Patent Publication Number: US-8968118-B2

Title: Golf teeing device

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to golf tees, golf tee holders, golf teeing devices, and methods thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to devices that rotatably engage with a surface, such as an artificial grass golf mat, or that act as a golf tee. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The modern game of golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century. Since its inception, the game of golf has globally risen in popularity. Whether golf is played for the purpose of exercising, passing time outdoors, providing an outlet to escape the day-to-day strains and worries, building social and business contacts, spending time with loved ones, or just enjoying the challenge of the sport itself, golf has generally transformed into a highly desirable sport for a diverse population of golfers of all levels and with different golfing preferences. 
     Although an increasing number of golfers are picking up the sport, driving ranges that provide golfers with a place to practice are generally ill-equipped to accommodate the various levels and preferences of the players. Many driving ranges are generally equipped with artificial grass mats that can pose many challenges to golfers. These artificial grass mats may cause golfers to either: (1) hit directly on the surface of the artificial grass mat, thereby causing the golfer to alter his or her golf swing, or (2) hit on a bulky rubber tee that is inserted through a hole in the artificial grass mat. The bulky rubber tee is generally not adjustable and typically requires the user to lift the dirty mat, brave all of the bugs that live under the mat, and push the rubber tee upward through the hole. 
     In addition to its difficulty in installation and removal, the standard and bulky rubber tee typically has many other deficiencies. One deficiency is typically the low predictability of the golf ball trajectories when golf balls are hit from the standard rubber tee. This deficiency is usually exacerbated by the fact that the predictability is even lower when hitting golf balls directly from the mat surface itself. 
     Another deficiency is generally the set placement of a rubber tee on one of the sides of the artificial grass mat, a fixed position which does not accommodate both right- and left-handed golfers, many of whom would prefer to place the ball elsewhere on the mat while retaining the ability to strike the ball from a raised height. Furthermore, another deficiency is that the rubber tee itself does not accommodate varying the height of the ball as the ball rests on the tee. 
     To address these issues, there have been dozens, if not hundreds, of devices to remedy the deficiencies of the standard bulky rubber tee. U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2008/0146383, filed by Dandelius, discloses a golf tee device that fits into the hole of a golf mat from the top and generally supports a golf tee. Although the Dandelius device does allow the user to forego having to lift the golf mat, the Dandelius device has its own deficiencies, including being very complex, being expensive to manufacture, and having two separate parts. Moreover, the Dandelius device generally is limited to being placed only in the standard hole that was already in the golf mat to accommodate the bulky rubber tee, and generally cannot engage the mat in any other location. Finally, the Dandelius device generally does not allow the user to engage the use of a standard wooden tee or vary the height of the ball placement. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2007/0167259, filed by Lipidarov, discloses a golf tee device that is more flexible than the Dandelius device. Unfortunately, the Lipidarov golf tee device is even more complex and still requires the user to use the existing hole in the golf mat. 
     U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2004/0132554, filed by Schulze, discloses a golf tee holder that engages with a standard wooden tee. The Schulze golf tee holder, however, still must be placed under an artificial grass mat. 
     Thus, what is needed is a reusable, easy-to-use, inexpensive golf tee that securely grips on to a golfing surface, including an artificial grass mat, at any location on the mat, and that can easily be removed from the surface. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To minimize the limitations in the prior art, the present carrying device discloses a new and useful golf tee and golf tee holder device. 
     One embodiment of the invention is a golf teeing device comprising: a top portion; and a base portion, wherein the base portion is comprised of one or more extensions. The extensions are configured to removably and securely engage with a surface. The top portion is configured to cradle a golf ball. The golf teeing device may also include a standard tee engagement portion, wherein the standard tee engagement portion is configured to matingly engage with a standard tee, such that the standard tee cradles a golf ball. The standard tee engagement portion is a hole, wherein an edge of the hole is configured to matingly engage with the standard tee such that the standard tee cradles the golf ball. Preferably, the one or more extensions extend substantially downward and substantially horizontally. Preferably, the one or more extensions engage with the surface by rotating the golf teeing device as the one or more extensions are in contact with the surface. Preferably, the one or more extensions are comprised of one or more serrated edges. Preferably, the surface is a golf mat. Preferably, the hole is configured to matingly engage with a standard tee, such that a height of the standard tee is adjustable. Preferably, the top portion is comprised of a soft plastic material and the base portion is comprised of a hard plastic material. Preferably, there are four or six extensions. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is a golf teeing device comprising: a top portion; a base portion; and a hole. The hole extends substantially through the top portion and the base portion. The hole is comprised of a raised lip edge on the top portion. The base portion is comprised of one or more extensions, which are configured to removably and securely engage with a surface. The raised lip edge is configured to cradle a golf ball. Preferably, the hole is configured to matingly engage with the standard tee, such that the standard tee cradles the golf ball. Preferably, the one or more extensions are on an outer rim of the base portion and wherein the one or more extensions extend substantially downward and substantially horizontally from the base portion. Preferably, the one or more extensions engage with the surface by rotating the golf teeing device as the one or more extensions are in contact with the surface. Preferably, the one or more extensions are comprised of one or more serrated edges. Preferably, the surface is a golf mat. Preferably, the hole is configured to matingly engage with a standard tee such that a height of the standard tee, as it rests in the hole, is adjustable. Preferably, the top portion is comprised of a soft plastic material and the base portion is comprised of a hard plastic material. Preferably, the base portion is comprised of four or more extensions. 
     The invention is preferably a golf tee, golf tee holder, and golf teeing device that slides or grips onto the ground or a surface, such as a golf mat. This generally allows the user to use the device as a tee or to use it to hold a standard golf tee. The standard golf tee, which is typically wood or plastic, generally slides into a hole in the middle of the teeing device and is typically held in place as a user tees a ball on the standard tee so that the ball can be struck. 
     It is an object of the invention to claw, slide, and/or grip into a surface, such as an artificial grass golf mat, such that the golf teeing device may be secured, removably, to the surface while the user hits golf balls. The extensions generally project downward and horizontally (parallel to the base of the device), to allow the extensions to slide sideways into the surface. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a golf teeing device that has the ability to hold various types and sizes of standard golf tees at different tee heights. 
     It is another object of the invention to eliminate the need to lift a golf mat to engage a tee device with the golf mat. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide the freedom for tee placement anywhere on the golf mat, convenient for all golfers, left- and right-handed alike. 
     It is another object of the invention to offer a durable, reusable, affordable golf teeing device that securely, but removably, engages with the surface and acts as both a tee and tee holder. The invention is preferably made of hard plastic or metal on a base to keep the device firmly in the ground. The hole and top portion is preferably made from a soft plastic, such as plastic foam, such that the top portion is strong enough to withstand a direct hit from a golf club, but soft enough to not damage the golf club. 
     It is another object of the invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. 
     These, as well as other components, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages, will now become clear from a review of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, of the accompanying drawings, and of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings are of illustrative embodiments, but do not depict all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition to or instead of the illustrative embodiments. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted for the purpose of saving space or for more effective illustrations. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without some or all components or steps provided in the illustrations. When different drawings contain the same numeral, that numeral refers to the same or similar components or steps. 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the golf teeing device and shows the golf teeing device holding a standard golf tee and golf ball. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a bottom view of one embodiment of the golf teeing device. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of the side view of another embodiment of the golf teeing device and shows the golf teeing device directly holding a golf ball. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of the top view of one embodiment of the golf teeing device. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the golf teeing device and shows the golf teeing device twisted into a surface and holding a standard golf tee and golf ball. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of a bottom view of another embodiment of the golf teeing device. 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of a bottom view of another embodiment of the golf teeing device. 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of a bottom view of another embodiment of the golf teeing device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known procedures and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the invention. 
     While some embodiments are disclosed here, still other embodiments of the present invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art as a result of the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention. The invention is capable of modifications of various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The Figures, and their detailed descriptions, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the golf teeing device and shows the golf teeing device holding a standard golf tee and golf ball. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the golf teeing device  10  may be comprised of a base portion  15 , top portion  20 , hole  30 , golf ball engagement portion  25 , also referred to as a rim, edge, or raised lip edge, and one or more extensions  17 .  FIG. 1  shows the golf teeing device  10  to have preferably more than one extension. The extensions  17  preferably are pointed protrusions, arms, or claws that are configured to slice, dig, or grip into a surface, such as an artificial grass golf mat. The extensions  17  also preferably have at least one serrated edge  19  to better grip into the golf mat or ground. It should be understood that, depending on the surface onto which the device  10  will be connected, the golf teeing device  10  may have any number of extensions  17  without deviating from the scope of the invention. The extensions  17  preferably extend downward and horizontally, such that the extensions  17  are substantially parallel with the base  15  and top portion  20 . This generally allows the extensions  17  to engage with the golf mat by twisting or rotating the golf teeing device  10  while pushing down on the golf teeing device  10  by a user.  FIG. 1  also shows that the extensions  17  are preferably configured to be rotated clockwise to engage with the mat, ground, or surface and counterclockwise to remove the device  10  from the mat, ground, or surface. 
     Preferably the base portion  15  and extensions  17  are made from a hard plastic or some other durable material, such as metal, but it should be understood that the extensions  17  may be made from any material that is durable. Preferably, the material allows the device  10  to be engaged securely to a surface, such as an artificial grass mat. Preferably, the top portion  20  and the raised lip  25  are made from a soft plastic material, such as rubber, foam rubber, or foam plastic, but may be made from any durable material that minimizes the damage to a golf club when in contact during a swing. Alternatively, raised lip  25  may be a separate insert that runs through both the top portion  20  and base portion  15 . 
       FIG. 1  also shows how the hole  30 , which is preferably in the center, or substantially in the center, of the golf teeing device  10 , is configured to engage a standard golf tee  50 . Because the hole  30  is preferably made from a soft plastic material, the hole  30  releasably secures and/or engages the tee  50  at various points along the length of the tee  50 . This generally allows the user to vary the height of the tee  50  as it is held by the golf teeing device  10 . Furthermore, this configuration generally allows the user to use broken tees with the device  10 , which preferably extends the life of many tees that would otherwise be discarded. Although a standard wooden or plastic golf tee is shown in  FIG. 1 , it should be understood that various tees may be used.  FIG. 1  also shows how the tee  50  is used to hold a golf ball  100 . Because the height of the tee  50  is adjustable, the height of the golf ball  100  is also adjustable. 
       FIG. 2  is an illustration of a bottom view of one embodiment of the golf teeing device. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the golf teeing device  10  preferably includes the base portion  15 , extensions  17 , and hole  30 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the device  10  preferably is substantially circular and includes one or more grip notches  200 . The grip notches  200  generally allow the user to easily twist the golf teeing device into the golf mat or surface.  FIG. 2  also shows how the extensions  17  are curved to match the circular curve of the device  10 . This generally allows the device  10  to more uniformly, securely, and easily twist into the surface. Furthermore,  FIG. 2  also shows how the hole  30  preferably extends through the entire width of the device  10  to allow the tee  50  to be secured by the hole  30 . 
       FIG. 3  is an illustration of the side view of another embodiment of the golf teeing device and shows the golf teeing device directly holding a golf ball. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the golf teeing device  10  is preferably configured to cradle a golf ball  100 . Specifically, the golf ball is generally cradled by a golf ball engagement portion  25 , which may be the raised lip edge  25  of hole  30 . After the golf teeing device  10  is engaged with a surface, the user may place a golf ball  100  on the golf ball engagement portion  25  and then swing at the ball using a golf club. 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration of the top view of one embodiment of the golf teeing device. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the golf teeing device  10  preferably includes top portion  20 , hole  30 , raised lip edge  25 , extension  17 , and grip notches  200 . 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of the golf teeing device and shows the golf teeing device twisted into a surface and holding a standard golf tee and golf ball. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the golf teeing device  10  may be comprised of a base portion  15 , top portion  20 , hole  30 , golf ball engagement portion  25 , and extensions  17 . The extensions  17  preferably have at least one serrated edge  19  to better grip into a surface, such as an artificial grass golf mat  40 .  FIG. 5  shows the extensions  17  preferably engage with the golf mat  40  by twisting or rotating the golf teeing device  10 .  FIG. 5  shows that the golf teeing device  10  and extensions  17  are preferably configured to be rotated clockwise to engage with the mat  40 , ground, or surface, and counterclockwise to remove the golf teeing device  10  from the mat  40 , ground, or surface.  FIG. 5  also shows how the hole  30  is configured to engage a standard golf tee  50 , which is used to hold a golf ball  100 . 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of a bottom view of another embodiment of the golf teeing device, showing three extensions. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the golf teeing device  10  preferably includes the base portion  15 , extensions  17 , grip notches  200 , hole  30 , and brand  300 . 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of a bottom view of another embodiment of the golf teeing device, showing four extensions. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the golf teeing device  10  preferably includes the base portion  15 , extensions  17 , grip notches  200 , and hole  30 . 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration of a bottom view of another embodiment of the golf teeing device, showing five extensions. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the golf teeing device  10  preferably includes the base portion  15 , extensions  17 , grip notches  200 , and hole  30 . 
     Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain. 
     The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. The invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more embodiments of the invention may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment of the invention shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto. 
     Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent, to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.