WO2012026816A2

WO2012026816A2 - Tee for supporting a golf ball, and device for detecting a golf ball on a tee

Info

Publication number: WO2012026816A2
Application number: PCT/NL2011/050580
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arie van Wijngaarden
Original assignee: Van Wijngaarden Beheer B.V.
Priority date: 2010-08-26
Filing date: 2011-08-26
Publication date: 2012-03-01
Also published as: WO2012026816A3; NL2005276C2

Abstract

On driving ranges golfers can strike golf balls from a tee in order to improve their stroke or as warm-up before they begin play on the golf course. The present invention relates to an improved tee for supporting a golf ball. The invention also relates to a device for detecting a golf ball on such a tee.

Description

Tee for supporting a golf ball, and device for detecting a golf bail on a tee

The present invention relates to a tee for supporting a golf ball. The invention also relates to an assembly of a carrier and a tee according to the invention connected releasably to the carrier. The invention further relates to a device for detecting a golf ball on such a tee.

On driving ranges golfers can strike golf balls from a flexible tee in order to improve their stroke or as warm-up before they begin play on the golf course. A player generally has to arrange a golf ball manually on the tee here, after which the ball can be struck from the tee. Efficiency can be increased for both player and operator of the driving range by applying an automatic feed mechanism to replace a golf ball struck away from a tee with another golf ball after each stroke. The tee can be disposed here for vertical displacement in order to allow loading of the tee with a golf ball to take place underground, or at least under the strike-off floor surface, so that a player will not be impeded by the feed mechanism, and to enable shielding of the feed mechanism.

Known devices having such an automatic feed mechanism generally also comprise a detection system for detecting the presence of a golf ball on the tee for the purpose of enabling operation of the feed mechanism. Known detection systems are usually based here on an optical sensor, such as for instance a photovoltaic cell. The photovoltaic cell will here emit a light beam which is reflected by a golf ball located on the tee. The reflected light will then be received by the photovoltaic cell, after which a

representative output signal will be transmitted to a control unit, on the basis of which the feed mechanism and the vertical position of the tee can be controlled. As alternative to an optical sensor can be applied a weight sensor which can determine, on the basis of the weight of the tee, whether the tee has been provided with a golf ball. An example of such a device is described in the Netherlands patent NL 1017033. Although more golf balls can be struck per unit time by applying these automated devices, a drawback of the known device is that during use of the device the tee will be mechanically loaded to considerable extent per unit time, which can result relatively quickly in damage to the tee. Damage to the tee makes teeing-up of a golf ball more difficult and will generally detract from the accuracy with which the presence of a golf ball on the tee can be detected. Repair of the tee is generally a time-consuming, labour-intensive and costly activity. The invention has for its object to provide an improved tee for use in a device for detecting a golf ball on a tee. The device provides for this purpose a tee for supporting a golf ball, comprising an assembly of: a support element manufactured at least partially from elastically deformable material with an upper outer end for supporting a golf ball, and a coupling part connected substantially medium-tightly to the support part for coupling the support element releasably and substantially medium-tightly to a carrier for the tee, wherein the assembly comprises at least one air passage channel connecting to the upper outer end of the support element, which air passage channel is adapted for connection to an air passage channel forming part of the carrier. A significant advantage of the tee according to the invention is that the tee can be coupled releasably to a carrier forming part of a device for detecting a golf ball on a tee, whereby the tee can be replaced relatively quickly and easily by another tee. Because the tee according to the invention has a modular construction, the upper side of the tee, in particular the support element, can be optimized for absorbing by elastic deformation a force or impact exerted on the tee during striking of a golf ball from the tee, this enhancing the lifespan of the tee. The coupling part of the tee can moreover be optimized so as to enable releasable but firm coupling of the tee to the carrier. A particular advantage of the tee according to the invention is that at least one air passage channel extends through the tee: whereby the tee is suitable for passage of an airflow, using which the presence of a golf ball on the tee and damage to the tee can be determined in relatively accurate manner. The device to which the tee is connected will have to be provided for this purpose with an air pressure sensor, preferably an analog air pressure sensor, or an airflow sensor (flow rate sensor) connected to the air passage channel, wherein increase in the air pressure and/or decrease in the airflow in the air passage channel are indicative of the presence of a golf ball on the tee or damage to the tee, this being further elucidated in the following description. Once (serious) damage to the tee has been ascertained, the tee can be uncoupled from the carrier and be replaced by a (relatively) undamaged tee. The uncoupled damaged tee will generally be wholly discarded. The support element and the coupling part connected to the support element are thus generally used only until (serious) damage to the tee is ascertained, after which the assembled tee is generally discarded. In an embodiment the support element and the coupling part are connected releasably to each other. Releasable coupling of the support element and the coupling part on one hand facilitates the production process, wherein the support element and the coupling part can be individually optimized. This releasable coupling moreover makes it possible to replace only one of the two components, which can be advantageous from a financial viewpoint. In practice however, the assembly of the support element and the coupling part will generally be replaced as such since this will generally be simpler than uncoupling the support element from the coupling part and subsequently replacing the support element or the coupling part, wherein a correct mutual alignment will also be have to be taken into account. It is therefore generally more advantageous from a practical viewpoint to replace the tee as such with another tee.

The air passage channel generally extends through both the support part and the coupling part. This facilitates connection of the air passage channel to an air passage channel extending through the carrier as well as to the upper outer end of the support element.

In order to consolidate as far as possible the mutual alignment of the support element and the coupling part, it is advantageous for the support element and the coupling part to engage each other under bias. This bias can be realized by making use of the elasticity of the support element. It is advantageous here for the support element to at least partially enclose the coupling part, wherein an inner side on the support element engages under bias on an outer side of the coupling part. In order to realize a relatively reliable and durable coupling between the support element and the coupling part, it is advantageous that the above enclosing is such that the support element covers more than 50% of the overall external surface of the coupling part. It is also possible to envisage a separate tensioning element being applied to enable (further) fixing of the mutual orientation between the support element and the coupling part.

In an embodiment the coupling part comprises at least one recess, in particular a groove, for receiving at least one protrusion, in particular a flange, forming part of the support element. Such a coupling contributes toward the best possible fixing of the support element relative to the coupling part. In a particular embodiment the support element comprises a plurality of flanges, wherein one flange engages on an upper surface of the coupling part. This not only strengthens the mutual coupling between the support element and the coupling part, but can also realize an improved sealing between the support element and the coupling part, this being advantageous when the presence of a golf ball on the tee is determined by means of detecting the air pressure and/or the airflow in the air passage channel. A mechanically reversed embodiment variant, wherein the coupling part is provided with one or more flanges and the support element is provided with one or more grooves, can of course also be envisaged and is also advantageous.

In an advantageous embodiment the upper outer end of the support element forms a positioning edge extending in the direction of the coupling part from an outer side of the support element in the direction of an inner side of the support element. This cup-like shaping of the upper outer end of the support element facilitates stable positioning of a golf ball on the tee. This stable positioning can be further enhanced when the cup-like upper outer end is adapted for relatively precise fitting to the golf ball, whereby a relatively large contact surface can result between the golf ball and the support element.

It is generally advantageous for the support element to take an at least partially truncated conical form, whereby the upper outer end can be given a relatively narrow form in order to impede a user as little as possible during striking of a golf ball from the tee, and whereby a lower outer end of the support element, generally adapted for co- action with the coupling part, can be given a relatively wide form to enable a relatively firm coupling to be realized between the support element and the coupling part.

The coupling between the coupling part and the carrier can be realized in diverse ways and can for instance be formed by a snap connection or bayonet fitting. It is however generally recommended that the coupling part be provided with screw thread for the purpose of realizing a screw thread connection with the carrier. A particular advantage of a screw thread connection is that a relatively firm coupling can be realized between the tee and the carrier, wherein the coupling can also be released relatively easily by axial rotation of the tee relative to the carrier. The support element as such will generally be formed integrally and therefore as one whole. The support element will generally be manufactured here from an elastomer, since an elastomer can absorb relatively great forces by elastic deformation. Owing to the shape memory of the elastomer the elastomer will return to its original shape following deformation. The support element is in particular preferably manufactured from at least one material selected from the group consisting of: polypropylene, nylon and rubber, in particular Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) synthetic rubber.

The coupling part will generally take a substantially rigid form in order to enable realization of a relatively rigid, and therefore firm, coupling between the tee and the carrier. The coupling part will generally be manufactured here from plastic and/or metal.

The invention also relates to a support element for application in a tee according to the invention. The invention also relates to a coupling part for application in a tee according to the invention. It is possible to envisage marketing the support element and the coupling part as separate components. In addition, the invention relates to an assembly of a carrier and a tee according to the invention releasably connected to the carrier. The invention further relates to a device for detecting a golf ball on a tee, comprising: at least one carrier provided with at least one air passage channel, and at least one tee according to the invention connected releasably to the carrier, wherein the at least one air passage channel of the carrier and the at least one air passage channel of the tee connect to each other. By causing air (or any other gas) to flow through the air passage channel the presence of a golf ball on the tee according to the invention can be detected on the basis of air pressure measurement and/or flow measurement in the air passage channel. It is advantageous here that the device also comprises: at least one compressor connecting to the air passage channel of the carrier for the purpose of generating an airflow through the air passage channel in the direction of the upper outer end of the tee, at least one sensor connected to the air passage channel and adapted to generate an analog, continuous output signal which is indicative of the air pressure and/or airflow detected in the air passage channel, and a control unit for determining the presence of a golf ball on the tee subject to the generated output signal. Because a preferably analog air pressure sensor and/or airflow sensor (flow meter) is applied instead of a weight sensor or an optical sensor, the air pressure and/or airflow in the feed conduit can be measured in continuous and accurate manner, this being indicative of the absence or presence of a golf ball on the upper outer end of the tee. When a golf ball is arranged on the tee the air passage channel will be at least partially closed, which will result in a pressure increase and flow rate decrease in the air passage channel. When no golf ball has been arranged on the tee, the air pressure in the air passage channel will be lower, although still above atmospheric, so that air will flow continuously out of the tee, which can counter entry of dirt into the tee. A particular advantage of applying the air pressure sensor compared to an airflow sensor (flow meter) is that the functioning of the compressor and the tee can in this way also be monitored. If the compressor is not functioning, or not functioning well, this can be immediately detected by means of the air pressure sensor, irrespective of the fact of whether a golf ball has been arranged on the tee. If a tee is faulty, an increased leakage flow will be present between the tee and a golf ball arranged on the tee, this having an adverse effect on the pressure buildup in the air feed conduit, which effect can also be detected by means of the air pressure sensor. If only the airflow (instead of the air pressure) in the air feed channel were measured, the failure of the compressor would then be interpreted as a situation in which a golf ball has been positioned on the tee, since in both cases the airflow through the air feed channel will be substantially cut off. Application of an air pressure sensor is therefore recommended in order to thus be able to determine as reliably as possible the presence of a golf ball on the tee and the condition of the compressor and the tee. A further advantage of the air pressure sensor is that it is relatively inexpensive to acquire and use. The pressure sensor will generally comprise a pressure-sensitive membrane which deforms under the influence of the air pressure. The membrane will here be in contact on one side with the air feed channel and an opposite side of the membrane will generally be in contact with the atmosphere surrounding the device. The degree of bending of the membrane is here a measure for the relative air pressure in the air feed channel.

In an advantageous embodiment the control unit is coupled to a feed mechanism for automatically feeding a golf ball to the upper outer end of the tee subject to the generated output signal. The advantage hereof is that a player no longer need arrange a golf ball manually on the tee, this enhancing the user-friendliness and moreover resulting in a time-saving, whereby more golf balls can be struck per unit time, this generally being advantageous for both the player and operator of the device. The feed mechanism is usually coupled here to a supply container for golf balls, which supply container will generally be filled, optionally automatically, with (sufficient) golf balls.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention the device comprises at least one drive element, in particular an electric motor, for changing the vertical position of the upper outer end of the tee. A pneumatic and or hydraulic drive can also be used instead of an electric motor. The tee is preferably displaceable between a lower position and an upper position, wherein the feed mechanism is adapted to feed a golf ball to the upper outer end of the tee situated in the lower position. In this way the upper position can be used for striking a golf ball from the tee, and the lower position is used to arrange a golf ball on the tee. The advantage here is that the feed mechanism does not impede a player during striking of the golf ball from the tee. The tee will generally be displaceably received in a strike-off floor for a player, wherein in an upper position the tee protrudes relative to the strike-off floor and in a lower position is positioned in or under the strike-off floor. The feed mechanism, and generally also the at least one drive element, can in this way be substantially shielded by the strike-off floor, which will generally increase the lifespan of these components. The drive element, in particular the electric motor, will preferably be coupled to the control unit for the purpose of displacing the tee automatically between the lower position and the upper position subject to the generated output signal. When the air pressure sensor or airflow sensor detects that the air pressure in the air feed channel increases

(considerably) or that the flow rate in the air passage channel falls, a corresponding output signal will be generated which will be deemed by the control unit as a situation in which a golf ball has been positioned on the tee, after which the tee will be displaced in the direction of the upper position. When the golf ball is then removed from the tee, the air pressure in the air feed channel will instantaneously decrease, which will be detected by the air pressure sensor or airflow sensor, wherein a corresponding output signal will be generated. The control unit receiving the output signal will then cause the tee to displace in downward direction until the lower position has been reached in which the tee can be provided with another golf ball using the feed mechanism. The air pressure sensor or airflow sensor will generally continuously measure respectively the air pressure or the airflow in the air feed channel, and therefore continuously generate an output signal. In an advantageous embodiment the generated output signals are stored in a database, whereby an air pressure variation in the air feed channel can be tracked, this providing information about the number of golf balls struck from the tee and about wear of the tee. Wear of the tee will after all generally result in an increasing leakage flow and therefore reduced pressure buildup in the air feed channel, which will be detected by the air pressure sensor or airflow sensor. In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention the control unit is adapted to compare the generated output signal to a reference signal. When the output signal falls below the reference signal, an auditive and/or visual signal can then be generated here. The reference signal is indicative of a minimum air pressure which must be present in the air feed channel when the tee is provided with a golf ball. If this minimum air pressure is not reached, there are then leakage flows which are excessive, this generally indicating a faulty tee which has to be replaced.

In a preferred embodiment the device comprises a communication unit coupled to the control unit to enable reading of a player credit stored on a portable storage medium, wherein the control unit is adapted to activate the air pressure sensor or airflow sensor subject to the read player credit. The reading can optionally take place here wirelessly and remotely, wherein a player need not necessarily insert the storage medium into the device. In the case of sufficient player credit, the device will be activated by the control unit, wherein the player credit will generally be debited for each golf ball positioned on the tee. In the case insufficient player credit is available on the storage medium, the device will then generally not be activated, whereby the player cannot make use of the device before having topped up the player credit.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of the non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein:

figure la is a schematic view of a device according to the invention, wherein a tee according to the invention forming part of the device is positioned in a lower position, figure lb is a schematic view of a device as according to figure la, wherein the tee is positioned in a lower position and provided with a golf ball, figure lc is a schematic view of a device according to figure la, wherein the tee provided with the golf ball is positioned in an upper position,

figure 2 is a graphic representation of a possible detected air pressure variation in the device according to figures la-lc as a function of time,

figure 3 is a realistic perspective view of the device shown in figure 1 c,

figure 4a is a perspective view of a tee mechanism forming part of the device as according to figure 3, wherein the tee is positioned in the lower position,

figure 4b is a perspective view of the tee mechanism according to figure 4a, wherein the tee is positioned in the upper position and provided with a golf ball,

figure 5a is a perspective view of a cut-away base of the device shown in figure 3, figure 5b is a perspective view of a closed base of the device shown in figure 3, figure 6a is a perspective view of the tee as applied in the device according to figures 1- 5, and

figure 6b shows a cross-section of an assembly of the tee and a part of a carrier for use in the device according to figures 1 -5.

Figure la is a schematic view of a device 1 according to the invention, wherein a hollow tee 2 according to the invention forming part of device 1 is positioned in a lower position situated below a strike-off surface 3. Tee 2 is coupled releasably here to a carrier (not shown). The device 1 comprises a supply container 4 for golf balls 5, which golf balls 5 can be guided via a feed mechanism 6, 7 to tee 2. The feed mechanism comprises here a separating disc 6 to enable separation of a golf ball 5 from the other golf balls 5. The feed mechanism also comprises an inclining transport path 7 connecting to the separating disc, whereby a separated golf ball 5 can displace to tee 2. Once tee 2 has been provided with a golf ball 5 (see figure lb) the tee 2 provided with golf ball 5 can be displaced in upward direction using an electric motor 8 to a position above strike-off surface 3 (see figure lc), after which golf ball 5 can be struck away from tee 2. A particular feature of device 1 is that the presence of a golf ball 5 on tee 2 can be determined in relatively accurate and longer lasting manner. Device 1 comprises for this purpose a compressor 9 and an air passage channel 10 connecting to compressor 9, this air passage channel 10 also been connected to the hollow tee 2. An air pressure sensor 11 is connected to air passage channel 10 to enable detection of the air pressure present in air passage channel 10. Air pressure sensor 11 is adapted here to generate an output signal of any type whatever, which output signal will be processed by a control unit 12 coupled to air pressure sensor 11. Depending on the received output signal, control unit 11 will control electric motor 8 and separating disc 6 to respectively enable displacement of tee 2 in vertical direction and delivery of a golf ball 5. Compressor 9 will generally be in continuous operation in order to cause a (low) airflow to flow out of tee 2, whereby tee 2 can be kept relatively clean. In this exemplary embodiment device 1 also comprises an interactive screen (touchscreen) 13 which is coupled to control unit 12 and on which relevant information can be displayed, such as the number of golf balls 5 struck, the time duration of play, the remaining player credit and so on. The exact vertical position of the tee 2 situated in the upper position can also be set as desired by means of screen 13. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the one or more operating elements for enabling setting of the height of tee 2 are incorporated in strike- off surface 3.

When a player wishes to make use of device 1 , the player will generally first have to purchase a player credit. This purchase could take place at the device 1 itself, for instance by making use of the interactive screen 13, but generally takes place remotely of device 1. When the player has purchased a player credit remotely of device 1 , the player credit will generally be stored on a storage medium, such as for instance a card provided with a chip. The player credit can then be read by device 1 by arranging the card in device 1. It is however also possible to envisage reading taking place wirelessly and at some distance from device 1. Device 1 will for this purpose comprise a communication unit (not shown) coupled to control unit 12. If sufficient player credit is detected by the communication unit of device 1, control unit 12 will be activated.

Control unit 12 will then check whether tee 2 is positioned in the lower position. If this is not the case, electric motor 8 will be activated so as to position tee 2 in the lower position. Separating disc 6 is then activated in order to separate one golf ball 5 from the other golf balls 5. This separated golf ball 5 will roll via transport path 7 to a position on top of tee 2 and as such substantially close tee 2. The result hereof is that the pressure in air feed channel 10 will increase, which will be detected by air pressure sensor 11. Air pressure sensor 11 here generates a representative output signal to control unit 12.

Control unit 12 will then displace tee 2 in upward direction to the upper position using electric motor 8. When the golf ball is removed from tee 2 the pressure in air feed channel 10 will decrease instantaneously, and this will be detected by air pressure sensor 11 which subsequently generates a representative output signal to control unit 12, whereby tee 2 is once again displaced in the direction of the lower position in order to once again be provided with a golf ball 5. In this exemplary embodiment the capacity of compressor 9 is 400 1/min, wherein the operational pressure of compressor 9 amounts to about 300 mbar, which in this exemplary embodiment results in an overpressure in air feed channel 10 of 5 to 7 mbar at the position of tee 2 when tee 2 is not provided with a golf ball 5, and wherein compressor 9 will generally realize an overpressure in air feed channel 10 of about 80 mbar at the position of tee 2 when tee 2 is provided with a golf ball 5. Air pressure sensor 1 1 preferably comprises a self-calibrating, pressure-sensitive membrane adapted to detect a relative air pressure, i.e. the difference between the atmospheric pressure and the pressure in air feed channel 10 of between 0 and 100 mbar.

Figure 2 shows a (schematic) graphic representation of a possibly detected air pressure variation in device 1 as according to figures la-lc as a function of time. In the graphic representation the pressure detected by means of air pressure sensor 11 is represented by p and the elapsed time by t. Po relates to a minimum relative pressure (reference pressure of about 15 mbar) which must be present in air feed channel 10 when a golf ball 5 is positioned on tee 2. When the actual relative pressure is lower than the minimum relative pressure, this is an indication that excessive leakage flows are passing between tee 2 and golf ball 5 because golf ball 5 no longer fits closely onto tee 2, this meaning that tee 2 is faulty and/or golf ball 5 is faulty. Figure 2 shows that when no golf ball 5 is positioned on tee 2, the relative (unloaded) pressure in air feed channel 10 amounts to between 5 and 7 mbar. When tee 2 is then provided with a golf ball 5, the pressure in air feed channel 10 rises more or less instantaneously to between 50 and 60 mbar in this exemplary embodiment. This (loaded) pressure decreases gradually in the course of time to lower values due to wear of tee 2 and consequently due to an increase in leakage flows between tee 2 and golf ball 5 (see declining trend line). This decrease is acceptable as long as the loaded pressure exceeds the reference pressure. When the actual loaded pressure no longer exceeds the reference pressure, tee 2 will be replaced. Figure 2 also shows that the third golf ball 5 which is placed on tee 2 involves a lower loaded pressure than the placing of the second golf ball 5 and the fourth golf ball 5, this meaning that the third golf ball 5, generally due to a defect in golf ball 5, was not able to fit closely onto tee 2 and therefore caused a relatively large leakage flow. Figure 3 is a realistic perspective view of the device 1 shown in figures la-lc. As shown, device 1 comprises a base 14 on which supply container 4 is arranged. Supply container 4 has a modular construction and has in this exemplary embodiment a capacity of about 3000 golf balls which will be automatically replenished via air tubes (not shown). The number of golf balls 5 present in supply container 4 can be tracked in automated manner. The interactive screen 13 is arranged in the top part of supply container 4. Base 14 comprises the other components of device 1 as shown in figures la-lc. Base 14 is manufactured from plastic, in particular ABS, and preferably comprises a dual housing, more particularly an outer casing 15 and an inner casing 16 which is positioned releasably in outer casing 15 and in which the electromechanical components are accommodated. Such a dual housing facilitates removal and re-placing of the inner casing and therefore facilitate access to the electromechanical components.

Figure 4a is a perspective view of a tee mechanism forming part of device 1 according to figure 3, wherein tee 2 is positioned in the lower position. Tee 2 is coupled releasably to an underlying carrier 22 of tee 2. The shown tee 2 according to the invention particularly comprises a substantially rigid coupling part 2a and a flexible support element 2b connected to coupling part 2a for supporting a golf ball 5. Coupling part 2a is adapted here to realize a screw thread connection between tee 2 and carrier 22.

Transport path 7 is shown in detail in this figure, which clearly shows that transport path 7 is based on three-point guiding of golf ball 5 in the direction of tee 2. In the lower position tee 2 is enclosed by a chamber 17 in order to enable correct positioning of golf ball 5 on tee 2. Tee 2 is connected displaceably to a substantially vertically oriented guide 18, wherein tee 2 can be displaced relative to guide 18 by applying electric motor 8. Figure 4b is a perspective view of the tee mechanism according to figure 4a, wherein tee 2 is positioned in the upper position and provided with a golf ball 5.

Figure 5a is a perspective view of the cut-away inner housing 16 of base 14 of the device 1 shown in figure 3 in which the situation of the tee mechanism shown in figure 3b can clearly be seen.

Figure 5b is a perspective view of a closed inner housing 16 of base 14 of the device 1 shown in figure 3. In the shown view the strike-off surface 3 is connected to inner housing 16 and separating disc 6 is clearly shown. Separating disc 6 is mounted for axial rotation on the inner housing and comprises four receiving spaces 19 for receiving individual golf balls 5. A receiving space 19 positioned above a feed opening of transport path 7 is shielded on an upper side by a shielding element 20 so that only one golf ball 5 can be fed to the transport path 7. Arranged on either side of the rotatable separating disc 6 are dirt grids 21 for discharge of dirt residues, such as sand, water and tree leaf parts coming from supply container 4. These dirt residues will be collected in inner housing 16 and be periodically removed by means of suction. Figure 6a is a perspective view of tee 2 as applied in device 1 according to figures 1-5.

As already stated, tee 2 has a modular construction of a substantially rigid coupling part

2a and a substantially flexible support element 2b clamped round coupling part 2a.

Coupling part 2a is adapted to enable releasable, and therefore replaceable, coupling to an underlying carrier 22. Support element 2b is adapted to support a golf ball 5.

Coupling part 2a will generally be manufactured from thermosetting plastic and/or metal. Support element 2b is manufactured from a combination of rubber and nylon.

Particularly suitable materials for this purpose are EPDM rubber Enflex VU-221-40A and Nylon Upamid BLN. Figure 6b shows a cross-section of the assembly of tee 2 as shown in figure 6a and a part of carrier 22 for use in the device 1 according to figures 1-5. As shown in this figure, both coupling part 2a and support element 2b enclose an air passage channel (arrow A). An internal side of coupling part 2a is provided with a screw thread profile 23 adapted for co-action with a (mating) screw thread profile 24 arranged on an outer side of carrier 22, whereby a releasable coupling can be realized between tee 2 and carrier 22. Carrier 22 is also provided with an air passage channel (arrow B) which connects in the assembled situation to the air passage channel which is enclosed by tee 2 and by which the outer end of the air feed channel 10 shown in figures 1 a- 1 c is in fact formed. The upper outer end 25 of support element 2b has a cup-like (hollow conical) shape for the purpose of improving realization of a stable support of golf ball 5 on tee 2. Figure 6b further shows that coupling part 2a is partially received in support element 2b and that coupling part 2a is provided with a protruding flange 26, which flange 26 is received in an annular groove 27 arranged in an inner side of support element 2b, this enhancing the stability of the mutual alignment of coupling part 2a and support element 2b. Such a flange-groove co-action moreover enhances the seal between coupling part 2a and support element 2b. This seal will otherwise also be realized in that support element 2b engages under bias on coupling part 2a. The overall height or length L of tee 2 amounts in this exemplary embodiment to 100 millimetres and the maximum width W of tee 2 amounts in this exemplary embodiment to about 23 millimetres. In embodiment variants of the tee according to the invention the length L of the tee will generally lie between 50 and 200 mm in order to keep the tee compact. This facilitates handling and is moreover advantageous from an economic viewpoint because material costs can in this way remain limited, this with a view to the relatively short lifespan of the tee. The tee will generally be replaced and discarded once damage to the tee has been determined, preferably by means of an analog air pressure sensor. Detection of damage to the tee by applying an analog air pressure sensor is described in detail in the non- prepublished patent application NL 2005275, the content of which is incorporated by reference in this patent specification.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described here, but that within the scope of the appended claims numerous variants are possible which will be self-evident to the skilled person in this field.

Claims

1. Tee for supporting a golf ball, comprising an assembly of:

a support element manufactured at least partially from elastically deformable material with an upper outer end for supporting a golf ball, and

a coupling part connected substantially medium-tightly to the support part for coupling the support element releasably and substantially medium-tightly to a carrier for the tee, wherein the assembly comprises at least one air passage channel connecting to the upper outer end of the support element, which air passage channel is adapted for connection to an air passage channel forming part of the carrier.

2. Tee as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the coupling part is at least partially received in the support element.

3. Tee as claimed in claim 2, wherein the substantially medium-tight coupling between the support element and the coupling part is formed in that an inner side of the support element engages under bias on an outer side of the coupling part.

4. Tee as claimed in claim 3, wherein the inner side of the support element engages under bias on an outer side of the coupling part such that the support element covers more than 50% of the overall external surface of the coupling part.

5. Tee as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the support element and the coupling part are connected releasably to each other.

6. Tee as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the air passage channel extends through both the support part and the coupling part.

7. Tee as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the coupling part comprises at least one recess for receiving at least one flange forming part of the support element.

8. Tee as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the support element comprises a plurality of flanges, wherein one flange engages on an upper surface of the coupling part.

9. Tee as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the upper outer end of the support element forms a positioning edge extending in the direction of the coupling part from an outer side of the support element in the direction of an inner side of the support element.

10. Tee as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the support element takes an at least partially truncated conical form.

11. Tee as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the coupling part is provided with screw thread, in particular an internal screw thread, for co-action with a complementary screw thread, in particular an external screw thread, of the carrier.

12. Tee as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the support element is formed integrally.

13. Tee as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the support element is manufactured from at least one material selected from the group consisting of:

polypropylene, nylon and rubber, in particular EPDM rubber.

14. Tee as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the coupling part takes a substantially rigid form.

15. Tee as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the length of the tee lies between 50 and 200 millimetres.

16. Assembly of a carrier and a tee as claimed in any of the claims 1-15 releasably connected to the carrier.

17. Support element for application in a tee as claimed in any of the claims 1-15.

18. Coupling part for application in a tee as claimed in any of the claims 1-15.

19. Device for detecting a golf ball on a tee, comprising:

at least one carrier provided with at least one air passage channel, and

at least one tee as claimed in any of the claims 1-15 connected releasably to the carrier, wherein the at least one air passage channel of the carrier and the at least one air passage channel of the tee connect to each other.

20. Device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the device also comprises:

at least one compressor connecting to the air passage channel of the carrier for the purpose of generating an airflow through the air passage channel in the direction of the upper outer end of the tee,

at least one sensor connected to the air passage channel and adapted to generate an output signal which is indicative of the air pressure and/or airflow detected in the air passage channel, and

a control unit for determining the presence of a golf ball on the tee subject to the generated output signal.

21. Device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the sensor forms an air pressure sensor comprising a pressure-sensitive membrane.

22. Device as claimed in claim 20 or 21 , wherein the device with the control unit is coupled to a feed mechanism for automatically feeding a golf ball to the upper outer end of the tee subject to the generated output signal.

23. Device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the device comprises a supply container for golf balls coupled to the feed mechanism

24. Device as claimed in any of the claims 19-23, wherein the device comprises at least one drive element, in particular an electric motor, for changing the vertical position of the upper outer end of the tee.

25. Device as claimed in claim 22 or 23 and claim 24, wherein the tee is

displaceable between a lower position and an upper position, wherein the feed mechanism is adapted to feed a golf ball to the upper outer end of the tee situated in the lower position.

26. Device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the drive element, in particular the electric motor, is coupled to the control unit for the purpose of displacing the tee automatically between the lower position and the upper position subject to the generated output signal.

27. Device as claimed in any of the claims 19-26, wherein the device comprises a strike-off floor for striking away a golf ball positioned on the upper outer end of the tee, wherein in an upper position the tee extends at least partially above the strike-off floor.

28. Device as claimed in any of the claims 19-27, wherein the device comprises a database coupled to the control unit for storing the generated output signals.

29. Device as claimed in any of the claims 19-28, wherein the control unit is adapted to compare the generated output signal to a reference signal.

30. Device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the control unit is adapted to generate an auditive and or visual signal when the generated output signal falls below the reference signal.

31. Device as claimed in any of the claims 19-30, wherein the device comprises a communication unit coupled to the control unit to enable reading of a player credit stored on a portable storage medium, wherein the control unit is adapted to activate the air pressure sensor subject to the read player credit.