Golf tee

Abstract

An apparatus for supporting a ball. In one aspect, the apparatus is a golf tee that facilitates the control of one or more of a liftoff angle, spin and direction.

1 . A tee for receiving a golf ball, comprising:
 an upper portion, the upper portion including a ramp having a length; and   a lower portion, the lower portion including a peg configured to be inserted into a ground surface;   wherein at least a portion of the length of the ramp provides a surface along which the ball travels.   
   
   
       2 . The tee of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion further includes a curved section configured between the legs. 
   
   
       3 . The tee of  claim 2 , wherein the curved section is semi-circular. 
   
   
       4 . The tee of  claim 2 , wherein the upper portion further includes a transition zone between the legs and the curved section. 
   
   
       5 . The tee of  claim 4 , wherein the transition zone has a radii smaller than a spherical radius of the ball. 
   
   
       6 . The tee of  claim 4 , wherein the upper portion further includes a center section which is under cut to allow clearance for the ball. 
   
   
       7 . The tee of  claim 6 , wherein the upper portion further includes a pair of spaced cutouts. 
   
   
       8 . The tee of  claim 7 , wherein the peg has a tapered point. 
   
   
       9 . The tee of  claim 8 , wherein the peg has a triangular cross-section. 
   
   
       10 . The tee of  claim 8 , where in the peg has one of a triangular, rectangular or a diagonal shape. 
   
   
       11 . The tee of  claim 1 , wherein the ramp includes a pair of spaced legs with an upper surface providing a line contact with the ball. 
   
   
       12 . The tee of  claim 1 , wherein the ramp includes a concave surface for engaging the ball traveling along the ramp. 
   
   
       13 . The tee of  claim 1 , wherein the upper portion includes a radius, a width and a length. 
   
   
       14 . The tee of  claim 13 , wherein the radius being less than a radius of the ball. 
   
   
       15 . The tee of  claim 13 , wherein the width does not exceed a diameter of the ball. 
   
   
       16 . The tee of  claim 13 , wherein the width varies from a first dimension to a second dimension. 
   
   
       17 . The tee of  claim 13 , wherein the width is adjustable. 
   
   
       18 . The tee of  claim 1 , wherein an angle between the upper portion and the lower portion is adjustable. 
   
   
       19 . The tee of  claim 1 , wherein one or more of a liftoff angle, spin and direction of the ball is controlled by the upper portion. 
   
   
       20 . The tee of  claim 1 , wherein the tee is a single piece golf tee.