Golf Tee Encasement

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a division of provisional application Ser. No. 63/585,556 filed on Sep. 26, 2023, entitle “New Golf Tee”, currently pending.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf tees are a piece of equipment that is used while playing golf, during instruction, and in practice. Conventional golf tees generally consist of a crown, where the ball is supported, and a tapered stem that is put into the hitting surface. Tees are typically made of a hard material. The golf ball is positioned and supported on the crown so that it is elevated for proper striking.

The basic golf tee designs are all similar in nature, very plain, and offer very little ornamentation. Golf tees have not changed in use or appearance since the invention of the game. Golf tees for some are difficult to position straight up and down so that the ball is supported properly. Golf tees often break easily and can be difficult to find after a ball is hit from it, reducing the life expectancy of the tee. All of these factors contribute to frustration by a golfer.

The National Golf Foundation has stated that golf has seen a surge since 2019 including a 40% increase in junior golf. With the emergence of junior golfers, in particular, a need to visually enhance the golf tee, increase its durability, making it easier to use is needed to support the growth of the game by younger generations that start at an earlier age.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A Golf Tee Encasement, hereafter referred to as “GTE”, is a reusable cover or sheath that a golf tee is inserted into, encasing most of the tee when in use.

The main purpose of the product is to enhance the appearance of a golf tee, disguising the original form of the golf tee into relatable characters and objects. This makes the GTE more appealing to look at, touch and use, especially to the younger aged players. GTE's are made in a variety of textures, colors, sizes, and shapes.

GTE's increase the life expectancy of a golf tee in several ways. They act as a barrier between the golf tee and the golf club, protecting the tee from a direct hit with the golf club. A GTE allows the player to easily locate their tee after hitting their golf ball because of its color, size and shape. Both of these factors increase the life expectancy of a golf tee.

The sizes, shapes, and designs of GTE's assist a player in creating the proper tee height and angle for optimal ball striking. GTE are also used to assist physically challenged players that require larger items to hold or have sensory issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf tee encasement that references a vertical hole for golf tee insertion.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a golf tee encasement that references the vertical hole.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a golf tee encasement and a golf tee before being inserted. (not claiming golf tee)

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a golf tee encasement that shows a golf ball placed on top of a golf tee that has been inserted into a reuseable object. (not claiming golf tee and golf ball)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

GTE can be described as a variable object which can be manufactured into variety of sizes, shapes and colors. GTE are created and drawn into scale using 3D platforms to generate vector files and graphics. Manufacturing is chosen depending on the shape of the object. GTE are currently manufactured thru injection molding and 3D Printing.

GTE are made using Polyurethane foam, Rubber, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) and Flexible PLA (pellets of cornstarch, tapioca roots or sugarcane). GTE have details that are painted onto the surface of the object.

If injection mold is chosen, there are molds that are made for prototypes. Prototypes are examined to ensure durability, checked for proper tee insertion, then heights and colors are chosen. Once approved we make multiple molds for a more efficient production and inject with Polyurethane foam.

If 3D printing are chosen, 3D files are generated and checked for proper sizing. Images are sent to 3D manufacturing for a multi print product.

GTE can be logoed for events, customers, or clubs. Logo pieces are manufactured with appropriate art and printed on if made 3D or molded if made through injection.

Steps to Use a GTE

• • 1. Insert the stem of a traditional golf tee completely through the GTE.
  • 2. The golf tee stem is inserted into the golf course surface with the GTE encasing the golf tee.
  • 3. A golf ball is placed on top of the GTE and golf tee, elevated off the ground.