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Title:
GOLF TEE WITH DIVOT REPAIR TOOL
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2022/245746
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a golf tee, comprising: (a) a top portion connected to a bottom portion through a stem portion, wherein the top portion comprises one or more ball positioning elements that extend outwardly from the top portion, and wherein the top portion is configured to receive a golf ball with the one or more ball positioning elements; (b) the stem portion having an elongated body and comprising a first end connected to the top portion and a second end connected to the bottom portion; and (c) wherein the bottom portion has a blade shape that is thickest at a point where the bottom portion connects to the stem portion and narrows as the bottom portion extends further away from the top portion, wherein the bottom portion is configured to position the golf tee into the ground.

Inventors:
IACONO JOHN (US)
ICAONO JULIANA (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2022/029477
Publication Date:
November 24, 2022
Filing Date:
May 16, 2022
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
ZERO FRICTION LLC (US)
International Classes:
A63B57/10; A63B57/50
Foreign References:
US20160166898A12016-06-16
US6224500B12001-05-01
KR101556402B12015-10-01
US20140128180A12014-05-08
US20200030674A12020-01-30
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
WELLS, Richard, V. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A golf tee, comprising:

(a) a top portion connected to a bottom portion through a stem portion, wherein the top portion comprises one or more ball positioning elements that extend outwardly from the top portion, and wherein the top portion is configured to receive a golf ball with the one or more ball positioning elements;

(b) the stem portion having an elongated body and comprising a first end connected to the top portion and a second end connected to the bottom portion; and

(c) wherein the bottom portion is a blade shape that is thickest at a point where the bottom portion connects to the stem portion and narrows as the bottom portion extends further away from the top portion, wherein the bottom portion is configured to position the golf tee into the ground.

2. The golf tee according to claim 1, wherein the top portion has an air launch design and further comprises through holes.

3. The golf tee according to claim 1, wherein the blade shape comprises a fork blade design.

4. The golf tee according to claim 3, wherein the fork blade design has two forks.

5. The golf tee according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion has an enlarged blade design.

6. The golf tee according to claim 1, wherein the stem portion has a shape selected from the group consisting of a cube, a cylinder, a rectangular prism, a triangular prism, a cone, and a combination thereof.

7. The golf tee according to claim 1, wherein there are three ball positioning elements on the top portion. 8. The golf tee according to claim 1, further comprising a thumb panel integrally coupled to the top portion, below the one or more ball positioning elements, the thumb panel configured to provide for a gripping position for placing the golf tee for play.

9. The golf tee according to claim 7, wherein the thumb panel has a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

10. The golf tee according to claim 1, wherein the golf tee is configured to repair divots.

11. A golf tee, comprising:

(a) a top portion connected to a bottom portion through a stem portion, wherein the top portion comprises one or more ball positioning elements that extend outwardly from the top portion, and wherein the top portion is configured to receive a golf ball with the one or more ball positioning elements;

(b) the stem portion having an elongated body and comprising a first end connected to the top portion and a second end connected to the bottom portion;

(c) a thumb panel integrally coupled to the top portion, below the one or more ball positioning elements, the thumb panel configured to provide for a gripping position for placing the golf tee for play; and (d) wherein the bottom portion is a blade shape that is thickest at a point where the bottom portion connects to the stem portion and narrows as the bottom portion extends further away from the top portion, wherein the bottom portion is configured to position the golf tee into the ground.

12. The golf tee according to claim 11, wherein the top portion has an air launch design and further comprises through holes. 13. The golf tee according to claim 11, wherein the blade shape comprises a fork blade design.

14. The golf tee according to claim 13, wherein the fork blade design has two forks.

15. The golf tee according to claim 11, wherein the bottom portion has an enlarged blade design.

16. The golf tee according to claim 11, wherein there are three ball positioning elements on the top portion.

17. The golf tee according to claim 11, further comprising a thumb panel embedded in the stem portion, the thumb panel configured to provide for a gripping position for placing the golf tee for play.

18. The golf tee according to claim 11, wherein the thumb panel has a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

19. The golf tee according to claim 11 , wherein the golf tee is configured to repair divots.

Description:
GOLF TEE WITH DIVOT REPAIR TOOL

BACKGROUND

[0001] A golf tee is typically a thin, wood or plastic peg, two or three inches in height, atop which a golf ball sits in a stable and stationary position. Typically a tee is pushed down into the turf at the tee box, leaving a portion of the tee above ground, and the ball placed atop the golf tee prior to playing the stroke. A golf tee may only be used on the tee box under certain golfing rules, although the use of a tee is not required. A separate divot tool is used to repair divots on golf greens and/or fairways and/or other areas of a golf course caused by golf balls landing on the ground. Divot tools typically include a sharp bottom portion to assist with digging under the divot when repairing the divot.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0002] According to one aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure, a golf tee is provided. The golf tee includes a first portion receiving a golf ball, the first portion includes a plurality of ball positioning elements that positions the golf ball for play. A thumb panel is coupled to the first portion and configured for a player to grip and place the golf tee for play. A bottom portion is configured to position the golf tee firmly into the ground. A stem portion couples the thumb panel to the bottom portion. The thumb panel and bottom portion are also configured to have the golf tee function as a divot repair tool.

[0003] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a golf tee, including: a top portion connected to a bottom portion through a stem portion, wherein the top portion comprises one or more ball positioning elements that extend outwardly from the top portion, and wherein the top portion may be configured to receive a golf ball with the one or more ball positioning elements. The golf tee may include the stem portion having an elongated body and comprising a first end connected to the top portion and a second end connected to the bottom portion. The golf tee may include the bottom portion that is a blade shape that may be thickest at a point where the bottom portion connects to the stem portion and narrows as the bottom portion extends further away from the top portion, wherein the bottom portion may be configured to position the golf tee into the ground as well as repair divots. [0004] The present disclosure further relates to a golf tee, containing a top portion connected to a bottom portion through a stem portion, wherein the top portion comprises one or more ball positioning elements that extend outwardly from the top portion, and wherein the top portion may be configured to receive a golf ball with the one or more ball positioning elements. The golf tee may include the stem portion having an elongated body and comprising a first end connected to the top portion and a second end connected to the bottom portion. The golf tee may include a thumb panel integrally coupled to the top portion, below the one or more ball positioning elements, the thumb panel configured to provide for a gripping position for placing the golf tee for play; and the bottom portion is a blade shape that may be thickest at a point where the bottom portion connects to the stem portion and narrows as the bottom portion extends further away from the top portion, wherein the bottom portion may be configured to position the golf tee into the ground as well as repair divots. [0005] In some embodiments, a golf tee may include a bottom portion having a blade shape. The blade shape may include a fork blade design. The fork blade design may have a plurality of forks (e.g., two forks). The bottom portion of the golf tee may have an enlarged blade design. A stem portion of a golf tee may have a shape selected from the group consisting of a cube, a cylinder, a rectangular prism, a triangular prism, a cone, and a combination thereof. The golf tee may include three ball positioning elements on a top portion of the golf tee. The golf tee may include a thumb panel integrally coupled to the top portion, below the one or more ball positioning elements, the thumb panel configured to provide for a gripping position for placing the golf tee for play. The thumb panel may have a substantially cylindrical cross-section. In some embodiments, the thumb panel may be removed. The golf tee may be configured to position the golf tee into the ground as well as to repair divots.

[0006] In some embodiments, the thumb panel may be removed while still achieving the dual use of the golf tee supporting a golf ball when the tee is pushed into the ground, and also for use in repairing divots.

[0007] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] The disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar elements. It is emphasized that various features may not be drawn to scale and the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0009] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of a golf tee with a bottom portion having a fork blade design, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. IB is a schematic diagram illustrating a front elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram illustrating a back elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. ID is a schematic diagram illustrating a right side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. IE is a schematic diagram illustrating a left side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 1 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. IF is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the golf tee of

FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 1G is a schematic diagram illustrating a bottom view of the golf tee of FIG. 1 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of a golf tee with a bottom portion having a blade design, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating a front elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating a back elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram illustrating a right side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 2E is a schematic diagram illustrating a left side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments. [0021] FIG. 2F is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the golf tee of

FIG. 2 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 2G is a schematic diagram illustrating a bottom view of the golf tee of FIG. 2 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of a golf tee with a bottom portion having an enlarged blade design, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating a front elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 3 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram illustrating a back elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 3 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 3D is a schematic diagram illustrating a right side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 3 A, in accordance with some embodiments. 0027 FIG. 3E is a schematic diagram illustrating a left side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 3F is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the golf tee of

FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 3G is a schematic diagram illustrating a bottom view of the golf tee of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of a golf tee with a top portion having an air launch cup design, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating a front elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram illustrating a back elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 4D is a schematic diagram illustrating a right side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 4E is a schematic diagram illustrating a left side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 4F is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the golf tee of

FIG. 4A, in accordance with some embodiments. [0036] FIG. 4G is a schematic diagram illustrating a bottom view of the golf tee of FIG. 4 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of a golf tee without a thumb panel and having a bottom portion with a fork blade design, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating a front elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 5 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram illustrating a back elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 5 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 5D is a schematic diagram illustrating a right side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 5 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 5E is a schematic diagram illustrating a left side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 5A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 5F is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the golf tee of

FIG. 5A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 5G is a schematic diagram illustrating a bottom view of the golf tee of FIG. 5A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of a golf tee without a thumb panel and having a bottom portion with a blade design, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating a front elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram illustrating a back elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0047] FIG. 6D is a schematic diagram illustrating a right side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0048] FIG. 6E is a schematic diagram illustrating a left side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 6A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0049] FIG. 6F is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the golf tee of

FIG. 6 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0050] FIG. 6G is a schematic diagram illustrating a bottom view of the golf tee of FIG. 6 A, in accordance with some embodiments. [0051] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of a golf tee without a thumb panel and having a bottom portion with an enlarged blade design, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0052] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram illustrating a front elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0053] FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram illustrating a back elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0054] FIG. 7D is a schematic diagram illustrating a right side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0055] FIG. 7E is a schematic diagram illustrating a left side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0056] FIG. 7F is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the golf tee of

FIG. 7 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0057] FIG. 7G is a schematic diagram illustrating a bottom view of the golf tee of FIG. 7 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0058] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating a perspective view of a golf tee without a thumb panel and having an air launch cup design, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0059] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating a front elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 8A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0060] FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram illustrating a back elevation view of the golf tee of FIG. 8 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0061] FIG. 8D is a schematic diagram illustrating a right side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 8 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0062] FIG. 8E is a schematic diagram illustrating a left side elevational view of the golf tee of FIG. 8A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0063] FIG. 8F is a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of the golf tee of

FIG. 8 A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0064] FIG. 8G is a schematic diagram illustrating a bottom view of the golf tee of FIG. 8 A, in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified to illustrate aspects that are relevant for a clear understanding of the herein described devices, systems, and methods, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, other aspects that may be found in typical similar devices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may recognize that other elements and/or operations may be desirable and/or necessary to implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. But because such elements and operations are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, a discussion of such elements and operations may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0066] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0067] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. That is, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.

[0068] FIGs. 1A-1G are schematic diagrams illustrating a golf tee 100 with a bottom portion having a fork blade design, according to some embodiments. Golf tee 100 may include a top portion 102, a thumb panel 104, a stem portion 106, and a bottom portion 108. Top portion 102 may include several ball positioning elements 102a. The ball positioning elements 102 may be configured to hold and position a golf ball on top portion 102. The ball positioning elements 102 may extend vertically and outwardly from top portion 102. The thumb panel 104 may be integrally coupled to top portion 102. Also, the thumb panel 104 may be used by a golfer to grip and position the golf tee 100 on the ground for play. A stem portion 106 may extend vertically and integrally connect thumb panel 104 and bottom portion 108. A golfer may apply a vertical force on the thumb panel 104, which leads to bottom portion 108 to be pressed firmly into the ground. Note bottom portion 108 may include a fork blade design which assists in firmly positioning golf tee 100 into the ground.

[0069] Given the fork design at the bottom portion 108 of the tee and the position of the thumb panel 104 along the top portion 102 of the tee, the golf tee according to the present disclosure serves a dual use; that is, the golf tee can be used to position a golf ball at the top portion 102, while the bottom portion can also be used as a divot repair tool in addition to positioning the tee into the ground. It is noted that in some embodiments (as described further below), the thumb panel 104 may be removed while still achieving dual use of the golf tee. When playing a golf stroke into a green, the trajectory of the golf ball often takes a high trajectory causing an indentation, or divot, when the ball lands on the green. It is typical and courteous for golfers to repair the divots they create, and thus most golf players carry a separate divot repair tool to properly repair the divot on the green. According to the present disclosure, a dual use golf tee / divot tool is provided such that the golfer no longer needs to carry a separate divot repair tool, but may rather use a dual use device to both tee up the golf ball and repair the divot. The thumb panel 104 and fork design provide an ergonomic arrangement for the golfer to easily repair divots, while also using the same device to tee up the golf ball for play.

[0070] FIGs. 2A-2G are schematic diagrams illustrating a golf tee 200 with a bottom having a blade design, according to some embodiments. Golf tee 200 may include a top portion 202, a thumb panel 204, a stem portion 206, and a bottom portion 208. Top portion 202 may include several ball positioning elements 202a.

The ball positioning elements 202a may be configured to hold and position a golf ball on top portion 202. The ball positioning elements 202 may extend vertically and outwardly from top portion 202. The thumb panel 204 may be integrally coupled to top portion 202. Also, the thumb panel 204 may be used by a golfer to grip and position the golf tee 200 on the ground for play. A stem portion 206 may extend vertically and integrally connect thumb panel 204 and bottom portion 208. A golfer may apply a vertical force on the thumb panel 204, which leads to bottom portion 208 to be pressed firmly into the ground. Note bottom portion 208 may include a blade design which assists in firmly positioning golf tee 200 into the ground. The blade design of the bottom portion 208 includes two opposed planar faces 210, 212 that meet at opposed edges 214, 216 of the planar faces. The edges of the bottom portion taper inwardly such that a bottom edge 218 of the bottom portion is shorter in length than the top of the defined planar faces.

[0071] As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1G, the embodiment of FIGS.

2A-2G similarly provides for a dual use golf tee and divot repair tool. Similar to the fork design, the blade design provides a useful divot repair mechanism that the golfer can use in conjunction with the thumb panel when repairing divots.

[0072] FIGs. 3A-3G are schematic diagrams illustrating a golf tee 300 with a bottom having an enlarged blade design, according to some embodiments. Golf tee 300 may include a top portion 302, a thumb panel 304, a stem portion 306, and a bottom portion 308. Top portion 302 may include several ball positioning elements 302a. The ball positioning elements 302 may be configured to hold and position a golf ball on top portion 302. The ball positioning elements 302 may extend vertically and outwardly from top portion 302. The thumb panel 304 may be integrally coupled to top portion 302. Also, the thumb panel 304 may be used by a golfer to grip and position the golf tee 300 on the ground for play. A stem portion 306 may extend vertically and integrally connect thumb panel 304 and bottom portion 308. A golfer may apply a vertical force on the thumb panel 304, which leads to bottom portion 308 to be pressed firmly into the ground. Note bottom portion 308 may include an enlarged blade design which assists in firmly positioning golf tee 300 into the ground. The enlarged blade design of the bottom portion 308 is similar in construct to the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2G and includes two opposed planar faces 310, 312 that meet at opposed edges 314, 316 of the planar faces. The enlarged blade portion extends outwardly of the stem portion 306, thus being enlarged relative to the stem portion. The edges of the bottom portion taper inwardly such that a bottom edge 318 of the bottom portion is shorter in length than the top of the defined planar faces. [0073] As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1G and 2A-2G, the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3G similarly provides for a dual use golf tee and divot repair tool.

Similar to the fork design and blade design, the enlarged blade design provides a useful divot repair mechanism that the golfer can use in conjunction with the thumb panel when repairing divots.

[0074] FIGs. 4A-4G are schematic diagrams illustrating a golf tee 400 with an air launch design, according to some embodiments. Golf tee 400 may include a top portion 402, a thumb panel 404, a stem portion 406, and a bottom portion 408. Top portion 402 may include the air launch design having several ball positioning elements 402a and 402b. The ball positioning elements 402a and 402b may be configured to hold and position a golf ball on top portion 402. Note each ball positioning element 402a may include a through hole 410 while ball positioning elements 402b do not. The through hole 410 may permit air flow through the tee as the golfer strikes the ball off the tee, thus assisting with desired ball trajectory. The ball positioning elements 402a and 402b may extend substantially vertically from top portion 402.

[0075] The thumb panel 404 may be integrally coupled to top portion 402.

Also, the thumb panel 404 may be used by a golfer to grip and position the golf tee 400 on the ground for play. A stem portion 406 may extend vertically and integrally connect thumb panel 404 and bottom portion 408. A golfer may apply a vertical force on the thumb panel 404, which leads to bottom portion 408 to be pressed firmly into the ground. Note bottom portion 408 may include a fork blade design which assists in firmly positioning golf tee 400 into the ground.

[0076] As with the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1G, 2A-2G, and 3A-3G, the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4G similarly provides for a dual use golf tee and divot repair tool. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 408 may include a blade design similar to bottom portion 208. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 408 may include an enlarged blade design similar to bottom portion 308. And in still further embodiments, the bottom portion 408 may include a forked design similar to bottom portion 108. [0077] FIGs. 5A-5G are schematic diagrams illustrating a golf tee 500 with a bottom portion having a fork blade design, according to some embodiments. Golf tee 500 may include a top portion 502, a stem portion 506, and a bottom portion 508.

Top portion 502 may include several ball positioning elements 502a. The ball positioning elements 502a may be configured to hold and position a golf ball on top portion 502. The ball positioning elements 502 may extend vertically and outwardly from top portion 502. A stem portion 506 may extend vertically and integrally connect to bottom portion 508. The fork blade design of the bottom portion 508 assists in firmly positioning golf tee 500 into the ground.

[0078] Given the fork blade design at the bottom portion 508 of the tee, the golf tee according to the present disclosure serves a dual use; that is, the golf tee can also be used as a divot repair tool. When playing a golf stroke into a green, the trajectory of the golf ball often takes a high trajectory causing an indentation, or divot, when the ball lands on the green. It is typical and courteous for golfers to repair the divots they create, and thus most golf players carry a separate divot repair tool to properly repair the divot on the green. According to the present disclosure, a dual use golf tee / divot tool is provided such that the golfer no longer needs to carry a separate divot repair tool, but may rather use a dual use device to both tee up the golf ball and repair the divot. The fork blade design may provide an ergonomic arrangement for the golfer to easily repair divots, while also using the same device to tee up the golf ball for play.

[0079] FIGs. 6A-6G are schematic diagrams illustrating a golf tee 600 with a bottom having a blade design, according to some embodiments. Golf tee 600 may include a top portion 602, a stem portion 606, and a bottom portion 608. Top portion 602 may include several ball positioning elements 602a. The ball positioning elements 602 may be configured to hold and position a golf ball on top portion 602. The ball positioning elements 602 may extend vertically and outwardly from top portion 602. A stem portion 606 may extend vertically and integrally connect to the bottom portion 608. The blade design of the bottom portion 608 assists in firmly positioning golf tee 600 into the ground. The blade design of the bottom portion 608 includes two opposed planar faces 610, 612 that meet at opposed edges 614, 616 of the planar faces. The edges of the bottom portion taper inwardly such that a bottom edge 618 of the bottom portion is shorter in length than the top of the defined planar faces.

[0080] As with the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5G, the embodiment of FIGS.

6A-6G similarly provides for a dual use golf tee and divot repair tool. Similar to the fork design, the blade design provides a useful divot repair mechanism that the golfer can use when repairing divots.

[0081] FIGs. 7A-7G are schematic diagrams illustrating a golf tee 700 with a bottom having an enlarged blade design, according to some embodiments. Golf tee 700 may include a top portion 702, a stem portion 706, and a bottom portion 708.

Top portion 702 may include several ball positioning elements 702a. The ball positioning elements 702 may be configured to hold and position a golf ball on top portion 702. The ball positioning elements 702 may extend vertically and outwardly from top portion 702. A stem portion 706 may extend vertically and integrally connect to bottom portion 708. A golfer may apply a vertical force to the golf tee 700, which leads to bottom portion 708 to be pressed firmly into the ground. The enlarged blade design of the bottom portion assists in firmly positioning golf tee 700 into the ground. The enlarged blade design of the bottom portion 708 is similar in construct to the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6G and includes two opposed planar faces 710, 712 that meet at opposed edges 714, 716 of the planar faces. The enlarged blade portion extends outwardly of the stem portion 706, thus being enlarged relative to the stem portion. The edges of the bottom portion taper inwardly such that a bottom edge 718 of the bottom portion is shorter in length than the top of the defined planar faces. [0082] As with the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5G and 6A-6G, the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7G similarly provides for a dual use golf tee and divot repair tool. Similar to the fork design and blade design, the enlarged blade design provides a useful divot repair mechanism that the golfer can use when repairing divots.

[0083] FIGs. 8A-8G are schematic diagrams illustrating a golf tee 800 with an air launch design, according to some embodiments. Golf tee 800 may include a top portion 802, a stem portion 806, and a bottom portion 808. Top portion 802 may include the air launch design having several ball positioning elements 802a and 802b. The ball positioning elements 802a and 802b may be configured to hold and position a golf ball on top portion 802. Note each ball positioning element 802a may include a through hole 810 while ball positioning elements 802b do not. The through holes 810 may permit air flow through the tee as the golfer strikes the ball off the tee, thus assisting with desired ball trajectory. The ball positioning elements 802a and 802b may extend substantially vertically from top portion 802.

[0084] A stem portion 806 may extend vertically and integrally connect to a bottom portion 808. Note bottom portion 808 may include a fork blade design, which assists in firmly positioning golf tee 800 into the ground.

[0085] As with the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5G, 6A-6G, and 7A-7G, the embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8G similarly provides for a dual use golf tee and divot repair tool. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 808 may include a blade design similar to bottom portion 608. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 808 may include an enlarged blade design similar to bottom portion 708. And in still further embodiments, the bottom portion 808 may include a forked design similar to bottom portion 508.

[0086] Reference in the specification to “one implementation” or “an implementation” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation is included in at least one implementation of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one implementation,” “in some implementations,” “in one instance,” “in some instances,” “in one case,” “in some cases,” “in one embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation or embodiment.

[0087] Finally, the above descriptions of the implementations of the present disclosure have been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims of this application. As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the present disclosure, which is set forth in the following claims.