Golf ball and golf tee support structures

Abstract

Presented is a golf ball and golf tee support structure that also limits the depth to which a tee may be inserted into the ground, thereby adjusting the elevation of the tee above the ground and providing a platform for the golf ball that is the proper elevation to meet the needs of the particular golfer. The structure includes a tubular support that accepts either a tee, or a ball without use of a tee, and which is provided with annular grooves around its outer periphery to facilitate cutting the tubular member to whatever height is best suited to the golfer. A flat ground engaging plate integral with one end of the tubular member restricts the depth to which a tee may be plunged into the ground. In a second aspect of the invention, sharpened prongs are provided on the underside of the flat plate that are adapted to be inserted into the ground when the device is set to aid in lateral stabilization of the device. To retain the device on the shank of a tee against inadvertent displacement, the inner periphery of the tubular member is provided with radially projecting and axially extending ribs that engage the outer periphery of the tee shank. Additionally, an elastically resilient annular bead is provided internally of the tubular member adjacent one end thereof to center and retain the shank of the tee.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.