Golf Tee

Abstract

The present invention provides golf tees that are configured to exert minimal resistance or friction on a golf ball, thereby allowing the golf ball to travel further. The tees of the invention are also less subject to deformation or breakage and are configured to embed in the ground in front of the tee-off rather than bounce in a random direction.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.111(a) of U.S. Design application Ser. No. 29/511,367, filed Dec. 10, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure relates to sporting equipment in general and, more particularly, to golf tees.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Golf is a widely popular sport that more than 60 million people in the world play on a regular or casual basis. There are more than 30,000 golf courses worldwide, each with its own unique geography. The variability of courses is at once a challenge that keeps the game of golf interesting and an obstacle for the competitive golfer to overcome.

[0004] Golf is played by striking a specially designed ball (a "golf ball") placed on the ground, with a "golf club". Golf clubs have enlarged "club heads" attached to one end of a "golf club shaft" which is an elongated (about 30 to 48 inches) pole, while the other end of the shaft terminates in a "grip" adapted for holding by the golfer. The golfer holds the grip of the golf club and engages the golf ball by swinging the golf club and striking the golf ball with the golf club head to propel the golf ball from a starting position (the "tee-off" or "tee box") to an ending position (the "cup"). Each swing of the golf club to engage and propel the golf ball is referred to a "stroke" or "shot". Multiple strokes are generally needed to place the ball in the cup unless the golfer is particularly lucky and hits a "hole-in-one" where the ball is placed in the cup with a single shot from the tee-off. The process of moving the golf ball from a tee-off position to a cup is repeated, typically 9 or 18 times, on a golf course, to complete a "game" or "round" of golf.

[0005] "Golf courses" are the grounds where the game of golf is played. Each course includes multiple holes with distinct geography. Golf courses typically have 18 holes. Each "hole" (region of the golf course from the tee-off starting position to the cup ending position) includes a "teeing ground" or "tee-box", which encompasses the tee-off starting position and a surrounding area; a "green" ("putting green") adjacent to the cup, a "fairway" between the teeing ground and the putting green; and typically also includes a "rough" surrounding the fairway. These areas have characteristic turf properties that are well known to the skilled artisan as are the names of the various regions, which are terms of art in golf. The outer limit of the rough is marked by out-of-bounds markers. The hole may also include various "hazards", such as "sand traps" and small bodies of water ("water traps"), which the golfer must maneuver around and through in order to move the golf ball from the tee-off to the cup.

[0006] A variety of "golf stroke" types are needed throughout each hole. At the tee-off, powerful strokes that propel the golf ball into the air and result in the golf ball traveling a large distance (e.g., 100-200 yards are more) are generally required. Once the ball has been moved closer to cup, particularly when the ball reaches the putting green, shorter and more controlled strokes are needed. With each stroke, the golfer must navigate the geography, terrain, slope and turf characteristics of various regions of the hole. A number of golf club types have been developed to facilitate the various distances and strokes needed throughout the game of golf. For example, "woods" are mainly used for long-distance fairway or tee-off shots; "irons" are the most versatile cubs and can be used for a variety of shots; "hybrids" combine design elements of woods and irons; and "putters" are used primarily on the putting green to carefully roll the golf ball into the cup.

[0007] To facilitate the powerful strokes needed to propel the golf ball long distances at the tee-off, the golf ball is typically elevated off the ground by placing it on a tee. A "tee" is a stand used to support a stationary golf ball so that the player can strike it. Use of a tee typically gives the shot a lower trajectory, and therefore the golf ball can travel further when the same amount of force is applied.

[0008] Tees are generally inexpensive devices, often made of wood, which are easily broken. A typical tee (illustrated in FIG. 1) includes a cylindrical shaft (2) that is pointed at one end (3) for penetrating the ground, and includes at the other end a concave, round ball rest (4) centered above the shaft, which is complementary to the ball's geometry. Optimally, the tee will elevate and stabilize the position of a golf ball prior to the tee-off swing, but will not interfere with the ball's movement once it has been struck by the club. Unfortunately, the objectives of stabilizing the ball and minimizing interference are often at odds. The greater the stabilizing contact the tee has with a golf ball, the more resistance it will exert on the ball Even the slightest contact of the tee with the ball can affect the ball's lift, spin and/or forward motion.

[0009] Furthermore, tees are notoriously prone to damage (i.e., breakage; FIG. 2E) and deformation (i.e., bending; FIG. 2F) and displacement (i.e., moving out of the ground) upon being hit by a golf club (FIGS. 2A-2D). It is particularly frustrating when a tee is thrust into the air and lands behind the golfer. FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate the effect of striking a golf ball off a standard tee. As the ball is struck (FIG. 2A), both the golf ball and the golf tee are propelled into the air (FIG. 2B). Although the tee may remain on the ground where it lands, it more typically bounces off the ground (FIG. 2C) and is propelled further in other directions (FIG. 2D). The golfer is challenged with either keeping his eye on the ball to maintain a proper stroke and follow-through, or trying to keep track of where the tee lands. Many tees are lost because the golfer cannot locate them after teeing off.

[0010] A variety of approaches have been devised to overcome these limitations. For example, golf tees that have with a smaller ball rest and those with a multiplicity or plurality of individual arms support the ball having a smaller tee to ball contact area than the conventional golf tee shown in FIG. 1 have been described (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,435,139, 7,704,166, 6,344,003, 6,053,822, D695,86, D604,375, D597,156 and). To address deformation and/or displacement, golf tees that are designed to fold and spring back when struck by a club have been described (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,783,470 and 8,900,073), as have golf tees that include anchoring devices intended to retain the tee even if it becomes airborne (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,114,878, 6,494,796 and 8,684,867). However, these devices are complex and typically have multiple parts that complicate manufacture and use. In acquiescence to the problem of lost and broken tees, biodegradable tees have even been developed that not be retrieved at all and may benefit the turf by acting as a fertilizer (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,156).

[0011] Thus, there is a need for improved golf tees that have minimum effect on the movement of a golf ball, yet is durable, resists deformation and breakage, and is easily located and retrieved after use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides golf tees having a shaft section comprising a sharp, longitudinal front edge for cutting into the ground; a point section disposed on a first end of the shaft section, the point section terminating in a point for insertion of the golf tee into the ground in a substantially vertical position; and a golf ball rest section disposed on top of a second end of the shaft and opposing the point, wherein the golf ball rest section is adapted to support a golf ball when the point is inserted in the ground in a substantially vertical position, wherein the golf ball rest section comprises two front support and one rear support that disposed on and extend substantially radially from the second end, wherein the two front supports are disposed on the front of the tee parallel to each other and equidistant from the center of the tee, forming an opening therebetween through which a golf ball travels when the golf ball is struck by a golf club, and the rear support is disposed on the back of the tee and is aligned with the front-to-back axis of the tee, and is sufficiently sturdy that the golf tee does not deform when struck by a golf club during a tee-off golf swing. In certain embodiments, the bottom of the rear support may deform to accept the force of the golf swing, thereby preventing damage to the other parts of the tee. The golf tees of the invention resist breakage and deformation when struck by a golf club, and do not affect the backspin of a golf ball struck from the tee when the tee is inserted in the ground in a substantially vertical position. Furthermore, the golf tees of the invention minimize bouncing off the ground when struck by a golf club, and land in front of the original position of the tee in the ground.

[0013] In certain embodiments of the invention, the point section tapers to the point. In some embodiments, a cross-section of the shaft section has a substantially diamond-shape and may further comprise barbs or spikes disposed on the longitudinal front edge thereof.

[0014] Typically, the rear support is larger than the front supports and may have a flat top pyramid shape, in which the base of the pyramid shape is oriented toward the center of the tee and the top of the pyramid shape faces away from the center of the tee. In some aspects, top of the pyramid shape of the rear support has a top contact edge that contacts a golf ball placed on top of the tee when the tee in inserted into the ground in a substantially vertical position, and the contact edge is oriented at an angle of about 8.degree. to about 10.degree. relative to a horizontal axis of the tee. Typically, the top edge of the rear support is longer than the diameter of a golf ball dimple and therefore supports but does not engage or restrict trajectory or add unwanted side spin of the golf ball struck off tee. In certain embodiments, the rear support further comprises a buttress.

[0015] In certain aspects of the invention, each of the front supports has a generally wedge shape in which the base of wedge is disposed on the second end of the shaft section and the ridge edges of the wedge shapes are parallel to each other and equidistant from the front-to-back axis of the tee. The ridge edges thus contact a golf ball placed on top of the tee when the tee in inserted into the ground in a substantially vertical position, and the ridge edges may be oriented at an angle of about 8.degree. to about 10.degree. relative to a horizontal axis of the tee. The front supports can be mirror images of each other. of the rear support has a top contact edge that contacts a golf ball placed on top of the tee when the tee in inserted into the ground in a substantially vertical position, and the contact edge is oriented at an angle of about 8.degree. to about 10.degree. relative to a horizontal axis of the tee. Typically, the top edge of the rear support is longer than the diameter of a golf ball dimple and therefore supports but does not engage or restrict trajectory or add unwanted side spin of the golf ball struck off tee. In certain embodiments, the rear support further comprises a buttress.

[0016] In certain embodiments of the invention, a golf tee is provided which includes a shaft section having a substantially diamond-shape in cross-section and comprising a sharp, longitudinal front edge for cutting into the ground; a point section disposed on a first end of the shaft section, the point section tapering from the first end of the shaft section and terminating in a point for insertion of the golf tee into the ground in a substantially vertical position; and a golf ball rest section disposed on top of a second end of the shaft section or on a base disposed on top of a second end of the shaft section or on a base, and opposing the point, in which the golf ball rest section is adapted to support a golf ball when the point is inserted in the ground in a substantially vertical position, and the it comprises two front supports and one rear support disposed on and extending substantially radially from the second end, or a base portion of the rest section disposed on the second end, in which the two front supports are disposed on the front of the tee parallel to each other and equidistant from the center of the tee, forming an opening therebetween through which a golf ball travels when the golf ball is struck by a golf club, where each of the front supports has a generally wedge shape that is a mirror image of the other front support, and the bases of wedge shaped front supports are disposed on the second end of the shaft section and the ridge edges are parallel to each other and equidistant from the front-to-back axis of the tee, wherein the ridge edges are longer than a golf ball dimple and contact a golf ball placed on top of the tee when the tee in inserted into the ground in a substantially vertical position, and wherein the ridge edges are oriented at an angle of about 8.degree. to about 10.degree. relative to a horizontal axis of the tee, where the rear support has a flat top pyramid shape, the top of which shape faces away from the center of the tee, the rear support being disposed on the back of the tee, and is aligned with the front-to-back axis of the tee, and is sufficiently sturdy that it does not deform when struck by a golf club during a tee-off golf swing, where the rear support has a top contact edge perpendicular to the parallel ridge edge of the front supports, which top contact edge contacts a golf ball placed on top of the tee when the tee in inserted into the ground in a substantially vertical position, the top contact edge being longer than a golf ball dimple and being orientated an angle of about 8.degree. to about 10.degree. relative to a horizontal axis of the tee. Typically in aspects of this embodiment, the rear support is larger than the front supports and may further comprise a buttress. To retain the tee in the ground, barbs or spikes may be disposed on the longitudinal front edge of the shaft section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] When referring to the drawings, like reference numbers denote like elements throughout the various views. Structures shown in dashed outline do not form any part of the invention. Structures shown in dotted lines are not visible in the view shown.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional (prior art) golf tee.

[0019] FIGS. 2A-2D show the displacement of a conventional golf tee when struck by a golf club. The arrows indicate the direction of the golf ball and gold tee. FIG. 2A shows a golf ball retained on a conventional tee with at the moment of impact with a golf club. FIG. 2B shows a the initial movement of the golf ball and conventional tee following the golf stroke of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C illustrates the subsequent bouncing of the conventional tee off the ground. FIG. 2D illustrates three possible directions that the conventional tee may bounce.

[0020] FIG. 2E illustrates deformation of a conventional tee after being struck by a golf club.

[0021] FIG. 2F illustrates breakage of a conventional tee after being struck by a golf club.

[0022] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a golf tee according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 3B is a front view of the golf tee of FIG. 3A.

[0024] FIG. 3C is a rear view of the golf tee of FIG. 3A.

[0025] FIG. 3D is a bottom view of the golf tee of FIG. 3A.

[0026] FIG. 3E is a top rear view of the golf tee of FIG. 3A.

[0027] FIG. 3F is a rear perspective view of the golf tee of FIG. 3A.

[0028] FIG. 3G is a side view of the golf tee of FIG. 3A.

[0029] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the shaft section of the golf tee shown in FIG. 3G at the level of the plane indicated by the roman numeral I in FIG. 3G.

[0030] FIG. 4B-4I show cross-sectional views of the alternative embodiments of the shaft section of the golf tee shown in FIG. 3G at the level of the plane indicate by the roman numeral I. FIG. 4B shows a diamond shaped cross section with a sharp, unrounded front edge. FIG. 4C shows a kite-shaped cross-section of shaft section. FIG. 4D shows a triangular shaped cross-section of a shaft section. FIG. 4E shows a cross section of a shaft section having five sides. FIG. 4F shows a star-shaped cross-section of a shaft section. FIG. 4G shows a cross-section of a shaft section. FIG. 4H shows a cross-section of a shaft section that includes a curve. FIG. 4I shows a cross-section of shaft section in which a portion of the shaft is replaced with ribs.

[0031] FIGS. 5A-5C show the displacement of a golf tee according to an embodiment of the invention when struck by a golf club. The arrows indicate the direction of the golf ball and gold tee. FIG. 5A shows a golf ball resting on a golf tee of the invention at the moment of impact with a golf club. FIG. 5B shows the initial movement of the golf ball and golf tee of FIG. 5A tee following the golf stroke of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C illustrates the subsequent slicing of the turf with the golf tee and embedding into the ground.

[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of golf tee according to the invention that includes barbs.

[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of golf tee according to the invention that includes spikes.

[0034] FIG. 8A illustrates a wedge geometrical shape.

[0035] FIG. 8B is a detail front view illustrating features of the front supports region of the golf tee of FIG. 3A.

[0036] FIG. 8C is a detail side view illustrating features of the front supports region of the golf tee of FIG. 3A.

[0037] FIG. 9A illustrates a flat top geometrical shape.

[0038] FIG. 9B is a detail rear perspective view illustrating features of the rear support region of the golf tee of FIG. 3A.

[0039] FIG. 9C is a detail side view illustrating features of the rear support region of the golf tee of FIG. 3A.

[0040] FIG. 10A is a bottom view golf tee of the invention contacting a golf ball.

[0041] FIG. 10B is cross sectional view of the ridge edge of a front support of a golf tee of the invention contacting a golf ball (shaded).

[0042] FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of a projection of a conventional tee a golf ball (shaded).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention claimed. As used herein, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, "or" means "and/or" unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, use of the term "including" as well as other forms, such as "includes," and "included," is not limiting. The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0044] Unless specific definitions are provided, the nomenclatures utilized in connection with, and the procedures, techniques, and equipment of sports, sporting goods and the golf industry described herein are those known in the art, such as those set forth in "Golf Rules Illustrated Effective Through 2011" U.S.G.A. (Hamlyn, London; Mar. 4, 2008). Definitions used herein may be identified as such in following paragraphs, may be interspersed throughout the disclosure or may be implied from the context of the usage of a term in the disclosure.

[0045] "About" as used herein means that a number referred to as "about" comprises the recited number plus or minus 1-10% of that recited number. For example, "about" 100 inches can mean 95-105 inches or as few as 99-101 inches depending on the situation. Whenever it appears herein, a numerical range such as "1 to 20" refers to each integer or fractional unit thereof in the given range; for example and without limitation to a specific range content, "1 to 20 inches" means that a specified measurement can be 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, etc., up to and including 20 inches, while 1.1 to 20.0 inches means that a specified measurement can be 1.1 inch, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, etc., up to and including 20.0 inches.

[0046] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to a great extent or degree, e.g. "substantially similar" in context is used to characterize an object or property that is to great extent or degree similar to a reference object or property. For example, "substantially similar" or equivalents thereof means that the composition, process, property, method, or the like is at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% similar to the reference. For example, "substantially vertical" means that the object is at least at least 80% vertical, at least 85% vertical, at least 90% vertical, at least 95% vertical, or at least 99% vertical when compared to a 100% vertical item.

[0047] The "Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews" ("R&A") is the ruling authority of golf throughout the world except the United States and Mexico, where this responsibility rests with the "United States Golf Association" ("USGA"). The R&A cooperates with the USGA in producing and regularly revising the "Rules of Golf", which are also referred to herein as the "Rules". The Rules specify the form and conduct of the game of golf for amateurs and professionals during tournament play, and covers such matters as the types, form and make of golf equipment, such as clubs, balls and tees that may or may not be used; the specification golf courses; the qualifications for amateur and professional golfers and all other aspect of tournament golf.

[0048] The Rules of Golf and governing bodies of golf (i.e., R&A and USGA) disfavor the use of advanced technology and prohibit such devices during tournament play. The Rules generally aim to level playing field and maintain the traditional form of the golf game, while not completely prohibiting new technology and equipment design. Thus, golfers may use technologically advanced tools to learn and practice playing golf, but must wean themselves from the tool if they wish to participate in competitive play according to standardized rules. Moreover, most commercially available golf equipment that is not identified as a training devise is designed to meet the Rules since such equipment will have the broadest utility for amateur and professional golfer alike.

[0049] "Golf ball" as used herein, is a specific type of sports ball designed to be used in the game of golf. Golf balls are small dense balls, typically having a hard outer coating surrounding a core, which may consist of multiple layers that affect the overall softness, spin, velocity, and other aspects of the ball's performance. The Rules of Golf specify standards for the minimum size, maximum weight, spherical symmetry, initial velocity and overall distance for golf balls sued in tournament play. Under the Rules, a golf ball has a mass no more than 1.620 ounces, a diameter not less than 1.680 inches, and performs within specified velocity, distance, and symmetry limits.

[0050] "Golf Tee" and "Tee" are used interchangeable herein to refer a device used to raise a golf ball off the ground. Tees are typically made of wood, plastic or another similar material. Most tees include a The Rules specify that a tee must not:

[0051] be longer than 4 inches;

[0052] be designed or manufactured in such a way that it could indicate line of play;

[0053] unduly influence the movement of the ball; or

[0054] otherwise assist the player in making a stroke or in his play.

[0055] The present invention provides golf tees that exert minimal effect on a golf ball when hit by a golf club, while resisting the impact of the club, thereby reducing breakage and deformation. Specifically, the golf tees of the invention are designed to reduce or eliminate contact between the tee and the golf ball that is unnecessary for supporting the golf ball on the tee. Furthermore, the tee is designed to eliminate interference with the forward motion of the ball away from the tee. The tees of the invention have a minimum area of contact with the ball, and the contacts are strategically placed such that the forward motion of the ball is minimally impacted by the tee. Specifically, the tees of the present invention reduce or eliminate resistance and friction on the ball as it is struck by a golf club because no part of the. These unique attributes combine to allow the golf ball to travel longer distances with the same amount of force applied in a golf shot. In certain embodiments, the tee of the present invention results in at least about 1% greater distance, at least about 2% greater distance, or at least about 5% greater distance traveled by a golf ball on tee-off than the same ball teed-off from a conventional tee (control) by the same golfer using the same club. In certain aspects, the ball typically travels about 1-2% further than the same ball teed-off by the same golfer using the same club and a conventional tee.

[0056] The golf tees of the invention are also designed to be sturdy and resist impact from the club. The golf tee can be constructed of any strong, lightweight, durable and rigid material, that will withstand the force of the golf club striking the rear ball support without bending or breaking. For use outdoors, the material should be weather resistant (i.e., moisture- and U.V.-resistant) or may be coated with a weather resistant protectant. Typically, the golf tees of the invention are manufactured from a high-impact resistant polymer or composite, but can also be made of other materials, such as metals, durable high-density woods, and combinations thereof. Polymers suitable for use in the manufacture of the tees of the invention include, but are not limited to thermoplastics, thermosets, epoxies, nylon, polyamide nylon, polyoxymethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyetheretherketone, acetal, polyacetal, polyformaldehyde, phthalonitrile, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, Zytel.RTM., Delrin.RTM., Hytrel.RTM. and combinations thereof. Any suitable method can be used to manufacture the device of the present invention, including molding (e.g., injection and/or extrusion molding), machining, turning, milling, drilling and combinations thereof.

[0057] The strategic placement of the rear golf ball support absorbs the impact from the club and the asymmetrical shape of the tee overall, and particularly the shaft's diamond or similar cross-sectional shape, resists deformation and breakage. The tee of the invention can be used to tee-off (i.e., striking with a wood type club) repeatedly with. In certain aspects of the invention, the tee can be struck at least about 10 times, at least about 10 50 times, at least about 100 times, or at least 500 times without deformation or breakage.

[0058] Placement of the front ball supports provides minimum contact with the golf ball. Specifically, only an upper edge of the support contacts the ball. Furthermore, the upper edges of the two opposing front ball supports are generally parallel to each other and disposed on opposing sides of the front of the tee. Thus, no part of the tee touches a forward facing (front) surface of the golf ball and the ball can be propelled unimpeded when stuck by a golf club.

[0059] In addition, the ball-contact surface of the tee are configured to span one or more dimples on the surface of golf ball thereby avoiding being trapped or restricted by the dimples. Golf balls Golf balls have dimples to reduce wind resistance (also referred to as "aerodynamic drag" or "drag"). When drag is reduced, golf balls travel further through the air. A smooth ball traveling through the air creates essentially a wake behind the ball because the air adjacent to the ball becomes "detached" from ball and instead follows the flow of fast moving air further away from the ball. This creates a wake or area of negative pressure, behind the ball, which acts as vacuum pulling the ball backward. Early golfers using smooth balls discovered that used, scuffed golf balls traveled further than new ones. This effect could be duplicated by creating pattern of scuffs, scratches or indentation on the ball. Subsequently, golf ball manufactures discovered that a pattern of concave indentations (i.e., "dimples") provided the same effect and that varying the size, shape, number and distribution of dimples.

[0060] Adding dimples to a ball changes how the air flows over it. Dimples create small pockets of turbulent flow about each dimple. The turbulence, in turn, serves to mix the adjacent airflow with surrounding, high speed air flow, thereby preventing detachment of the ball from the air flow. Thus, the airflow is tighter around the ball and a wake does not form behind the ball. Paradoxically, dimples do increase drag slightly. But they also increase "Magnus lift", which is the lifting force experienced by rotating bodies travelling through a medium, such as air. Magnus lift is present because a driven golf ball has "backspin", (i.e., the ball rotate rotates backwards as though rolling back towards the golfer). Backspin imparts an upward force that lifts the ball. However, when a golf tee engages the dimples on a golf ball, the backspin on the ball can be reduced, thereby reducing the Magnus lift that can be attained. When dimples of a golf ball are engaged, it becomes more difficult to strike the ball with sufficient force to achieve maximum lift, speed and distance in a golf shot. By preventing the golf tee of the invention from engaging the dimples on a golf ball, by eliminating contact with the depressed centers of the dimples), the effect of the tee on the golf ball's spin is eliminated.

[0061] Commercially available golf balls have between about 300 and about 500 dimples, with a common number being 336, although golf balls having more than 1,000 dimples have previously been produced. Dimples may be any shape, but are frequently round or hexagonal. For tournament play, the dimples must be symmetrically distributed over the surface of the ball and will generally be arranged in formal rows or interstitial designs. This requirement for symmetry results from the observation that an aerodynamically asymmetric dimple distribution can lead to altered spin, and in particular, certain balls dimple designs helped such balls self-adjust their spin axis during the flight. Golf ball using such "self-correcting technology," were found to impart an unfair advantage and are currently banned under the Rules of Golf.

[0062] To avoid engaging the dimples on a golf ball, the edge or ridge of the golf ball supports that contact the golf ball on the tees of the present invention have a dimension that is longer than the diameter of the dimples. The tee thereby bridges the dimples and cannot engage the dimples of a golf ball.

[0063] The front edge of the tee of the invention is designed to be sharp and thereby penetrate the turf when propelled forward (rather than bounce off the ground as happens with conventional tees) for easy recovery. Surprisingly, it was discovered when a tee according to the invention fails to implant in the ground, the configuration of the tee results nevertheless results in forward motion or bouncing in a forward direction, rather than lateral or rear deflection of the tee. A tee that lands in front of the golfer is much easier follow and to locate than one that is displaced to the rear or to the side of the golfer as conventional tees are. Tees according to the present invention land in front of their original position following greater than 80% of golf tee-offs, typically following greater than 90% of golf tee-offs, and often following greater than 95% of golf tee-offs. Furthermore, to ensure that the tee imbeds into the ground or turfgrass on first impact after teeing-off, the tee can be equipped with barbs, spikes or projections on the surface of the tee, such as on the longitudinal front edge.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3G which each show a different view of the same tee: FIG. 3A a perspective front view of a tee according to one embodiment of the present invention (generally indicated by reference character 1); FIG. 3B is a front view of the tee shown in FIG. 3A; FIG. 3C is a rear view of the tee shown in FIG. 3A; FIG. 3D is a bottom view of the tee shown in FIG. 3A; FIG. 3E is a rear view of the tee shown in FIG. 3A; FIG. 3F is a rear perspective view of the tee shown in FIG. 3A; and FIG. 3G is a side view of the tee shown in FIG. 3A. The tee includes at least three structurally distinct sections: a shaft section 10 for elevating the golf tee above the ground; a point section 20 disposed on a first end 18 (the bottom end) of shaft section 10, which terminates in a point 21 for insertion of the tee into the ground in a substantially vertical position; and a golf ball rest section 30 disposed on a second end 19 (the top end) of shaft 10 opposite point 21, on which a golf ball rests when placed on top of the tee. Overall, the tee typically has a height h from the top of the golf ball rest to the bottom of the point of less than 4'', typically less than 3.5'', frequently less than 3'', often about 2.8'' and can be as short as about 2-2.5''. The shaft section comprises about 45-55% of the height of the tee and the golf ball rest section comprises about 25-35% of the height of the tee, with the point section comprising the balance of the height.

[0065] The shaft section 10 includes a longitudinal front edge 11 that is sufficiently sharp that it can slice through the turf, dirt or other ground surface of a tee box when the golf club is struck by a golf club. In certain aspects on the invention, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3F, the longitudinal front edge is straight edge running from the top 19 of shaft section 10 to the bottom 18 of the shaft section 10, and is parallel to the vertical axis of the tee. However, the invention contemplates a convex front edge as well as front edges that are serrated or otherwise non-linear but are nevertheless capable of slicing through turf on a golf tee box.

[0066] Typically, longitudinal front edge 11 of shaft section 10 is formed by an acute angle in a cross-section of the shaft section, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4I by arc 14 (broken line). Thus, in typical embodiments of the invention, the front of the shaft has a generally triangular shape in cross-section, while the overall shaft has a diamond shape in cross-section. In certain aspects of the invention, the longitudinal front edge 11 may be may be rounded or smoothed slightly to avoid injury to the golfer when handling the tee as shown in FIG. 4A, (which has a slightly rounded front edge 11) as compared to FIG. 4B, (in which the edge is not rounded), provided such rounding or smoothing does not affect the ability of the tee to slice through turf or the ground.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the shaft has four sides and four longitudinal edges (front edge 11, back edge 13 opposed to the front edge, and opposing side edges 12). A cross-section of the shaft section 10 of such embodiments is generally a diamond shape (rhomboid), and includes opposing front and back acute (i.e., less than 90.degree.) angles, and opposing obtuse (i.e., greater than 90.degree.) side angles as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In alternative embodiments, the shaft section 10 can be kite-shaped (FIG. 4C) or triangular (FIG. 4D) in cross-section such that the front edge of the shaft section 10 has an acute angle 14 in cross section. In still further embodiments, the shaft section 10 can have five or more sides (FIG. 4E), can be star-shaped in cross-section (FIG. 4F), can be cross-shaped in cross-section (FIG. 4G), or can include one of more curved portions (FIG. 4H) provided the longitudinal front edge is sharp. The shaft section 10 can be solid or hollow depending on the strength of the material used to construct the tee. In some embodiments, one or more of the surfaces or portions of the shaft section 10 may include ribs 15 for reinforcement (back of tee in FIG. 4I). The skilled artisan will appreciate that replacing a solid portion of the shaft section 10 with ribs as illustrated in FIG. 4I can reduce the volume of material required to manufacture the shaft without reducing its strength. Such ribbed construction as well as flange construction, may be suitable for use in the shaft and other sections of the golf tee. It is intended that any solid illustrated in the drawings may replaced by a hollow, ribbed or flanged structure, provided the replacement has the same overall size, shape and strength as the structure it replaces.

[0068] Typically, the shaft section 10 is about 0.175'' to about 0.215'' wide (side to side), frequently, about 0.185'' to about 0.205'' wide, and frequently about 0.195'' wide. Typically, the shaft section 10 section is about 0.265'' to about 0.305'' from front to back, frequently, about 0.275'' to about 0.295'', and frequently about 0.285''. The shaft section 10 generally has the front to back distance larger than the side to side width. In certain aspects, the front to back depth of the shaft section 10 is about twice as long as the width.

[0069] When hit by a club 300 while hitting a golf ball 200 off the tee as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the tee of the present invention is thrust forward and toward the ground (FIG. 5B). The sharp, longitudinal front edge 11 of shaft section 10 allows the tee to slice into the turf 400 as it projected forward, and the tee remains in the turf near and to the front of its original position, instead of bouncing on the ground as a conventional tee does (compare FIGS. 2C and 2D). This effect facilitates locating the tee after the stroke is completed because the area that must be searched to recover the tee is limited. In contrast, conventional tees 100 that bounce off the ground 400 after a shot may be scattered in any direction (see FIG. 2D) and can land much farther away from the original tee-off position. In certain embodiments, retention of the tee in the ground can be enhanced even further by disposing one or more barbs 16 (FIG. 6), spikes 17 (FIG. 7), or similar projections on the front of the tee that become embedded into the ground when the front of the tee contacts the ground.

[0070] The point section 20 is disposed on and is contiguous with a first end 18 of the shaft section 10 (i.e., the bottom end of the shaft section), forming the bottom end of the golf tee, which end is inserted into the ground of a golf tee box. The point section 20 terminates in a point 21 that is suitable for penetrating the ground and/or turf. Typically, the point section 20 tapers from a cross-sectional shape that is the same as the shaft section 10, to a point 21 and the point is aligned vertically with the vertical axis of the shaft section 10. In certain embodiments, the point section disposed on a first end of the shaft section is a diamond shape in cross section and includes a sharp front edge 22 that is contiguous with the longitudinal front edge 11 of the shaft section 10. In certain aspects, the sharp front edge 22 of the point section is linear and is angled from the longitudinal front edge 11 of the shaft section 10 toward the point 21, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3F. In other embodiments, the point section is hollow, is star-shaped in cross-section, includes rib, flanges or other features that will be apparent to the skilled artisan. In other embodiments, the sharp front edge 22 of the point section 20 has a convex curve shape, is serrated or otherwise non-linear but is nevertheless capable of slicing through the ground on a golf tee box.

[0071] The golf ball rest section 30 is disposed on the second end 19 of the shaft section 10 and opposes the point 21. The golf ball rest section 30 is adapted to support (i.e. allow the golf ball to rest upon) but not restrain (i.e., engage) a golf ball when the point section 20 is inserted in the ground and the tee is in a substantially vertical position. Such support is provided by three golf ball support arms (supports 31a, 31b, 32) that are disposed on and extend radially from the second end 19 of shaft section 10. In certain embodiments (as illustrated, e.g., in FIG. 3A), the golf ball rest section 30 includes a base 33, on which the support arms are disposed and which in turn is disposed on the second end 19 of shaft section 10, to add strength to the golf ball rest section 30 and provide a transition in cross-sectional shape from the shaft section 10 to the golf ball rest section 30. As used herein, "radially" means radiating from or converging to a common center (e.g. the center of shaft section 10 or base 33).

[0072] The golf ball rest section comprises two front supports 31a and 31b and a rear support 32, with the two front supports 31a and 31b each directed toward the front of the tee and the rear support directed toward the back of the tee. The supports are configured to minimally contact the golf ball by providing edges on which the golf ball rests instead of planar surfaces. Overall, the ball support section has a width w (side to side) of at least about 0.45'' and a depth d of at least about 0.5 inches front to back as indicated in FIG. 3E. In certain embodiments, the width of the golf ball rest section is about 0.48'' to about 0.52'' and typically 0.5''. In certain aspects, the depth of the golf ball rest section is about 0.525'' to about 0.575'' and typically 0.55'' inches.

[0073] The front supports 31a and 31b are generally wedge-shaped. The term "wedge" refers to a solid geometrical shape having a quadrilateral base 50, two opposing triangular sides 51 and two quadrilateral sides 52 that meet at a ridge edge 55 as illustrated in FIG. 8A. It should be noted that the wedge shape of FIG. 8A is shown for reference only and does not form any part of the invention. In the tee of the invention, the front supports 31a and 31b are mirror image wedge-shapes, each having a quadrilateral base 50 oriented toward the center of the tee and having a ridge edge 55 distal to the base relative to the center of the tee as illustrated in FIG. 8B. Wedge shapes are shown in FIG. 8B for visual reference adjacent to the front supports 31a and 31b of the golf tee, but do not form any part of the invention. The ridge edges 55a and 55b of front supports 31a and 31b, respectively, are parallel to each other (FIG. 8B) and form a concave opening 57 therebetween. Ridge edges 55a and 55b are also oriented at an upward angle 40 from the center of the tee (FIG. 8C). The upward angle of the parallel ridge edges is between about 5 and 15 degree, typically between about 9 and 11 degree, and most often about 10 degrees. The concave shape of the opening 57 between parallel ridge edges 55a and 55b, and the upward angle 40 of the ridge edges, are configured to accommodate the curvature of a golf ball while only contacting the ball on the ridge edges. Thus, resistance on the ball during a golf swing is limited to an upward sliding of the golf ball across the narrow ridge edges 55a and 55b, which typically have a contact surface that is about 0.2'' long and than less than 1/8'' thick, typically less than 1/16'' thick and most often less than 1/32'' thick. In certain aspects of the invention, the parallel ridge edges 55a and 55b are about 0.4 to about 0.6 inches apart, typically about 0.45 to about 0.55 inches apart, and most often about 0.5 inches apart.

[0074] The rear support 32 is larger than the front supports 31a and 3b, and generally has cuboid shape, typically that of a flat top pyramid. The term "flat top pyramid" refers to a sold geometrical shape having a quadrilateral base 60, a quadrilateral top 61 that is smaller than the bottom, and four trapezoidal sides 62 that slope from the base 60 to the top 61 as illustrated in FIG. 9A. It should be noted that the truncated pyramid shape of FIG. 9A is shown for reference only and does not form any part of the invention. The base 60 may be square, rectangular or trapezoidal. The sides 62 may be identical in size or shape, or may have different sizes and/or shapes. In the tee of the invention, the rear support 32 has a quadrilateral base 60 oriented toward the center of the tee and a smaller quadrilateral top 61 distal to the base relative to the center of the tee as illustrated in FIG. 9B. The rear support 32 is aligned with the front to back axis of the tee as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C. A flat top pyramid shape is shown in FIG. 9B for visual reference adjacent to the rear support 32 of the golf tee as the planes and faces of flat top pyramid may not be easy to visualize, but does not form any part of the invention. An edge 65 of the top quadrilateral 61 of rear support 32 is oriented at an upward angle 70 from the center of the tee (FIG. 9C). The upward angle of the edge 65 is between about 5 and 15 degree, typically between about 9 and 11 degree, and most often about 10 degrees. The contact and thus the resistance on the ball from the rear support 32 during a golf swing is limited to the narrow edge 65, which typically has a contact surface that is about 0.1-0.2'' long and less than 1/4'' thick, typically less than 1/8'' thick and can be less than 1/16'' thick. The rear support 32 absorbs the impact of the golf club on the tee and is thus typically larger than the front supports 31a and 31b. Typically, the base 60 of the support is at least about 0.15 inches wide, frequently at least about 0.2 inches wide and often to about 0.3'' wide. Furthermore, the rear support 32 can include a buttress 34 underneath the support to further strengthen the rear support 32, which buttress is typically the same width as the rear support and about 0.15 to about 0.2'' high.

[0075] Each edge of the front and rear supports that contacts a golf ball is configured to span the dimples 80 on the surface 90 of golf ball 200 as illustrated in FIG. 11A. The length x of the front support ridge edges and the length y of the contact edge of rear support 32 is longer that the diameter z of a dimple 80 on the surface 90 of a golf ball 200. x and y lengths are at least about 0.12'' long, typically at least about 0.15'', frequently at least about 0.18 inches long and often at least about 0.2 inches long. FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view illustrating contact between the ridge edges of a front support 31a with a cross section of a golf ball 200 having dimples 80 distributed on a the surface 90 of the ball. As shown, the ridge edge 55a spans the dimples 80 on the golf ball, does not contact the ball within concave dimples 80, and therefore makes only superficial contact with the surface 90 and does not engage the golf ball 200. In contrast, a golf tee contact 150 that have a dimension less than the diameter z of a dimple 80 may project into the dimple 80 and engage the golf ball 200 (FIG. 11C)

Claims

1. A golf tee comprising: a) a shaft section comprising a sharp, longitudinal front edge for cutting into the ground; b) a point section disposed on a first end of the shaft section, the point section terminating in a point for insertion of the golf tee into the ground in a substantially vertical position; and c) a golf ball rest section disposed on top of a second end of the shaft or a base portion of the rest section disposed on the second end, and opposing the point, i) wherein the golf ball rest section is adapted to support a golf ball when the point is inserted in the ground in a substantially vertical position, ii) wherein the golf ball rest section comprises two front supports and at least one rear support that are disposed on and extend substantially radially from the second end, iii) wherein the two front supports are disposed on the front of the tee parallel to each other and equidistant from the center of the tee, forming an opening therebetween through which the golf ball travels when the golf ball is struck by a golf club, and iv) the rear support is disposed on the back of the tee and is aligned with the front-to-back axis of the tee, and is sufficiently sturdy that the ball rest section does not deform when struck by a golf club during a tee-off golf swing.

2. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein the tee resists breakage and deformation when struck by a golf club.

3. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein the tee supports are spaced such that they do not engage the dimples of the golf ball and do not affect the spin of the golf ball when struck from the tee when the tee is inserted in the ground in a substantially vertical position.

4. The golf tee of claim 3, wherein the golf tee does not bounce off the ground when struck by the golf club, and lands in front of the original position of the tee in the ground.

5. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein the point section tapers to the point.

6. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the shaft section has a substantially diamond-shape.

7. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein tee further comprises barbs or spikes disposed on the longitudinal front edge.

8. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein the rear support is larger than the front supports.

9. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein the rear support has a flat top pyramid shape, wherein the top of the pyramid shape faces away from the center of the tee.

10. The golf tee of claim 4, wherein the top of the pyramid shape of the rear support has a top contact edge that contacts the golf ball placed on top of the tee when the tee in inserted into the ground in a substantially vertical position, wherein the top contact edge is oriented at an angle of about 8.degree. to about 10.degree. relative to a horizontal axis of the tee.

11. The golf tee of claim 5, wherein the top edge is longer than the diameter of a golf ball dimple.

12. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein the rear support further comprises a buttress.

13. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein each of the front supports has a generally wedge shape, wherein the base of each wedge shape is disposed on the second end of the shaft section and the ridge edges are parallel to each other and equidistant from the front-to-back axis of the tee, wherein the ridge edges contact the golf ball placed on top of the tee when the tee in inserted into the ground in a substantially vertical position, and wherein the ridge edges are oriented at an angle of about 8.degree. to about 10.degree. relative to a horizontal axis of the tee.

14. The golf tee of claim 8, wherein the ridge edges are oriented at an angle of about 9.degree. relative to the horizontal axis of the tee.

15. The golf tee of claim 8, wherein the front supports are mirror images of each other.

16. The golf tee of claim 8, wherein the ridge edges are longer than the diameter of a golf ball dimple.

17. A golf tee comprising a a) a shaft section having a substantially diamond-shape in cross-section and comprising a sharp, longitudinal front edge for cutting into the ground; b) a point section disposed on a first end of the shaft section, the point section tapering from the first end of the shaft section and terminating in a point for insertion of the golf tee into the ground in a substantially vertical position; and c) a golf ball rest section disposed on top of a second end of the shaft or a base portion of the rest section disposed on the second end, and opposing the point, i) wherein the golf ball rest section is adapted to support a golf ball when the point is inserted in the ground in a substantially vertical position, ii) wherein the golf ball rest section comprises two front supports and one rear support that are disposed on and extend substantially radially from the second end, iii) wherein the two front supports are disposed on the front of the tee parallel to each other and equidistant from the center of the tee, forming an opening therebetween through which the golf ball travels when the golf ball is struck by a golf club, iv) wherein each of the front supports has a generally wedge shape that is a mirror image of the other, wherein the bases of the wedges are disposed on the second end of the shaft section and the ridge edges are parallel to each other and equidistant from the front-to-back axis of the tee, wherein the ridge edges are longer than a golf ball dimple and contact the golf ball placed on top of the tee when the tee in inserted into the ground in a substantially vertical position, and wherein the ridge edges are oriented at an angle of about 8.degree. to about 10.degree. relative to a horizontal axis of the tee, v) wherein the rear support has a flat top pyramid shape, wherein the top of the pyramid shape faces away from the center of the tee, is disposed on the back of the tee, and is aligned with the front-to-back axis of the tee, and is sufficiently sturdy that the ball rest section does not deform when struck by a golf club during a tee-off golf swing, vi) wherein the rear support has a top contact edge perpendicular to the parallel ridge edge of the front supports, which top contact edge contacts the golf ball placed on top of the tee when the tee in inserted into the ground in a substantially vertical position, wherein the top contact edge is longer than a golf ball dimple and is oriented at an angle of about 8.degree. to about 10.degree. relative to a horizontal axis of the tee.

18. The golf tee of claim 17 wherein the rear support is larger than the front supports.

19. The golf tee of claim 17, wherein the rear support further comprises a buttress.

20. The golf tee of claim 17, wherein the tee further comprises barbs or spikes disposed on the longitudinal front edge.