Abstract:
A disposable golf ball-teeing device, when attached to the front half of footwear, aids a golfer to successfully position a golf ball onto a stationary tee, without the need for a one leg-balancing act; repeated bending; stooping or the application of expensive machines. The teeing process requires only very basic skill level and the ability to stand erect on both feet while lifting the toe portion of one shoe in order to position the golf ball onto a tee. A first version has members that surround the front of the shoe, and a second version adheres to the underside of the shoe. Both versions have protruding members with an opening between them for supporting a golf ball. A third version, which may be reusable, has an hand operated remote actuator for movement of protruding arms to capture and place a golf ball.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/603,655 filed on Aug. 23, 2004; 60/605,356 filed on Aug. 30, 2004; and 60/694,065 filed on Jun. 27, 2005, which are all incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to apparatus useful in golf. More particularly, it relates to apparatus methods for assisting a golfer in placing a golf ball on a tee.  
         [0004]     2. Background Art  
         [0005]     A typical bucket of golf balls at a driving range contains 60-120 balls. This translates to an average of nearly 60-120 times a golfer will stoop or bend to place a ball onto a tee. It is a know medical fact that repetitive and awkward movements of the back can result in back injuries in the form of sprains or disk herniations. Back pain is among the leading causes of morbidity and distress among golfers and the general public at large. Back pain has been implicated in a major portion of sick-time lost from work and in emergency room visits, rivaled only by the common cold.  
         [0006]     More and more people of advanced age are joining the sport of golf recreationally or professionally. This means that some 80% to 90% of them will experience some form of back problem at least once in their lifetime.  
         [0007]     In the sport of golf, repeated bending to tee golf balls at a driving range is a necessity for practice. This action clearly increases the risk of unintentional back injuries from constant flexing and extending the back, awkward turning and twisting movements.  
         [0008]     This potential adverse outcome that often time results from these actions have long been recognized and inadequately addressed by an approach such as that of Dickson, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,742 which describes an assembly that requires multiple harnessing bodies to a golfer&#39;s shoe, and an elevated platform which is intended to place a ball onto a tee. Though good in its intention, Dickson&#39;s device may be cumbersome to use and requires the repeated bending of the ankle to retrieve a golf ball, and the performance of a one-foot balancing act to tee the golf ball. This maneuver poses the danger of falling. Further, the device is not universally adaptable to all shoes. Moreover, Dickson&#39;s device requires assembly before application; it will be relatively heavy or bulky on a golfer&#39;s shoe. All of this detracts from its true practicality.  
         [0009]     Other inventors have all made similar attempts, or have proposed complex long-handled devices to address this problem. In the end, they have provided complicated gadgets which have proven to be quite expensive, heavy to carry and difficult to use.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     It is an object of the invention to provide a device for assisting a golfer in placing a golf ball on a tee, that is simple, easy to use, low in weight, and preferably disposable.  
         [0011]     It is a further object of the invention to provide a device of the type described above that does not require the golfer to bend or squat to place the ball on the tee.  
         [0012]     It is another object of the invention to provide a device of the type described above that may simply and easily affixed to the golfer&#39;s shoe.  
         [0013]     These objects and others are achieved in accordance with the invention by a device fabricated from a relatively flat and flexible sturdy plastic type material that features a strap on one or both sides like a sandal shoe wear. The advantage is that the device can be mounted on any footwear. Once secured, the ball retaining member will be situated relatively flat to the surface of the ground in an ideal orientation to secure a golf ball. No ankle bending is required to retrieve the golf ball; the receiving member and the golf ball are on the same level.  
         [0014]     The invention may also be embodied in other basic forms such as a device that is also relatively flat and oriented in one plane. One half of the top surface may be prepared with an adhesive substance while the other half may take the shape of a circular projection as described prior. The adhesive section can be affixed securely onto the bottom part of a golfer&#39;s shoe, while the semicircular projection protrudes beyond the border of the shoe. The device may be oriented in one of a possible 180 degrees or more. The adhesive portion may be designed to fit over or around the spikes found on all forms of golf shoes. In this alternate embodiment, the device adheres directly to the shoe as a single unit, without the need for an additional harness member.  
         [0015]     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, an operative portion is located on footwear, and a control portion may include a ‘bicycle brake’ cable control or wireless remote control on the waist or pocket of the golfer. The control portion allows the golfer to operate a clamp (crab&#39;s claw) device that is part of the operative portion on the shoe. What this device does in essence, is allow the golfer to utilize his hands to operate the crab&#39;s claw mechanism to 1.) acquire a golf ball; 2.) securely keep it in place; and 3.) release the ball upon demand onto the tee, all by a control mechanism utilizing the hands. No assistance of a golf club is required, and no stooping or squatting is needed. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention, ready to be placed on a shoe.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 , in a flat condition.  
         [0019]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an alternative version of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of a first apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention in place on a golf shoe.  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a is a bottom view of a second apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention in place on shoe that is not a golf shoe.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the apparatus of  FIG. 3  or  FIG. 4  illustrating adhesive location, and having a removable member, so that may be modified to fit universally on shoes with or without cleats.  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of an actuator for the apparatus of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 8  shows the relative relationship and position of the second embodiment when affixed to a shoe from a front perspective.  
         [0026]      FIG. 9  illustrate the manner in which a device in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention is used to place a golf ball on a tee. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0027]     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , there is shown a perspective view of an apparatus incorporating features of the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.  
         [0028]      FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a sole portion  1  of the apparatus, for resting against the sole of a shoe, has two voids  2  and  3  in an offset fashion, intended to accommodate various shoe soles configurations (found among the popular brands). A rear portion  4 , and side members  18  and  19 , make up the border for the device, which is sized and shaped to extend only to the vicinity just forward of the arch under a shoe.  
         [0029]     A dividing member  5  separates and adds central structural support for the device. Two semicircular protruding members  7  and  9  extend forwardly to form the main support to retain a golf ball  11  in the void  10  between members  7  and  9 . A golf ball  11  may be positioned over the void  10  and supported by the projections  12  and  13  of protruding members  7  and  9 , respectively.  
         [0030]     A dorsal strap  14  with flexible, perpendicular, left and right extensions  15 , form the top support for the device. Dorsal strap  14  is folded back over the top of the front portion of the shoe (not shown) and extension members  15  are folder into contact with the shoe. Right and left fastening members  17 , extending from rear portion  4 , have contact adhesive portions  17 A thereon. When not in use, a cover (not shown), such as a removable and disposable paper member is placed over adhesive portions  17 A. When the device is to be fastened in place on a shoe, the paper is removed, and the tacky adhesive of adhesive portions  17 A is forced into contact with extension members  15 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , so that the device is firmly captured around the shoe.  
         [0031]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an alternative version where instead of adhesive, right and left fastening members  17  are each formed with a serrated edge  20  having cut out portions. An opening  21  is provided in each of extension members  15  to receive the corresponding fastening member  17 . The serrated edges are shaped, and the openings are sized and shaped so that when fastening members  17  are inserted into the opening and pulled tight, as shown in  FIG. 2A , fastening members  17  are effective locked in place within the openings. This is effectively a one-way locking system, in that once locked in place, it is difficult, but not necessarily impossible, to remove the device from a shoe.  
         [0032]     Both versions of the device may be formed of a fairly thin, and light polymer material, that is strong, disposable and can be cut or torn off after use. The material may be clear or colored, and may have decorative features thereon. Both devices may be stored in a flat configuration prior to use, a feature that permits stacking of a number of devices in a relatively flat see through package, which is easily displayed in a store display having a horizontal member extending through a small hole in the package.  
         [0033]      FIG. 3  illustrates a golf shoe  100  having a sole portion  110 , with a disposable device  140  in accordance with the invention attached. A surface of a portion  142  of device  140  is coated with a protected glue substance which forms a bond to sole portion  110  so as to secure device  140  around a golf cleat  150  of shoe  100 . Semi-circular portions or arms  120 A and  120 B of device  140  are shown with an open channel  130  to accommodate relative motion of the device around the golf tee  160 , and motion of the stem of the golf tee  160  through channel  130 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 4  depicts a device  140 A similar to that in  FIG. 3 , with the exception that device  140 A has a filler  155  that is attached to the general assembly of device  140 A, but is removable. Device  140 A may be secured on to the sole  110 A of a shoe  100 A that is not a golf shoe. The borders of filler  155  are perforated to allow the easy separation of filler  155  from the general assembly of device  140 A. When it remains attached, filler  155  adds to the total shoe attachment area of device  140 A, thus providing a larger bonding surface for the attachment of device  140 A on to the planar surface of sole  110 A of shoe  100 A. When filler  155  is removed, the device can fit around a cleat so as able to be adhered to the sole of golf type shoe, as shown at  150  in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 5  illustrates the device of  FIG. 4  alone and in greater detail. A first portion of the apparatus shown generally as  112 , which is not secured to a shoe, and does not have any adhesive thereon, includes first circular arm  120 A, and second circular arm  120 B shaped so as define a circular opening  116 , and a channel  130 , between respective ends of first circular arm  120 A and second circular arm  120 B. Channel  130  is sufficiently wide so that the stem of a golf tee  160 , shown positioned outside the perimeter of the device, can fit through channel  130 . A contact adhesive, shown as  165 , is applied to a surface of portion  142  of device  140  that adheres to the sole of the shoe, including the surface of removable filler  155  and the surface of the region surrounding filler  155 . As described above, the adhesive, which may be pressure activated, may be covered with a removable protective cover that is peeled off prior to use of the device  140 A. When the device  140 A is placed on a shoe, the user may stand and apply weight to the foot, thus firmly securing the device  140 A to the sole of the shoe.  
         [0036]     Referring to  FIG. 6 a  device  300  in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, has a first member  311 , for contact with the sole of a shoe of any variety. Member  311  has void spaces  316  and  317 , which permit the device to universally fit virtually all shoe configurations with various cleat patterns.  
         [0037]     Device  300  may be designed in any one of various ways to fit around, under, over or on a shoe of various size, shape and design. A strap  312 ,  326  and  314  crossing over the front part of a foot or shoe, may be configured of durable material and design in and effort to allow repeated use of the device and quick assembly onto a footwear. It may be formed of an elastic material, or it may have a buckle (not shown) to accommodate various sizes of footwear. It is also possible to eliminate most of member  311 , so that only a thin strap is in contact with the sole of the shoe.  
         [0038]     Protruding body members are movable semicircular mechanical arms  301  and  304 . Arms  301  and  304  are held in a closed position when not in use, as shown in  FIG. 6 , by a spring  305  or other similar tension material. Respective inner borders  302  and  303  of arms  301  and  304  define an opening  324  between them.  
         [0039]     A connecting member or cable housing  310  houses a mobile filament or cable  313  which together make up the link between an actuator  322  of  FIG. 7 , and the arms  301  and  304 . Arms  301  and  304  may be pivotally mounted to a portion  318  of device  300 , so that movement of cable  313 , which may loop around two pulleys  306  and  307 , causes arms  301  and  302  to move with respect to one another so as to open and close. Mechanisms of this type (not shown) are well-know.  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the actuator  322 , having a shape similar to that of a golf ball, allows for the fluid movement of the cable  313  within its housing  310 . The outer surface of actuator  322  may be textured and designed of compressible material within two flexible, generally hemispherical portions; upper portion  320  and lower portion  323 . The cable housing  310  is anchored to a part  319  of lower portion  323  while the cable  313  is secured within the upper portion  320 , to a bolt  321 .  
         [0041]     Device  300  functions to acquire a golf ball from a resting position, using the hands and foot. To acquire a golf ball, a golfer positions the arms  301  and  304  within close proximity of the golf ball. Pressing the portions  322  and  323  of the actuator together, results in the withdrawal of a portion of cable  313  from housing  310 . This overcomes the force of the spring  305 , causing the protruding arms  301  and  304  to move further away from one another. The arms may be positioned below the lower half of a golf ball, or the equator region of the golf ball may be positioned between the arms  301  and  304 , simply by advancing the foot forward onto, over, or under the ball. Actuator  322  then may be released, allowing cable  313  to return to its normal position, and causing arms  301  and  304  to close so as to grip the golf ball.  
         [0042]     Under the influence of the force of the spring  305 , the golf ball is locked or secured by the curvatures of inner borders  302  and  303  of arms  301  and  304  in opening  324 , until a further action is carried out.  
         [0043]     To place the acquired golf ball onto a tee, the user simple squeeze the two halves of the golf ball actuator  323  and  322  in order to once again cause movement of cable  313 . This second activation releases the golf ball from the arms  301  and  304 . Once the golf ball is positioned over a fixed tee, (which maybe accomplished by lifting the front part of the device over the tee, while maintaining contact with the ground with the heel, as described below), the ball is then released as described above. The front part of the foot is then lowered below the level of the golf ball and retracted from the stem of the tee, through the opening  324 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 8  depicts one of many possible orientation of the device, or the golf ball engaging portion of the device, which may be positioned in any orientation throughout a span of approximately 180 degrees, with respect to shoe  100  (i.e. extending to either side of the shoe, rather than toward the front), when attached to a golf shoe  100  or any types of foot wear. The golf shoe is at an angle positioned over a tee  160 , with a golf ball  11  secured within the opening defined between the circular arms  120 A and  120 B.  
         [0045]      FIG. 9  further emphasizes that the golf ball  11  is firmly secured onto the device in accordance with the invention by utilizing the force of gravity, which acts upon the golf ball.  FIG. 9  further shows the lower portion of the ball  12  below a ring of the device  140  formed by circular arms  120 A and  120 B and the top portion of the golf ball  11 , above the ring, with a larger portion of the golf ball  11  above the ring and a smaller portion of the golf ball  11  below the ring. The presence in  FIG. 9  of the surface  170  of a mat or other surface on which the golfer stands illustrates the relative elevation of the front portion of the shoe  100 , while the heel portion maintains contact with the surface  170 .  
         [0046]     With reference to  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , once any of the devices has been secured to a golfer&#39;s shoe, the golfer will plant both feet on the ground and only elevate the front part of his shoe in order to successfully tee the golf ball, while maintaining contact with the ground at all times with both feet.  
         [0047]     With or without the aid of a golf club, a user acquires a golf ball simply by rolling the object towards the device once affixed onto a shoe. This ideal position of the projecting semicircular arms allows the golfer to retrieve a golf ball without ever having to bend his foot or ankle.  
         [0048]     The device is then further secured into the center ring of the circular projection either by a push or pull interaction between the golf ball and the device. A golfer will then pivot onto his heel, which will result in the elevation of the toe portion of his foot. This action permits a firm balance and stance as this maneuver is carried out. The risk of a fall is virtually eliminated.  
         [0049]     As the front part of one foot is raised the golf ball will lower itself (acting under the influence of gravity) into the void of the inner circumference, stopping at a predetermined point when the golf ball&#39;s circumference has exceeded the inner circumference of the device. This physiological stopper mechanism will create a natural harness to secure the golf ball onto the device.  
         [0050]     The user will then proceed to lower the toe portion of his foot once the golf ball is precisely over the tee. This action will result in the opposite mechanics of that described before. The inner circumference of the device will now exceed the outer circumference of the ball&#39;s inferior portion, allowing the object to be released from the device. The device is then retracted from the tee by moving the foot in the opposite direction that resulted in placing the golf ball onto the tee.  
         [0051]     The golf ball may also be acquired without the use of a club by a scooping mechanism by the more skillful user, using the device in the manner of a fork or a spatula. As described in the third embodiment, a hand operated cable or wireless control may also actuate the semicircular arms to achieve the same results.  
         [0052]     The devices according to the invention may be formed of low cost, light-weight and disposable or semi-disposable material. By disposable it is generally meant that the device will only be used for a single practice session or a single day. By semi-disposable, it is meant that if the device can be removed without it being torn, it may be available for one or more additional uses. However, because of the low cost, this is not at all critical. The third embodiment is preferably reusable.  
         [0053]     While the third embodiment has been illustrated as using a cable operated mechanism, it will be recognized that it can be designed to operate with a hand operated radio frequency or infrared link, with a hand operated transmitter and a miniature battery operated receiver and actuator placed in the operating portion of the device worn on footwear of the user.  
         [0054]     While being described as preferably attached to footwear, apparatus in accordance to the third embodiment of the invention may be built into a shoe and be used for the life of the shoe. As such it will generally still have a portion which contacts an underside of a shoe, that is, it is received on an underside of the shoe, such as the sole, although such contact may be internal to the shoe.  
         [0055]     With reference to the third embodiment, the mechanical semicircular arms maybe engineered in such a way to promote safe walling while the device remains attached to foot wear. The arms may be designed to be retractable, folded inwards, folded upwards or folded back.  
         [0056]     It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.