Golf tee with level and depth indicators

Abstract

A golf tee includes a stem defining a first end and a second end. The golf tee includes a ball receiving portion positioned on the second end of the stem. A level gauge is disposed in the ball receiving portion. The stem includes indicia representative of a depth of insertion of the first end into a surface.

1 . A golf tee comprising:
 a stem defining a first end;   a ball receiving portion positioned on a second end of the stem;   a level gauge disposed in the ball receiving portion; and   wherein the stem comprises indicia representative of a depth of insertion of the first end into a surface.   
     
     
         2 . The golf tee of  claim 1 , wherein the level gauge and the ball receiving portion cooperate to define a concave surface. 
     
     
         3 . The golf tee of  claim 2 , wherein the concave surface has a radius of curvature from about  0 . 7  inches to about  0 . 9  inches. 
     
     
         4 . The golf tee of  claim 1 , wherein the level gauge includes an inside surface defining a cavity which contains a first fluid and an indicator disposed in the cavity. 
     
     
         5 . The golf tee of  claim 4 , wherein the first fluid comprises a fluorescent liquid. 
     
     
         6 . The golf tee of  claim 4 , wherein the indicator comprises a second fluid having a density less than that of the first fluid. 
     
     
         7 . The golf tee of  claim 1 , wherein the level gauge is manufactured from a transparent or translucent material. 
     
     
         8 . The golf tee of  claim 1 , wherein the level gauge is manufactured from an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         9 . The golf tee of  claim 8 , wherein the level gauge is press-fit in a pocket defined by an interior surface of the ball receiving portion. 
     
     
         10 . The golf tee of  claim 1 , wherein the level gauge is secured in a pocket defined by an interior surface of the ball receiving portion by an adhesive. 
     
     
         11 . The golf tee of  claim 1 , wherein the level gauge is integral with the golf tee. 
     
     
         12 . The golf tee of  claim 11 , wherein the level gauge includes an inside surface defining a cavity and at least one passage extending from an outside surface of the golf tee into the cavity. 
     
     
         13 . The golf tee of  claim 11 , wherein the golf tee is substantially hollow and the level gauge includes a cavity defined by an inside surface of the ball receiving portion and an inside surface of the stem. 
     
     
         14 . The golf tee of  claim 1 , wherein the indicia comprise at least one of plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the stem and grooves formed in the stem. 
     
     
         15 . The golf tee of  claim 1 , wherein the level gauge is operable to determine plumbness of the stem.