GOLF TEE SUPPORT

Abstract

The present invention refers to a golf tee support used to retain a golf tee in place. The golf tee support comprises: a primary anchor arranged to penetrate a surface, a plate connected to the primary anchor, and at least one secondary anchor connected to the plate and arranged to penetrate a surface. The primary anchor has a cavity adapted to receive and grip a golf tee.

Description

This application is a continuation in part of copending application Ser. No. 29767467 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 22, 2021 and copending application Ser. No. 29767467 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application claims priority to Australian patent application serial no. 2020902743 filed Aug. 5, 2020 and Australian patent application Ser. No. 2020902743 filed Aug. 5, 2020 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application claims priority to Australian patent application Ser. No. 2020102187 filed Sep. 9, 2020 and Australian patent application Ser. No. 2020102187 filed Sep. 9, 2020 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a golf tee support. Particularly, a golf tee support used to retain a golf tee in place after a plurality of strikes with a golf club.

BACKGROUND

A golf tee is conventionally a single spike that is planted in the ground with a flanged, concave top which provides a stable resting point for a golf ball. However, other variations are known, such as the use of a set of prongs to rest the golf ball on.

Frequently, a golf swing inadvertently strikes the golf tee and dislodges or uproots the tee. This occurs with particular frequency at driving ranges where tees are often used and users often strike numerous quantities of balls over relatively short periods of time.

In order to set up for another use of the golf tee the tee must be reset and may involve retrieval and/or replacement if dislodged. Resetting a golf tee may also have the undesirable effect of changing the height of the tee, which is an important factor for achieving consistent results.

It is known to use fixed golf tees in artificial ground types wherein a tee is fastened to the artificial surface, which may be height adjustable. A tee of this type may be fastened in a permanent or semi-permanent manner.

The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned disadvantages of previous golf tees and supports for golf tees. Particularly, for use in natural surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a golf tee support comprising: a primary anchor arranged to penetrate a surface, a plate connected to the primary anchor, and at least one secondary anchor connected to the plate and arranged to penetrate a surface; wherein the primary anchor has a cavity adapted to receive a golf tee.

The plate, primary anchor and secondary anchor act to resist forces that would dislodge, overturn or upheave the golf tee support imparted when a golf club strikes the tee or tee support.

The golf tee is received by the cavity of the primary anchor, and thus provides support against horizontal forces (i.e. strikes from a golf club). Preferably, the fit between the golf tee and the cavity is tight so as to reduce the possibility of the tee disengaging unexpectedly. More preferably, the fit between the golf tee and the cavity is loose enough for the tee to be removed by hand.

In a preferred embodiment, the golf tee has a screw thread (on the shaft) and the cavity has a corresponding screw thread. Screw threading reduces the possibility of the tee being accidentally displaced, dislodged, or misadjusted.

In a preferred embodiment, the primary anchor and at least one secondary anchor are parallel. Having the primary anchor and at least one secondary anchor parallel aids in the easy setting and removal of the golf tee support.

In one embodiment, the primary anchor is substantially cylindrical with a sharp surface-penetrating end and a flat cavity end for receiving a golf tee. A sharp end aids in penetrating the surface. A cylindrical body has a low surface area on the side of the primary anchor which aids in the easy setting and removal of the golf tee support.

In a preferred embodiment, the plate is parallel to the surface into which the golf tee support is set. More preferably, the bottom of the plate sits flush with the surface. This reduces the chance of the support being struck by a golf club during a golf swing. Alternatively, the top of the plate sits flush with the surface.

In one embodiment, the plate is flat and thin. A flat, thin plate reduces the chance of the support being struck by a golf club during a golf swing.

In one embodiment, the golf tee support further comprises a protective coating or bumper to aid in protecting a golf club from damage in the event of the club accidentally striking the golf tee support. This is a preventative measure that may be particularly necessary depending on the material used for the golf tee support.

In one embodiment, the cavity is adapted to grip the golf tee. Gripping the golf tee further reduces the possibility of the tee being accidentally displaced, dislodged, or misadjusted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a golf tee support in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a golf tee support in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a golf tee support in accordance with the present invention with section lines A-A denoted.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a golf tee with a screw thread.

FIG. 5 is sectional view A-A of a golf tee support with a screw-threaded cavity in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is sectional view A-A of a golf tee support with a screw-threaded cavity receiving a golf tee with a corresponding screw thread in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a golf tee support receiving a golf tee with a screw thread in accordance with the present invention situated in a surface with a golf ball resting on the golf tee and a head of a golf club at address.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a golf tee support in accordance with a first alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the cavity incorporates a grub screw adapted to grip a golf tee.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a golf tee support in accordance with the first alternative embodiment of the present invention receiving a golf tee.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a golf tee support in accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the cavity incorporates a pin with a spring adapted to grip a golf tee.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a golf tee support in accordance with the second alternative embodiment of the present invention receiving a golf tee.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, there is shown an embodiment of a golf tee support (10) comprising an elongate primary anchor (20), a plate (30), three secondary anchors (40). The primary anchor (20) depicted in the Figures is orientated vertically with a cylindrical upper portion (22) and a spiked lower portion (24).

The primary anchor (20) has a cavity (26) adapted to receive a golf tee (90). The cavity (26) has an opening at the top of the primary anchor to receive a golf tee (90). The cavity (26) is substantially cylindrical with a pointed portion at the lowest end. Particularly, the arrangement of the golf tee (90) in the cavity (26) aids in resisting forces so as to retain a golf tee (90) in place after a plurality of strikes with a golf club.

The plate (30) is flat, thin and rectangular in shape, and attached to the upper end of the primary anchor (20). The plate (30) has a pair of opposite long edges and a pair of opposite short edges. The plate (30) connects with the primary anchor (20) along one of the long edges to one side of the centre of the primary anchor (20). The plate (30) extends past the centre of the primary anchor (20) such that the majority of the circumference of the upper end of the primary anchor (20) is in contact with the plate (30). The plate (30) does not cover the cavity (26).

The plate (30) is arranged to protrude from the primary anchor (20) in the direction of the intended trajectory of a golf ball. The primary anchor (20) is the closest part of the golf tee support (10) to the position of a golf club at address as shown in FIG. 7. In an alternative embodiment, the plate (30) may surround the primary anchor (20) completely.

The plate (30), primary anchor (20) and secondary anchors (40) act to resist forces that would dislodge, overturn or upheave the golf tee support (10) imparted when a golf club strikes the tee (90) or tee support (10).

Three secondary anchors (40) are connected at the opposite side of the plate (30) to the primary anchor (20) on the base of the plate (30) orientated downward. The secondary anchors (40) are arranged equidistantly with one secondary anchor (40) near the centre of the closest long side of the plate (30) and a secondary anchor (40) in each corner of the plate (30) along the closest long side. The secondary anchors (40) are depicted as being substantially cylindrical with a pointed portion at the lowest end, and orientated vertically and parallel to the primary anchor (20).

Alternative plate shapes, and shapes and arrangements of secondary anchors on a plate may be considered. For example, a circular plate with a central primary anchor and multiple secondary anchors where each secondary anchor is spaced the same distance from the primary anchor and spaced the same distance from each other secondary anchor. Secondary anchors may be arranged either at the front or the rear of the plate relative to the direction of the swing of a golf club. In an alternative arrangement of anchors, a secondary anchor may not be parallel or substantially parallel with the primary anchor. In an alternative arrangement of anchors, the anchors are not equally spaced apart from one another.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a golf tee (90) featuring a top (92) to hold a golf ball and a screw thread (94) on the shaft of the tee (90).

As shown in the sectional view A-A on FIGS. 5 and 6, the present embodiment depicts the cavity (26) as having a screw thread (28) corresponding to the screw thread (94) of the golf tee (90). The screwing feature allows for the golf tee (90) to be gripped in the cavity (26) and reduces the possibility of the tee (90) being accidentally displaced, dislodged, or misadjusted. The screwing feature also allows for height adjustment of the golf tee (90) and may increase the stability of the golf tee (90).

In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, there is depicted an alternative means for a golf tee support to grip a golf tee. In this embodiment, a golf tee support (110) has a cavity (126) within a primary anchor (120). The cavity (126) incorporates a grub screw (160) adapted in a corresponding hole of the wall of the cavity (126). When a golf tee (190) is inserted into the cavity (126) the grub screw (160) can be screwed in to press against the golf tee (190) in order to retain the tee (190) in the cavity (126).

In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, there is depicted an alternative means for a golf tee support to grip a golf tee. In this embodiment, a golf tee support (210) has a cavity (226) within a primary anchor (220). The cavity (226) incorporates a pin (270) adapted in a corresponding hole of the wall of the cavity (226). The pin (270) is biased towards the cavity (226) by a spring (280). When a golf tee (290) is inserted into the cavity (226) the pin (270) presses against the golf tee (290) in order to retain the tee in the cavity (226).

In an alternative embodiment, the cavity further incorporates a clamp grip, such as a chuck, adapted to accommodate a golf tee. The clamp grip may provide a user of the golf tee support with the means to adjust the degree of golf tee retention (e.g. a loose, weak grip or a tight, strong grip). The clamp grip may also allow the golf tee support to accommodate a variety of golf tees.

The cavity may be able to receive golf tees of various types, thicknesses, lengths and cross sections.

Returning to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 to 7, the cavity (26) may be able to receive a golf tee (90) at a plurality of depths, such that the height of the tee (90) from the ground is adjustable or can be set at specific levels. For example, receiving a golf tee (90) such that the height of the tee (90) can be set low or high.

The spiked lower portions of the primary anchor (20) and the secondary anchors (40), aid the golf tee support (10) in penetrating the surface.

In use, the golf tee support (10) is driven into a surface. Preferably, the base of the plate (30) is flush with the surface. The golf tee support (10) may be driven into a surface by hand, by stepping down upon the plate (30) or by any other reasonable means.

The surface is typically a natural surface (e.g. the ground) and comprised of soil. Turf or grass is commonly found on natural surfaces where golf is played. Turf or grass may be flattened beneath the plate (30) when the golf tee support (10) is driven into the surface.

A golf tee (90) is then inserted into the cavity (26) such that a golf ball may be placed upon the tee (90) at the desired height.

The primary anchor (20) may penetrate the surface vertically, perpendicular to the surface if the surface is not true horizontal, or any other desirable angle.

In an alternative embodiment, the primary anchor (20) is hollow and open at both ends. One end is positioned at the top of the golf tee support (10) with the plate (30) and receives the golf tee (90). The primary anchor (20) is shorter than the golf tee (90), such that when the golf tee (90) is received in the golf tee support (10) the tip of the golf tee (90) extends past the primary anchor (20) and provides the spiked point used to drive the golf tee support (10) into a surface.

Preferably, the golf tee support (10) is of unitary construction. In an alternative preference, the golf tee support (10) may be an assembly of components.

The golf tee support (10) may further comprise a protective coating or a bumper to aid in protecting a golf club from damage in the event of the club accidentally striking the golf tee support (10). This is a preventative measure that may be particularly necessary depending on the material used for the golf tee support (10). Preferably, the protective coating or bumper aids in retaining a golf tee support (10) in place after a plurality of strikes with a golf club.

Components of the golf tee support (10) may be constructed from a range of materials, including but not limited to wood, plastic, metals, or polymers.

Preferably, the retention means of the golf tee (90) within the cavity (26) utilises a flexible material, such as rubber, to provide resistance to the retention or to grip the tee (90) so as to reduce the likelihood of the tee (90) displacing or dislodging as a result of a golf club strike and may increase the stability of the golf tee (90).

Due to the various materials available, the golf tee support (10) may require additional bracing means, such as webs or ribs, in order to resist breaking or deformation as a result of repeated golf club strikes. Stability of the tee (90) is a noted desirable feature for repeated use. The additional bracing means may also aid in retaining the golf tee support (10) in the surface.

Preferably, a golf tee is made from a material which allows for some degree of elastic deformation, such that if a tee is struck by a golf club the tee returns to an original position. The golf tee should still retain enough rigidity to hold a golf ball steadily on top of the tee. Elasticity is desirable to retain a golf tee in place after a plurality of strikes with a golf club.

The cavity and golf tee may have a tight tolerance fit allowing for the fit to retain the golf tee during golf club strikes. However, it is preferable that the fit between the golf tee and the cavity is loose enough for the tee to be removed by hand.

In a mechanically equivalent embodiment, as opposed to the presently defined arrangement with the golf tee (90) being a male component and the cavity (26) being a corresponding female component, an alternative is envisaged wherein the golf tee support (10) has a male component that is received by a corresponding female component of a golf tee (90).

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A golf tee support comprising:

a primary anchor arranged to penetrate a surface,

a plate connected to the primary anchor, and

at least one secondary anchor connected to the plate and arranged to penetrate a surface;

wherein the primary anchor has a cavity adapted to receive and grip a golf tee.

2. A golf tee support according to claim 1, wherein the cavity has a screw thread corresponding to that of a golf tee that has a screw thread.

3. A golf tee support according to claim 1, the primary anchor and at least one secondary anchor are parallel.

4. A golf tee support according to claim 1, wherein the golf tee support further comprises a protective bumper.

5. A golf tee support according to claim 1, wherein the primary anchor is substantially cylindrical with a sharp surface-penetrating end and a flat cavity end for receiving a golf tee.

6. A golf tee support according to claim 1, wherein the plate is parallel to the surface.

7. A golf tee support according to claim 1, wherein the plate is flat and thin.

8. A golf tee support according to claim 1, wherein the golf tee support further comprises a protective coating.

9. A golf tee support according to claim 1, wherein the golf tee support further comprises a bracing means.

10. A golf tee support according to claim 1, wherein the secondary anchor is substantially cylindrical with a sharp surface-penetrating end.

11. A golf tee support according to claim 2, the primary anchor and at least one secondary anchor are parallel.