WO2015028082A1

WO2015028082A1 - A golf tee device and method configured to automatically tee up a golf ball

Info

Publication number: WO2015028082A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/067975
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kjell Granqvist
Original assignee: Grantek Ab
Priority date: 2013-08-30
Filing date: 2013-08-30
Publication date: 2015-03-05

Abstract

The invention relates to a golf tee device and a method configured to automatically tee up a golf ball, comprising a platform (1 ), a container (2) to store golf balls and a transport member (3) to transport balls to a golf tee (4). The device also comprises a passage (5) comprising the golf tee, an opening (7) to receive a golf ball, and a lifting member (8) to move the golf tee (4) through the passage. The device further comprises a lifting arrangement (9) to move the lifting member through the passage, a first sensor (10) located on the platform, and a first electrical power source to supply a first electrical circuit. The first sensor comprises a first electronic switch configured to influence the first electrical circuit and control the transport member and the lifting arrangement to place one golf ball onto the golf tee and move said ball through the hole (6).

Description

Title: A golf tee device and method configured to automatically tee up a golf bal l.

THE FI ELD OF THE I NVENTION

The present i nvention refers to a golf tee device configured to automatically tee up a golf ball accordi ng to the pre- characterized portion of claim 1 and a method for an automatically teeing up a golf tee according the pre- characterized portion of claim 16.

BACKGROU ND OF THE I NVENTION AND PRIOR ART

Practising golf swings is most commonly done at a driving range, where players hit golf balls from a mat of artificial grass. The player normally rents a bucket of golf balls and places the balls on the mat or on a golf tee at an elevated level from the mat. Then the player grips a golf clu b and positions him/herself to strike the ball . After each strike, the player takes a new ball from the bucket or container and places it on the mat or golf tee. The players stand and grip need to be resumed between the ball strikes.

The repeatedly fetchi ng and placement of the golf ball between strikes impairs the quality of the traini ng , because it is difficult to train minor amendments in grip, stands or swi nging plane when grip and stand cannot be retained between the golf strikes.

The repeatedly fetchi ng and placement of the golf ball between strikes is time consuming and tiresome. Driving ranges are a source of i ncome for golf clubs. Therefore, it is important that players can practice on the mats in an efficient manner. As a consequence of the fetching and placement, fewer players can use the driving range and hence less golf balls and mats can be rented out.

Driving ranges are mostly placed outdoors and the equipment used on the driving range has to be able to withstand all kinds of weather from stormy rai ns to extreme warm conditions. The forces associated with golf strikes, such as hits from golf clu bs on the mat and movements of the players, also need to be endured by the mats. Therefore, mats, contai ner and other equipment used on the driving range are exposed to wear and tear. These equipments need to be replaced regularly.

Several devices have been developed for automatic teeing up golf balls at a driving range.

US 4,355,81 1 , US 2,390,998, US2005/0282646 disclose devices, whereby a golf ball is presented automatically to a player standing on a platform covered by an artificial mat. These devices comprise a container for storage of golf balls and a transport member for transporting the golf balls to a golf tee. The golf tee may be comprised in a vertical passage under a platform. The golf tee is automatically moved up and down i n the passage with help of a lifting member, whereby the golf tee is moved up after placement of a golf ball on the golf tee and then moved down after the golf ball has been hit from the golf tee. A power source such as an electrical motor may be used to move the different parts of the device. These rather complex devices comprise many different parts. Both the transport member and the lifting member may comprise a combination of mechanical and electronical lifting arrangements that are cooperatively adjustable.

Another example of a golf tee device is disclosed in US 5,895,325, where a transporting member incl udes a delivery mechanism with movable tracki ng members that transport a golf ball from an elevated position above a platform to a golf tee. The device is positioned next to the artificial mat and occupies space on the driving range that otherwise could be used for additional mats. DE 195 22 1 76 discloses a device, whereby a contai ner is positioned under the platform. The device comprises a lifting member, which is a cam switch that raises and lowers a golf tee in a vertical passage under the platform . A golf ball is placed on the golf tee by gravity, when the golf tee is positioned under an opening in the passage. The openi ng is connected to the contai ner. The golf tee with golf ball is raised to a position above the platform. A locking member is present on a spring under the golf tee, which prevents golf balls from enteri ng the passage before the golf tee has been lowered to a position where it can receive a golf ball . No other lock is used on the opening in the passage. In this device, a second golf ball may enter the passage and roll against the golf tee, while the golf tee is being raised . Thus, before the locking member blocks the opening , a second golf ball can enter the passage and may get stuck between the golf ball positioned on the golf tee and the locking member.

Some of the known devices are at least partly covered by the platform. Because of the size of these devices, the heights of the mats can become uncomfortably high . When a player looses balance during a golf swing , the golf player may fall from the platform. Also, when changing golf clubs during practising , it may be inconvenient to climb off and on a platform that is raised 20 to 30 cm above the ground level .

Preferably, the player controls the presentation of the golf ball , such that the next golf ball is first presented after a request from the golf player. One advantage of such control is that the concentration of the player is not disturbed by the noise produced by the device during the teeing up of a next golf ball . US 5,415,409 discloses a device, whereby the golf player can press a push button connected to a golf ball gripper. Upon pushing the button, the gripper will grip a golf ball from a storage container and present the ball on a golf tee, which is positioned on the platform. The push button is located at an elevated level above the platform and can be used by a player's hand . This means that the player will loose the grip and stand between ball strikes. GB 2 306 893 discloses a device, whereby a golf tee device comprises a platform, which at least partly covers the device. The device comprises a vertical passage comprising a lifting member, a movable golf tee connected to the lifting member and an openi ng in the passage for receiving a golf ball from a contai ner. The device further comprises a transport tube for transporting golf balls from the container to the opening usi ng gravity. A lifting arrangement is positioned under the passage to vertically move the lifting member up and down . An electrical motor drives a cam that is connected to switches, which collaborated move the lifting member. No lock is present on the opening to prevent a next golf ball from entering the passage before the golf tee is in a position to receive the next golf ball . The platform that covers this device is raised substantially from the ground level in order to cover the device under the platform. The device comprises a push button, which is positioned on the platform. The player can push the button with a golf club to automatically tee up the next golf ball .

DE 102 33 225 discloses a device, whereby a golf ball is positioned on a golf tee and transported upwards through a passage using a sensor. The device does not comprise a contai ner or a transport member to move the golf ball easily and preferably automatically from a container to the golf tee. US 2005/282648 discloses a device, whereby a contai ner and transport member are located outside the device and connected thereto. The transport member is a screw conveyer adapted to transport golf balls towards the device.

There is a need for a golf tee device, which automatically tees up golf balls under the control of a golf player. There is a need for a device that can be constructed in a relatively easy and inexpensive way. There is also a need for a device that can easily be installed , maintained and a device that does not take much space on the driving range. There is a need for a device that is not sensitive to wear and tear from weather or forces related to playing golf.

SUMMARY OF THE I NVENTION

The object of the present i nvention is to provide a golf tee device, which automatically tees up golf balls under the control of a golf player. Another object is to provide a device that can be used by a player in such a way that the player does not have to change the stand or grip between ball strikes. A further object is to provide a device that can be constructed in a relatively easy and inexpensive way. One object is to provide a device that can be easily installed and maintained . A further object is to provide a device that is relatively small and does not take much space on the driving range. One object is to provide a device that is not sensitive to wear and tear from weather or forces related to playing golf.

The object is achieved by the device initially descri bed characterized in that the first sensor comprises a first electronic switch configured to influence the first electrical circuit and thus control the transport member as well as the lifting arrangement to place one of said at least one golf ball onto the golf tee and move said ball through the hole. Electronic switches are easy to i nstall and reliable to use. A electronic switch may prevent false operations of the switch due to movement of the player or pressure of the players weight on the switch as may occur usi ng pressure switches. Another advantage of the new device is that the player can control when a new ball is being teed up. The player does not have to change the stand or grip between ball strikes. The device may be small enough to fit under the platform, without the platform bei ng raised substantially from a ground level . The coverage of the device by the platform also provides protection agai nst water and dirt. The new device does not comprise many parts. The device is robust and therefore less sensitive to wear and tear from the forces related to playing golf. The new device can be easily manufactured , i nstalled and maintained .

In one embodiment, the device is movably arranged on the ground surface. The device according to the invention is freestanding and does not need to be fixedly attached to the ground surface or any other device. This improves the flexibility in use of the device. I n another embodiment, the device is covered by the platform such that only the hole and the electronic switch are visi ble on the platform.

In another embodiment, the first sensor comprises a surface electronic switch . I n one embodiment, the first sensor is a capacitive switch or an inductive switch .

Surface electronic switches are readily available and can easily be positioned on the surface of the platform. A surface electronic switch improves the quality of the traini ng because the switch can be used by the player without having to change stand or grip. Surface electronic switches are less sensitive to dirt and easy to maintain and replace. In another embodiment, the first electronic switch is configured to be operated in response to a contact of a golf club with the first sensor. The risk for false operations by the device can be prevented by usi ng a sensor that operates on bei ng contacted by metal , such as a golf club. This improves the reliability of the device.

In a further embodiment, the transport member comprises a screw conveyor configured to push said at least one golf ball individually toward the opening in the passage.

Screw conveyers are robust constructions that are less sensitive to wear and tear. Another advantage of the screw conveyer is that golf balls can be transported individually to the openi ng in the passage. A screw conveyer improves the simplicity and robustness of the device, thereby reduces costs for manufacturing and mai ntenance. In yet another embodiment, the transport member is configured to rotate at least a half revolution around the rotation axis of the screw conveyer i n response to the electronic switch being operated . I n one embodiment, the transport member is configured to rotate at least one full revolution around the rotation axis of the screw conveyer.

No locking member will be needed to prevent blockage of the passage by a next golf ball , because the screw conveyer will only present one ball at the time at the openi ng .

In another embodiment, the transport member comprises a revolver magazine, which is configured i n a cylinder that is adapted to rotate around a rotation axis, whereby the cylinder is configured to rotate in response to the electronic switch being operated , and wherei n the cylinder is provided with at least one golf ball collecting tray extending through the cylinder and having openings at both ends of the tray, in which tray the golf ball is adapted to be received from the container when the tray is i n a low end position and from which tray the golf ball is adapted to be removed when the tray is in a high end position , whereafter the golf ball passes through the openi ng i nto the passage onto the golf tee. Even with the revolver magazine, no locking member needs to be used because again the balls will be presented one ball at the time at the opening . The revolver magazine is easy to construct and use in the device of the present i nvention . The magazi ne is relatively small and can easily be installed under the platform. I n one embodiment, the cylinder comprises two golf ball collecting trays.

In a further embodiment, the tray is adapted to receive and remove the golf ball by gravitation .

In yet another embodiment, the transport member comprises a screw conveyor as described above and a revolver magazi ne as described above. The revolver magazine may positioned to receive a golf ball from the container and then transport the ball to the screw conveyer. Alternatively, the revolver magazine may be positioned after the screw conveyer to receive a golf ball from the conveyer and transport the ball to the passage.

In yet a further embodiment, the lifting member is configured to move in the passage between a high end point, whereby at least a portion of the golf tee extends above the platform and a low end point, whereby the golf tee is positioned under the openi ng in the passage. The lifting member preferably moves the golf tee from a position under the opening , where the golf tee can receive a golf ball usi ng gravity, to a position above the platform. In one embodiment, the position of the high end point can be varied . The advantage of varying the high end point is that the player can strike a golf ball that is being presented at different elevated levels from the platform. This will improve the quality of the training for the golf player. In one embodiment, the device comprises a second sensor positioned i n the lifting member configured to lift the golf tee when a golf ball is positioned on the golf tee.

This embodiment improves the reliability and quality of the device because the risk for false operations by the device is further reduced .

In another embodiment, the second sensor comprises a second electronic switch configured to be operated in response to the placement of one of said at least one golf ball on the golf tee.

A electronic switch can easily be installed in the lifting member. The operation of the switch can be related to the weight of a golf ball . Thereby, the reliability of the device further improves as false operations of the switch due to for example forces from the player on the platform, can be minimized .

In a further embodiment, the device comprises a second power source that is electrically connected to the second sensor, and whereby the first power source and the second power source are electrically separated from one another.

Separate power sources improve the quality of the device further. For example, the risk for false operation by the first and/or second switch can be reduced . In yet another embodiment, the first power source comprises an electrical motor positioned under the platform.

This embodiment reduces the sensitivity of the device for dirt and water. It also improves the robustness of the device because the power source cannot be hit by a golf club or a golf car. Because only low voltage may be needed , a small motor or battery may be used . This allows for the golf tee device to be provided under the platform.

In yet a further embodiment, the device comprises a data processor, comprising software configured to control the device.

A data processor provides the opportunity of automating the device. The data processor may for example be connected to a ball counting device or an input device for payment for use of the driving range, etc.

The object is also achieved by a method for automatically teeing up a golf ball , characterized in that

the first sensor comprises a first electronic switch and wherein the method comprises the steps of

- operati ng the first electronic switch to i nfluence the first electrical circuit in response to a contact of a golf cl ub with the first sensor, and further in response thereto

- controlling the transport member to place one of said at least one golf ball onto said golf tee, as well as

- controlling the lifting arrangement to move said ball through the hole.

In one embodiment of the method , the transport member is configured to forward said at least one golf ball individually toward the opening in the passage, the method comprising rotating the transport member around a rotation axis in response to operating the first electronic switch . The advantages of the method , as well as the preferred embodiments thereof, are apparent from the discussion hereinabove with reference to the proposed device. In another embodiment of the method , the first sensor comprises a surface electronic switch . I n a further embodiment of the method , the first sensor is a capacitive switch or an i nductive switch . One embodiment of the invention relates to a computer program loadable into the internal memory of a computer, comprising software for controlling the method steps described above, when said program is run on the computer. Another embodiment of the invention relates to a computer program product, havi ng a program recorded thereon , where the program is to make a computer control the method steps described above.

BRI EF DESCRI PTI ON OF TH E DRAWI NGS

The present invention is now to be explained more closely by means of embodiments, which are disclosed as examples, and with reference to the attached drawi ngs.

Fig . 1 shows schematically a top view of the device on the surface of a platform.

Fig . 2 shows schematically a side view of an embodiment of the invention .

Fig . 3 shows schematically a top view of an embodiment of the invention.

Fig . 4 shows schematically a side view of another embodiment of the invention . DETAI LED DESCRI PTI ON OF VARIOUS EMBODI MENTS OF THE I NVENTION

Fig 1 shows a platform 1 that can be used on a driving range. The platform 1 comprises an area 1 a where the player can take his stand to swi ng the golf ball . The platform 1 may be covered with a mat, such as a mat of artificial grass. The platform 1 is preferably large enough to provide space for the practising golf player.

The golf ball will be presented through a hole 6.

Also shown is a lock of a contai ner 2, where the golf balls can be stored . This contai ner 2 may be connected to a golf ball returni ng arrangement configured to automatically return balls from the driving range to the container. Such arrangements are commonly used in in-house driving ranges, where golf balls roll from the driving range into a collecting reservoir from where they are transported to a container 2.

A first sensor 10 is located on the platform 1 . Preferably, the first sensor 10 is positioned on the platform such that it is accessible to a cl ub head of a golf club held by the player located on the platform 1 in a swing position relative to the hole 6. The first sensor 10 may be located in the area behi nd the hole 6, for example next to the container 2. I n this position , the risk for accidentally touchi ng the first sensor 10 with a golf club is minimized . Further details of the golf tee device are schematically shown in the side view of Fig 2 and 4. The golf tee device is at least partly located under the platform 1 . Preferably, the platform 1 covers the golf tee device entirely. Golf balls are transported from the container 2 to a passage 5 with help of a transport member 3. The transporting member 3 may extend along a longitudinal axis L under the platform 1 . The transport member may be any device configured to transport golf balls individually. A screw conveyer as transport member 3 is shown i n Fig 2 and 3. The conveyer transports golf balls individually by rotation around a rotation axis x.

The transporting member 3 may also be a revolver magazi ne as shown i n Fig 4. The magazi ne comprises a cylinder 14 , which comprises at least one golf ball collecting tray 15. The balls are received into the collecting tray 15 from one side of the cylinder 14, and removed from the collecting tray 15 on an opposite side of the cylinder 14. The cylinder 14 rotates around a rotation axes x' , to move the collecting tray 15 between a low position (close to the ground level ) and a high position (close to the platform). The cylinder 14 may comprise one, two, three, four, or more collecting trays 15. Preferably, the trays 15 are the only openings on the side of the cylinder 14. This will prevent blockage of the revolver by golf balls from the container 2.

The device may also comprise both the screw conveyer and a revolver magazine in any order (not shown). Through revol utions of the screw conveyer and/or the revolver magazine, the golf balls are transported to the opening 7 in the passage 5.

Once the golf ball passes the openi ng 7, the ball will fall down by gravity and land on a golf tee 4, which is positioned under the opening 7 in the passage 5. The golf tee 4 comprises a substantially horizontal base and a substantially vertical shaft with a concave top end to hold a golf ball positioned on the golf tee 4. The golf tee 4 is preferably made of a flexible material that is able to withstand the repeated blows of the striking golf club. Plastics and rubber are examples of materials from which the golf tee 4 can be made. The golf tee 4 is mounted on a lifting member 8. Preferably, the golf tee 4 is mounted i n such a way that it is firmly attached to withstand the blows from the golf club, but also such that the golf tee 4 can be easily replaced when needed .

The lifting member 8 is configured to move in a forward and backward direction through the passage 5. Preferably, the lifting member 8 moves between a high end point and a low end point. The high end point may be defi ned as a position , whereby at least a portion of the golf tee 4 extends above the platform 1 . The low end point may be defined as a position, whereby the golf tee 4 is positioned under the opening 7 in the passage 5. The lifting member 8 is configured to move toward the high end point when a golf ball is positioned on the golf tee 4 , and otherwise towards the low end poi nt. The position of the high end point may be variable such that the golf ball can be raised at different elevated levels in relation to the platform 1 .

The golf tee device comprises a lifting arrangement 9. The lifting arrangement 9 moves the lifting member 8 (and the golf tee 4 attached thereto) through the passage 5. The lifting arrangement 9 may comprise a rotary cam configured to move the lifting member 8. The cam connected to a rotating belt 9a may rotate around a substantially horizontal axis H intersecting the longitudinal axis L.

The golf tee device also comprises an electrical power source, which supplies a first electrical circuit. The electrical power source may be an external power source connected to the golf tee device. The first power source may also be a source positioned under the platform 1 such as an electrical motor 13a. Because only small voltages such as 12 V may be needed to drive the golf tee device of the present invention , a battery may be used to supply the electrical circuit. The first sensor 1 0 comprises a first electronic switch, such as a capacitive switch or an inductive switch. This switch infl uences the first electrical circuit. The switch may be operated by opening or closing in response to a contact of a golf cl ub with the first sensor 10. In one embodiment, the first electronic switch is closed upon touchi ng the first sensor 10 with a golf club.

In response to operating the switch, the transport member 3 can be controlled . The transport member 3 may rotate around the rotation axis x, x' to transport a golf ball towards the openi ng 7. For example, if the transport member 3 is a screw conveyer, the screw conveyer may rotate to push a golf ball towards and/or through the openi ng 7 in the passage 5. One or more full revolution around the rotation axis x of the conveyer i n response to the operating switch may suffice to push a golf ball through the openi ng 7. Alternatively, the transport member 3 is a revolver magazine, which receives a golf ball in a golf ball collecting tray 15 and subsequently rotates around the rotation axes x'. The golf ball is than released from the collecting tray 15, e.g . by gravity, and transported through openi ng 7 into the passage 5. The revolver magazine may receive a golf ball from the contai ner 2 or from the screw conveyer. The revolver may also release the golf ball to the passage 5 or to the screw conveyer. The transporting member 3 may even comprise a combination of one or more screw conveyer and one or more revolver magazine.

The lifting arrangement 9 may also be controlled in response to operati ng the first electronic switch . After a golf ball has been presented on the golf tee 4 in the passage 5, the lifting arrangement 9 can move the lifting member 8 up towards the hole 6 by rotating the belt 9a around the axis 9b and thereby moving the connecting lifting member 8. The lifting arrangement 9 may be controlled in such a way that the lifting member 8, with the golf tee 4 attached thereto and the golf ball positioned on the golf tee 4, is moved to the high end point.

The lifting arrangement 9 will hold the lifting member 8 in the position at the high end point until the golf ball has been stricken. Than the lifting member can move down again to a low end point at a position under the openi ng 7 to receive the next golf ball from the transport member 3. The golf tee device may also comprise a second sensor (not shown). The second sensor may be positioned in or connected to the lifting member 8 and configured to lift the golf tee 4 when a golf ball is positioned on the golf tee 4. The second sensor may be a second electronic switch , such as a capacitive switch or an inductive switch, which operates in response to the placement of a golf ball on the golf tee 4. Examples of such a switch may be a pressure switch . In response to the weight of the golf ball , the second switch may operate the electrical circuit and thereby operate the lifting arrangement 9. I n response to the openi ng or closing of the second switch , the belt 9a of the arrangement 9 will rotate around the axis 9b. In response thereto, the lifting member 8 moves the golf tee 4 through the passage 5 as described above. The second sensor may be electrically connected to the first electrical circuit. Alternatively, the second switch may be connected to a second electrical circuit. This second electrical circuit may be isolated from the first electrical circuit and supplied by a second power source. The second power source may be an external power source connected to the golf tee device. The second power source may also be a source positioned under the platform 1 such as an electrical motor. Because only small voltages such as 12 V may be needed , a battery may be used to supply the second electrical circuit. A method for automatically teeing up a golf ball by using the golf tee device of the present invention, or minor variations of such a device, may comprise the steps of operating the first electronic switch by placing a metal piece, such as a golf club, on the first sensor 10. The first electrical circuit will be influenced i n response to this such that the transport member 3 will be controlled to push a golf ball towards and/or through the opening 7 in the passage 5. A golf ball will thereby be positioned on the golf tee 4. The influenced first electrical circuit will also control the lifting arrangement 9 to rotate the belt 9a and thus move the lifting member 8 through the passage 5. Thereby, the golf tee 4 will at least partly be lifted above the platform 1 .

When a second sensor is present, the second sensor may be influenced by the first electrical circuit such that the second electronic switch of the second sensor will be operated to control the lifting arrangement 9 as described above.

Alternatively, when a separate second electrical circuit is present, the second sensor may be infl uenced by the placement of a golf ball on the golf tee 4. In response to this, the second electronic switch is operated to control the lifting arrangement 9 by rotati ng the belt 9a and thereby moving the lifting member 8.

For example, the second switch may be closed by the weight of the golf ball . In response to this, the belt 9a rotates around the axis 9b to move the lifting member 8 through the passage 5.

Thereby, the golf tee 4 will at least partly be lifted above the platform 1 . The device of the present invention may comprise a third sensor (not shown) configured to control the position of the high end point of the golf tee 4. This third sensor may be positioned in the wall of the passage 5. The third sensor may be connected to the first or optionally second power source. The third sensor may also have a third power source. The third sensor may be a switch , such as a capacitive switch, an i nductive switch, or a photocell .

The golf tee device may also comprise an input device (not shown). This input device may be used for payment of rent of the driving mat, or rent of golf balls or determining the position of the high end poi nt of the golf tee 4. The input device is preferably positioned such that it is accessible for the player. This position may be next to, or on the platform, or in the proximity of the platform . The connection between the golf tee device and the i nput device may be wired or wireless.

The golf tee device may be controlled by a data processor 1 1 . The method implemented by the processor 1 1 is preferably controlled by a computer program loaded i nto a memory 12 of the processor 1 1 , or an external memory unit accessible by the processor 1 1 (not shown). The computer program , in turn, contai ns software for controlling the steps of the method when the program is run on the processor 1 1 .

The device, as well as any method steps, may be controlled by means of a programmed computer apparatus. Moreover, although the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the drawi ngs may comprise computer apparatus and methods that may be performed in computer apparatus, the invention thus also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of source code; object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or i n any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the process accordi ng to the invention . The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program . For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium , such as a Flash memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), for example a CD (Compact Disc) or a semiconductor ROM , an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disc or hard disc. Further, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal , which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or by other means. When the program is embodied in a signal , which may be conveyed , directly by a cable or other device or means, the carrier may be constituted by such cable or device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for performing , or for use in the performance of, the relevant processes.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims . A golf tee device configured to automatically tee up a golf ball , comprising

- a platform (1 ) configured to at least partially or completely cover an upper portion of the device,

a container (2) configured to store at least one golf ball ,

a transport member (3) configured to transport said at least one golf ball individually from the container (2) to a golf tee (4),

a passage (5) extending from the transport member (3) to a hole (6) in the platform (1 ), the passage (5) comprising

i . the golf tee (4),

ii . an opening (7) configured to receive a golf ball from the transport member (3), and

iii . a lifting member (8) configured to move the golf tee (4) through the passage (5),

- a lifting arrangement (9) configured to move the lifting member (8) in a forward and backward direction through the passage (5),

a first sensor (10) located on the platform (1 ), and a first electrical power source configured to supply a first electrical circuit,

characterized in that

the first sensor (10) comprises a first electronic switch configured to infl uence the first electrical circuit and thus control the transport member (3) as well as the lifting arrangement (9) to place one of said at least one golf ball onto the golf tee (4) and move said ball through the hole (6).

2. The golf tee device according to claim 1 , wherei n the first sensor ( 10) comprises a surface capacitive switch. The golf tee device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensor ( 10) is a capacitive switch or an inductive switch .

The golf tee device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the first electronic switch is configured to be operated in response to a contact of a golf clu b with the first sensor (1 0).

The golf tee device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport member (3) comprises a screw conveyor configured to push said at least one golf ball individually toward the opening (7) in the passage (5).

The golf tee device according to claim 5, wherei n the transport member (3) is configured to rotate at least a half revolution around a rotation axis (x) of the screw conveyer in response to the electronic switch being operated .

The golf tee device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherei n the transport member (3) comprises a revolver magazi ne, which is configured in a cylinder (14) that is adapted to rotate around a rotation axis (χ' ) , whereby the cylinder (14) is configured to rotate in response to the electronic switch being operated , and

wherei n the cylinder (14) is provided with at least one golf ball collecting tray (15) extending through the cylinder (14) and having openings at both ends of the tray (1 5), i n which tray (15) the golf ball is adapted to be received from the contai ner (2) when the tray (15) is in a low end position and from which tray (15) the golf ball is adapted to be removed when the tray (15) is in a high end position, whereafter the golf ball passes through the openi ng (7) into the passage (5) onto the golf tee (4).

The golf tee device according to claim 7, wherein the tray (15) is adapted to receive and remove the golf ball by gravitation .

9. The golf tee device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, whereby the transport member (3) comprises a screw conveyor according to claim 5 or 6, and a revolver magazine accordi ng to claim 7 or 8.

10. The golf tee device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherei n the lifting member (8) is configured to move in the passage (5) between a high end poi nt, whereby at least a portion of the golf tee (4) extends above the platform (1 ) and a low end poi nt, whereby the golf tee (4) is positioned under the opening (7) in the passage (5).

1 1 . The golf tee device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second sensor positioned i n the lifting member (8) configured to lift the golf tee (4) when a golf ball is positioned on the golf tee (4).

12. The golf tee device according to claim 1 1 , wherein the second sensor comprises a second electronic switch configured to be operated in response to the placement of one of said at least one golf ball on the golf tee (4).

13. The golf tee device according to claim 1 1 or 12 , wherein the device comprises a second power source that is electrically connected to the second sensor, and whereby the first power source and the second power source are electrically separated from one another.

14. The golf tee device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherei n the first power source comprises an electrical motor (13a) positioned under the platform (1 ).

15. The golf tee device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a data processor (1 1 ), comprising software configured to control the device.

16. A method for automatically teeing up a golf ball , by using a golf tee device comprising

a platform (1 ) configured to at least partially cover an upper portion of the device,

a container (2) configured to store at least one golf ball ,

i . the golf tee (4),

iii . a lifting member (8) configured to move the golf tee (4) through the passage (5), a lifting arrangement (9) configured to move the lifting member (8) in a forward and backward direction through the passage (5),

characterized in that

the first sensor (10) comprises a first electronic switch and wherei n the method comprises the steps of

operati ng the first electronic switch to influence the first electrical circuit in response to a contact of a golf club with the first sensor (10), and further in response thereto controlling the transport member (3) to place one of said at least one golf ball onto said golf tee (4), as well as controlling the lifting arrangement (9) to move said ball through the hole (6).

1 7. The method according to claim 16, wherei n the transport member (3) is configured to forward said at least one golf ball individually toward the openi ng (7) in the passage (5), the method comprising rotati ng the transport member (3) around a rotation axis (x) in response to operating the first electronic switch .

18. The golf tee device according to claim 16 or 1 7, wherein the first sensor (10) is a capacitive switch or an inductive switch .

19. A computer program loadable into the internal memory of a computer, comprising software for controlling the steps of claim 16 to 1 7 when said program is run on the computer.

20. A computer program product (12), having a program recorded thereon , where the program is to make a computer control the steps of claim 16 to 1 7.