T-blade drag reduction device for use with sporting equipment shafts

Abstract

An improved sporting equipment shaft is provided. The present invention relates to aerodynamic drag-reducing structures. In particular, the present invention relates to a vortex splitter plate element that may be formed integrally or attached to the shaft of a sporting equipment shaft preferably a golf club shaft. The T-Blade Drag Reduction Device operates to substantially reduce turbulence produced when the sporting equipment shaft is swung through a fluid, such as air. The reduction in turbulence is reflected operationally in a faster, more powerful swing due to the lessened amount of induced aerodynamic drag. There is also a lessening of shaft vibration, which should increase swing accuracy.

1 . An aerodynamic drag reduction device for use with a sports equipment shaft which is intended to move through a fluid, comprising a splitter plate element joined to said shaft in a generally trailing position normal to the striking surface of said sports equipment, extending along the long axis of said shaft for substantially the entire length of said shaft, with said splitter plate exhibiting an effective width equal to at least about four times the diameter of said shaft.  
   
   
       2 . The aerodynamic drag reduction device of  claim 1 , wherein said splitter plate is composed of a flexible material.  
   
   
       3 . The aerodynamic drag reduction device of  claim 1 , wherein said splitter plate is attached to said shaft by flexible hinge means.  
   
   
       4 . The aerodynamic drag reduction device of  claim 1 , wherein the effective width of said splitter plate is at least about equal to the diameter of said shaft.  
   
   
       5 . The aerodynamic drag reduction device of  claim 1 , wherein said splitter plate extends along the long axis of said shaft for a distance of approximately about one-fourth the length of said shaft.  
   
   
       6 . The aerodynamic drag reduction device of  claim 1 , wherein said splitter plate is interrupted one or more times by a slot cut through the width of said splitter plate.  
   
   
       7 . The aerodynamic drag reduction device of  claim 1 , wherein said splitter plate is divided into two or more sections such that a gap is formed between said sections.