Field Of The Invention

[001 ] The present invention relates to golf tees and in particular to such tees that also assist with the action of raising a ball, in this case a golf ball, to a height off the ground on a tee for the purposes of making it easier to strike the ball with a club, during, but not exclusively during the playing of the game of golf.

Background Of The Invention

[002] When teeing off in golf the normal procedure is to place a tee between the fingers whilst grasping the ball in the hand as illustrated in Fig. 5 and then bending over, or squatting, and using the mass and surface area and density of the ball, spike the stem of the tee into the ground using the concave circumference at the top of the tee in connection with the circumference of the ball. The person must try, whilst bent over; to spike the stem of the tee into the ground as vertically as possible, this allows the ball to be more easily balanced on top of the tee. Depending on the teeing ground, this action usually varies the height of the ball from the ground as the ability to reproduce the exact force required into different ground densities varies from tee to tee and course to course.

[003] After the teeing off stroke has been played the tee is either broken, lost or found and then retrieved from the ground. This requires the golfer to look for the tee, find the tee, then bend over and pick up the tee. Golfers with physical restrictions find it difficult to bend over and tee the ball up, tee the ball up at the same height, look for the tee, find the tee and then bend over and pick up the tee.

[004] Wooden tees are most commonly sourced from the birch tree and represent an average of about 40,000 tees per tree. It is suggested each golfer will lose or break approximately seven tees per round. In the United States there are approximately 400 million rounds played each year, this would total 2.8 billion tees. At approximately 40,000 tees per tree that would equal approximately 70,000 trees per year.

[005] In 1889, Bloxsom and Douglas were awarded the first recorded patent for a golf tee

(Aug.16 GB 12941). Then in 1892 Englishman Percy Ellis invented the 'Perfectum Tee' (Feb.29 Pat.GB 3916). In 1897 the P.M Matthews 'Victor Tee' (June.12 Pat.GB 14292). 1899 the George Franklin Grant tee (July.1 US.Pat.638920) and then in 1922 the W. Lowell 'Reddy Tee' (May.5 US.Pat.1493687). All these tees except for the Bloxsom and Douglas tee, are held in the hand, with golfer having to bend over and spike the tee into the ground. But all of them require the golfer, whilst bent over, to balance the ball on the top of the tee. All of them require the golfer once they have played their stroke to look for the tee, find the tee and bend over and pick up the tee. Before 1889 golfers teed golf balls on small mounds of sand.

[006] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

Summary Of The Invention

[007] The present invention ameliorates, at least in part, the problems of standard tees, by being comparatively easier for such reduced manual dexterity thereby promoting the game for more players, providing more enjoyment during play and speeding up play. It reduces waste by providing a tee that is durable and can be used over and over.

[008] The present invention provides golfers and golf with a solution or partial solution to the following issues:

a. An end to bending over to push a tee into the ground;

b. Bending over to balance a ball onto a tee;

c. Inconsistent tee heights;

d. Durability of a tee;

e. Losing the tee;

f. Bending over to pick up the tee.

[009] Thus the present invention provides a tee for a golf ball, the tee including a ball receiving formation at one end at a predetermined height from a ground level, and a ramp which provides an inclined path from a ground level to the ball receiving formation, the tee having formed therein a retrieval formation which is adapted to receive and releasably hold, or attach to, a handle end of a golf club.

[010] The retrieval formation can be separate from the ball receiving formation.

[01 1 ] The retrieval formation can be formed in one or more than one of the following: in said ramp; a lateral formation extending laterally away from said tee; in the vicinity of said ball receiving formation; between the ball receiving formation and a ramp starting location; in the vicinity of a ramp starting location.

[012] The tee can include at least one stabiliser formation.

[013] The stabiliser formation can be a generally horizontal portion extending laterally away from the ramp.

[014] The stabiliser formation can include the retrieval formation. [015] The ball receiving formation and the retrieval formation can be formed as a single shaped formation doing both functions.

[016] The tee can include at least one stabiliser formation.

[017] The tee can includes a staking aperture formed on a portion thereof.

[018] The staking aperture can be formed in one or more than one of the following: the ramp; an entry end of the ramp; a stabiliser which extends laterally away from the ramp.

[019] The ramp can be formed in an arcuate shape or as a straight line.

[020] The tee can be formed such that the underside thereof has recesses.

[021 ] The ramp can terminate, at its upper end, at a turning point which then leads to the ball receiving formation, whereby a ball cannot return to the ramp unless an appropriate force is applied to the ball.

[022] The tee can be made of a colour which will not distract a golfer.

[023] The tee can have two stabiliser formations, extending laterally away from the ramp in opposite directions to each other.

[024] The tee can have surfaces which enable the tee to have applied to it one or more of the following: symbols, logos, indicia or text.

[025] The present invention also provides a tee for a golf ball, the tee including a ball receiving formation at a predetermined height from a ground level, and a retrieval formation which is adapted to receive and releasably hold, or attach to, a handle end of a golf club.

[026] The retrieval formation can be separate from the ball receiving formation.

[027] The retrieval formation can be formed in one or more than one of the following: a lateral formation extending laterally away from the tee; in the vicinity of the ball receiving formation.

[028] The tee can include at least one stabiliser formation.

[029] The stabiliser formation can be a generally horizontal portion extending laterally away from the tee.

[030] The stabiliser formation can include the retrieval formation, alternatively the ball receiving formation and the retrieval formation can be formed as a single shaped formation doing both functions. Brief Description Of The Drawings

[031 ] The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following Figs, in which:

[032] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the tee from on top;

[033] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the tee from the underside;

[034] Fig. 3 Is an illustration of the golf club grip and diaphragm;

[035] Fig. 4 Is an illustration of a tee being secured to the ground;

[036] Fig. 5 Is an illustration of a golf ball and traditional golf tee in hand;

[037] Fig. 6 Is a plan view of the tee;

[038] Fig. 6A is a cross sectional view of the tee of Figs 1 to 4 and 6, along section line Y- Y of Fig. 6;

[039] Fig. 6B is a cross sectional view of the tee of Figs 1 to 4 and 6, along section line X- X of Fig. 6;

[040] Fig. 7 Is a side elevation with a cross section of the tee;

[041 ] Fig. 8 illustrates a side view and cross section of the tee;

[042] Fig. 9 illustrates a side view of ball, club and tee;

[043] Fig. 10 is an illustration of a ball transitioning into the tee aperture;

[044] Fig. 1 1 illustrates a plan view of another tee embodiment;

[045] Fig. 12 illustrates a plan view of a further tee embodiment;

[046] Fig.13 illustrates a side view of a modified tee;

[047] Fig.14 illustrates a front view of the tee of Figr.13;

[048] Fig.15 illustrates a plan view of the tee of Figs 13 an 14;

[049] Fig 16 illustrates a plan view similar to Fig.15 but is a rendered image;

[050] Fig.17 illustrates a side view of the tee of Fig.16;

[051 ] Fig 18 illustrates cross section through line B-B

[052] Fig 19 illustrates a cross section through line A-A of the retrieval formation; [053] Fig.20 illustrates a rendered rear perspective view of the tee of Figs 13 to 19 with a ball in place;

[054] Fig.21 illustrates a rendered front view of the tee and ball of Fig.20;

[055] Fig.22 illustrates a rendered left side view of the tee and ball of Fig.20;

[056] Fig.23 illustrates a rendered rear view of the tee and ball of Fig.20;

[057] Fig.24 illustrates a rendered upper right side view of the tee and ball of Fig. 20;

[058] Fig.25 illustrates a rendered front view of the tee alone of Fig.20;

[059] Fig.26 illustrates a rendered rear view of the tee Fig.25;

[060] Fig.27 illustrates a rendered plan view of the tee Fig.25;

[061 ] Fig.28 illustrates a rendered upper right side view of the tee of Fig.25;

[062] Fig 29 illustrates a tee having a ball supporting section, which also includes the tee retrieval formation;

[063] Figure 30 illustrates a tee having a ball supporting formation and a separate tee retrieval formation.

Detailed Description Of The Embodiment Or Embodiments

[064] Illustrated in the Figs 1 to 4 and Figs 6 to 10 and Fig 1 1 and Fig.12 are tees 100,

100' and 100" for a golf ball, the tee 100, 100' and 100" including a ball receiving formation 2 at one end at a predetermined height from a ground level, and a ramp 1 which provides an inclined path from a ground level to the ball receiving formation 2. The tee 100, 100' and 100" having formed therein a retrieval formation 3 which is adapted to receive and releasably connect to a handle end of a golf club.

[065] The retrieval formation 3 is separate from the ball receiving formation 2 in the example of Fig.1 , whereas in the example of Fig.1 1 they are co-located, or are one, as will be described later.

[066] The retrieval formation 3 is formed in one or more than one of the following: in the ramp 1 as is the case of the tee 100" of Fig 12; a lateral formation, such as stabilising areas 5 and or 26, which extend laterally away from the tee 1 as is the case in the tee 100 of Fig.1 ; in the vicinity of the ball receiving formation 2 as is the case in the tee 100' of Fig.1 1 ; between the ball receiving formation 2 and a ramp starting location as is the case in the tee 100 of Fig.1 and tee 100' of Fig.11 ; in the vicinity of a ramp starting location as is the case in the tee 100 of Fig.1. [067] The tee 100 includes at least one stabiliser formation 5 and or 26.

[068] The stabiliser formation 5 and or 26 is a generally horizontal portion extending laterally away from the ramp 1 .

[069] The stabiliser formation 5 includes the retrieval formation 3.

[070] The ball receiving formation 2 and the retrieval formation 3 are formed as a single shaped formation doing both functions, as is the case in the tee 100' of Fig.1 1.

[071 ] The tee 100 includes at least one stabiliser formation 5 or 26.

[072] The tee 100 and tee 100" include a staking aperture 4 formed on a portion thereof, which is illustrated in the tee 100 of Fig.1 as being on the stabilising area 5, but could be located in the ramp 1 if desired, as is the case in the tee 100" of Fig.12.

[073] A single or multiple staking apertures 4 can be utilised and they can be formed in one or more than one of the following: the ramp 1 ; an entry end 6 of the ramp 1 ; a stabiliser such as 5 or 26 which extends laterally away from the ramp 1 .

[074] The ramp 1 is formed in an arcuate shape, as in the case of the tee 100 or in a straight line, as in the case of tees 100' and 100".

[075] The tees 100 100' 100" are formed such that the underside thereof have recess or recesses.

[076] The ramp 1 preferably terminates at its upper end at a turning point 27 which then leads to the ball receiving formation 2, whereby a ball cannot return to the ramp 1 unless an appropriate force is applied to the ball.

[077] Preferably the tee 100 has two stabiliser formations 5 and 26, which extend laterally away from the ramp 1 in opposite directions to each other.

[078] To now describe in more detail, the tee 100 has the ramp 1 , which allows a ball to be rolled up using the face of a golf club as in Figs 9 and 10, then up and over turning point or bump 27 and into the ball receiving formation or aperture 2.

[079] The ramp 1 is curved to allow for the natural movement of a club when someone is rolling a ball up the ramp 1 . The ramp 1 has a concave surface as is best illustrated in Fig.10 by the shading of the concave surface of the ramp, and as illustrated in Fig. 6A which is taken through section line Y-Y in Fig.6. The concave surface makes rolling the ball up the ramp 1 easier by preventing the ball from sliding side to side. The curvature, when viewed in the plan view of Fig.6, draws the ball into a single direction and thereby prevents it from moving out of position, as in Fig. 9. [080] The ramp 1 is also tapered i.e. wider at the base or entry 6 and narrower at the end

9 and bump 27. The widest part at the entry 6 of the ramp 1 allows for the ball to move freely onto the tee 100 without any impediment. As the ramp 1 rises, the tapered effect draws the ball into a single direction culminating at the ramp end 9 and bump 27 where the ball can be held in place by the face of the club, the concave ramp 1 , the ridges or rails 10 of the ramp 1 and the transition point or bump 27 before being transitioned up ramp end 9 and over bump 27 and into the aperture 2, as is illustrated in Fig.10

[081 ] The tee 100 has three apertures 2, 3 and 4. The first aperture 2 allows a ball with a circumference greater than the aperture 2 to be positioned into it. The diameter of this aperture 2, being of approximately 15mm, and the rounded profile of the wall which forms the aperture 2, are such that they can locate a golf ball into a circumference of the rounded wall without the ball moving or rolling back down the ramp 1 without first imparting external force to remove it from the aperture 2 by forcing the ball over bump 27 and down away from the end 9.

[082] The aperture 2 has two points between it and the ramp 1 indicated by end 9 and bump 27. The end 9 is lower than the rim around the aperture 2 but the end 9 has its edges or rails form bump 27 on either side of end 9. The rails which form bump 27 are raised higher than the top rim of the aperture 2. The low point of end 9 allows room for the ball to roll up the raised edges or rails which form the bump 27. This rise around the edges of bump 27 and the relative low point of end 9 on the other side of the bump 27 from the aperture 2, constitutes two separate but dual functioning design points. End 9 is the transition point at which the ball rolls up and bump 27 is the point at which the ball rolls over and into the aperture 2 from the ramp 1 and becomes stabilised into the aperture 2 and with the raised edges or rails around bump 27 on either side of end 9 preventing the ball from rolling back down the ramp 1 without first imparting external force.

[083] The bottom or entry 6 of the ramp 1 is bevelled and flush to the ground to allow unrestricted access of the ball when it is being rolled from the ground onto the tee 100. The bottom or entry 6 is the widest part of the ramp 1 and allows some latitude in the initial process of aligning the ball for it to be rolled onto the ramp 1 and before it is channelled by the ridges or rails 10 and the concavity of the ramp 1 . The bottom or entry 6 is supported on the underside of the tee 100 by a flat under-surface 15 as illustrated in Fig 2.

[084] The flat under-surface 15 directly under bottom or entry 6 is a flat area that gives better durability to the tee 100 and better structural integrity to the bottom or entry 6 and protects the bevelled edge 6.1 of bottom or entry 6 of the ramp 1 . It also gives more stability and support to bottom or entry 6 and the start of ramp 1 when it is correct side up and on the ground. [085] The ramp 1 has ridges or rails 10 on both sides. These follow the curvature of the ramp 1 and end at the transition point of bump 27. The rails 10 prevent the ball from sliding sideways and rolling off the tee 100, and it creates more depth to the concave shape of the ramp 1 and provides a more defined curved shape and gives greater structural integrity to the tee 100, by providing greater mass and more durability. The ridges 10 also protect the ramp 1 from impact by a club with its thickness and rigidity. Ridges 10 give added weight and height. The rails 10 at the start of the ramp 1 have bevelled inner surfaces which are angled with respect to each other to form an upwardly diverging arrangement, which transitions to rounded wall tops in the location of region around the section line Y-Y of Fig.6.

[086] The side walls 7 of the tee 100 provide stability for the tee 10 as it sits on the teeing ground and also provide support for the ramp 1 and the aperture 2. At the bump 27, the height of the wall 7 is approx. 32mm. The thickness of the walls 7 at their base 19 as seen in Fig.2 is approximately 3 to 4mm, and the space 20 underneath the tee 100 allows the tee 100 to nestle down into the ground and or grass. A covered, or enclosed flat bottom would mean the tee would be sitting on the grass and may be possibly less stable and less level and thus less reliable and it would travel further after it was struck. The space 20 underneath provides an area when the tee 100 is sitting in the grass and allows longer grasses or other objects on the ground to be bridged over as shown in Fig. 7 at imaginary window 25. The wall 7 and the space 20 underneath provide support and cushions the tee 100 when it is being compressed during impact by a club. The wall 7 and its thickness at base 19 and subsequent space 20 underneath also gives elasticity and allows the unit to return to its original shape and make it less likely to be damaged after being

compressed multiple times. It also assists in minimising the distance the tee 100 will travel after it is struck because the impact will compress the ramp 1 into the space 20. The outside of the wall 7, being in a generally upright position is also an area in which advertising may be branded as well as the smaller of the two stabilising areas 26.

[087] The base of the tee 100 as defined by base 19 of wall 7, up to the aperture 2 and the length of the ramp 1 are designed in a taper, i.e. the base is wider than the upper surfaces as illustrated in Figure 7 by front wall 23. This tapered design gives greater stability to the tee 100. The tapering is enough to create greater stability but not too much as to obstruct the face of the club from striking the ball or interfere with the face of the club from being positioned close to the ball as the golfer holds the club head behind the ball before they make a stroke, otherwise referred to in golf as 'addressing the ball'. The wall 7 also provides a constant repeatable tee height.

Traditional tees require the golfer to spike the tee into the ground. This action is difficult to repeat to the exact force required over and over to result in the tee being the same height every time as the teeing grounds vary in density from tee to tee and course to course. [088] The base 19 of wall 7 follows the curvature of the ramp 1 and the aperture 2 and provides more stability as the ball transitions from bump 27 and into the aperture 2. The thickness of the wall 7 and its base 19 also provides the inner and outer diameter of the aperture 2 and provides the ability of this aperture to compress and then return to its original shape. The thickness of the walls 7 and base19 on the underside of the tee 100 and the space 20 underneath and the tapering or angling 23 allow the butt end 105 of a golf grip to be secured therein and be used as a secondary point at which the tee 100 can be lifted off the ground using the friction of the grip to handle end 105. To provide this hold the material the tee 100 is made from a silicone rubber and this gives elasticity to the wall 7. The wall 7 curves away in area 1 1 from the ramp 1 on the underside of the tee 100 as illustrated in Fig 2.

[089] The area 1 1 is where the wall 7 curves away from the ramp 1 underneath the tee

100. It is slightly wider than the wall 7 base 19 as the curve of the tee 100 progresses around the stabilising area 5 that houses and protects and gives function to the retrieval formation or aperture 3 and staking formation or aperture 4. The area 1 1 is a small extension of the wall 7 that also transitions into and supports and gives strength to the underside edge 21 of the ramp 1 as it connects to the ramp 1 and under rim 12 as illustrated in Fig.2.

[090] The underside rim 12 is a flat edge on the underside of the tee 100 starting at area

1 1 and progressing in a curving fashion around underneath raising the stabilising area 5 to the underside 15 of the ramp 1 as illustrated in Fig 2. On the other side of the ramp 1 the under rim 12 curves around raising stabilising area 26 and connects to the wall 28 on the outside as illustrated in Fig 6. Underside rim 12 is slightly wider than the wall 7 basel 9 but it is also an extension of base19. Underside rim 12 creates stability by having more surface area on the ground than just the wall 7, but unlike the wall 7 which has more weight on it, underside rim 12 relies on a wider surface area for its traction to the ground. Underside rim 12 connects to the wall 7 on the underside at areal 1 . Underside rim 12 also connects to wall 28 on the underside 26 as illustrated in Fig 2.

[091 ] The design of underside rim 12 is such that it gives strength to the tee 100 edge and raises features 5, 8, 3, 4 and 26. By doing this on the outer edge of stabiliser 5 it reduces the need for aperture 3 to be raised too high relative to the upper surface 18 of the stabiliser 5. If the upper surface 18 of stabiliser 5 was too high it would impede the movement of a club through the first few centimetres of the ramp 1 because surface 18 would be raised above entry 6 of ramp 1 . The surface 18 and the heel of the club could interfere as it rolls the ball onto the tee 100. The underside rim 12 also raises aperture 4 and provides space under stabiliser 5 to allow for a further strengthening rim 22 below aperture 4 as seen in Fig 2. However underside rim 12 does not raise aperture 4 too high otherwise this will interfere with a wooden tee being used as a pegging device. Such a wooden tee, if used say due to the tee 100 being used at a driving range, assists in gaining traction when being pushed through aperture 4 to secure tee 100 into the ground.

[092] The underside rim 12 raises stabiliser 5 at its edge, that is the stabiliser 5 extends away from the rim12 to locate upper surface 18 away from ground level, and in doing so gives proportional flexibility to the tee 100, and reduces the need to make features 8, 3 and 4 higher and more prominent to the eye. As rim 12 raises stabiliser 5 it allows for grass and ground debris to be bridged over by providing a void 30 as illustrated in Fig 8 which has a partial cross section so that void 30 is visible. Rim12 also raises the second stabiliser 26 which is the smaller of the two stabilising areas on either side of the ramp 1 . Rim 12 in raising stabiliser 5 and 26 allows space for grasses and debris to be bridged over giving greater stability.

[093] The rim 14 provides a bevelled wall or edge which encompasses the two stabilising areas 5 and 26. The bevelled edge 14 means there is greater surface area, greater mass, better stability and more curvature. The bevelled edge 14 is slightly wider than underside rim 12. It follows the same curvature as rim12 and also diminishes on both sides of the bottom 6 of the ramp 1 . On one side bevelled edge 14 connects to the outside of the wall 7 at 16 at an angle into the wall 7 and has been lengthened to give added strength and durability and mass to the tee 100. The bevelled edge 14 which encompasses the stabiliser 26 connects to the wall 7 at 28 and is also slightly longer than bevelled edge 14 as it connects to the wall 7. This lengthening also adds strength, durability and mass to the tee 100.

[094] The stabiliser 5 is the larger of the two stabilising areas. Stabilisers 5 and 26 both prevent the tee 100 from travelling too far from an initial position after it has been struck. Both stabilisers 5 and 26 act to stabilise the tee 100 for when the tee 100 has been dropped onto the ground assisting it to land right side up and then stay in its upright position. Features such as stabilisers 5, 26, bevelled edge 14, ridges 10 and rim 12 diminish into the bottom 6 of the ramp 1 create no apparent straight lines and gives a smoother, less distinctive and less dynamic look thus making the tee 100 less distracting or too busy in the eye of the golfer when they address the ball.

[095] The aperture 3 has a raised circular bevelled edge 8 which is a raised wall encompassing aperture 3 and tabs 13. The raised edge 8 is used as a guide to assist in the guiding and locking of the butt end of a golf grip into the aperture 3. The edge 8 is raised and rigid. The edge 8 is a raised extension of the surface area on the underside 17 as best seen in Fig 2. This added thickness creates more strength, durability and mass. This raised edge 8 allows more space for the butt end 105 of the golf grip to move into when the tee 100 is being lifted. Edge 8 also allows the butt end 105 of the club's grip easier access through the aperture 3 and to engage with tabs 13. [096] Aperture 3 is the second and largest of the three apertures. It is a diaphragm type of construction having eight radially inwardly directed tabs 13, which are spaced from each other by spacing 29, inside of a raised circular edge 8. The diameter of the inner edge of 8 is slightly larger than the diameter of a larger than standard butt end 105 of a golf grip fitted on a standard golf shaft as is best illustrated in Fig 3. The inside diameter of the tabs 13 is (within reason) smaller than the smallest diameter butt end 105 of a standard golf grip fitted to its respective golf shaft, which is approximately 10 to 1 1 mm. This allows for variations in diameter of the grip end 105 of the golf club being used to lift the tee 100.

[097] The aperture 3 raised from the surface 18 by rim 8 forms a tube like structure rising off the stabilising section 5. The top of the rim 8 has a lip formed by the tabs 13 which extends inwards, horizontally, towards the centreline of the hole 3. The diameter of the rim 8 is typically larger than the diameter of a golf handle 105 and the inner edge of the tabs 13 forms a hole of diameter less than the diameter of the golf handle 105 (or any pick up device), so that when inserted through the aperture 3 and so the ends of the tabs 13 engage the grip and allows the tee 100 to be lifted.

[098] Aperture 3 is slightly raised from the upper surface 18 of the stabilising area 5 by edge 8. The height of edge 8, approximately 2mm and the already mentioned height of rim 12 (approx. 5mm) gives enough room for the butt end 105 of a golf grip fitted to a club to be pushed through the aperture 3 and be gripped by the tabs 13 and then the whole of the tee 100 can be lifted up by the golfer without the golfer having to bend over and pick up the tee 100.

[099] The tabs 13 are generally trapezoidal in shape and located inside of aperture 3 near to the upper rim of aperture 3 but slightly lower than the top of edge 8. Respective tabs 1 3 have spaces 29 in between adjacent tabs 13 to allow freedom of movement, which assists in durability and function when the golf grip is pushed through aperture 3. The tabs 13 have rounded edges and are approximately 2mm in thickness to assist in durability and function when the golf grip 105 is pushed through aperture 3. Each tab 13 is approximately 7mm in length. The distance from the centre of each of the spaces 29 either side of each tab 13 is approximately 10mm and are connected to the circular ridge or edge 8. The spaces 29 in between each of tabs 13 have a circular cut terminus 29.1 , as illustrated in Fig 6, to assist in durability when the golf grip 105 is pushed through aperture 3. A straight edge is expected to be more susceptible to tearing. The tops of the tabs 13 act as friction generating cantilevered surfaces for engagement with the butt end 105 of a golf club grip, so as to be held in place by elasticity and friction. Multiple tabs 13 mean that if some are damaged the others can still function aided by the weight and flexibility of the tee 100. [0100] Aperture 4 is the third and the smallest aperture on the tee 100 and can be used to secure the tee 100 to the ground using a pegging device, most likely a regular golf tee. The securing would be done when a person wanted to use the tee 100 multiple times in a row, such as at a driving range, and the securing would prevent the tee 100 from travelling away from its desired point on the ground and then having to be constantly replaced. This would be typically during a practice session. The aperture 4 could also be used if the tee ground was close to the edge of an area that would make it irretrievable if it went there after impact. Whilst this action of securing the tee 100 requires bending over and spiking the stem of a regular tee into the ground it is the exception and would not happen as often.

[0101 ] Aperture 4 is approximately 8mm in depth, and has a raised edge on the top of the surface area of stabiliser 5 and underneath has a lower rim 22. These raised edges are circular and approx. 3mm thick. This feature increases durability and provides increased strength and security when pegging the tee 100 to the ground. The depth of approximately 8mm is also shallow enough to allow the length of the pegging device the ability to be pushed through and into the ground and long enough to provide enough surface area on the pegging device to assist in holding the tee 100 in place, have the tee 100 struck and prevent aperture 4 from being damaged. It is also small enough in diameter to receive and hold a standard golf tee with a tight and secure fitting. If the raised edge of aperture 4 was any higher the head of the tee in the aperture of 4 could impede the club head as it rolls the ball past feature 18.

[0102] The tee 100 is made from silicone with a shore rating of 50. The rating of silicone gives the tee 100 several qualities. It provides the tee 100 with the flexibility required to allow the tee 100 to be compressed but also and equally important the rigidity to give the tee 100 structural integrity. The silicone shore rating of 50 also means the tee 100 is more durable and at its ideal weight i.e. heavy enough to sit in grass and not on top of it and light enough to be picked up with the grip of the club in the aperture.

[0103] The size and shape of the tee 100 gives the unit weight so it can sit down into the surface of the teeing ground. If it were too light it would sit on top of the grass which would make the unit unstable. The size or bulk of the tee 100 makes it easier to find if it falls from view into grass deeper than the height of the tee 100. The size and weight and shape also prevents the tee 100 from travelling too far when struck.

[0104] Each section of the tee 100 flows in and around from one area to the next with no apparent straight lines. Each section is supported by its transition points and each point is in its own right as strong and as flexible as it needs to be without excess. It is designed in the most minimal yet practical dimensions but not so small or too large as to comprise the concept. Each area is proportional to its purpose both in size, weight, thickness and flexibility. [0105] The most elevated end 9 of the ramp 1 finishes with the ball receiving aperture 2, which stabilises the ball by means of the height of the wall around the aperture 2, which forms its outer edge is the same curvature and height as the final outer edge of the ramp 1 , as best illustrated in Fig. 6B. The section of the outer edge of the aperture which is adjacent to the concave upper face 1 .1 of the ramp, at the transition point or bump 27 between the ramp 1 and the aperture 2, has a rise above the surface of the ramp 1 , but is lower than the height of the remainder of the aperture 2. This allows the golf ball to be stabilised within the aperture 2 and not fall off the tee when it is pushed into the aperture from the ramp.

[0106] The tee 100 has a flattened edge 15 and stabilising sections 5 and 26 which extend horizontally out from the base of the ramp 1 for a distance. These sections stabilise the tee 100, so that the ramp 1 is not crushed or distorted either vertically or horizontally (that is the ramp 1 maintains it's as designed shape), both when dropped onto the ground and positioned using a device or foot and when the ball is pushed up the ramp and stabilised in the aperture in readiness.

[0107] This flattened edge 15 has the added function in that it provides additional mass to the invention which reduces the distance the tee 100 will move when struck by the club during a golf stroke. This is important to ensure the tee 100 is not lost and is close to the position of the stroke for easy retrieval. This flattened surface 15 also enables the invention to be used in conjunction with a cover mat as a conventional tubular designed driving range tee. The flattened edge 15 can be extended to incorporate a "driving range mat" into a single rubber moulded section which incorporates the tee 100.

[0108] The tee 100 has currently been designed in pantone treetop 0135-18 green.

However it is envisaged that the tee 100 can be produced in different and brighter colours or darker and duller tones. The current colour chosen is a very bland green and a compromise in that it is a type of camouflage so as not to distract the golfer when he is looking at the ball on the tee in readiness to make a stroke.

[0109] The tee 100 provides an answer to the question: "How do you tee up a golf ball without bending over, play a stroke and then pick up the tee without bending over?". The tee 100 by means of the material it is made from and its design or shape, allow it to be practical, durable, easy to find and easy to pick up.

[01 10] Illustrated in Figs 1 1 and 12 are tees 100' and 100", and like parts have been like numbered, and serve similar functions as described above. The constructions of the tees 100' and 100", is also similar to the tee 100 described above, with a few differences which will now be described. [01 1 1 ] Illustrated in Fig.1 1 the tee 100' has a bevelled edge 6.1 on the ramp entry 6, which leads to a ramp 1 , and terminates at a combined retrieval formation 3 and ball receiving formation 2. The ball receiving formation 2 is the centrally located aperture at the inward ends of the tabs 13. This allows the combined functions of ball location and retrieval by a golf club handle to be present in the one aperture and location. It will be noted that the tee 100' is of a generally straight line path so that the ball will travel in a straight line from the ramp entry 6 to the aperture 2.

[01 12] Illustrated in Fig.12 is the tee 100" which includes a bevelled edge 6.1 on the ramp entry 6, which leads to a ramp 1 , and terminates at a ball receiving formation 2. Between the ball receiving aperture 2 and ramp entry 6 is a retrieval formation 3', which in this case is a conical walled aperture, or a frustoconical hollow aperture, which may be a blind or a through aperture, so as to receive therein the butt end 105 of a golf club handle, so that the tee 100" is then simply lifted back to hand level so that the golfer needing to can retrieve the tee 100" without needing to bend over. The tee 100" also includes a staking aperture 3 near to the ramp entry 6.

[01 13] Tees 100' and 100" being of a straight line construction, will possibly bar them from match play as the rules of golf prohibit any alignment aid at a tee. However, this does not prevent the tees 100' and 100" from being used at practice sites such as driving ranges and the like.

Whereas the curved construction when seen in plan view of the tee 100, is expected to allow the tee 100 to be used in match play according to the Royal and Ancient rules of golf.

[01 14] Illustrated in Figs 13 to 28 is a modified tee 1 100 which is the similar to the tee 100 described above, in respect of manufacture, and functioning and like parts have been liked numbered. There are however several differences which will now be described.

[01 15] One difference is that the wall structure of the tee 1 100, under the ball receiving formation 2, is tapered at 5 degrees to the vertical to be diverging in a direction from the bottom up, whereas in the tee 100 is tapered at 5 degrees to the vertical but so as to be converging in a direction from the bottom up. It has been found that by reversing the taper, a better feel is obtained by a user on a golf swing follow through, after hitting a ball from the tee 1 100. When measured from the front of the tee 1 100 as in Fig.14, the width at the top is of the order of 23mm while the width at the bottom in Figure 14 is of the order of 17mm. As illustrated in Figure 13, the bottom up diverging taper is present in the front section 61 (of the order of 30mm in length) of the 1 100, and transitions to a converging taper in the middle section 64. This provides the tee 1 100 with a This tapering allows the club face to be close to the ball during the address position before the ball is struck and during impact as the stroke is being played, provides a better response from the tee 1 100 on the follow through of the swing. [01 16] The middle section 64 of the ramp wall by being convergingly tapered with the bottom being wider than the top, gives tee 1 100 more stability as it sits on the ground and more surface area to help stop it as it comes to rest after impact.

[01 17] The weight of the tee 1 100 and the respective tapered sections 61 and64 combined with the weight of the ball gives stability to the tee 1 100 as it sits on the grassy ground.

[01 18] Another difference between the tees 100 and 1 100, is that the sizes of the tabs 13 in the retrieval formation 3 has been modified. As is best illustrated in Figure 16, the retrieval formation 3, which is the largest of the three apertures is constructed with a diaphragm like formation having tabs 13. The inside diameter of the tabs 13 is 22mm. This allows one of the small diameter golf club grip ends of approx. 25mm in diameter to be able to push past the tabs 13 through flexibility of the tabs 13 and which will generate a friction grip from their surface area to the golf club handle allowing a user to retrieve the tee 1 100.

[01 19] The top of the retrieval formation 3 is raised off the surface of the stabilising area 5, by having a raised edge 8 which is 6.5mm in height. The height of raised edge 8 and the height of the stabilising area 5 is 1 1 .3mm and this allows for the butt end of a golf grip fitted to a club to be pushed through the aperture and be gripped by the tabs 13 and then lifted up to the golfer without the golfer having to bend over and pick up the tee 1 100.

[0120] The tabs 13 are inwardly projecting from the raised edge 8, and are produced with spaces between them. Adjacent tabs 13 are separated from each other by a distance of 1 .4mm. This allows for the tabs 13 to flex and the grip of the club to access the surface area of the tabs 13.

[0121 ] The outer diameter of the retrieval formation 3 at the top of the raised edge 8, that is, the diametric distance from the outer ends of the tabs 13 is 38.4mm. This allows for one of the larger grip ends of approx. 30mm diameter or slightly larger to be able to engage the retrieval formation 3 through the tabs 13 through flexibility of the tabs 13 and the friction generated by their surface area.

[0122] The tabsl 3 are generally trapezoid in shape and located inside of the retrieval formation 3. This is another difference in that in tee 100 the tabs 13 are slightly lower than the top of raised edge 8. Whereas in the tee 1 100 that are at the same height as the top of the raised edge 8. The space of 1 .4 mm width between the tabs 13 allow them freedom of movement, which assists in durability and function when the golf grip is pushed through them. The tabs 13 have rounded edges and are 2mm in thickness to assist in durability and function when the golf grip is pushed through them.

[01 23] The tabs 13 extend inwardly from the raised edge 8 and are approximately 8mm in length and approximately 14mm wide at their base where they connect to the circular ridge 8. The spaces between the tabs 13 are rounded, as this allows for greater durability as straight lines would create sharp corners and edges that could tear.

[0124] Another difference between the tee 100 and teel 100 is that the ramp 10 has the bevelled surfaces of the opposed sides extend further along the ramp 10, to well past the section line BB of Fig.16. The opposed bevelled surfaces, better seen in cross section of Fig.18, convert or transition to line contacts for a ball rolling on them, prior to the ball support portion 2.

[0125] Thus, as illustrated in the Figures, the tees 100, 100', 100", 3100, 2100, and 1 100 are for positioning a golf ball, with each tee 100, 100', 100", 3100, 2100, and 1 100 including a ball receiving formation 2 at a predetermined height from a ground level, and a retrieval formation 3 which is adapted to receive and releasably hold, or attach to, a handle end 105 (see figure 5) 3of a golf club.

[0126] The retrieval formation 3 is formed as separate from the ball receiving formation 2 in the case of tees 100, 100", 1 100, and 3100,.

[0127] The retrieval formation 3 can be formed in one or more than one of the following: a lateral formation 5 extending laterally away from the tee, as in the case of tees 100, 100", 1 100, 3100; in the vicinity of the ball receiving formation, as illustrated for tee 2100 and 100'.

[0128] The tee 100, 100', 100", 3100, 2100, and 1 100 includes at least one stabiliser formation, which can be stabiliser 5 and or 26 for tees 100, 1 100, 2100 and 3100. Such a stabiliser for tees 100' and 100" is the splayed out lower end of the ramp 1 . This stabiliser formation 5, 26 or 1 is a generally horizontal portion extending laterally. Some of the tees, such as 100, 1 100, and 3100 have the stabiliser formation 5 and or 26 also including the retrieval formation 3.

[0129] In respect of tees 100' and 2100, the ball receiving formation 2 and the retrieval formation 3 are formed as a single shaped formation doing both functions.

[0130] The tees 100, 100', 100", and1100 are constructed such that the ball receiving formation 2 includes a ramp 1 which provides an inclined path from a ground level to the ball receiving formation 2. The ramp 1 can have an arcuate shape as in tees 100 and 1 100, or a straight shape as in tees 100' and 100".

[0131 ] The tees 100, 100", 1 100 each include staking aperture 4 formed on a portion thereof. If desired such a staking aperture can be added to the embodiments which currently do not include such an aperture 4. The staking aperture 4 can be formed in one or more than one of the following: the ramp 1 as in the case of Figure 12 and 1 tee 100"; an entry end of a ramp as in the case of Figure 12 and 1 tee 100"; and or in a stabiliser 5 and or 26 of 100', 100, 3100, 2100, and 1 100.

[0132] The tees 100, 100', 100", 1 100 are formed such that the underside thereof has recesses 20.

[0133] The tees 100, 100', 100" and 1100 are constructed such that the ramp 1 terminates at its upper end at a turning point 27 which then leads to the ball receiving formation 2, whereby a ball cannot return to the ramp 1 unless an appropriate force is applied to the ball.

[0134] Generally described and as illustrated in Figures 29 and 30 are tees 2100 and

3100 for a golf ball, each of which includes a ball receiving formation 2 at a predetermined height from a ground level, and a retrieval formation 3 which is adapted to receive and releasably hold, or attach to, a handle end of a golf club.

[0135] The retrieval formation 3 is separate from the ball receiving formation 2 in the case of tee 3100 of figure 30, where it is formed in lateral formation 5 extending laterally away from the ball receiving formation 2; in the vicinity of or close by to, the ball receiving formation 2. The lateral formation 5 or base 5 provides a stabiliser formation.

[0136] The stabiliser or lateral formation 5 is a generally horizontal portion extending laterally away from the ball receiving formation 2.

[0137] The stabiliser formation 5 includes the retrieval formation 3.

[0138] Alternatively the ball receiving formation 2 and the retrieval formation 3 are formed as a single feature as in the case of the tee 2100 of Fig. 29.

[0139] When the tees 100, 100', 100", 1100, 2100 and 3100 are manufactured, they can be manufactured so that range of heights that the ball receiving formation 2 holds a ball above the ground can be provided, whereby a purchaser may purchase a variety of heights to suit a golfer's needs. Alternatively, a multiple number of tees each having a different ball receiving formation 2 height, can be sold together.

[0140] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

[0141 ] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention. [0142] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.