Abstract:
A golf tee has a head contoured to balance a golf ball thereon, a point for insertion into a ground surface, and a stem joining the head to the point, the stem providing an enlarged medial portion relative to a proximal portion near the head and a distal portion near the point. The stem has a continuous curvature between the head and the point and joins the head to the point such that the point inserts into the ground surface at an angle that facilities ejection of the tee from the ground surface when the curvature is placed outward relative to a direction of a ball strike force.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates to sporting equipment in general and, more particularly, to golf tees. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Traditional golf tees are placed into the ground generally perpendicular to the surface (90 degrees). The golf tee is normally impacted along with the ball when the player takes the swing. The golf tee, under this impact, will bend up to 90°, break, or pop loose from the ground surface. Depending upon the ground surface (hardness, etc), the tee may either bend or push through the soil until it reaches approximately a 25° angle, at which point it has the potential to pop loose from the ground or break, up until it reaches approximately a 65° angle. Popping loose or breaking occurs nominally at around a 45° angle. Thus, depending upon soil composition, the point at which the tee comes loose may be plus or minus up to 20° from the 45° angle. The harder the soil, the more likely the tee will simply break rather than pop loose or be ejected from the ground. If the soil is very soft, the tee may push through the soil rather than popping out. 
     What is needed is a device for addressing the above, and related, issues. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention of the present disclosure, in one aspect thereof, comprises a golf tee. The golf tee has a head contoured to balance a golf ball thereon, a point for insertion into a ground surface, and a stem joining the head to the point. The stem provides an enlarged medial portion relative to a proximal portion near the head and a distal portion near the point. The stem has a curvature between the head and the point and joins the head to the point such that the point inserts to the ground surface at an angle that facilities ejection of the tee from the ground surface when the curvature is placed outward relative to a direction of a ball strike force. 
     The medial portion may increase in size from the point upward so as to retard the insertion of the golf tee into the ground surface past the point. In some embodiments, the curve of the medial portion is substantially continuous. The point may enter the ground surface angled toward the direction of the ball strike force. In some embodiments, the point enters the ground surface at about a 45 degree angle when the head is substantially level. 
     In various embodiments, the medial portion of the stem is circular, polygonal, square, or oval in cross section. In various embodiments the head, point, and stem are formed of a single piece of a polymer, a single piece or wood, or a single piece of metal 
     The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof, comprises a golf tee with a head for supporting a golf ball, a point for anchoring into a ground surface, and a stem connecting to the head on a proximal portion and connecting to the point on a distal portion. The stein has a curved medial portion that is larger in cross section than the proximal and distal portions. The medial portion is curved so as to provide for the insertion of the point into the ground surface at an angle between about 25° to about 65° degrees when the head is situated to support the golf ball. 
     In some embodiments, the medial portion increases in size from the point upward so as to retard the insertion of the golf tee into the ground surface past the point. In some embodiments, the medial portion increases in size from the head downward. The curve of the medial portion may present a concave surface profile to the direction from which a golf club swing approaches. The point may enter the ground surface angled to the direction from which the golf club swing approaches. 
     The invention of the present disclosure, in another aspect thereof, comprises a golf tee with a bowed stem having a cross sectional area that is greater along a medial portion than along a proximal portion and a distal portion. The tee comprises head formed on the proximal portion and adapted to resting a golf ball for striking, and a point formed on the distal portion and having an angle relative to the head such that the point inserts into a ground surface at about a 45 degree angle when the head is substantially level. The bow in the stem is away from a direction of a strike force to allow the tee to be ejected from the ground surface with minimal chance for damage from the strike force. 
     The stem may be polygonal in cross section along at least a portion of a length thereof. The stem may present a smooth curve in cross section along at least a portion of a length thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of one embodiment of a golf tee according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a frontal view of the golf tee of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a superior view of the golf tee of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an inferior view of the golf tee of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the golf tee of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of another embodiment of a golf tee according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a frontal view of the golf tee of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a superior view of the golf tee of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is an inferior view of the golf tee of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the golf tee of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a third embodiment of a golf tee according to aspects of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a frontal view of the golf tee of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a superior view of the golf tee of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is an inferior view of the golf tee of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the golf tee of  FIG. 11 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side view of one embodiment of a golf tee according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The golf tee  100  comprises a curved stem  102  having a medial portion  104 , a proximal portion  106 , and a distal portion  108 . The curvature of the stem  102  is continuous in the present embodiment, but this is not required. For example, the stem  102  may comprise one or more substantially straight portions joined by one or more bends or kinks. Among those embodiments having a continuous curvature, radius of the curvature may vary. It can be seen though that in the present embodiment, the stem  102  is generally non-axial with an axis A-A running though the center of a golf ball  101  (mounted on the tee  100 ) and down to the ground surface G-G. In the present embodiment, the golf tee  100  has a circular cross-section. However, as can be seen from the various figures, the cross-sectional area may not be constant. 
     The proximal portion  106  terminates in, or is otherwise attached to, a head  110 . The head  110  is configured to support a golf ball for striking. In the present embodiment, the golf tee  100  will be oriented such that the force of a club face striking a supported ball will be from the direction denoted by the arrow “F”. In the present embodiment, the curvature of the stem  102  is generally away from this direction of force. Stated another way, it presents a concave profile to the force “F” and a convex profile away from the force “F”. 
     The distal portion  108  is attached to, or terminates in, a point  112 . The point  112  may be narrower than the remainder of the distal portion  108  and/or medial portion  104 . The point  112  is configured to be sharp or pointed enough to insert into the ground for mounting the tee  100 . Although the depth to which the point  112  and/or distal portion  108  are inserted into the ground may vary, a line G-G is shown in  FIG. 1  to illustrate one potential depth of placement. 
     The overall shape and cross-section of the stem  102  and its constituent portions may be such that when the head  110  is substantially level to the ground, the point  112  is inserted into the ground at a particular angle of descent, α. In some embodiments, the angle α may be approximately 45° relative to the ground surface. In other embodiments, the angle may vary from about 25° to about 65°. The angle α may vary depending upon soil conditions, turf, club configuration, and even player style to optimize the benefits of using the tee  100  (such as improved release from the ground surface). However, it will be appreciated that even where the angle α is not totally ideal for the conditions or player, the golf tee  100  will still be advantageous over those of the prior art. 
     The distal portion  108  and the point  112  deviate from a traditional perpendicular orientation for the point of a golf tee. Accordingly, a particular direction must be chosen for proper use of a golf tee such as the golf tee  100  of  FIG. 1 . As described above, the golf tee  100  operates most effectively when the curvature of the stem  102  is generally away from this direction of force “F”. In other words the point  112  and the head  110  are both “pointed” toward the golf club head as it comes in for the swing, as compared to the medial portion  104  of the stem  102 . 
     Under impact, the angle α of the point  112  will allow the golf tee  100  to easily “pop loose” or eject from the ground surface under force of the club impact. In such manner, there is less chance that the impact or ball flight will be disturbed due to stresses and strains imparted to the ball and/or club face by the golf tee. Furthermore, the golf tee  100  is much less prone to damage than a traditional design as it is configured to easily release from the ground surface at approximately the same angle that golf tees are normally violently driven from the ground. 
     The golf tee  100  also provides a larger surface area on the stem  102  relative to a traditional stem. Such a design is easier to grasp or manipulate for insertion into the ground surface. The additional surface area may also be useful for decoration or advertisement. It can also be seen that the point  112  and the distal portion  108  are much narrower than the medial portion  104 . The degree of taper between the point  112 , the distal portion  108 , and the medial portion  104  can vary depending on the embodiment to provide a degree of increasing resistance as the tee  100  is driven into the ground. In this manner, over insertion of the tee  100  is less likely. Some embodiments will also provide for graduations or markings on the point  112 , the distal portion  108 , and/or the medial portion  104  that will indicate ideal depth for placement of the golf tee  100 . 
     As the medial portion  104  may be thicker or wider than the distal portion  108  and/or the point  112 , it may also be larger or thicker than the proximal portion  106  and/or the head  110 . In this manner, the overall structural integrity of the golf tee  100  can be increased while still providing a relatively small and unobtrusive head  110  for placement of the golf ball. Generally, a golf ball does not need a particularly large platform in order to be stable and any platform larger than necessary or convenient may actually be detrimental to a golfer&#39;s game. Thus, the overall dual tapered design of the golf tee  100  allows all of the aforementioned benefits and avoids any potential pitfalls. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a frontal view of the golf tee  100  of  FIG. 1  is shown. Here, it can be seen that, looking toward the direction of the club strike as shown in  FIG. 1 , the profile of the stem  102  is generally convex. From top to bottom, the tapering profile from the head  110  to the proximal portion  106  and through the medial portion  104  to the distal portion  108  and the point  112  can be seen. With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it can be seen that the golf tee  100 , at its widest point, is not particularly wider than the head portion  110 . Thus, the item is not particularly large or bulky relative to a traditional tee, yet provides the distinct advantages previously discussed. It should be understood that  FIGS. 1 and 2 , however, are only exemplary. Other embodiments may feature tees with wider stems relative to the head. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a superior view of the golf tee  100  of  FIG. 1  is shown. Once again, the degree of curvature and taper of the stem  102  can be seen with the point  112  being towards the direction of an incoming club strike. It will be appreciated that, to the extent that any high impact forces are imparted to the golf tee  100 , they will primarily be absorbed by the widest medial portion  104  of the stem  102 , thus further reducing the likelihood of damage or breaking of the golf tee  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an inferior view of the golf tee  100  of  FIG. 1  is shown. From this viewpoint, it can be seen that, although the distal portion  108  and the proximal portion  106  both taper relative to the medial portion  104 , the degree of taper towards the distal portion  108  is greater in the present embodiment than the degree of taper of the proximal portion  106 . This allows for easier insertion of the point  112  into the ground surface. However, as previously described, the degree of taper of the distal portion  108  and the proximal portion  106  may vary depending upon the particular embodiment. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of the golf tee  100  is shown. From this three-dimensional view, it can be appreciated that the head  110  provides a certain amount of concavity for supporting a golf ball. This prevents a golf ball from rolling off of the head  110 . In the present embodiment, the stem  102  forms a continuous piece with the head  110  and the point  112 . It will be appreciated that such an embodiment may be manufactured by molding of a polymer or a metal or by various machining techniques adaptable for use with polymers and/or metals. Furthermore, the golf tee  100  may comprise a carved wood. Although the present embodiment is formed of a unitary piece, it will be appreciated that other embodiments could have components manufactured separately and glued or otherwise affixed together. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a side view of another embodiment of a golf tee according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. There are similarities between the golf tee  600  and the golf tee  100  previously discussed, but there are also some differences which will be discussed herein. The golf tee  600  comprises a stem  602  having a medial portion  604 , a proximal portion  606 , and a distal portion  608 . In the present embodiment, the proximal portion  606  terminates in a head  610  adapted to support a golf ball. The distal portion  608  terminates in a point  612  for anchoring the golf tee  600  into a ground surface. 
     As with previous embodiments, the stem  602  provides a curvature that allows the point  612  to be inserted into the ground surface at a particular angle, α, when the head  610  is substantially perpendicular to the ground surface. In the present embodiment, the angle α is approximately 45° relative to vertical or horizontal (e.g., the ground surface). Again, the angle α is may vary from 45° by up to about 20°. 
     The golf tee  600  will be oriented with the point  612  facing towards the direction of force “F” of a golf swing. The 45° angle of the point  612  relative to the ground surface allows the golf tee  600  to be ejected from the ground surface in response to the force “F” while minimizing the chance that the golf tee  600  will become damaged. In the event that the golf tee  600  does absorb a substantial force impact, this will generally be borne by the medial portion  604 , which is the largest or thickest portion of the stem  602 . The stem  602  generally narrows or tapers towards the distal portion  608  and/or the point  612 . It also tapers towards the proximal portion  606  and/or the head  610 . Here, the cross section of the stem  602  is generally oblong or oval. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a frontal view of the golf tee  600  of  FIG. 6  is shown. In the present embodiment, the frontal view reveals a taper of the stem  602  that is generally narrowing from the proximal portion  606  through the medial portion  604  and down to the distal portion  608 . Note that the frontal view of  FIG. 7  shows a slightly different profile from that just discussed in  FIG. 6 . This may be a choice of aesthetics or function of the golf tee  600 . From the frontal view of  FIG. 7 , the stem  602  is never appreciably wider than the head  610 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a superior view of the golf tee  600  of  FIG. 6  is shown. From the superior view of  FIG. 8 , it can be appreciated that the overall taper of the stem  602  is generally narrowing, once again, from the proximal portion  606  through the medial portion  604  and down to the distal portion  608 . Referring now also to the inferior view of  FIG. 9 , the taper of the present embodiment can once again be seen. In some respects, the overall shape of the golf tee  600  when viewed directly from the superior and inferior viewpoints is that of a curved cone or horn. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a perspective view of the golf tee of  FIG. 6  is shown. From this viewpoint, it can be appreciated that the present embodiment may appear slightly different depending upon the angle of viewing. For example, when viewed in profile in  FIG. 6 , a noticeable taper from the medial portion  604  to the proximal portion  606  can be seen, but this taper is not observed in the inferior, superior, and frontal views. Thus, with reference to  FIG. 10 , the overall three-dimensional shape of the golf tee  600  can be seen. As with previous embodiments, the shape of the golf tee  600  can be achieved by molding or machining various materials such as polymers, metals, or wood. As before, the stem  602  provides an increased surface area for decoration or advertisement relative to a traditional golf tee. Also, as before, graduations or markings may be provided on the distal portion  608  and/or the medial portion  604  to indicate an ideal depth of placement of the golf tee  600 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a side view of a third embodiment of a golf tee according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. As before, there are some similarities and differences between the golf tee  1100  and those previously discussed ( 100 ,  600 ). The golf tee  1100  comprises a curved stem  1102  that tapers in side profile from a relatively large medial portion  1104  to a narrower proximal portion  1106  and a narrower distal portion  1108 . The distal portion  1108  terminates in a point  1112  for anchoring the golf tee  1100  into a ground surface. The proximal portion  1106  terminates in a head  1110  adapted to retain a golf ball for striking. In the present embodiment, the stem  1102  is generally curved such that the point  1112  may be inserted into the ground surface at a particular angle, α, when the head  1110  is substantially level with the ground surface. In the present embodiment, the angle α is approximately 45° (+/−about 20°). 
     As with previous embodiments, the point  1112  and the head  1110  are to be facing towards a direction of force “F” from which the ball will be struck. In this manner, any forces acting upon the golf tee  1100  to drive it or remove it from the ground will be substantially less likely to damage the golf tee  1100  relative to a traditional straight stemmed design. As can be appreciated in figures discussed below, the general cross section of the stem  1102  of the golf tee  1100  is that of a polygon, in the present case, a square. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a frontal view of the golf tee of  FIG. 11  is shown. Here, it can be seen that the golf tee  1100  features a taper from the medial portion  1104  to the proximal portion  1106  and also to the distal portion  1108 . Once again, the stem  1102  narrows both toward the head  1110  and the point  1112 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , a superior view of the golf tee  1100  of  FIG. 11  is shown. From the viewpoint of  FIG. 13 , the overall squareness of the cross section of the proximal portion  1106  can be seen. However, it can also be seen that the head  1110  is still configured in a circular concave configuration. This allows for a traditional seating of the golf ball on the head  1110  while allowing the remainder of the golf tee  1100  to retain the square cross section design. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , an inferior view of the golf tee  1100  of  FIG. 11  is shown. From this viewpoint, it can be appreciated that the distal portion  1108  also features a tapered square cross section. In the present embodiment, the point  1112  may also terminate in a squared off end. The point  1112  does not need to be particularly sharp, so long as it provides for ease of entry of the golf tee  1100  into the ground surface. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a perspective view of the golf tee  1100  of  FIG. 11  is shown. From the viewpoint of  FIG. 15 , it can be appreciated, once again, that the golf tee  1100  tapers from a relatively large square cross section in the medial portion  1104  to a narrowing square cross section in the proximal portion  1106  and in the distal portion  1108 . Here, the rounded and concave head  1110  can be seen atop the square proximal portion  1106 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , as with the previous embodiments, the head  1110  and the point  1112  are both angled toward the user or direction of force relative to the medial portion  1104 . Once again, this provides that any impact forces absorbed by the golf tee  1100  are likely to be borne by the strongest portion of the tee, in this case, the medial portion  1104 . The tapering and pointed end point  1112 , at the 45° angle (+/−about 20°) previously discussed, also allows the golf tees, such as  1100 , to easily eject from a ground surface without sustaining damage. As with previous embodiments, the additional surface area, particularly the squared sides of the golf tee  1100 , provide additional room for decoration and/or advertisement. Furthermore, as with previous embodiments, a portion of the distal portion  1108  and/or the medial portion  1104  can be marked or graduated to provide for an ideal depth of placement in the ground surface. 
     It will be appreciated that with the embodiments of the present disclosure (e.g., golf tees  100 ,  600 ,  1100 ) less resistance is encountered by the club face due to the force normally taken to drive the golf tee out of or through the ground. This results in increased yardage per stroke. Furthermore, each of the embodiments discussed has a stem (e.g.,  104 ) that is bowed away from the vertical axis of the ball (e.g., A-A of  FIG. 1 ). Thus, when a modern driver (which has a noticeably deeper or taller face compared to drivers in the past—those available when standard tees were created) is coming in contact with the ball on the upswing it is less likely that the lower edge of the club face will strike the tee prior to, or simultaneously to, hitting the ball. This further decreases the chance that contact with the tee will alter the trajectory of the ball. Yardage will also be increased from lack of or delayed, contact with the tee by the club face. 
     Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the claims.