimed apparatus and procedures. Many examples presented herein include specific combinations of method acts or system elements, but it will be understood that these acts and elements may be combined in other ways to achieve the same purpose. Acts, elements, and features described above as being only associated with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments.

[0042] As used herein, "plurality" means two or more. As used herein, a "set" of an item may include one or more such items. As used herein, regardless of the written specification or claims, the terms "comprises," "includes," "involves," "has," "contains," "includes," and similar terms should be understood to be open-ended, i.e., including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to the scope of the claims. The use of ordinal numbers in the claims, e.g., "first," "second," "third," etc., to modify claim elements does not in itself imply any priority, sequence, or order of performing the acts of a method over another or temporal order, but rather the ordinal numbers are used merely as markers to distinguish between claim elements by distinguishing one claim element having a particular name from another element having the same name (except for the use of ordinal numbers). As used herein, "and / or" means that the listed items are in the alternative, including any combination of the listed items.

Claims

1. A golf tee, a shaft portion having an upper end and a lower end; a housing portion assembled to or adjacent the upper end of the shaft portion, the housing portion having a support surface; a level indicator at least partially assembled within or on said housing portion to indicate when said support surface is in a substantially horizontal position; A golf tee equipped with

2. 2. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein said shaft portion tapers to a point at said lower end of said shaft portion.

3. 2. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein the shaft portion tapers from a wider width at or near the upper end of the shaft portion to a narrower width at or near the lower end of the shaft portion, the shaft portion including a chamber that at least partially houses the level indicator.

4. 2. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein said level indicator resides at least partially within said housing portion of said golf tee.

5. 2. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein said level indicator is located at least partially within said shaft portion of said golf tee.

6. 2. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein said level indicator is located at least partially outside said housing portion and said shaft portion.

7. 2. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein the level indicator comprises a body portion and a top surface that is at least partially transparent, the body having a liquid therein that includes an air bubble or void therein, the top surface having a surface marking thereon, the air bubble being positioned within the surface marking when the golf tee is in the substantially horizontal position.

8. The golf tee of claim 7 , wherein the surface marking comprises a circular marking substantially in the center of the upper surface.

9. The golf tee of claim 7 , wherein the surface marking comprises at least one pair of parallel lines formed on the top surface of the body portion.

10. 8. The golf tee of claim 7, wherein said body portion is formed within said housing portion of said golf tee, said top surface of said body portion being substantially flush with said support surface of said housing portion.

11. 2. The golf tee of claim 1, further comprising an acoustic signal that emits a sound when said support surface is in said substantially horizontal position.

12. 2. The golf tee of claim 1, further comprising a light signal that emits a light when said support surface is in said substantially horizontal position.

13. The golf tee of claim 1 , further comprising a power source for facilitating at least one of a light or an audio signal emitted when said support surface is in said substantial position.

14. The golf tee of claim 13, wherein the power source is one selected from a solar power source, a battery power source, or a combination thereof.

15. 2. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein the housing portion includes a body portion that houses the level indicator, the body portion having a plurality of upwardly extending tabs that form the support surface of the housing portion, and upon which a golf ball is placed prior to hitting or driving the golf ball.

16. The golf tee of claim 1 , further comprising a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a remote device when said support surface is in said substantially horizontal position.

17. A golf tee, a shaft portion having an upper end and a lower end; a housing portion assembled to or adjacent the upper end of the shaft portion, the housing portion having a support surface; a level indicator at least partially assembled within or on said housing portion to indicate when said support surface is in a substantially horizontal position and when said support surface is not in a substantially horizontal position; A golf tee equipped with

18. 18. The golf tee of claim 17, wherein the horizontal indicator provides a first signal when the support surface is in the substantially horizontal position and a second, different signal when the support surface is not in the substantially horizontal position.

19. 1. A method for determining when a golf tee is in a preselected position, comprising: forming a shaft portion having an upper end and a lower end; assembling a housing portion having a support surface for a golf ball at or near said upper end of said shaft portion; mounting a level indicator at least partially within or on said housing portion to indicate when said support surface is in a substantially horizontal position; A method comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the level indicator is formed with a body portion and a top surface that is at least partially transparent, the body being filled with a liquid contained within the body, the liquid including air bubbles or voids therein, and forming at least one marking on the top surface of the level indicator such that the air bubbles come to rest at a position within the surface marking when the golf tee is in the substantially horizontal position.

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