U.S. patent application number 14/811353 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-19 for golf ball teeing device and method of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Andrew J. Fischer. Invention is credited to Andrew J. Fischer.
Application Number | 20150328510 14/811353 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51985736 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150328510 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fischer; Andrew J. |
November 19, 2015 |
GOLF BALL TEEING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE
Abstract
A golf ball teeing device and methods of use are described.
Embodiments of the golf ball teeing device include a swing arm
rotatably coupled to a base. The base can be included to secure the
swing arm to a golf mat or the ground. In a general operation, a
golf ball can be moved to a cradle of the swing arm using a golf
club. The golf club can then be used to engage and rotate the swing
arm. As the swing arm is rotated, the golf ball can follow a track
to an aperture. After the swing arm has rotated approximately 120
degrees, the golf ball can exit the aperture and deposit onto a
tee. In some embodiments, a biasing structure can be included to
return the swing arm to a starting position.
Inventors: |
Fischer; Andrew J.;
(Littleton, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fischer; Andrew J. |
Littleton |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51985736 |
Appl. No.: |
14/811353 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14143621 |
Dec 30, 2013 |
9119995 |
|
|
14811353 |
|
|
|
|
61828007 |
May 28, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 57/0006 20130101;
A63B 69/3661 20130101; A63B 69/3623 20130101; A63B 2210/50
20130101; A63B 57/00 20130101; A63B 57/10 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 57/00 20060101
A63B057/00 |
Claims
1. A golf ball teeing device for use with a tee, the golf ball
teeing device comprising: a base; and a swing arm rotatably coupled
to the base, wherein the swing arm (i) includes a mouth and an
aperture, (ii) is adapted to guide a golf ball from the mouth to
the aperture, and (iii) rotates from a first position to a second
position; wherein the mouth of the swing arm is proximate a playing
surface in the first position and the aperture and the tee are
adapted to be substantially concentric when the swing arm is in the
second position.
2. The golf ball teeing device of claim 1, wherein the swing arm
rotates at least 108 degrees from the first position to the second
position
3. The golf ball teeing device of claim 1, wherein the tee is
located proximate a protrusion of the swing arm.
4. The golf ball teeing device of claim 3, wherein the protrusion
includes an aperture adapted to removably receive the tee.
5. The golf ball teeing device of claim 1, wherein the swing arm
includes a biasing structure that provides a restorative force to
the swing arm when the swing arm is in the second position.
6. The golf ball teeing device of claim 1, wherein the swing arm
rotates approximately 120-130 degrees from the first position to
the second position.
7. The golf ball teeing device of claim 1, wherein the base
includes one or more spikes protruding from a bottom of the
base.
8. The golf ball teeing device of claim 1, wherein the swing arm is
contoured to interface with a golf club.
9. A golf ball teeing device for a golf mat having a rubber tee,
the golf ball teeing device comprising: an attachment structure
adapted to removably couple to the golf mat; and a swing arm
rotatably coupled to the attachment structure, wherein the swing
arm (i) includes a mouth and an aperture, (ii) is adapted to guide
a golf ball from the mouth to the aperture, and (iii) rotates from
a first position to a second position; wherein the mouth of the
swing arm is proximate a playing surface of the golf mat in the
first position and the aperture and the rubber tee are adapted to
be substantially concentric when the swing arm is in the second
position.
10. The golf ball teeing device of claim 9, wherein the swing arm
rotates at least 108 degrees from the first position to the second
position.
11. The golf ball teeing device of claim 9, wherein the attachment
structure couples the swing arm to the golf mat approximate the
rubber tee.
12. The golf ball teeing device of claim 9, wherein the swing arm
rotates approximately 120-130 degrees from the first position to
the second position.
13. The golf ball teeing device of claim 9, wherein the attachment
structure includes a biasing structure.
14. The golf ball teeing device of claim 13, wherein the biasing
structure provides a restorative force to the swing arm when the
swing arm is in the second position.
15. The golf ball teeing device of claim 9, wherein the swing arm
is contoured to interface with a golf club.
16. The golf ball teeing device of claim 9, wherein the attachment
structure includes a pair of spring clamps.
17. A golf ball teeing device for a golf mat having a tee, the golf
ball teeing device comprising: an attachment structure integrated
into the golf mat; and a swing arm rotatably coupled to the
attachment structure, wherein the swing arm (i) includes a mouth
and an aperture, (ii) is adapted to guide a golf ball from the
mouth to the aperture, and (iii) rotates from a first position to a
second position; wherein the mouth of the swing arm is proximate a
playing surface of the golf mat in the first position and the
aperture and the tee are adapted to be substantially concentric
when the swing arm is in the second position.
18. The golf ball teeing device of claim 17, wherein the swing arm
rotates at least 108 degrees from the first position to the second
position.
19. The golf ball teeing device of claim 17, wherein the swing arm
is contoured to interface with a golf club.
20. The golf ball teeing device of claim 17, wherein the swing arm
rotates approximately 120-130 degrees from the first position to
the second position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/143,621, filed Dec. 30, 2013. This
application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/828,007, filed 28 May 2013.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Golf is a popular sport requiring significant amounts of
practice to create an easily repetitive swing. To create a
repetitive swing, many golfers spend countless hours hitting golf
balls at a driving range. One of the most commonly practiced shots
by amateurs is the tee shot, where a player generally uses a metal
wood and hits a ball off of a tee. When hitting off natural grass,
the player will likely need to insert a new tee after each shot.
Some stalls at golf ranges include rubber tees for use on
artificial tee boxes.
[0003] Although the time required to put a ball on a tee may seem
minute, over the course of a year the time can add up to valuable
time lost not practicing. As such, the time and energy required to
set a ball on a tee reduces the number of balls a golfer can hit in
a given period of time. Further, tee shots require the player to
continuously bend over and place the ball on the tee. In addition
to strain created by repetitively striking a golf ball, bending
over and teeing golf balls creates stress and strain on the
body.
[0004] A less strenuous method of teeing a golf ball is needed to
reduce stress and strain on a body of a golfer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a teeing device according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a swing arm according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2B is a front view of a swing arm according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 2C is a back view of a swing arm according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2D is a back perspective view of a swing arm according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3A is a side view of a first step of a teeing device
teeing a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 3B is a side view of a second step of a teeing device
teeing a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 3C is a side view of a third step of a teeing device
teeing a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present
invention
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a teeing device according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a teeing device interfacing
with a golf mat according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a teeing device integrated
with a golf mat according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Embodiments of the present invention include a golf ball
teeing device adapted to place a golf ball on a tee. The teeing
device can be implemented so that a golfer can place a golf ball on
a tee using his/her golf club without bending over. Generally, the
teeing device can be actuated by a golf club interfacing with the
teeing device. In some embodiments, the teeing device can include a
tee. For instance, the teeing device can include a removable rubber
tee for use when practicing. In some embodiments, the teeing device
can be implemented at a driving range. For instance, the teeing
device can be adapted to couple to a range mat proximate a rubber
tee of the range mat.
[0017] Generally, the teeing device can include a swing arm
rotatably coupled to a base. The swing arm can include a pair of
flanges, a ramp, a track, an aperture, and a cradle formed between
the ramp and track. The swing arm can be adapted to receive and
deposit a golf ball on a tee. The base can generally include one or
more holes, a biasing structure, and a protrusion. Depending on an
implementation, the base can be adapted to secure to the ground or
a golf mat.
[0018] In a typical implementation, the teeing device can be
secured to the ground via the base. A golf club can be used to roll
a golf ball towards the swing arm. When the ball interfaces with
the swing arm, the ball can be moved to the cradle. The ball can be
held in the cradle until the swing arm is rotated. Generally, the
swing arm can be contoured to interface with a golf club. As the
swing arm is rotated by the golf club, the ball can move from the
cradle and roll down the track to the aperture. The swing arm can
rotate such that the aperture ends up directly above a tee. The
ball can pass through the aperture and be deposited onto the tee.
In some embodiments, the teeing device can include the biasing
structure to return the swing arm back to an original position.
After the teeing device moves out of the way, the golf ball can be
hit off the tee.
TERMINOLOGY
[0019] The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (" ")
in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them
in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this
document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated
otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated
definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case,
to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or
phrase.
[0020] The term "or" as used in this specification and the appended
claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive,
meaning either or both.
[0021] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "another embodiment, "a preferred embodiment", "an
alternative embodiment", "one variation", "a variation" and similar
phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or
variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of
the invention. The phrase "in one embodiment", "in one variation"
or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification,
are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the
same variation.
[0022] The term "couple" or "coupled" as used in this specification
and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct physical
connection between the identified elements, components, or objects.
Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to
the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.
[0023] The term "directly coupled" or "coupled directly," as used
in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical
connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in
which no other element, component, or object resides between those
identified as being directly coupled.
[0024] The term "approximately," as used in this specification and
appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value
given.
[0025] The term "about," as used in this specification and appended
claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.
[0026] The terms "generally" and "substantially," as used in this
specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most
part.
[0027] Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not
limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical,
horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and
are dependent on the specific orientation of a applicable element
or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of
the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be
construed as limiting.
[0028] The term "golf mat," as used in this specification and the
appended claims, refers to a piece of artificial grass or turf,
used specifically for practicing golf shots.
[0029] The term "golf club," as used in the specification and the
appended claims, refers to all types of golf clubs including, but
not limited to, metal woods, irons, and putters.
A First Embodiment of a Golf Ball Teeing Device
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a detailed diagram of an embodiment 100
showing a golf ball teeing device is illustrated. The teeing device
100 can be implemented to place a golf ball on a golf tee. In one
embodiment, the teeing device 100 can be actuated using a golf
club. Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, detailed diagrams of a swing arm
102 of the teeing device 100 are illustrated. FIGS. 3A-3C show one
embodiment of a process 300 for implementing the teeing device
100.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the teeing device 100 generally includes
a swing arm 102 and a base 104. In some embodiments, the teeing
device 100 can include a tee 105, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. For
instance, the tee 105 can be a standard wooden golf tee, a plastic
tee, or a rubber tee. It is to be appreciated that one of a
plurality of types of golf tees can be implemented with the teeing
device 100.
[0032] As shown generally in FIGS. 2A-2D, the swing arm 102 can
include a pair of flanges 106, a ramp 108, a cradle 110, a track
112, an aperture 114, and an attachment structure 116. Generally,
the swing arm 102 can be adapted to interface with a golf club. For
instance, the swing arm 102 can have generally concave face adapted
to interface with a golf club, as shown in FIG. 2A. It is to be
appreciated that a golf club can include, but is not limited to, a
metal wood, an iron, and/or a putter.
[0033] The pair of flanges 106 can be angled to form a funnel
towards the ramp 108, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. For instance, the
pair of flanges 106 can form a mouth adapted to receive a golf
ball. Generally, the pair of flanges 106 can be implemented to
funnel golf balls toward the ramp 108.
[0034] The ramp 108 can be included to elevate a golf ball off of a
surface to the cradle 110. It is to be appreciated that the surface
can include, but is not limited to, a golf mat, grass, and other
surfaces typically encountered while playing golf. In one
embodiment, the ramp 108 can be angled at approximately 45 degrees
relative to the surface when the swing arm 102 is placed on the
surface. It is to be appreciated that the ramp 108 can have varying
degrees of incline without deviating from a scope of the present
invention.
[0035] The cradle 110 can generally be located between the ramp 108
and a proximal end of the track 112. As shown in FIG. 2B, the
cradle 110 can be formed by an upper end of the ramp 108 and the
proximal end of the track 112. When in the cradle 110, a golf ball
can be elevated off the surface and held in place. When the swing
arm 102 is rotated about the attachment structure 116, the golf
ball can move from the cradle 110 and engage the track 112.
[0036] The track 112 can guide a golf ball from the cradle 110 to
the aperture 114. As shown in FIG. 2B, the track 112 can be located
above the ramp 108 such that a golf ball can rest in the cradle
110. As the swing arm 102 is rotated, as shown in FIGS. 3B-3C, the
golf ball can move from the cradle 110 and roll down the track
112.
[0037] In one embodiment, the track 112 can include a first rail
130 and a second rail 132, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. Generally,
a gap between the first rail 130 and the second rail 132 can have a
width that can be slightly less than a diameter of a regulation
golf ball. It is to be appreciated that other types of tracks can
be implemented without exceeding a scope of the present invention.
For instance, a single piece of material forming a slide can be
implemented to form the track.
[0038] As the golf ball travels down the track 112, the golf ball
can fall through the aperture 114 at a distal end of the track 112,
as shown in FIG. 3C.
[0039] Generally, the aperture 114 and the tee 105 can be
substantially concentric when the swing arm 102 is rotated
approximately 120-130 degrees from a first position 118 to a second
position 120, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C and described in more detail
hereinafter.
[0040] The attachment structure 116 can be adapted to couple the
swing arm 102 to the base 104. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the
attachment structure 116 can include two pins orthogonally situated
to the swing arm 102. Generally, the attachment structure 116 can
rotatably couple the swing arm 102 to the base 104. For instance, a
hinged connection can be implemented to secure the swing arm 102 to
the base 104. It is to be appreciated that other structures and
means can be implemented to rotatably couple the swing arm 102 to
the base 104.
[0041] Referring back to FIG. 1, the base 104 can generally include
one or more holes 140, an attachment structure 142, a biasing
structure 144, and a protrusion 146.
[0042] The one or more holes 140 can be implemented to secure the
base 104 to a surface. Generally, a securement structure 148 can be
implemented to secure the base 104 to a surface, as shown in FIGS.
3A-3C. For instance, if the surface is grass, a tee can be inserted
into each of the holes 140 to secure the base 104 to the ground. In
another instance, a spike having a head with a diameter greater
than the hole 140 can be inserted into the ground through each of
the holes 140. In yet another instance, u-shaped pins can be
inserted into each of the holes 140 to secure the base 104 to the
ground. It is to be appreciated that a variety of securement
structures can be implemented without exceeding a scope of the
present invention.
[0043] The attachment structure 142 can be included to couple the
base 104 to the swing arm 102. For instance, the attachment
structure 142 can be adapted to receive pins of the swing arm
attachment structure 116. It is to be appreciated that the base
attachment structure 142 can be adapted to couple to the swing arm
attachment structure 116. In one embodiment, the base attachment
structure 142 can be removably and rotatably coupled to the swing
arm attachment structure 116. For instance, a pair of hinge pins
can be implemented to hingeably connect the swing arm 102 to the
base 104. In one embodiment, the hinge pins can be molded into one
of the swing arm 102 and the base 104 with the other having
receiving holes for the hinge pins molded or otherwise formed into
it.
[0044] The biasing structure 144 can be included to provide a
restorative force to the swing arm 102. In embodiments including
the biasing structure 144, the swing arm 102 can include an
engagement bar 117, as shown generally in FIGS. 1-2D. The
engagement bar 117 can be adapted to interface with the biasing
structure 144. For instance, when the swing arm 102 is rotated, the
biasing structure 144 can exert a force on the engagement bar 117.
In another instance, the biasing structure 144 can apply a
restorative biasing force to the engagement bar 117. In one
embodiment, the biasing structure 144 can be manufactured from a
resilient material.
[0045] In one embodiment, the biasing structure 144 can comprise a
structure molded into the swing arm 102 or the base 104. For
instance, an elongated generally planar tab adapted to brace
against the engagement bar 117 and bend when the swing arm 102 is
moved by a golf club, thereby applying a restorative biasing force.
In another embodiment, the biasing structure 144 can be a spring
integrated into the base attachment structure 142 and/or the swing
arm attachment structure 106. For instance, a torsion spring can be
implemented. In another instance, a torsion bar can be implemented.
It is to be appreciated that other structures having properties
similar to a spring can be implemented without deviating from a
scope of the present invention. The biasing structure 144 can be
provided to return the swing arm 102 to the first position 118 from
the second position 120.
[0046] To properly place the tee 105 in relation to the teeing
device 100, the protrusion 146 can be included with the base 104. A
distal end of the protrusion 146 can be located approximate a
center of the aperture 114 when the swing arm 102 is rotated
approximately 120 degrees. For instance, the tee 105 can be placed
approximate the distal end of the protrusion 146. Generally, the
protrusion 146 can be implemented to determine a location of the
tee 105.
[0047] Generally, the swing arm 102 and the base 104 can be made of
a polymeric material, such as nylon, which may or may not include
reinforcing fibers. For instance, reinforcing fibers can include,
but is not limited to, fiberglass and carbon fiber. In one
embodiment, the swing arm 102 and the base 104 can be injection
molded and later joined together by a hinge assembly. In another
embodiment, the swing arm 102 and the base 104 can comprise a
single molded unit joined together with a living hinge. It is to be
appreciated that the swing arm 102 and the base 104 can be made of
other materials, such as aluminum, steel or other metal.
[0048] The design and construction of the base 104 and, more
particularly, the tee 105 can be such that the base 104 and the tee
105 can withstand multiple and repeated high velocity hits by a
head of a golf club without breaking. Although not shown, in some
embodiments, one or more spikes can protrude from a bottom of the
base 102 to help secure the teeing device 100 into the ground. The
spikes can prevent the teeing device 100 from flying out off the
ground and requiring retrieval and replacement by a golfer every
time he/she accidentally hits the base 104 with a club. In one
embodiment, the base 104 can have a flat bottom as the energy of a
missed swing will be transferred to the base 104 and cause the
teeing device 100 to go flying rather than increasing a probability
that the tee 105 breaks.
A Method for Using the First Embodiment of a Golf Ball Teeing
Device
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, detailed diagrams of the teeing
device 100 being implemented at various steps of a method or
process 200 are illustrated. FIGS. 3A-3C show the swing arm 102
rotating from the first position 118 to the second position 120.
The first embodiment teeing device 100 can be implemented to tee a
golf ball on a tee using a golf club.
[0050] In a first step 202, shown in FIG. 3A, a golfer can use a
head 152 of a golf club 150 to drag, slide, or roll a golf ball 160
to the mouth 106 of the teeing device 100. As the golf ball enters
the mouth 106 of the swing arm 102, the golf ball 160 can be moved
to the cradle 110. The golf ball 160 can rest in the cradle 110
while the golfer moves the golf club head 152 to interact with the
swing arm 102.
[0051] In a second step 204, after the golf ball 160 is in the
cradle 110, the golfer can use the golf club head 152 to interact
with the swing arm 102, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The golfer can
use the golf club head 152 to rotate the swing arm 102
approximately 120 degrees from the first position 118 to the second
position 120. As the swing arm 102 is rotated, the golf ball 160
can move from the cradle 110 to the tracks 112 of the swing arm
102, as shown in FIG. 3B.
[0052] In a third step 206, the golf ball 160 can go through the
aperture 114 of the swing arm 102 and be deposited on the tee 105,
as shown in FIG. 3C. In some embodiments, where the teeing device
100 includes a biasing mechanism, the swing arm 102 can rotate back
to the first position 118 after the golf ball 160 has been
deposited on the tee 105. In one embodiment, the golfer can
manually rotate the swing arm 102 back to the first position
118.
A Second Embodiment of a Golf Ball Teeing Device
[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, a detailed diagram of an embodiment 300
showing a golf ball teeing device is illustrated. The teeing device
300 can be implemented to place a golf ball on a practice golf
tee.
[0054] The teeing device 300 can generally be similar to the first
embodiment teeing device 100. The teeing device 300 can include a
swing arm 302 and a base 304. The swing arm 302 can be
substantially similar to the first embodiment swing arm 102.
[0055] The base 304 can be similar to the first embodiment base
104, but can include an aperture 306 at a distal end of a
protrusion 308. The aperture 306 can be adapted to removably
receive a tee 310. The aperture 306 can be sized to snuggly receive
the tee 310. In one embodiment, the base 302 and the tee 310 can
comprise separate and distinct elements wherein the tee 310 can be
placed in aperture 306 provided at the distal end of the protrusion
308. In one embodiment, the base 304 can be comprised of a more
rigid material while the tee 310 can be comprised of a more
compliant material including, but not limited to, an elastomer that
elastically deforms rather than breaks under impact. In one
embodiment, the tee 310 can be replaceable should the tee 310
become damaged.
[0056] In one embodiment, the tee 310 can be a practice tee. For
instance, the practice tee 310 can be a typical rubber tee found at
driving ranges. In one embodiment, the practice tee 310 can be
attached to the protrusion 308. For instance, the tee 310 can be a
vertical extension of the protrusion 308.
A Third Embodiment of a Golf Ball Teeing Device
[0057] Referring to FIG. 5, a detailed diagram of an embodiment 400
showing a golf ball teeing device is illustrated. The teeing device
400 can be implemented to attach to a practice golf mat. For
instance, the teeing device 400 can be removably coupled to a
practice mat at a driving range.
[0058] The teeing device 400 can include a swing arm 402 and an
attachment structure 404. The swing arm 402 can be substantially
similar to the first embodiment swing arm 102. Generally, the swing
arm 402 can be rotatably coupled to the attachment structure 404.
For instance, the swing arm 402 can have a hinged connection to the
attachment structure 404. It is to be appreciated that any type of
connection that rotatably couples the swing arm 402 to the
attachment structure 404 can be implemented without exceeding a
scope of the present invention.
[0059] The attachment structure 404 can be adapted to be removably
coupled to a practice golf mat. For instance, the attachment
structure 404 can include a pair of clamps. For example, the pair
of clamps can be spring clamps. In another instance, the attachment
structure 404 can include a piece of rigid material adapted to
slide under the golf mat 406. The rigid piece of material can
interface with a side of the golf mat 406 to prevent the attachment
structure 404 from sliding completely under the golf mat 406. In
yet another instance, the attachment structure 404 can have a
u-shaped body adapted to interface with a side of the golf mat
406.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, the swing arm 402 can be coupled to the
golf mat 406 proximate a practice tee 408. The teeing device 400
can be adapted to be used in conjunction with existing practice
tees.
A Fourth Embodiment of a Golf Ball Teeing Device
[0061] Referring to FIG. 6, a detailed diagram of an embodiment 500
showing a golf ball teeing device is illustrated. The teeing device
500 can be integrated with a practice golf mat. For instance, the
teeing device 500 can be directly coupled to a practice mat.
[0062] The teeing device 500 can include a swing arm 502 and an
attachment structure 504. The swing arm 502 can be substantially
similar to the first embodiment swing arm 102. Typically, the swing
arm 502 can be rotatably coupled to the attachment structure 504.
In one embodiment, the swing arm 502 can have a hinged connection
to the attachment structure 504. It is to be appreciated that any
type of connection that rotatably couples the swing arm 502 to the
attachment structure 504 can be implemented without exceeding a
scope of the present invention.
[0063] Generally, the attachment structure 504 can be directly
coupled to the practice golf mat 506. In one embodiment, the
attachment structure 504 can be integrated into the golf mat 506,
as shown in FIG. 6. As shown, the attachment structure 504 can have
an attachment portion thereof on a top surface of the golf mat 504.
The swing arm 502 can be rotatably attached to the attachment
portion of the attachment structure 504.
[0064] In one embodiment, the attachment structure 504 can be
adapted to receive pins of the swing arm 502. For instance, a pair
of hinge pins can be implemented to hingeably connect the swing arm
502 to the attachment structure 504. In one embodiment, the hinge
pins can be molded into one of the swing arm 502 and the attachment
structure 504 with the other having receiving holes for the hinge
pins molded or otherwise formed into it.
[0065] In one embodiment, although not shown, the attachment
structure 504 can include a biasing structure. For instance, the
biasing structure can be a spring integrated into the attachment
structure 504 and/or the swing arm 502. For instance, a torsion
spring can be implemented. The biasing structure can apply a
restorative biasing force to the swing arm 502.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 6, the swing arm 502 can be coupled to the
attachment structure 504 proximate a practice tee 508. The teeing
device 500 can be adapted to be used in conjunction with existing
practice tees.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
[0067] The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated
in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely
exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It
is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the
invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of
ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are
intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *