Method and apparatus for testing shafts
US8028587B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2203/0021
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for testing shafts, such as golf club shafts. In one embodiment, the invention can be characterized as a shaft tester comprising: a frame; a first shaft support supporting a first portion of a shaft at a first fixed position; a second shaft support supporting a second portion of the shaft at a second fixed position; and a third shaft support supporting a third portion of the shaft at a third fixed position. An actuator couples to the third shaft support to displace the third portion relative to the first and second portions to deflect the shaft. A sensor couples to one of the first, second and third supports outputting a signal corresponding to a force exerted by the shaft due. A controller controls displacement of the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft is rotated while being deflected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.