Golf tee with support prongs

Abstract

A golf tee includes: an elongate shaft having opposed upper and lower ends, the lower end configured to be inserted into an underlying surface; and a support cup that is configured to support a golf ball from beneath and that merges with the shaft. The support cup has a base portion and further includes at least three arcuate support prongs projecting upwardly from the base portion. The support prongs define a discontinuous annulus about the periphery of the support cup.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to golf equipment, and more specifically to golf tees employed in striking a golf ball. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The overwhelming majority of golfers use golf tees during their rounds of golf. As is well-known, a golf tee is placed in the ground or other underlying surface, and the ball rests atop the tee; because the ball resides above the ground, there is more margin for error in striking the ball with a golf club, and often greater distance can be achieved when a tee is used. A golfer is permitted to use a tee on the first shot of every hole. [0003] A conventional golf tee is formed of wood and typically includes a cupped support surface upon which a golf ball rests and a cylindrical shaft underlying the support surface that penetrates the ground. The support surface has a radius of curvature that is approximately equal to that of a golf ball. The rim of the support surface, which typically has a diam...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] These and other issues may be addressed by a golf tee of the present invention. As a first aspect, the present invention is directed to embodiments of a golf tee comprising: an elongate shaft having opposed upper and lower ends, the lower end configured to be inserted into an underlying surface; and a support cup that is configured to support a golf ball from beneath and that merges with the shaft. The support cup has a base portion and further includes at least three arcuate support prongs projecting upwardly from the base portion. The support prongs define a discontinuous annulus about the periphery of the support cup. In this configuration, the contact area between the support cup and the ball can be reduced, which can in turn reduce the amount of friction between the ball and tee and decrease the risk of imperfections in the tee negatively impacting ball flight.

Problems solved by technology

One of the problems with a conventional tee results from the interaction between the support surface and the ball as the ball is struck.

This contact creates friction that can negatively impact the launch of the ball from the tee.

In addition, the sharp edges and any imperfections of the rim of the tee can “catch” on the surface of the ball and further increase the friction on the launched ball as well as impart a degree of side spin onto the ball that can reduce accuracy.

Also, the sharp rim of the tee is also somewhat fragile and can be damaged as the club face strikes it.

A common failure mechanism of wooden tees is fracture at that interface point because the tee cannot smoothly exit the ground from the cylindrical hole.

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