U.S. patent application number 13/373217 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for adjustable lenght golf tee.
Invention is credited to Elliot A. LIPSTOCK, David J. REALI, Paul M. WOLSTENHOLME.
Application Number | 20120214616 13/373217 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46653215 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120214616 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIPSTOCK; Elliot A. ; et
al. |
August 23, 2012 |
Adjustable lenght golf tee
Abstract
An adjustable length golf tee designed for use with a
complementary driving range practice mat includes a base member, an
intermediary member and an upper member that are telescopingly
joined together in an interlocking relationship to form a unitary,
inseparable device. Each of the base, intermediary and upper
members is hollowed out along the majority of its length. As a
result, the tee is designed to collapse or otherwise temporarily
deform upon being struck with a golf club, thereby rendering the
tee highly durable in nature. In use, the intermediary member is
capable of displacement relative to the base member and, in
addition, the upper member is capable of displacement relative to
the intermediary member to provide the tee with an overall length
that can be adjusted between 1.75 inches and 3.40 inches. In this
manner, the tee can accommodate a wide range of golf club head
sizes.
Inventors: |
LIPSTOCK; Elliot A.;
(Mattapoisett, MA) ; REALI; David J.; (Cranston,
RI) ; WOLSTENHOLME; Paul M.; (Warwick, RI) |
Family ID: |
46653215 |
Appl. No.: |
13/373217 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61463569 |
Feb 18, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/396 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/026 20130101;
A63B 2210/58 20130101; A63B 57/10 20151001; A63B 57/15
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/396 |
International
Class: |
A63B 57/00 20060101
A63B057/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable length golf tee, comprising: (a) a base member
shaped to define a longitudinal interior cavity; (b) an
intermediary member telescopingly coupled to the base member, the
intermediary member being shaped define a longitudinal interior
receptacle; and (c) an upper member telescopingly coupled to the
intermediary member, the upper member being hollowed out along the
majority of its length, the free end of the upper member being
adapted to receive and support a golf ball.
2. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
intermediary member extends coaxially within the interior cavity in
the base member and is capable of longitudinal displacement
therewithin.
3. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 2 wherein the
upper member extends coaxially within the interior receptacle in
the intermediary member and is capable of longitudinal displacement
therewithin.
4. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 3 wherein the
transverse cross-sectional diameter of the interior cavity in the
base member is less than the overall height of the base member.
5. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 3 wherein
each of the base member, intermediary member and upper member is
constructed of a material from the group consisting of rubber,
polyurethane and a synthetic composite thereof.
6. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 3 wherein the
tee can be adjusted between a maximum overall length of
approximately 3.400 inches and minimum overall length of
approximately 1.750 inches.
7. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 3 wherein the
base member comprises an enlarged pedestal from which projects an
elongated tubular body, the tubular body having an inner surface,
an outer surface and an open free end.
8. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 7 wherein the
intermediary member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, a
first end that is fittingly disposed within the interior cavity in
the base member and an open second end that extends out beyond the
open free end in the base member.
9. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 8 wherein the
intermediary member includes an outwardly protruding collar at its
first end, the collar being fittingly disposed within the interior
cavity in the base, the collar being dimensioned to continuously
frictionally engage the interior surface of the base member.
10. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 9 wherein
the tubular body of the base member includes a shelf formed on its
inner surface that protrudes inwardly into the interior cavity.
11. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 10 wherein
the collar on the intermediary member is dimensioned to selectively
abut against the shelf in the base member to limit upward
displacement of the intermediary member relative to the base member
and thereby prevent separation of the intermediary member from the
base member.
12. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 8 wherein
the upper member comprises an enlarged head from which protrudes an
elongated stem, with the enlarged head being fittingly disposed
within the interior receptacle in the intermediary member and the
stem extending through the open second end in the intermediary
member.
13. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 12 wherein
the stem is hollowed along the entirety of its length.
14. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 13 wherein
the stem includes a funnel-shaped cup portion at its free end that
is adapted to receive and support a golf ball, the free end of the
cup portion being approximately 0.45 inches in diameter.
15. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 12 wherein
the enlarged head of the upper member is dimensioned to
continuously frictionally engage the inner surface of the
intermediary member.
16. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 15 wherein
the enlarged head of the upper member is dimensioned to selectively
engage the intermediary member to limit upward displacement of the
upper member relative to the intermediary member and thereby
prevent separation of the upper member from the intermediary
member.
17. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 16 wherein
the intermediary member includes an interior wall that
substantially encloses the interior receptacle at its second
end.
18. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 17 wherein a
vent hole extends transversely through the interior wall in the
intermediary member.
19. The adjustable length golf tee as claimed in claim 17 wherein
the enlarged head of the upper member is dimensioned to selectively
abut against the interior wall in the intermediary member to limit
downward displacement of the upper member relative to the
intermediary member.
20. An adjustable length golf tee comprising a plurality of
individual members that are telescopingly coupled together, each of
the plurality of members being hollowed out along the majority its
length.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/463,569, which was filed
on Feb. 18, 2011 in the names of Elliot A. Lipstock, David J. Reali
and Paul M. Wolstenholme, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to golf accessories
and more particularly to reusable golf tees adapted for use with
driving range practice mats.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Practice, or driving, ranges are well known in the golfing
industry and operate as designated areas for practicing golf shots.
In this capacity, driving ranges are commonly utilized for
recreational, instructional and training purposes.
[0004] While certain practice ranges utilize grass hitting surfaces
to closely simulate actual playing conditions, the considerable
maintenance required to maintain a grass-based practice range is
often unattainable due to, among other things, cost factors as well
as high volume usage. Accordingly, golf mats are commonly utilized
on practice ranges to allow for repeated ball striking on a
relatively consistent hitting surface. To promote a more realistic
surface, practice range golf mats are often constructed to include
a plurality of synthetic fibers similar in look and feel to blades
of grass that are, in turn, mounted onto a relatively soft and
compressible foam base designed to cushion and absorb forces
associated with repeated golf club strikes.
[0005] Due to its relatively solid construction, golf mats of the
type as described above are not typically designed for penetration
by the sharpened tip of a traditional golf tee. Rather, a vertical
bore is commonly formed into conventional golf mats through which a
golf mat tee can be disposed, the tee being constructed of a highly
flexible and durable material, such as rubber, to allow for
repeated use.
[0006] One type of reusable golf mat tee which is well-known and
widely used in commerce is in the form of an elongated, hollowed,
one-piece tube that includes a widened, outwardly protruding flange
at its bottom end. In use, the golf mat tee is inserted through the
vertical bore in the mat with the enlarged flange firmly abutting
the underside of the mat. Disposed as such, the free end of the tee
serves as a support surface for holding a golf ball a fixed height
above the top surface of the mat.
[0007] As can be appreciated, reusable golf mat tees of the type as
described above have been found to suffer from a notable
shortcoming. Specifically, each tee is a fixed in length and
therefore capable of supporting a ball a constant, pre-determined
distance above the top surface of the mat. However, it has been
found that a considerable degree of variance in the desired lift,
or height, of a golf ball above the top surface of a mat is
typically required, the variance being largely dependent upon,
inter alia, the particular size, style or type of club to be
utilized as well as individual user preferences.
[0008] Accordingly, adjustable length golf tees for use in
conjunction with practice range mats are known in the art. For
example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,663 to Elliot A. Lipstock, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, there is
described an adjustable length golf tee for use with a commercial
practice mat. The tee includes a base, a first support unit and a
second support unit that are telescopingly joined together in an
interlocking relationship to prevent disassociation. In use, the
base is designed to be fittingly inserted through a vertical bore
in a complementary golf mat, the top end of the second support unit
having a concave structure that is adapted to support a golf ball
above the top surface of the mat. As can be appreciated, by
adjusting the position of second support unit relative to the first
support unit and, in turn, the position of the first support unit
relative to the base, the golf ball height can be modified to meet
user needs.
[0009] Although useful in varying the amount of lift of a golf ball
above a practice range mat, the adjustable length tee described in
the above-referenced '663 patent suffers from a number of notable
shortcomings.
[0010] As a first shortcoming, the adjustable length practice mat
tee described in the '663 patent has been found to be inadequately
designed to absorb the forces associated with routine golf club
strikes. Rather, the forces imparted onto the tee during its use
have been found to result in permanent fragmentation. Inadvertent
breakage of the practice mat tee can attributed to, among other
things, the solid, inflexible construction of its second, or top,
support unit as well as the relatively large diameter of the
interior cavity in the base that receives the first support
unit.
[0011] As a second shortcoming, the adjustable length practice mat
tee described in the '663 patent is constructed to allow for a
variance in tee length that falls in the range between
approximately 1.375 inches and 2.500 inches. Due to unforeseen
increases in both the thickness of practice mats as well as the
head size of current golf clubs, the aforementioned tee length
range has been found to be largely inadequate. In particular, the
aforementioned tee fails to lift a ball above the top surface of
the mat to height suitable for use with certain oversized golf
clubs, thereby limiting its usage.
[0012] As a third shortcoming, the adjustable length practice mat
tee described in the '663 patent utilizes a design that does not
closely simulate the size, shape and aesthetically-pleasing
appearance of traditional golf tees used in most rounds of actual
golf play. In particular, the adjustable length practice mat tee
described above includes both a concave ball support surface that
is significantly oversized (approximately 0.625 inches in diameter)
and a first support unit provided with externally protruding shock
absorbing ribs that are rather conspicuous in nature.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved reusable golf tee adapted for use with driving range
practice mats.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
reusable golf tee of the type as described above that is adjustable
in length.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a reusable golf tee of the type as described above that is durable
in nature.
[0016] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a reusable golf tee of the type as described above that can
be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of golf club head sizes and
user preferences.
[0017] It is yet still another object of the present invention to
provide a reusable golf tee of the type as described above that is
aesthetically pleasing and closely resembles the appearance of
traditional golf tees used in actual golf play.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
reusable golf tee that has a limited number of parts, is
inexpensive to manufacture and is easy to use.
[0019] Accordingly, as a principal feature of the present
invention, there is provided an adjustable length golf tee
comprising (a) a base member shaped to define a longitudinal
interior cavity, (b) an intermediary member telescopingly coupled
to the base member, the intermediary member being shaped define a
longitudinal interior receptacle, and (c) an upper member
telescopingly coupled to the intermediary member, the upper member
being hollowed out along the majority of its length, the free end
of the upper member being adapted to receive and support a golf
ball.
[0020] Various other features and advantages will appear from the
description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration, an embodiment for practicing the
invention. The embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it
is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that
structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not
to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present
invention is best defined by the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] In the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent
like parts:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a front view of a reusable golf tee constructed
according to the teachings of the present invention, the golf tee
being shown in its extended position;
[0023] FIG. 2 is front perspective view of the reusable golf tee
shown in FIG. 1, the golf tee being shown in its collapsed
position;
[0024] FIG. 3 is an exploded, top perspective view of the reusable
golf tee shown in FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 4 is an exploded, section view of the reusable golf tee
shown in FIG. 2, taken along lines 4-4, the base of the reusable
golf tee being shown inserted through a transverse countersunk bore
B formed in a complementary golf practice mat; and
[0026] FIGS. 5(a)-(c) are assembled section views of the reusable
golf tee shown in FIG. 2, taken along lines 4-4, the reusable golf
tee being shown in various positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a reusable
golf tee that is constructed according to the teachings of the
present invention and identified generally by reference numeral 11.
As will be described in detail below, golf tee 11 is designed for
use with a complementary driving range practice mat. In use, the
overall length of tee 11 can be adjusted between an extended, or
lengthened, position, as shown in FIG. 1, and a collapsed, or
shortened, position, as shown in FIG. 2, in order to vary the
height that tee 11 supports a golf ball away from the top surface
of the mat.
[0028] As seen most clearly in FIGS. 1-4, golf tee 11 comprises a
base member 13, an intermediary member 15 and an upper member 17
that are telescopingly joined together in an interlocking
relationship to form a unitary, inseparable device. By
incrementally adjusting the position of intermediary member 15
relative to base member 13 and, in turn, the position of upper
member 17 relative to intermediary member 15, the overall length of
tee 11 can be acutely adjusted to meet user needs, which is a
principal object of the present invention.
[0029] Preferably, each of base member 13, intermediary member 15
and upper member 17 is constructed of a material that is
sufficiently rigid so as to provide adequate support for a golf
ball positioned thereon yet flexible and deformable so as to
provide adequate durability. For example, each of members 13, 15
and 17 is preferably manufactured out of rubber, polyurethane or a
synthetic composite thereof. With members 13, 15 and 17 assembled
in a fitted telescoping relationship, it should be noted that the
use of a polyurethane-based material creates a significant degree
of friction between pieces that serves to retain tee 11 in its set
length until an adequate compressive or expansive force is applied
thereto, which is highly desirable.
[0030] As seen most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4, base, or bottom
member 13 is a unitary item that includes an enlarged pedestal 19
from which projects an elongated tubular body 21. Together,
pedestal 19 and tubular body 21 define an interior cavity 23 that
extends longitudinally through base member 13, the cross-section of
interior cavity 23 being constant along the majority of its length.
As can be seen, base member 13 has an overall height H of
approximately 1.375 inches, with the transverse cross-sectional
diameter D.sub.1 of interior cavity 23 being approximately 0.750
inches.
[0031] Pedestal 19 is generally annular in shape and includes a
flat top surface 19-1 and a flat bottom surface 19-2. As will be
described further below, base member 13 is dimensioned for fitted
insertion through a countersunk bore B that is formed in a
complementary practice range mat M, with flat bottom surface 19-2
resting directly upon the surface of the ground and flat top
surface 19-1 firmly abutting against the countersunk underside of
mat M. In this capacity, pedestal 19 is firmly wedged in place
between the ground surface and mat M.
[0032] Tubular body 21 projects generally orthogonally away from
flat top surface 19-1 of pedestal 19 and includes an inner surface
21-1, an outer surface 21-2 and an open free end 21-3. An integral,
annular shelf 25 is formed onto inner surface 21-1 of tubular body
21 at its free end 21-3. As will be described further below, shelf
25 sharply reduces the cross-sectional diameter of longitudinal
interior cavity 23 at free end 21-3. In this manner, shelf 25
serves as an interlocking engagement surface for retaining a
portion of intermediary member 15 within interior cavity 23,
thereby precluding separation of intermediary member 15 from base
member 13.
[0033] As seen most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4, intermediary member
15 is in the form of an elongated cylindrical body that includes an
inner surface 15-1, a smooth outer surface 15-2, a first end 15-3
and a second end 15-4. As can be seen, intermediary member 15 is
shaped to define an interior support member, or stem, receptacle 27
that extends longitudinally therethrough along the majority of its
length.
[0034] An outwardly protruding, annular collar 29 is integrally
formed onto outer surface 15-2 of intermediary member 15 at first
end 15-3. Collar 29 is dimensioned for fitted insertion within the
lower, widened portion of interior cavity 23, the frictional
engagement between outer surface 15-2 of collar 29 and inner
surface 21-1 of base member 13 serving to releasably retain the
position of intermediary member 15 at various positions within base
member 13. Furthermore, collar 29 is sized and shaped to abut
firmly against the underside of shelf 25 when tee 11 is disposed in
its extended position, thereby precluding separation of
intermediary member 15 from base member 13.
[0035] As seen most clearly in FIG. 4, a thin, circular interior
wall 31 is integrally formed onto inner surface 15-1 at first end
15-3. Wall 31 is dimensioned to enclose receptacle 27 at first end
15-3. A central vent hole 33 approximately 0.050 inches in diameter
extends transversely through interior wall 31, the function of vent
hole 33 to become apparent below.
[0036] Outer surface 15-2 is generally rounded at second end 15-4
for aesthetic purposes. In addition, an inwardly protruding flange
35 is integrally formed onto inner surface 15-1 at second end 15-4.
As can be seen, flange 35 reduces the cross-sectional diameter of
receptacle 27 at second end 15-4. In this manner, flange 35 serves
as an interlocking engagement surface for retaining a portion of
upper member 17 within the widened lower region of receptacle 27,
thereby precluding separation of upper member 17 from intermediary
member 15.
[0037] As seen most clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4, upper member 17 is a
unitary item that includes an enlarged head, or stop, 37 from which
protrudes an elongated stem 39.
[0038] Head 37 is generally in the form of a solid cylindrical boss
that includes a flat top surface 37-1, a flat bottom surface 37-2
and a continuous rounded outer wall 37-3. It should be noted that
head 37 is dimensioned for fitted insertion within the lower,
widened portion of receptacle 27, the frictional engagement between
outer wall 37-3 of head 37 and inner surface 15-1 serving to
releasably retain upper member 17 at various positions within the
length of intermediary member 15. Furthermore, top surface 37-1 of
head 37 is sized and shaped to abut firmly against the underside of
flange 35 when tee 11 is disposed in its extended position, thereby
precluding separation of upper member 17 from intermediary member
15.
[0039] Elongated stem 39 comprises a cylindrical portion 39-1 that
projects generally orthogonally away from flat top surface 37-1 of
head 37 and a funnel-shaped cup portion 39-2 formed onto the free
end of cylindrical portion 39-1 in coaxial alignment therewith. As
can be appreciated, cup portion 39-2 outwardly flairs towards its
free end in order to receive and support a standard-sized golf
ball, the free end of cup portion 39-2 having a diameter D.sub.2
that is approximately 0.45 inches.
[0040] As can be appreciated, tee 11 is preferably assembled by
telescopingly connecting members 13, 15 and 17. Specifically, base
member 13 is telescopingly mounted over intermediary member 15,
with collar 29 on intermediary member 15 fittingly disposed within
the lower, widened portion of interior cavity 23 in base member 13.
At the same time, intermediary member 15 is telescopingly mounted
over upper member 17, with head 37 on upper member 17 fittingly
disposed within the lower, widened portion of receptacle 27.
[0041] Assembled in the manner set forth above, reusable tee 11 can
be used in the following manner to provide means for supporting a
golf ball at a variable height above the top surface of a practice
range mat. Specifically, referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5(a)-(c), tee
11 is inserted through a pre-formed transverse countersunk bore B
formed in complementary golf practice mat M, as shown in FIG. 4. As
can be appreciated, tubular body 21 extends longitudinally through
bore B so that cup portion 39-2 is disposed above the top surface
of mat M. In addition, pedestal 19 lies flush within the
countersunk portion of bore B, thereby fixedly retaining reusable
tee 11 in place within mat M.
[0042] In FIG. 5(a), tee 11 is represented in its expanded
position. Specifically, upper member 17 is pulled vertically upward
relative to intermediary member 15 until head 37 abuts against the
underside of flange 35. Similarly, intermediary member 15 is pulled
vertically upward relative to base member 13 until collar 29 abuts
against the underside of shelf 25. Configured as such, tee 11 has a
maximum length L.sub.1 of approximately 3.400 inches.
[0043] By applying a significant downward force onto stem 39, upper
member 17 travels vertically downward within intermediary member
15, with the presence of vent hole 33 enabling air trapped within
receptacle 27 to escape as needed. As seen in FIG. 5(b), the
continued displacement of upper member 17 relative to intermediary
member 15 ultimately results in the abutment of head 37 against
interior wall 31, thereby precluding further downward displacement
of upper member 17 within receptacle 27.
[0044] Further application of a downward force onto stem 39 causes
intermediary member 15 to travel vertically downward within base
member 13. Ultimately, the downward displacement of intermediary
member 15 (which, in turn, carries upper member 17) results in the
abutment of interior wall 31 against the flooring surface on which
the practice mat M is mounted, thereby precluding further downward
displacement of intermediary member 15, as shown in FIG. 5(c). In
this manner, it is to be understood that the underside of first end
15-3 lies substantial flush with bottom surface 19-2 of pedestal
19.
[0045] Configured as such, tee 11 has a minimum length L.sub.2 of
approximately 1.750 inches. Accordingly, it is to be understood
that tee 11 is capable of being configured to have any length that
falls between its minimum length L.sub.2 of approximately 1.750
inches and its maximum length L.sub.1 of approximately 3.400
inches.
[0046] As can be appreciated, tee 11 is provided with a number of
notable design features that renders it more advantageous than
reusable practice mat tees that are well known in the art.
[0047] As a first design feature, each of members 13, 15 and 17 is
hollowed out along the majority its length. As a result, tee 11 is
designed to collapse or otherwise temporarily deform upon being
struck with a golf club. This temporary deformation of tee 11 acts
to absorb the forces applied thereto upon impact in a controlled
manner, thereby rendering tee 11 more durable in nature, which is
highly desirable.
[0048] As a second design feature, tee 11 is provided with a thin,
smooth aesthetic appearance that more closely resembles the
appearance of tees used in actual rounds of golf. In particular,
the reduced-sized cup portion 39-2 (approximately 0.450 inches
diameter) is both aesthetically pleasing and also limits the drag
applied to a golf club as it strikes a ball supported by tee 11,
which is highly desirable.
[0049] As a third design feature, tee 11 utilizes dimensions that
limit the risk of separation between members 13, 15 and 17 as a
result of a golf ball strike. In particular, base member 13 is
constructed such that the transverse cross-section diameter D.sub.1
of its interior cavity 23 (which is approximately 0.750 inches) is
less than its overall height H (which is approximately 1.375
inches). As can be appreciated, it has been found that by
maintaining the diameter D.sub.1 of interior cavity 23 at a value
that is less than the overall height H of base member 13, tee 11 is
rendered less susceptible to separation between members 13, 15 and
17, which is highly desirable.
[0050] As a fourth design feature, tee 11 is configured to allow
for a wider range of lengths. Specifically, as noted above, tee 11
is capable of being configured to have any length within the range
of 1.750 inches and 3.400 inches. As a result of this substantial
increase, tee 11 is more adequately able to accommodate use with
larger club heads, which is highly desirable.
[0051] The embodiment shown in the present invention is intended to
be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to
make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing
from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and
modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present
invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *