GROOVED GOLF TEE WITH REDUCED FRICTION

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a golf tee comprising a stem portion and a top portion connected to the stem portion, the top portion includes an upper surface that opposes the stem and having a convex shape and at least one groove, free of an adhesive layer or material that anchors the ball on the upper surface against uneven ground. The golf tee minimizes friction and other impeding forces between the tee and the ball by reducing an area of contact between the tee and the ball, while preventing the player from installing the golf tee other than vertically into the ground, or horizontal to the Earth's surface, thereby preventing the golf player from having to alter his or her posture and stroke according to the mounting of the ball.

Claims

1. A golf tee for supporting a golf ball above a ground, comprising: 1) a stem portion having a pointed proximal end and a distal end opposing said proximal end; and 2) a top portion includes an upper surface opposing said stem, wherein said top portion connects to said distal end of said stem portion, and said upper surface has a convex shape and is free of an adhesive layer, such that said upper convex surface has a front edge that opposes a back edge such that said front edge is spaced apart from said back edge by a length of said upper surface, an apex that is arranged between the front and back edges of the top surface, and at least one groove such that the at least one groove, wherein said grooves are not adjacent or abut to the periphery of said upper convex surface, such that when said stem portion is inserted into the ground in an orthogonal manner so that said stem portion extends vertically and is parallel to the direction of gravity, or horizontal with the Earth's surface, said golf ball stably rests on said groove and said apex of said upper convex surface.

2. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein said periphery is not adjoined to any indentations, grooves or recessed portions of said top portion and is not adjoined to any outward projections.

3. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein said groove is an indicia to indicate the direction to launch a golf ball.

4. The golf tee of claim 3, wherein said groove is in the form selected from the group consisting of company or sports logos, Greek letters to identify sororities or fraternities, numbers, symbols, and other customized patterns.

5. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein said groove is an area of reduced contact between said golf ball and said convex upper surface so as to reduce the frictional contact between said golf ball and said top portion.

6. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein said groove is optionally adjacent to a backstop that is located between said apex and said back edge and has a depth that is no deeper than of the thickness of said top portion.

7. The golf tee of claim 6, said backstop arranged on said upper surface of said top portion and away from said apex of said upper convex surface by a distance that is less than a radius of said golf ball.

8. The golf tee of claim 7, wherein said backstop is parallel to the width of said upper surface.

9. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein a portion of said upper surface about said apex is horizontal with gravity, when said stem is inserted into the ground in a vertical manner.

10. The golf tee of claim 1, said stem portion including a plurality of markings between said proximal and said distal ends.

11. The golf tee of claim 1, said stem portion and said top portion being a single integrated monolithic unit.

12. The golf tee of claim 1, wherein the width of the top portion is greater than the diameter of the golf ball and is no more than 2.0 inches.

13. A method of using a golf tee, comprising: 1) providing a golf tee that includes a stem portion having a pointed proximal end and a distal end opposing the proximal end and a top portion including an upper surface that faces away from the stem portion, said distal end of the stem portion is attached to the top portion, said upper surface of the top portion is convex throughout and having a front edge, a back edge, a left edge, a right edge and an apex or center point, wherein said upper surface is free of adhesive or material that anchors a golf ball against an uneven ground, and said upper surface further includes at least one groove, wherein said groove is not adjacent or abut to the periphery of said convex upper surface; 2) inserting said proximal end of said stem portion into the ground; 3) placing said golf ball on said apex of said convex upper surface and; 4) readjusting an angle of said stem with a vertical, such that said apex is horizontal or leveling with the Earth's surface, to enable said golf ball to stay on said apex of said convex upper surface.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said periphery is not adjoined to any indentations, grooves or recessed portions and is not adjoined to any outward projections.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein said groove serve as an indicia to indicate the direction to launch the golf ball.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said groove are in the form selected from the group consisting of company or sports logos, Greek letters to identify sororities or fraternities, numbers, symbols, and other customized patterns.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein said groove is an area of reduced contact between said golf ball and said convex upper surface so as to reduce the frictional contact between the golf ball and the convex upper surface.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein said groove is optionally adjacent to a backstop that is located between said apex and said back edge and has a depth that is no deeper than of the thickness of said convex upper surface.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising a backstop arranged on said upper surface of said top portion and away from said apex of said upper convex surface by a distance that is less than a radius of said golf ball.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein said backstop is parallel to the width of said upper surface.

21. The method of claim 13, further comprising striking said golf ball by swinging a golf club having a head at said golf ball arranged on said upper convex surface of said tee, the head moving from said back edge toward said front edge of said convex upper surface.

22. The method of claim 13, wherein said stem portion comprises a plurality of markings that circumvent an outer surface of said stem portion, wherein said inserting step comprises referring to said markings to determine the depth into the ground where said stem portion has been inserted.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A more complete appreciation of the invention, and many of the attendant advantages thereof, will be readily apparent as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference symbols indicate the same or similar components, wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1A is a side view of a golf tee arrangement of a golf tee having a groove on the convex upper surface.

[0017] FIG. 1B is a side view of a golf tee arrangement of a golf tee having a groove adjacent to a backstop on the convex upper surface.

[0018] FIG. 2A is a side view of a golf ball located on the top of the groove of the convex upper surface of a golf tee.

[0019] FIG. 2B: a side view of a golf ball located on the top of the groove and a backstop of the convex upper surface of a golf tee.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a top view of various grooved golf tees, each of which has a different groove pattern.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a left side view of a golf tee arrangement using the golf tee according to the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 describes a method of using the golf tee according to the of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The present invention is directed towards a golf tee that includes 1) a stem portion having a pointed proximal end and a distal end opposing the proximal end; and 2) a top portion includes an upper surface opposing the stem, wherein the top portion connected to the distal end of the stem portion, and the upper surface has a convex shape and is free of an adhesive layer. The upper surface has a front edge that opposes a back edge such that the front edge is spaced apart from the back edge by a length of the upper surface. The upper surface further including a center point at an apex of the upper surface, the apex is arranged between the front and back edges. The upper surface has a left edge, and a right edge spaced apart by the width of the upper convex surface. The upper surface further includes at least one groove such that the at least one groove serve as an indicia to indicate the direction to launch the golf ball, and to serve as an area of reduce contact between the golf ball and the convex upper surface so as to reduce the frictional contact between the golf ball and the top portion, wherein the grooves are not adjacent or do not abut to the periphery of the upper convex surface and the periphery is not adjoined to any indentations, grooves or recessed portions of the top portion and is not adjoined to any outward projections.

[0024] The upper surface also optionally includes a backstop locating between the apex and the back edge for anchoring the golf ball on the upper surface. The backstop is parallel to the width of the upper convex surface and is adjacent to the groove and away from the apex by a distance that is less than the radius of the golf ball. The backstop has a depth that is no deeper than of the thickness of the convex golf tee platform.

[0025] When the stem portion is inserted into the ground in an orthogonal manner such that the stem portion extends vertically and is parallel to the direction of gravity, or horizontal (i.e. leveling) with the Earth's surface, to enable the golf ball stably rests on the center point of the upper surface.

[0026] The present invention minimizes the effect of forces associated between the tee and the ball results in greater kinetic and rotational energy being delivered to the ball, resulting in longer flight distances and more initial ball spin due to the club head acting on the ball. These benefits are a primary object of the invention and are especially desirable for the long shot, where the ability to advance the ball takes precedence. In addition, the short shot where maximum backspin helps to stop the ball quickly on the putting green is improved.

[0027] The present invention is also directed towards a golf tee design that has less contact area with the golf ball and has reduced friction and impedance with the golf ball such that more kinetic and rotational energy may be delivered to the golf ball upon being hit with a golf club, while at the same time preventing the player from installing the golf tee into the ground at an angle with the vertical such that the apex is horizontal or leveling with the Earth's surface, thereby preventing the golf player from having to alter his or her posture and stroke according to the mounting of the tee.

[0028] Without wishing to be bound by theory, the present invention minimizes the friction between the tee and the ball such that greater kinetic and rotational energy is delivered to the golf ball, resulting in longer flight distances and more initial ball spin due to the club head acting on the golf ball. These benefits are especially desirable for the long shot, where the ability to advance the ball takes precedence. In addition, the short shot where maximum backspin helps to stop the ball quickly on the putting green is improved.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 1A, which illustrates a side view of the novel golf tee 5 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A golf tee 5 includes a stem portion 1 attached to a top portion 20, and top portion 20 includes a convex upper surface 30, a groove 15, an apex 35, a right edge 60, left edge 65 (not shown), a front edge 25 that points to the launching direction of a golf ball from tee 5, and a back edge 40 that opposes front edge 25. At a proximal end of stem portion is a sharp tip 22 to allow for easy insertion into ground, while the distal and opposite end of stem portion 1 is connected to top portion 20. Optionally, between the proximal and the distal ends of stem portion 1 are a plurality of markings 70 that encircle stem portion 1. Markings 70 are preferably recesses in the side wall of stem portion 1, to provide visual aid the leisure golf player of the depth in which the stem portion 1 is inserted into ground during use. FIG. 1B illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention, which is golf tee 5 includes a tip 22, a stem portion 1 attached to a top portion 20, and top portion 20 includes a convex upper surface 30, a backstop 10, a groove 15, an apex 35, right edge 60, left edge 65 (not shown), a front edge 25 that points to the launching direction of a golf ball from tee 5, and a back edge 40 that opposes front edge 25. A plurality of markings 70 may also be located on the step portion to provide visual aid of the depth of the ground that the golfer would be inserting golf tee 5 into.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, backstop 10 is positioned parallel to the width of the golf tee 5 and is slightly to the rear of apex 35 (between apex 35 and back edge 40) on top convex surface 30 to allow golf ball 17 to stably rest on apex 35. Alternatively, the backstop is arranged on the upper surface 30 away from apex 35 but away from back edge 40 by a distance that is less than a radius of golf ball 17.

[0031] The purpose of the backstop 10 is to provide extra stability when positioning golf ball 17 on top convex surface 30 and to guide ball 17 forward of apex 35 when struck by a golf club. Backstop 10 can be removable, and is comprised of wood, metal, plastic, rubber or other suitable materials. Preferably, backstop 10 is detachable and attachable via fastening means such as interference fitting, camming, screwing, or any other fastening mechanism.

[0032] FIG. 2A illustrates golf ball 17 placing on golf tee 5 as shown in FIG. 1A, wherein golf ball 17 rests on apex 35 (obscured) and groove 15. FIG. 2B illustrates golf ball 17 placing on golf tee 5 as shown in FIG. 1B, wherein golf ball 17 rests on apex 35 (obscured), groove 15 and backstop 10.

[0033] Top portion 20 can be formed integrally with stem portion 1 as a single integrated monolithic structure, and golf tee 5 can be made out of any suitable bulk material, such as plastic, wood, metal or any mixture thereof. The entire exterior of tee 5, including top convex surface 30, can be made of the bulk material, or could instead include a cured paint, acrylic or cured resin exterior for decoration or other purposes. Alternatively, the novel tee 5 can include a polyurethane or polystyrene foam core and a polyester or epoxy resin coating shell.

[0034] It is possible to have both front edge 25 and back edge 40 be curved, smooth and round and not have any pointed edges and still be within the scope of the present invention.

[0035] The top surface 30 where the ball 17 rests thereon is made out of a material that does not produce a significant friction with the golf ball 17. It is to be appreciated that the top convex surface 30 of the present invention is made of a non-adhesive material. In other words, it is preferred that the coefficient of static friction between the golf ball 17 and the top convex surface 30 be minimal, so that an efficient transfer of energy between a swinging golf club and ball 17 is achieved.

[0036] As also illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, top convex surface 30 includes a left edge 65, right edge 60 (not shown), front edge 25 opposite back edge 40. When stem portion 1 is arranged vertically with respect to ground such that the stem portion 1 is parallel to the force of gravity or horizontal/leveling to the Earth's surface, and ball 17 is placed at apex 35 (obscured) of top convex surface 30, ball 17 will stably rest on convex top surface 30. Accordingly, top portion 20 and convex surface 30 are maybe dimensionally larger than golf ball so that changes in slope from point to point on convex surface 30 are subtle and gradual so that it is much easier for the golf player to place ball 17 on apex 35 and not have ball 17 roll off tee 5. Specifically, golf ball 17 is to travel in a direction of front edge 25, and club swing progresses from back edge 40 to front edge 25 while striking ball 17 therebetween. FIG. 2B illustrates the alternative embodiment of FIG. 1B wherein golf ball 17 supported by backstop 10 resting on convex top surface 30.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates various top views of golf tee 5, such that groove 15 can have various forms 15A through 15K, all of which extends from apex 35 and/or backstop 10 (if present) towards front edge 25 away from back edge 40. The groove(s) is about 0.5 mm to 2 mm wide, and no more than depth of the thickness of the top portion 20, such that at least one groove reduces the area of contact between the golf ball and the convex platform so as to reduce the frictional contact between the golf ball and the platform, and serves as an indicia to indicate the direction to launch the golf ball. The groove(s) is not adjacent or does not abut to the periphery of top surface 30 and that the periphery is not adjoined to any indentations, grooves or recessed portions of the top portion 20 and is not adjacent to any outward projections. The groove is optionally adjacent to the backstop that have a depth that is no deeper than of the thickness of top surface 30. Grooves can be etched onto top surface 30 via laser or other conventional means known in the golf tee industry. Alternatively, the grooves can have other patterns, such as in the form selected from the group consisting of company or sports logos, Greek letters to identify sororities or fraternities, numbers, symbols, and other customized patterns.

[0038] Also illustrated in FIG. 3 for variation 15F, length L of top portion 300 connects front edge 25 to back edge 40, and a width W of top portion 30 connects left and right edges 65 and 60. The width W of top portion 30 is at least 0.5 inches, but preferably less than 2.0 inches, and the length L is about the same or at least 1.05 times more than the width W.

[0039] It is to be appreciated that when a golf player swings his or her golf club to hit the ball 17, the direction in which the head of the golf club moves is parallel to the length L direction of the top portion 30 of tee 5, and the golf club head travels from back edge 40 to front edge 25 while striking ball 17 therebetween. As a result, golf ball 17 is launched at front edge 25. Since the top surface 30 is convex and mates with a convex outer surface of ball 17, an area of contact is minimized to thereby reduce a coefficient friction between golf ball 17 and top convex surface 30, and edge 25 of the convex surface 30 does not interfere with the ball.

[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of golf tee 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Golf tee 5 of FIG. 4 is analogous to the golf tee 5 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, except that tip 22 of stem 1 is inserted into and is horizontal to the ground 300, such that golf ball 5 is stably arranged on top of convex surface 30. Specifically, the axis T of stem portion 1 is arranged vertically with respect to ground 300 in a direction that corresponds to the direction of Earth's gravity, or horizontal to Earth's surface, and not at an angle with respect to the vertical V, golf ball 5 is stably arranged on apex 35 of convex surface 30. If stem 1 was inserted into ground 300 at an angle with respect to the vertical V as in FIG. 5, ball 17 would roll off convex surface 30. Consequently, the golf tee 5 of the present invention prevents stem 1 from being incorrectly inserted into, or unleveled with the ground, and is therefore another aid directed at the leisure niche of golfers.

[0041] Furthermore, since golf ball 17 contacts tee 5 of FIG. 4 over a smaller area than conventional and monolithic golf tee top surface due to groove 15, thus less friction and resistance is present between golf ball 17 and tee 5. As a result, the golfer can hit the ball farther or deliver more spin to the golf ball 17 because a more efficient transfer of energy from golf club (not shown) to ball 17 can be realized.

[0042] In order to stably arrange golf ball 17 on top of convex surface 30, stem portion 1 is inserted into ground such that that the stem portion 1 extends essentially vertical V, parallel to the direction of gravity, or is horizontal or leveled with Earth's surface, and that axis T of tee 5 coincides with vertical V. Accordingly, dimples 55 of golf ball 17 allow golf ball 17 to be stably arranged at apex 35 on convex surface 30. If stem 1 of golf tee 5 was to be inserted into ground at an angle with respect to vertical V, golf ball 17 would roll off of convex surface 30 of tee 5 as in FIG. 5.

[0043] Furthermore, golf ball 17 contacts convex surface 30 of tee 5 over a surface area covered by no more than four dimples 55 on a golf ball, and since dimple 55 has a diameter from 0.15 inch to 0.17 inch, the area covered is smaller than the area covered by the 0.75 inch in diameter of top surface 150 of a conventional tee. The small surface area or area of contact between ball 17 and convex surface 30 results in less friction between the golf ball 17 and tee 5, such that more kinetic and rotational energy being delivered to golf ball 17 by the golf club (not shown).

[0044] It is to be understood that other additional embodiments are possible and are still within the scope of the present invention. For example, features of different embodiments can be combined in various manners to produce additional embodiments. For example, alternative embodiments may include forming a round front edge, forming a pointed back edge on the golf tee, having circular shaped groove, or grooves in the pattern of commercial logos etc. Each of these modifications are within the scope of the present invention.