US20130040761A1 - Golf tee with level and depth indicators - Google Patents
Golf tee with level and depth indicators Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130040761A1 US20130040761A1 US13/207,952 US201113207952A US2013040761A1 US 20130040761 A1 US20130040761 A1 US 20130040761A1 US 201113207952 A US201113207952 A US 201113207952A US 2013040761 A1 US2013040761 A1 US 2013040761A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- golf tee
- level gauge
- stem
- receiving portion
- cavity
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B57/00—Golfing accessories
- A63B57/10—Golf tees
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
- A63B2209/10—Characteristics of used materials with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/10—Positions
- A63B2220/13—Relative positions
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/10—Positions
- A63B2220/16—Angular positions
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/18—Inclination, slope or curvature
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
- A63B2220/83—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor characterised by the position of the sensor
- A63B2220/833—Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/02—Testing, calibrating or measuring of equipment
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/76—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with means enabling use in the dark, other than powered illuminating means
Definitions
- the present invention is generally directed to a golf tee, and more particularly to a golf tee having a level gauge and a depth insertion gauge.
- the sport of golf involves the use of a club to swing at and strike a stationary ball, thereby causing the ball to travel in a desired direction.
- a golf ball is about 1.68 inches in diameter.
- An object of the game of golf is to cause the ball to enter into a hole located at a predetermined distance from a starting point, in the fewest possible number of strokes.
- the starting point is sometimes referred to as a teeing ground or tee box.
- each player sequentially places the ball on a tee, peg or the like to elevate the ball relative to a surface of the teeing ground.
- a player strikes the ball with the club to drive the ball away from the teeing ground in an effort to reach the hole in the fewest possible number of strokes.
- a golf tee including a stem defining a first end and a second end.
- the golf tee includes a ball receiving portion positioned on the second end of the stem for removably holding a ball thereon.
- a level gauge is disposed in the ball receiving portion. The level gauge is operable to determine whether or not the stem is plumb.
- the stem includes indicia representative of a depth of insertion of the first end into a playing surface of a golf course.
- the indicia can comprise a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the stem and/or grooves formed in the stem.
- the level gauge and the ball receiving portion cooperate to define a concave surface for removably holding the ball thereon.
- the concave surface can have a radius of curvature from about 0.7 inches to about 0.9 inches.
- the level gauge can include an inside surface defining a cavity.
- a first fluid and an indicator are disposed in the cavity.
- the first fluid can be a fluorescent liquid.
- the indicator can be a second fluid having a density less than that of the first fluid.
- the level gauge is manufactured from a transparent or translucent material and/or an elastomeric material.
- the level gauge can be press-fit in a pocket defined by an interior surface of the ball receiving portion and/or secured by an adhesive to the interior surface.
- the golf tee can include a level gauge that is formed integral with the golf tee.
- the level gauge can include an inside surface defining a cavity and at least one passage extending from an outside surface of the golf tee into the cavity.
- the passages can be used to introduce the first liquid and/or the indicator into the cavity.
- the golf tee can be manufactured in a substantially hollow form in which the level gauge includes a cavity defined by an inside surface of the ball receiving portion and an inside surface of the stem.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a golf tee of the present invention with a top portion of the golf tee illustrated in a cross sectional view;
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the top portion of the golf tee of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a top view of the golf tee of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is front cross sectional view of a level gauge shown removed from the golf tee of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a top portion of one embodiment of a golf tee
- FIG. 6 is front cross sectional view of a level gauge shown removed from the golf tee of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a top portion of another embodiment of a golf tee.
- FIG. 8 is a front cross sectional view of a hollow golf tee.
- a golf tee is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 .
- the golf tee 10 defines a stem portion 12 having a ball receiving portion 14 formed on one end thereof.
- the ball receiving portion 14 is configured to removably hold a ball 15 having a radius R 1 , thereon.
- An opposing end 16 of the stem portion 12 has a tapered section 18 to facilitate insertion into a playing surface 20 of a golf course.
- the stem portion 12 includes a plurality of indicia 22 representative of a depth of insertion of the stem portion into the playing surface 20 .
- the ball receiving portion 14 includes a level gauge 24 disposed therein, as described further below.
- the level gauge 24 defines a concave surface 24 R which cooperates with a concave surface 14 R of the ball receiving portion 14 to removably hold the ball 15 thereon.
- the level gauge 24 is operable to indicate whether or not the stem portion 12 is substantially plumb (i.e., plumbness).
- the golf tee is manufactured from wood, plastic or a combination thereof.
- the concave surfaces 14 R and 24 R have a radius of curvature R 2 .
- the magnitude of the radius R 2 is from about ten percent less than the radius R 1 to about ten percent greater than the radius R 1 .
- the radius R 2 is from about 0.7 inches to about 0.9 inches. While the radius of curvature R 2 is described as being about ten percent less than or greater than the radius R 1 or from about 0.7 to about 0.9 inches, the present invention is not limited in this regard, as other magnitudes of R 2 can also be employed including but not limited to those greater than or less than ten percent of R 1 , greater than 0.9 inches and/or less than 0.7 inches.
- the level gauge 24 includes an inside surface 24 A which defines a cavity 26 .
- a first fluid 28 e.g., a fluorescent liquid
- an indicator 30 are contained in the cavity 26 .
- the indicator 30 is a second fluid (e.g., an air bubble) having a density less than a density of the first fluid 28 .
- the indicator 30 is a solid (e.g., a closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam ball such as a Styrofoam® ball) having a density less than the density of the first fluid 28 .
- the inside surface 24 A defines an inwardly curved portion 24 B which curves away from the concave surface 24 R.
- the level gauge 24 defines a window 32 manufactured from a transparent or translucent material configured to allow viewing of the indictor 30 and the first fluid 28 from a position external to the golf tee 10 .
- all or a portion of the level gauge 24 can be manufactured from the transparent or translucent material such that the window 32 is formed integral with the level gauge 24 .
- the level gauge 24 includes an opening defined therein and in which the window 32 is secured.
- the window 32 includes leveling indicia 34 disposed thereon.
- the leveling indicia 34 is a pair of circles 34 A and 34 B marked and/or formed (e.g., grooves) concentrically on the concave surface 24 R.
- the indicator 30 is positioned on the curved portion 24 B of the inside surface 24 A and the centered in the leveling indicia 34 .
- the level gauge 24 has a generally tee-shaped cross section and includes a lateral surface 36 located circumferentially around a peripheral portion of the level gauge.
- the lateral surface 36 has a diameter D 1 .
- the level gauge 24 also includes an annular lobe 38 extending outwardly from a portion of the lateral surface 36 to an outermost portion 38 P of the lobe and defining a shoulder 40 extending therebewteen.
- the lobe 38 defines a diameter D 2 at the outermost portion 38 P.
- the level gauge 24 is manufactured from a resilient material such as but not limited to a clear, transparent or translucent elastomeric polymer.
- the receiving portion 14 includes an inwardly facing lateral surface 42 having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter D 1 .
- a portion of the lateral surface 42 extends radially outward into the receiving portion 14 forming a generally tee-shaped pocket 44 complementary to the tee-shaped configuration of the level gauge 24 .
- the pocket 44 is defined by an interior surface 45 configured complementary to that of the lobe 38 .
- the interior surface 45 includes a lip 48 extending between the lateral surface 42 and an outermost portion 46 of the pocket 44 .
- the pocket 44 has a diameter at the outermost portion 46 which is substantially equal to the diameter D 2 .
- the level gauge 24 is press-fit in the pocket 44 such that the level gauge 24 is secured in the pocket 44 with the shoulder 40 engaged with the lip 48 .
- the lateral surface 36 of the level gauge 24 is engaged with the lateral surface 42 of the receiving portion thereby defining a seam 39 .
- the lobe 38 is compressed inwardly to a diameter D 1 so that the lobe can fit through an opening 43 defined by the lateral surface 42 and travel past the shoulder 40 .
- the lobe 38 is expanded to a relaxed position in the pocket 44 thereby securing the level gauge 24 in the pocket with the shoulder 40 engaged with the lip 48 .
- an adhesive is also used to secure the level gauge 24 to the interior surface 45 , in the pocket 44 .
- the golf tee of FIGS. 5 and 6 is similar to the golf tee 10 of FIGS. 1-4 .
- the golf tee 110 includes a receiving portion 114 having a pocket 144 defined by first surface 142 and a second surface 150 .
- the pocket 144 has a generally truncated conical shape.
- the level gauge 124 includes an inside surface 124 A, an inwardly curved portion 124 B and a cavity 126 , similar to that described above for the level gauge 24 .
- a first fluid 128 and an indicator 130 are contained in the cavity 126 .
- An outside surface 152 of the level gauge 124 has a truncated conical shape complimentary to that of the pocket 144 .
- the level gauge 124 is secured in the pocket 144 by adhering the outside surface 152 of the level gauge to the first and second surfaces 142 and 150 , with a suitable adhesive, such as but not limited to epoxy.
- the level gauge 124 can be manufactured from any suitable material including hard, transparent, translucent or elastomeric plastics. While the level gauge 124 and the pocket 144 are shown and described as having a truncated conical cross section, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other configurations can be employed including but not limited to cylindrical, hemispherical and cubical shaped level gauges and pockets.
- the golf tee of FIG. 7 is similar to the golf tee 10 of FIGS. 1-4 .
- the golf tee 210 includes a receiving portion 214 manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to plastic, a transparent material and/or translucent material.
- the golf tee 210 includes a level gauge 224 formed integrally therein (e.g., a level gauge 224 formed integral with the receiving end 214 ).
- the level gauge 224 includes a cavity 226 defined by an inside surface 224 A of the receiving portion 214 .
- the inside surface 224 A includes an inwardly curved portion 224 B.
- a first fluid 228 and an indicator 230 are contained in the cavity 226 .
- two passages 260 and 266 extend from an outside surface 262 of the golf tee 210 (e.g., an outside surface of the receiving portion 214 ) into the cavity 226 .
- a seal, for example, a plug 264 is disposed in each of the passages 260 and 266 .
- the passages 262 and/or 266 are operable to introduce the first fluid 228 and the indicator 230 into the cavity 226 .
- the passages 260 and/or 266 are also operable to vent the cavity 226 when introducing the first fluid 228 into the cavity 226 .
- the plugs 264 are operable to seal the passages 260 and 266 to retain the first fluid 228 and the indicator 230 in the cavity 226 .
- the golf tee of FIG. 8 is similar to the golf tee 10 of FIGS. 1-4 .
- the golf tee 310 is generally hollow and is manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to plastic, a transparent material or translucent material.
- the golf tee is manufactured from a material provided in a tubular form.
- the golf tee 310 includes a level gauge 324 formed integrally therein (e.g., a level gauge 324 formed integral with the ball receiving end 314 ).
- the level gauge 324 includes a cavity 326 defined by an inside surface 324 A of the receiving portion 314 and an inside surface 324 C of the stem 312 .
- the inside surface 324 A includes an inwardly curved portion 324 B.
- a first fluid 328 and an indicator 330 are contained in the cavity 326 .
- the tapered section 318 includes a joint 370 .
- the joint 370 is open to allow the first fluid 328 and the indicator 330 to be introduced into the cavity 326 .
- the joint 370 is configured to be sealed (e.g., with adhesive or by melting and subsequently solidifying the joint 370 ) to retain the first fluid 328 and the indicator 330 in the cavity 326 .
- the indicia 22 are circumferential lines disposed on the stem portion 12 to indicate the depth of insertion of the golf tee 10 into the playing surface 20 .
- the lines are marked on the stem 12 in a color different than the stem.
- the indicia 22 are grooves formed in and/or protrusions extending outwardly from the stem 12 .
- the indicia 22 includes numbers and/or letters marked on the stem 12 .
- the protrusions and grooves can be of any size or shape suitable for providing indicia of the depth of insertion.
- individual protrusions and grooves can have different sizes and configurations depending on their respective position on the stem portion 12 .
- the indicia 22 consists of four equally spaced marks, lines, grooves or protrusions.
Abstract
A golf tee includes a stem defining a first end and a second end. The golf tee includes a ball receiving portion positioned on the second end of the stem. A level gauge is disposed in the ball receiving portion. The stem includes indicia representative of a depth of insertion of the first end into a surface.
Description
- The present invention is generally directed to a golf tee, and more particularly to a golf tee having a level gauge and a depth insertion gauge.
- The sport of golf involves the use of a club to swing at and strike a stationary ball, thereby causing the ball to travel in a desired direction. Typically, a golf ball is about 1.68 inches in diameter. An object of the game of golf is to cause the ball to enter into a hole located at a predetermined distance from a starting point, in the fewest possible number of strokes. The starting point is sometimes referred to as a teeing ground or tee box. In the teeing ground, each player sequentially places the ball on a tee, peg or the like to elevate the ball relative to a surface of the teeing ground. Once the ball is placed on the tee, a player strikes the ball with the club to drive the ball away from the teeing ground in an effort to reach the hole in the fewest possible number of strokes.
- According to aspects disclosed herein, there is provided a golf tee including a stem defining a first end and a second end. The golf tee includes a ball receiving portion positioned on the second end of the stem for removably holding a ball thereon. A level gauge is disposed in the ball receiving portion. The level gauge is operable to determine whether or not the stem is plumb. The stem includes indicia representative of a depth of insertion of the first end into a playing surface of a golf course. For example, the indicia can comprise a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the stem and/or grooves formed in the stem.
- In one embodiment, the level gauge and the ball receiving portion cooperate to define a concave surface for removably holding the ball thereon. The concave surface can have a radius of curvature from about 0.7 inches to about 0.9 inches.
- The level gauge can include an inside surface defining a cavity. A first fluid and an indicator are disposed in the cavity. For example, the first fluid can be a fluorescent liquid. In addition, the indicator can be a second fluid having a density less than that of the first fluid.
- In one embodiment, the level gauge is manufactured from a transparent or translucent material and/or an elastomeric material. In addition, the level gauge can be press-fit in a pocket defined by an interior surface of the ball receiving portion and/or secured by an adhesive to the interior surface.
- The golf tee can include a level gauge that is formed integral with the golf tee. The level gauge can include an inside surface defining a cavity and at least one passage extending from an outside surface of the golf tee into the cavity. The passages can be used to introduce the first liquid and/or the indicator into the cavity.
- The golf tee can be manufactured in a substantially hollow form in which the level gauge includes a cavity defined by an inside surface of the ball receiving portion and an inside surface of the stem.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of a golf tee of the present invention with a top portion of the golf tee illustrated in a cross sectional view; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the top portion of the golf tee ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a top view of the golf tee ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is front cross sectional view of a level gauge shown removed from the golf tee ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a top portion of one embodiment of a golf tee; -
FIG. 6 is front cross sectional view of a level gauge shown removed from the golf tee ofFIG. 5 ; -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a top portion of another embodiment of a golf tee; and -
FIG. 8 is a front cross sectional view of a hollow golf tee. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , a golf tee is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The golf tee 10 defines astem portion 12 having aball receiving portion 14 formed on one end thereof. Theball receiving portion 14 is configured to removably hold aball 15 having a radius R1, thereon. Anopposing end 16 of thestem portion 12 has atapered section 18 to facilitate insertion into aplaying surface 20 of a golf course. Thestem portion 12 includes a plurality ofindicia 22 representative of a depth of insertion of the stem portion into theplaying surface 20. In addition, theball receiving portion 14 includes alevel gauge 24 disposed therein, as described further below. Thelevel gauge 24 defines aconcave surface 24R which cooperates with aconcave surface 14R of theball receiving portion 14 to removably hold theball 15 thereon. Thelevel gauge 24 is operable to indicate whether or not thestem portion 12 is substantially plumb (i.e., plumbness). In one embodiment, the golf tee is manufactured from wood, plastic or a combination thereof. - The
concave surfaces - Referring to
FIGS. 2-4 , thelevel gauge 24 includes aninside surface 24A which defines acavity 26. A first fluid 28 (e.g., a fluorescent liquid) and anindicator 30 are contained in thecavity 26. In one embodiment, theindicator 30 is a second fluid (e.g., an air bubble) having a density less than a density of thefirst fluid 28. In one embodiment, theindicator 30 is a solid (e.g., a closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam ball such as a Styrofoam® ball) having a density less than the density of thefirst fluid 28. - The
inside surface 24A defines an inwardlycurved portion 24B which curves away from theconcave surface 24R. Thelevel gauge 24 defines awindow 32 manufactured from a transparent or translucent material configured to allow viewing of theindictor 30 and thefirst fluid 28 from a position external to the golf tee 10. For example, all or a portion of thelevel gauge 24 can be manufactured from the transparent or translucent material such that thewindow 32 is formed integral with thelevel gauge 24. In one embodiment, thelevel gauge 24 includes an opening defined therein and in which thewindow 32 is secured. - The
window 32 includes leveling indicia 34 disposed thereon. In one embodiment, the leveling indicia 34 is a pair ofcircles concave surface 24R. When the golf tee 10 is oriented with theball receiving portion 14 positioned above thestem 12 and the stem is substantially plumb, theindicator 30 is positioned on thecurved portion 24B of theinside surface 24A and the centered in the leveling indicia 34. - Referring to
FIGS. 2-4 , thelevel gauge 24 has a generally tee-shaped cross section and includes alateral surface 36 located circumferentially around a peripheral portion of the level gauge. Thelateral surface 36 has a diameter D1. Thelevel gauge 24 also includes anannular lobe 38 extending outwardly from a portion of thelateral surface 36 to anoutermost portion 38P of the lobe and defining ashoulder 40 extending therebewteen. Thelobe 38 defines a diameter D2 at theoutermost portion 38P. Thelevel gauge 24 is manufactured from a resilient material such as but not limited to a clear, transparent or translucent elastomeric polymer. The receivingportion 14 includes an inwardly facinglateral surface 42 having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter D1. A portion of thelateral surface 42 extends radially outward into the receivingportion 14 forming a generally tee-shapedpocket 44 complementary to the tee-shaped configuration of thelevel gauge 24. Thepocket 44 is defined by aninterior surface 45 configured complementary to that of thelobe 38. Theinterior surface 45 includes alip 48 extending between thelateral surface 42 and anoutermost portion 46 of thepocket 44. Thepocket 44 has a diameter at theoutermost portion 46 which is substantially equal to the diameter D2. Thelevel gauge 24 is press-fit in thepocket 44 such that thelevel gauge 24 is secured in thepocket 44 with theshoulder 40 engaged with thelip 48. Thelateral surface 36 of thelevel gauge 24 is engaged with thelateral surface 42 of the receiving portion thereby defining aseam 39. During assembly, thelobe 38 is compressed inwardly to a diameter D1 so that the lobe can fit through an opening 43 defined by thelateral surface 42 and travel past theshoulder 40. In an installed state, thelobe 38 is expanded to a relaxed position in thepocket 44 thereby securing thelevel gauge 24 in the pocket with theshoulder 40 engaged with thelip 48. In one embodiment, an adhesive is also used to secure thelevel gauge 24 to theinterior surface 45, in thepocket 44. - The golf tee of
FIGS. 5 and 6 is similar to the golf tee 10 ofFIGS. 1-4 . Thus like elements have been assigned like reference numbers preceded by the numeral 1. Thegolf tee 110 includes a receivingportion 114 having apocket 144 defined by first surface 142 and asecond surface 150. Thepocket 144 has a generally truncated conical shape. Thelevel gauge 124 includes aninside surface 124A, an inwardlycurved portion 124B and acavity 126, similar to that described above for thelevel gauge 24. Afirst fluid 128 and anindicator 130 are contained in thecavity 126. Anoutside surface 152 of thelevel gauge 124 has a truncated conical shape complimentary to that of thepocket 144. Thelevel gauge 124 is secured in thepocket 144 by adhering theoutside surface 152 of the level gauge to the first andsecond surfaces 142 and 150, with a suitable adhesive, such as but not limited to epoxy. Thelevel gauge 124 can be manufactured from any suitable material including hard, transparent, translucent or elastomeric plastics. While thelevel gauge 124 and thepocket 144 are shown and described as having a truncated conical cross section, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other configurations can be employed including but not limited to cylindrical, hemispherical and cubical shaped level gauges and pockets. - The golf tee of
FIG. 7 is similar to the golf tee 10 ofFIGS. 1-4 . Thus like elements have been assigned like reference numbers preceded by the numeral 2. Thegolf tee 210 includes a receivingportion 214 manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to plastic, a transparent material and/or translucent material. Thegolf tee 210 includes a level gauge 224 formed integrally therein (e.g., a level gauge 224 formed integral with the receiving end 214). The level gauge 224 includes acavity 226 defined by aninside surface 224A of the receivingportion 214. Theinside surface 224A includes an inwardly curved portion 224B. Afirst fluid 228 and anindicator 230 are contained in thecavity 226. In addition, twopassages outside surface 262 of the golf tee 210 (e.g., an outside surface of the receiving portion 214) into thecavity 226. A seal, for example, aplug 264 is disposed in each of thepassages passages 262 and/or 266 are operable to introduce thefirst fluid 228 and theindicator 230 into thecavity 226. Thepassages 260 and/or 266 are also operable to vent thecavity 226 when introducing thefirst fluid 228 into thecavity 226. Theplugs 264 are operable to seal thepassages first fluid 228 and theindicator 230 in thecavity 226. - The golf tee of
FIG. 8 is similar to the golf tee 10 ofFIGS. 1-4 . Thus like elements have been assigned like reference numbers preceded by the numeral 3. Thegolf tee 310 is generally hollow and is manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to plastic, a transparent material or translucent material. In one embodiment, the golf tee is manufactured from a material provided in a tubular form. Thegolf tee 310 includes a level gauge 324 formed integrally therein (e.g., a level gauge 324 formed integral with the ball receiving end 314). The level gauge 324 includes acavity 326 defined by aninside surface 324A of the receivingportion 314 and an inside surface 324C of thestem 312. Theinside surface 324A includes an inwardlycurved portion 324B. Afirst fluid 328 and an indicator 330 are contained in thecavity 326. The taperedsection 318 includes a joint 370. During assembly, the joint 370 is open to allow thefirst fluid 328 and the indicator 330 to be introduced into thecavity 326. The joint 370 is configured to be sealed (e.g., with adhesive or by melting and subsequently solidifying the joint 370) to retain thefirst fluid 328 and the indicator 330 in thecavity 326. - Referring back to
FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, theindicia 22 are circumferential lines disposed on thestem portion 12 to indicate the depth of insertion of the golf tee 10 into the playingsurface 20. In one embodiment, the lines are marked on thestem 12 in a color different than the stem. In one embodiment, theindicia 22 are grooves formed in and/or protrusions extending outwardly from thestem 12. In one embodiment, theindicia 22 includes numbers and/or letters marked on thestem 12. The protrusions and grooves can be of any size or shape suitable for providing indicia of the depth of insertion. For example, individual protrusions and grooves can have different sizes and configurations depending on their respective position on thestem portion 12. In one embodiment, theindicia 22 consists of four equally spaced marks, lines, grooves or protrusions. - While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (15)
1. A golf tee comprising:
a stem defining a first end;
a ball receiving portion positioned on a second end of the stem;
a level gauge disposed in the ball receiving portion; and
wherein the stem comprises indicia representative of a depth of insertion of the first end into a surface.
2. The golf tee of claim 1 , wherein the level gauge and the ball receiving portion cooperate to define a concave surface.
3. The golf tee of claim 2 , wherein the concave surface has a radius of curvature from about 0.7 inches to about 0.9 inches.
4. The golf tee of claim 1 , wherein the level gauge includes an inside surface defining a cavity which contains a first fluid and an indicator disposed in the cavity.
5. The golf tee of claim 4 , wherein the first fluid comprises a fluorescent liquid.
6. The golf tee of claim 4 , wherein the indicator comprises a second fluid having a density less than that of the first fluid.
7. The golf tee of claim 1 , wherein the level gauge is manufactured from a transparent or translucent material.
8. The golf tee of claim 1 , wherein the level gauge is manufactured from an elastomeric material.
9. The golf tee of claim 8 , wherein the level gauge is press-fit in a pocket defined by an interior surface of the ball receiving portion.
10. The golf tee of claim 1 , wherein the level gauge is secured in a pocket defined by an interior surface of the ball receiving portion by an adhesive.
11. The golf tee of claim 1 , wherein the level gauge is integral with the golf tee.
12. The golf tee of claim 11 , wherein the level gauge includes an inside surface defining a cavity and at least one passage extending from an outside surface of the golf tee into the cavity.
13. The golf tee of claim 11 , wherein the golf tee is substantially hollow and the level gauge includes a cavity defined by an inside surface of the ball receiving portion and an inside surface of the stem.
14. The golf tee of claim 1 , wherein the indicia comprise at least one of plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the stem and grooves formed in the stem.
15. The golf tee of claim 1 , wherein the level gauge is operable to determine plumbness of the stem.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/207,952 US20130040761A1 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2011-08-11 | Golf tee with level and depth indicators |
PCT/US2012/050353 WO2013023149A1 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2012-08-10 | Golf tee with level and depth indicators |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/207,952 US20130040761A1 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2011-08-11 | Golf tee with level and depth indicators |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130040761A1 true US20130040761A1 (en) | 2013-02-14 |
Family
ID=46682953
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/207,952 Abandoned US20130040761A1 (en) | 2011-08-11 | 2011-08-11 | Golf tee with level and depth indicators |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130040761A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013023149A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140031146A1 (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2014-01-30 | Dennis Kelley | Exact Tee |
US10870043B2 (en) | 2019-05-22 | 2020-12-22 | Jack Cooper | Golf tee with reduced friction |
Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3333848A (en) * | 1965-02-08 | 1967-08-01 | Daniel M Budzinski | Golf tee leveling and driving instrument |
US3406977A (en) * | 1965-12-14 | 1968-10-22 | Frank J. Voelkerding | Adjustable golf tee and sight |
US5193803A (en) * | 1990-02-21 | 1993-03-16 | Flick Iii Conrad | Golf tee |
US5211395A (en) * | 1991-09-25 | 1993-05-18 | Liao Henry H | Golf tool |
US5356146A (en) * | 1993-04-09 | 1994-10-18 | Blosser Daniel W | Gauged golf tee |
US5431391A (en) * | 1994-07-07 | 1995-07-11 | Tracey; John D. | Golfer's putting aid |
US5571054A (en) * | 1995-06-01 | 1996-11-05 | Chantal; Mark A. | Synthetic golfing tee and method of manufacturing same |
US5632484A (en) * | 1994-08-26 | 1997-05-27 | Lambert; William S. | Bubble level device, attachable to the grip of a golf club |
US5672122A (en) * | 1995-07-03 | 1997-09-30 | Poly-Tainer, Inc. | Adjustable golf tee |
KR20030044221A (en) * | 2001-11-29 | 2003-06-09 | (주)스포텍코리아 | Golf Tee Comprising Chemical Light Sensitive Material |
KR20040072488A (en) * | 2004-05-20 | 2004-08-18 | 이준형 | A Golf Tee For Changing Length |
US20070093321A1 (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2007-04-26 | Carpenter James W Jr | Golf tee leveling device |
US20080161137A1 (en) * | 2006-04-07 | 2008-07-03 | Noa Henry M | Golf tee |
AU2009100003A4 (en) * | 2008-01-11 | 2009-02-05 | Graham Steven Ginard | The VH spirit level golf tee system |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2723126A (en) * | 1955-01-25 | 1955-11-08 | Spluvak Kalman | Golf tee |
WO2005032668A1 (en) * | 2003-10-06 | 2005-04-14 | Se-Chang Chang | Golf tee |
US7223184B2 (en) * | 2004-05-21 | 2007-05-29 | Aviar Technology | Golf tee setting device and method |
US7374501B2 (en) * | 2006-06-22 | 2008-05-20 | Lu Li Han Eden | Golf accessories |
KR20080087422A (en) * | 2007-03-27 | 2008-10-01 | 우경테크주식회사 | A golf t confirmable horizontal position |
-
2011
- 2011-08-11 US US13/207,952 patent/US20130040761A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2012
- 2012-08-10 WO PCT/US2012/050353 patent/WO2013023149A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3333848A (en) * | 1965-02-08 | 1967-08-01 | Daniel M Budzinski | Golf tee leveling and driving instrument |
US3406977A (en) * | 1965-12-14 | 1968-10-22 | Frank J. Voelkerding | Adjustable golf tee and sight |
US5193803A (en) * | 1990-02-21 | 1993-03-16 | Flick Iii Conrad | Golf tee |
US5211395A (en) * | 1991-09-25 | 1993-05-18 | Liao Henry H | Golf tool |
US5356146A (en) * | 1993-04-09 | 1994-10-18 | Blosser Daniel W | Gauged golf tee |
US5431391A (en) * | 1994-07-07 | 1995-07-11 | Tracey; John D. | Golfer's putting aid |
US5632484A (en) * | 1994-08-26 | 1997-05-27 | Lambert; William S. | Bubble level device, attachable to the grip of a golf club |
US5571054A (en) * | 1995-06-01 | 1996-11-05 | Chantal; Mark A. | Synthetic golfing tee and method of manufacturing same |
US5672122A (en) * | 1995-07-03 | 1997-09-30 | Poly-Tainer, Inc. | Adjustable golf tee |
KR20030044221A (en) * | 2001-11-29 | 2003-06-09 | (주)스포텍코리아 | Golf Tee Comprising Chemical Light Sensitive Material |
KR20040072488A (en) * | 2004-05-20 | 2004-08-18 | 이준형 | A Golf Tee For Changing Length |
US20070093321A1 (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2007-04-26 | Carpenter James W Jr | Golf tee leveling device |
US20080161137A1 (en) * | 2006-04-07 | 2008-07-03 | Noa Henry M | Golf tee |
AU2009100003A4 (en) * | 2008-01-11 | 2009-02-05 | Graham Steven Ginard | The VH spirit level golf tee system |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140031146A1 (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2014-01-30 | Dennis Kelley | Exact Tee |
US10870043B2 (en) | 2019-05-22 | 2020-12-22 | Jack Cooper | Golf tee with reduced friction |
US11717732B2 (en) | 2019-05-22 | 2023-08-08 | Jack Cooper | Golf tee with reduced friction |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2013023149A1 (en) | 2013-02-14 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |