Dryer for the handgrips of tennis, badminton, squash and padel rackets and golf clubs and method for achieving full drying in 60 seconds

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dryer for the handgrips of tennis, badminton, squash and padel rackets and golf clubs and method for achieving full drying in 60 seconds. The dryer comprises an outer tube that rotates in relation to an inner tube along its axial axis, the space between the outer tube and the inner tube comprising a series of parts arranged by way of "fins" forming an adjustable helicoid element when they are moved and suitably positioned. Said fins move until they reach the surface of the handgrip, the drying process thus taking place in a maximum period of 60 seconds. The system is a mechanical assembly that transforms the manual rotation movement of the outer tube into movements of the fins, which tend to come together or move away from each other according to the radial centre. Said fins are fixed to the internal wall of said outer tube by means of hooks, which allow the fins to move when the outer tube is rotated in relation to the inner tube. The inner tube comprises a spiral-shaped slot through which the fins pass and serve as a support during the movement caused by the rotation of the outer tube in relation to the inner tube.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] DRYER FOR TENNIS, BADMINTON AND SQUASH RACKETS, PADDLE TENNIS RACKETS AND GOLF CLUBS GRIPS AND PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING COMPLETE DRYING

[0003] IN 60 SECONDS

[0004] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to the solution to a significant problem for tennis, paddle tennis, badminton and squash players, which consists of the effective removal of moisture from the grip of rackets and paddles in less than 60 seconds. This is due to the time limitations imposed by breaks during these games, which are designed to prevent a loss of control during play caused by moisture absorbed into the grip, originating from hand sweat and ambient humidity. The solution is also applicable to the drying of grips on other sporting goods such as golf clubs and any other item with a grip that requires drying and that conforms to the configuration of the present invention.

[0006] The aim is to dry the grip of a tennis, badminton or squash racket, padel racket or golf club and any other grip that adapts to this invention so that the rackets and rackets do not cause slipping or this is considerably and effectively reduced due to lack of grip in a maximum time of 1 minute.

[0007] The maximum drying time for racket and paddle sports cannot exceed approximately 60 seconds, as drying must occur during the break between court changes during the match or other regulated breaks. For example, in tennis, this break is 80 to 90 seconds, depending on the type of tournament. Therefore, the time required to dry the grip is limited, with 60 seconds considered the maximum possible time for this drying process.

[0008] There are known proposals for drying the grip of golf rackets, paddles and clubs by hot air reflected in patent documents US2007094884A1, KR102133131 B1, CN210409428U, W02020015866A1 and US7834297B1 that only belong to the state of the art in relation to the present invention, and cannot be considered relevant because they do not ensure that effective drying is carried out in such a short time of 1 minute and therefore they are not effective solutions for the game of sports in which there is a maximum time according to their rules during which the grip could be dried. In order to obtain effective drying that really achieves the intended effect in such a short time of 60 seconds, several technical considerations that have not been taken into account until now are critical.These considerations include the flow rate and temperature of the air used for drying, and the tube cavity to maximize the effectiveness of the hot air used, so that the drying effect is achieved in a limited and determined time of 60 seconds.

[0009] The problem is that moisture on the surface of the grip creates a layer of water that reduces friction between the hand and the grip. This decrease in friction leads to a lack of grip and, consequently, loss of control when hitting the ball with a tennis, badminton, squash, or other racket sports, or with a paddle tennis racket or golf club.

[0010] The current grips that cover these handles, which were formerly made of leather, are mostly made of polyurethane and are designed to absorb sweat as efficiently as possible and thus improve grip.

[0011] However, under conditions of high perspiration due to high relative humidity and a tendency for players' hands to sweat, these materials, due to their excellent absorption capacity, eventually become saturated with water. This saturation causes the grip to lose its initial functionality, diminishing grip and, consequently, game control. Therefore, to restore the grip to its initial condition, it is necessary to remove the water absorbed by sweat from the grip.

[0012] Currently, there are desiccant media used to absorb this moisture, such as magnesium powder, liquid magnesium solution, or even sawdust or resin. These substances eventually form a mass on the surface of the hand and the grip, impairing grip and, consequently, game control.

[0013] The cleanest way to remove this moisture absorbed by the grip is to evaporate it, but the evaporation process is slow under normal environmental conditions, so to have an effective result during timeouts in racket and paddle sports, it must be done under forced conditions.

[0014] In tennis and padel matches, the changeover time varies between 80 and 90 seconds. During this time, players take advantage of the opportunity to rest, dry sweat, recharge their batteries, hydrate, and replenish their mineral salts with water and isotonic solutions, among other things.

[0015] This time can also be used by the player to dry the grip while performing the actions described above, so it is estimated that there is a maximum effective time for the drying process of 60 seconds.

[0016] Therefore, the solution must be such that it solves the following problems:

[0017] 1. Dry the grip to a sufficient level of grip in a maximum of 60 seconds. 2. The dryer's runtime should ideally last at least 21 minutes, since in a three-set tennis or padel match, the maximum number of court changes is 21.

[0018] 3. The battery must be removable and interchangeable so that backup batteries can be provided in case of longer operating times.

[0019] 4. The dryer must be portable and easy to handle and transport. Its dimensions and weight must be such that it can be transported and fit into a conventional sports bag.

[0020] The present invention obtains the solution to the problem posed from the following assumptions:

[0021] Drying is achieved by the transfer of water vapor from a solid surface to the air through contact of the air with the solid surface.

[0022] Air has the capacity to dry as long as it is not saturated, that is, its relative humidity is less than 100%.

[0023] The same air with a certain humidity content, being the HA or absolute humidity: g water / m 3 air, reduces its relative humidity RH as the temperature increases.

[0024] The difference in humidity between the surface of the fist and the air creates a humidity gradient, which acts as a driving force for the transfer of water vapor from the fist to the air. Therefore, the lower the relative humidity of the air, the greater the drying effect.

[0025] Taking into account the above, for the same nature of air used to dry the fist, its drying capacity increases if its temperature increases.

[0026] The air used to dry the cuff must be heated to safe temperatures for handling.

[0027] Since drying occurs through a superficial contact phenomenon between the fist and air surface, the greater and more effective this contact is, the greater the drying effect will be achieved.

[0028] Vapor transfer from the cuff to the air occurs through the absorption of the air in contact with the cuff. The more air in contact with the cuff in a given time, the greater the vapor transfer. It should be noted that, under maximized operating conditions, the transfer rate will be limited by the cuff's ability to release water, which is related to the cuff's diffusivity, or ability to release water vapor in the form of vapor.

[0029] In laminar flow, air, like any fluid, moves in ordered layers, creating a boundary layer around the surface of the fist due to the viscosity of the air and its friction with said surface. Therefore, there will be an ordering of layers with higher water vapor concentrations near the surface of the fist and lower concentrations as the distance from it increases.

[0030] It's important to break this order of flow to remove water vapor from layers close to the fist's surface and maintain the highest possible humidity gradient between the fist's surface and the immediately surrounding air. This is achieved by changing from a laminar to a turbulent flow regime.

[0031] To maximize the drying effect given a constant air flow rate supplied by the dryer object of the invention, the following conditions must be met: a. Sufficient hot air flow rate. b. Maximum air drying capacity, reducing its relative humidity as much as possible by heating it. c. Maximum amount of air in contact with the cuff, minimizing the space between the surface of the cuff and the space through which the air circulates. d. Maximum contact time of the air with the surface of the cuff, maximizing the travel of the hot air over said surface. e. Turbulent air regime.

[0032] The industrial application of this invention is within the sector of mechanical drying equipment and devices, and more specifically, drying devices for tennis, badminton and squash racket grips, padel rackets and golf clubs.

[0033] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0034] There are known solutions that use hot, forced air directed into a cavity that houses the grip to be dried, but none dry it completely in 60 seconds. Even a kind of spiral-shaped protrusion inside the cavity is considered in an attempt to improve the drying effect. These designs are fixed, so they cannot be adapted to different geometries and sizes of the grips to be dried, losing drying effectiveness and therefore lengthening the time required to obtain a practical result for the game. Furthermore, racket grips have a heel or stop at their lower external end to improve grip with the hand and prevent the grip from slipping longitudinally and slipping out of the hand holding it during play. The difference between the largest heel diameter and the smallest grip diameter is up to about 30 mm.Since the handle to be dried is inserted through the heel, the diameter of the cavity where the drying takes place must be large enough to fit the heel. Considering that there is also a fixed spiral-shaped projection attached to the inner wall of said cavity, as proposed by patent US2007094884A1 , it must be considered that this space be left free for the heel of the handle to pass through. Therefore, there is always a free space for air circulation along the axial axis of the tube between the wall of the latter with the spiral protuberance and the surface of the handle. That is, the air escapes vertically through this gap without effectively performing the drying effect. This causes a loss of drying efficiency, since the travel and consequently the contact of the air with the handle is not maximized, and efficient drying of the handle is not achieved within a time of 60 seconds.

[0035] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] To maximize drying speed given a flow of hot air as the drying agent, the present invention proposes an innovative approach: inserting a movable internal helical structure into the drying tube. By simply turning said tube relative to its axial axis by hand, the shape of the helix adapts to the handle once inserted, closing the free space between the handle and the cavity. This forces the air to travel in a spiral motion across the entire surface of the handle to be dried, thus maximizing drying efficiency.

[0037] To achieve its best performance, the hand dryer object of the invention has a motor of sufficient power, approximately 400 W or more, powered by direct current and suitable blades.

[0038] The power and configuration of the air impeller blades will be adequate to generate sufficient air flow.

[0039] The battery that powers the motor and the heating element has a range of at least 21 minutes. The battery is removable so it can be replaced with another if necessary. It is also rechargeable with approximately 23,400 mAh. The dryer also has a charging station for recharging the battery.

[0040] In order to facilitate the first of the conditions listed above, a sufficient flow of hot air, the dryer object of the invention comprises a resistor that, by means of the Joule effect, heats the air propelled by the blades to an approximate temperature of between 50 and 60° C. Alternatively, in environmental conditions of high relative humidity, i.e. greater than 70%, the dryer may comprise an incoming air drying system consisting of a disc filled with moisture-absorbing material, such as silica gel beads, to reduce the humidity of the air before it is heated and introduced into the dryer tube. The beads have a visual humidity saturation indicator that changes color when said saturation state is reached, informing the user that the filter is no longer absorbing any more moisture.

[0041] To overcome the second of the aforementioned constraints, a better moisture transfer from the cuff to the air, the dryer comprises a round or octagonal tube of appropriate dimensions, with the distance between the tube wall and the cuff surface as small as possible. By minimizing the space between the cuff surface and the tube wall as much as possible, for the same air flow rate generated by the motor drive system and the blades, a greater amount of air will be in contact with the wet surface and therefore participate in the moisture transfer process from the cuff to the hot air. This process occurs in the boundary layer generated by the friction of the air with the cuff surface.

[0042] Furthermore, according to Da Vinci's law, "the speed of water or a fluid multiplied by the cross-section it passes through is constant throughout its entire path," so the speed of air will also increase as the cross-section of the air is reduced.

[0043] (So)(v o ) = (Yes)(vi) = cte

[0044] That is, if we reduce the airflow cross-section between the tube wall and the tube surface, the air velocity will increase proportionally. And, applying Bernoulli's principle of conservation of mechanical energy, the increase in air velocity and, therefore, its kinetic energy will generate a drop in air pressure called pressure energy.

[0045] This drop in fluid pressure improves the transfer of water vapor from the surface of the fist to the air due to the suction effect and because in air at lower pressure the relative humidity is reduced, consequently increasing its capacity to absorb air and therefore increasing the gradient between the humidity of the fist and that of the air, which acts as a driving force for the phenomenon.

[0046] It should be noted that the grip has an octagonal geometry and that the heel is larger than the rest of the grip, where drying should mainly take place. Grip measurements vary according to standardized thickness sizes, typically classified as sizes 0 to 4 for tennis grips, and also by the superposition of absorbent grips on the grip itself. The greatest distance between the inner wall of the tube where drying takes place and the surface of the grip is determined by the difference in size between the largest dimension of the heel or base of the grip and the smallest dimension of the grip itself (see figure 8).

[0047] Taking the measurements for a factory size 4 grip and the usual smaller ones for a golf club grip, you have:

[0048] 0 minimum heel = 40 mm 0 maximum heel = 45 mm

[0049] 0 minimum cuff = 20 mm 0 maximum cuff = 20 mm

[0050] Since the cuff to be dried is inserted through the mouth of the tube, the tube's dimensions must be sufficient to allow for its insertion. This measurement is determined by the largest dimension of the cuff, which is at the heel.

[0051] Consider a distance between the inner wall of the tube and the heel of approximately 2.5 mm on each side to have sufficient tolerance for the insertion of the fist into the tube.

[0052] Therefore:

[0053] 0 inner tube = (45) +(2.5)(2) = 50 mm

[0054] Due to the above dimensions, the free space between the fist and the wall will be:

[0055] (50 - 20) / 2 = 15 mm

[0056] That is, there will be a radial distance between the inner face of the tube and the grip of up to 15 mm, these measurements being indicative so they may vary slightly.

[0057] To maximize drying effectiveness, an innovative device is provided that includes a movable helix that adapts to the different geometries and sizes of the different cuffs.

[0058] To meet the condition of working in turbulent regime, according to the generated air flow and the air passage geometry, turbulent regime is already reached, the justification for which is as follows:

[0059] Turbulent regime: Reynolds (Re) » 2100

[0060] Re = V * D * p / p where: Re : Dimensionless Reynolds number V: fluid velocity

[0061] D: effective diameter p: fluid density p: fluid viscosity

[0062] Calculation Re in the device of invention:

[0063] The above parameters take the following values ​​under the design and operating conditions of the invention:

[0064] V = 92 m / s

[0065] D = 8.75 mm p = 1.007 kg / m 3p = 0.0000174 Pa*s

[0066] Considering these values ​​in the appropriate units, a Reynolds number of 46.7 *10 is obtained 6 , which is much higher than the minimum considered to obtain a turbulent regime.

[0067] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] For a better understanding of the present invention, drawings are provided that represent a preferred embodiment and a different one, but are not limited to the same.

[0069] FIGURE 1: Schematic view of the dryer

[0070] FIGURE 2: Schematic view of the closed and open positions of the helicoid

[0071] FIGURE 3: Enlarged schematic view of the fin positions in preferred embodiment.

[0072] FIGURE 4: Schematic view of a fin in a preferred embodiment.

[0073] FIGURE 5: Sectional view of the outer tube and the inner tube and the open and closed positions of the fins in a preferred embodiment.

[0074] FIGURE 6: Enlarged view of the open and closed flap positions in a different embodiment.

[0075] FIGURE 7: View of the inner face of the outer tube in a different embodiment.

[0076] FIGURE 8. Elevation view of the cuff with its heel inside the drying tube. The numerical references correspond to the following constituent elements of the invention:

[0077] 1. Rotating outer tube housing

[0078] 2. Slotted inner fixed tube

[0079] 3. Hook for inclined fin mobility

[0080] 4. Fin tilted in open position

[0081] 5. Fin tilted in closed position

[0082] 6. Air outlet grille

[0083] 7. Solid piece

[0084] 8. Fist

[0085] 9. Toothed guide on fin

[0086] 10. Inner tube projection for toothed guide

[0087] 11. Helical groove of the inner tube

[0088] 12. Coupling for turning axis

[0089] 13. Teeth on the inner face of the outer tube

[0090] 14. Teeth of the fin structure

[0091] 15. Spiral movement of hot air

[0092] 16. Hot air

[0093] 17. Heating resistance

[0094] 18. Engine

[0095] 19. Wings

[0096] 20. Battery

[0097] 21. Air inlet to the equipment

[0098] 22. Equipment air outlet

[0099] 23. Helicoid

[0100] 24. ON / OFF switch / push button

[0101] 25. Hot air activation switch / button

[0102] 26. Drying mode programmer

[0103] 27. Contact sensors for measuring humidity

[0104] 28. LED indicator light for device power on

[0105] 29. Start / end drying button

[0106] 30. Battery charge level indicator

[0107] 31. USB port for connecting to the mains power supply for charging the battery

[0108] 32. Cable with current transformer for battery recharging

[0109] 33. Backup battery 34. Electronic control and actuation system

[0110] 35. Heel of the fist

[0111] DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0112] A preferred embodiment of the present invention, with reference numerals in parentheses, is based on a concentric outer tube or casing (1) and a fixed inner tube (2). The outer tube (1) rotates relative to the inner tube (2) about its axial axis.

[0113] The outer tube (1) is rotated by holding said outer tube (1) with one hand and performing a simple rotating movement on its axial axis.

[0114] The space between the outer tube (1) and the inner tube (2) comprises a series of pieces arranged in the form of "fins" (4, 5). These individual pieces have freedom of guided movement and are those that form the adjustable helicoid (23) when moved and positioned appropriately, by manually turning the outer tube (1) in relation to the inner tube (2). Said fins (4, 5) move until they touch the surface of the cuff (8), so that the space between said helicoid (23) and the cuff (8) is closed as much as possible, this aspect being critical to guarantee the greatest efficiency in the drying process in a maximum time of 60 seconds. Once drying is finished, the outer tube (1) is turned again by hand, but now in the opposite direction. With this, the fins (5) are retracted returning to their initial position and the mobile helicoid (23) opens to be able to extract the cuff (8), which in its final part is widened by calling this final part of the cuff the heel (35).

[0115] Therefore, the system that makes possible the formation of the adjustable mobile helix (23) from the fins (4, 5) is a mechanical assembly that transforms the manual rotation movement of the outer tube (1) into movements of the fins (4 and 5) that tend to come together or separate according to the radial center following the three axes of space. For this purpose there may be various embodiments, of which a preferred one and a second different one are presented here.

[0116] In this preferred embodiment, the fins (4,5) are fixed to the internal wall of said outer tube (1) by means of hooks (3), said hooks (3) allowing the movement of the fins (4,5) when the outer tube (1) is rotated in relation to the inner tube (2), which comprises a spiral groove (11) through which the fins (4,5) pass and serve as support in their movement caused by the rotation of the outer tube (1) in relation to the inner tube (2).

[0117] In the open position, a part of the free end of each fin (4) reaches the interior of the helical groove (11) of the inner tube (2) resting on it, but without exceeding the surface of the inner face of the inner tube (2) in order to leave sufficient space through which the entire cuff (8) must pass, taking into account that it widens in its final part called the heel (35). When the outer tube (1) rotates, it generates a movement of the fins (4,5) towards the interior of the inner tube (2) through the spiral groove (11), so that it exceeds the inner face of the inner tube (2).

[0118] In order to achieve that by means of the rotation of the outer tube (1) the fins (4, 5) move in the intended direction towards the interior of the inner tube (2), said fins (4, 5) have an area with a saw-shaped toothed structure (9). On this structure comes into contact a fixed piece (10) projecting vertically from the inner tube (2) through the groove of the latter (11). The composition of the movement of the rotation of the outer tube (1), the axis of rotation of the fin (4, 5) by means of the piece (3) and the conjunction of the toothed path (9) of the fin (4, 5) and the fixed piece (10) causes the fin (4) to move in the intended direction.The movement occurs both forwards and backwards, so that by turning the outer tube (1), clockwise or counterclockwise, the fins (4,5) are brought closer or further apart and therefore have the open positions (4) for the introduction of the cuff (8) or closed (5) with different degrees of closure depending on what is necessary for drying the cuff (8). This movement of the fins (4,5) continues until it comes into contact with the surface of one or more of the faces of the cuff (8), so that it fits as closely as possible to the geometry of said cuff (8).

[0119] The fins (4,5) have an inclined and rotated surface and are arranged so that they adapt to the geometry and inclination of the spiral groove (11) of the inner tube (2).

[0120] The quantity, shape and position of the fins (4) are such that in their closed position they form a helicoid (23) that allows the cuff (8) to be dried to be housed inside, adjusting as closely as possible to it. The effective adjustment to the size of the thickness of the cuff (8) occurs precisely because the system for forming the helical structure (23) is mobile, such that the fins (4,5) that form said helical structure move from their open position (4) to a closed position (5) when they abut the surface of the cuff (8).

[0121] The function of the helicoid (23) thus formed is to force the upward rotational movement of the air (15) through the cuff (8), maximizing contact with it to improve the effectiveness of drying by contact of the hot air (15) with the surface of the cuff (8).

[0122] Furthermore, the fins (5), when they abut the cuff (8), allow the position of the latter to be naturally centered with respect to the axial axis of the tube (2), which is necessary for the drying phenomenon to be as homogeneous as possible on all sides of the cuff (8).

[0123] The material of the fins (4,5) must be flexible, at least at the end that is in contact with the cuff (8), to facilitate adaptation to the surface of the latter.

[0124] Due to the movement, geometry and material of the fins (4,5), the helicoid (23) that they form has the function of adapting to different sizes and shapes of cuff (8) adjusting itself effectively to gain maximum drying efficiency. The hot air (16) coming from the cavity where the motor (18), blades (19) and heating resistors (17) are located exits through a circular crown-shaped grid (6), which connects with the interior of the inner tube (2). From there it is conducted by means of the helicoid (23) formed by the fins in their closed arrangement (5) towards the surface of the cuff (8) in an upward spiral movement (15).

[0125] The base of the fist (8) rests on the inner area of ​​said circular crown (7), which is solid and does not allow air to pass through.

[0126] From here on, a different embodiment of the racket grip dryer is described, referring to the formation of the adjustable movable helical structure.

[0127] In this different embodiment, the inner face of the outer tube (1) comprises toothed guides (13) that run along its entire surface at an angle.

[0128] The inner tube (2) comprises a spiral groove (11) through which the fins (4,5) pass, serving as support and axis in their movement caused by the rotation of the outer tube (1) with respect to the inner tube (2).

[0129] In the open position of the fins (4), a part of the free end of each fin (4) reaches the interior of the helical groove (11) of the inner tube (2) resting on it, but without exceeding the surface of the inner face of the inner tube (2), thus leaving sufficient space through which the cuff (8) must pass together with its heel (35).

[0130] When the outer tube (1) rotates, a movement of the fins (4) is generated towards the interior of the inner tube (2) through the spiral groove (11), so that it exceeds the internal face of the inner tube (2).

[0131] The movable fins (4,5) also have a toothed edge (14), which connects with the guides formed by the teeth (13). Each fin has a hook (12) on the inner tube (2), which acts as the axis of rotation of the fin structure (4,5). When the outer tube (1) is moved by hand, due to the engagement between the teeth of the outer tube (13) and the teeth of the fin structure (14), a turning movement of said fin (4) is produced. Depending on the direction of rotation of the outer tube - clockwise or counterclockwise -, the positions of the open fins (4) for the introduction of the cuff (8) or the closed positions of the fins (5) are generated to a different degree for correct adaptation to different cuff sizes (8).This makes it possible to close the space between the cuff (8) and the cavity through which the air circulates (15) as effectively as possible, thus ensuring maximum efficiency of the drying process in a short time limited to 60 seconds.

[0132] Regardless of the design for the formation of the adjustable mobile helicoid (23), the equipment can operate in three possible modes of use: 1. Manual: the air is driven until it is manually turned off.

[0133] 2. By time: the equipment operates for a programmed time

[0134] 3. By humidity: the equipment works until the surface of the cuff (8) reaches a programmed target humidity.

[0135] In operating mode 3, contact hygrometer sensors (28) are required. These sensors are located at the end of several fins to monitor humidity. A programmer will interpret the measurements, which will be multiple for safety reasons, and an average will be made of these to compare with the target value to be achieved.

[0136] The procedure to achieve 100% drying in 60 seconds is carried out in the following stages: a) In a first stage, the user manually rotates the outer tube (1) so that the fins are in the open position (4). b) In a second stage, the cuff (8) to be dried is inserted as far as possible through the mouth of the inner tube (2). c) A third stage consists of rotating the outer tube (1) in the appropriate direction by which the fins move from their open position (4) to their maximum closed position (5) when they stop against the surface of the cuff (8). d) In a fourth stage, the device is turned on with the main ON / OFF switch (24), while the power indicator LED (28) lights up. e) In a fifth stage, it is selected whether to generate hot air (16) by means of the hot air switch / button (25); when the drying process starts, the operation of the resistance system (17) is automatically activated.f) In a sixth stage, the desired drying mode is selected using the programmer (26), which can be:

[0137] I. For an unlimited time, pressing the start / end switch / push button (29) in this operating mode to activate the drying process and to end said drying process, pressing the same switch / push button (29) again.

[0138] II. By programmed time, selecting in this operating mode, using the programmer (26) the time option and setting the drying time, for which the start / end switch / push button (29) is pressed, which activates the drying process, so that, when the programmed time is reached, the dryer stops automatically. III. By programmed final humidity, setting in this operating mode, if the device contemplates it, a final humidity value to be reached in the cuff (8), using the programmer (26), selecting the humidity option, in such a way that the humidity sensors (27) are activated to measure the humidity of the cuff (8) by contact with it, for which the start / end switch / push button (29) is pressed to activate the drying process and once the programmed humidity value is reached in the cuff (8), the device will stop automatically.

[0139] The processing of the chosen programming, the interpretation of the data generated during operation and the signals and orders for action are managed in the electronic control and actuation system that the device (34) consists of. g) In a seventh stage, the outer tube (1) is turned in the appropriate direction to generate the movement of the helicoid (23) towards the open position of the fins (4) up to its maximum opening that the device allows, where the outer tube (1) can no longer rotate, at this stage the handle (8) of the helicoid (23) is released. h) In an eighth stage, the handle (8) that is now dry is extracted from the inner tube (2). i) In a ninth stage, when you want to turn off the device, press the OFF position on the switch / push button (24) to disconnect it, automatically turning off the indicator LED (28).j) A tenth stage consists of, in order to recharge the battery, the charge level of which is shown by the charge level indicator (30) provided that the appliance is turned on by means of the switch / push button (24) in its ON position, the cable with alternating current transformer to direct current (32) is connected by means of the USB port that is in the body of the appliance (31). k) In an eleventh stage, if the battery (20) has been depleted and another alternative backup battery (33) is available, the battery in use (20) is replaced by said backup battery (33) in order to continue operating the dryer appliance and provided that said appliance is previously turned off by means of the switch / push button (24) in its OFF position.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. - Dryer for grips of tennis, badminton and squash rackets, padel rackets and golf clubs and method for obtaining total drying in 60 seconds, characterized by comprising an outer tube (1) that rotates in relation to an inner tube (2) on its axial axis, the rotation of the outer tube (1) occurring when the user holds said outer tube (1) with one hand and performs a simple rotation movement on its axial axis, the space between the outer tube (1) and the inner tube (2) comprising a series of pieces arranged in the form of "fins" (4,5) which are those that form the adjustable helicoid (23) when moved and positioned appropriately, by means of manual rotation of the outer tube (1) in relation to the inner tube (2), said fins (4,5) moving until they touch the surface of the grip (8), such that the space between said helicoid (23) and the grip (8) is closed as much as possible,This aspect is critical to ensure the greatest efficiency in the drying process in a maximum time of 60 seconds.

2. - Dryer for grips of tennis, badminton and squash rackets, padel rackets and golf clubs and method for obtaining complete drying in 60 seconds, according to claim 1, characterized in that once drying is complete, the outer tube (1) is turned again by hand, but now in the opposite direction, retracting the fins (4) and returning to their initial position and the mobile helix (23) opens to be able to extract the grip (8), which in its final part widens into a heel (35) which is the final part of the grip (8).

3. - Dryer for grips of tennis, badminton and squash rackets, padel rackets and golf clubs and method for obtaining total drying in 60 seconds, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the system that makes possible the formation of the adjustable mobile helix (23) from the fins (5) is a mechanical assembly that transforms the manual rotation movement of the outer tube (1) into movements of the fins (4 and 5), which tend to join or separate according to the radial center following the three axes of space, the fins (4,5) being fixed to the internal wall of said outer tube (1) by means of hooks (3), said hooks (3) allowing the movement of the fins (4 and 5) when the outer tube (1) is rotated in relation to the inner tube (2), which comprises a spiral groove (11) through which the fins (4,5) pass and serve as support in their movement caused by the rotation of the outer tube (1) in relation to the inner tube (2).

4. - Dryer for grips of tennis, badminton and squash rackets, padel rackets and golf clubs, according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the open position, a part of the free end of each fin (4) reaches the interior of the helical groove (11) of the inner tube (2) resting on it, but without exceeding the surface of the inner face of the inner tube (2) in order to leave sufficient space through which the entire grip (8) must pass, taking into account which widens in its final part called heel (35), generating when the outer tube (1) rotates, a movement of the fins (4,5) towards the interior of the inner tube (2) through the spiral groove (11), so that it exceeds the internal face of the inner tube (2).

5. - Dryer for grips of tennis, badminton and squash rackets, padel rackets and golf clubs and method for obtaining total drying in 60 seconds, according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in order to achieve that by means of the rotation of the outer tube (1) the fins (4,5) move in the intended direction towards the interior of the inner tube (2), said fins (4,5) have an area with a toothed structure in the form of a saw (9) and on this structure a fixed piece (10) protruding vertically from the inner tube (2) comes into contact with the latter through its groove (11), the composition of the movement of the rotation of the outer tube (1), the axis of rotation of the fin (4,5) by means of the piece (3) and the conjunction of the toothed path (9) of the fin (4,5) and the fixed piece (10) being what makes the fin (4) move according to the intended direction, said movement occurring both forwards and backwards, so that with the rotation of the outer tube (1),in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the fins (4,5) are brought closer or further away and therefore have the open (4) positions for the introduction of the cuff (8) or closed (5) with different degrees of closure depending on what is necessary for drying the cuff (8), this movement of the fins (4,5) being prolonged until they come into contact with the surface of one or some of the faces of the cuff (8), so that it adjusts as much as possible to the geometry of said cuff (8).

6. - Dryer for grips of tennis, badminton and squash rackets, padel rackets and golf clubs, according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fins (4, 5) have an inclined and rotated surface and are arranged so that they adapt to the geometry and inclination of the spiral groove (11) of the inner tube (2), the quantity, shape and position of said fins (4) being such that in their closed position they form a helicoid (23) that allows the grip (8) to be dried to be housed inside it, adjusting as much as possible to it, said effective adjustment taking place to the size of the thickness of the grip (8) because the system for forming the helical structure (23) is mobile, such that the fins (4, 5) that form said helical structure move from their open position (4) to a closed position (5) when they abut the surface of the grip (8).

7. - Dryer for grips of tennis, badminton and squash rackets, padel rackets and golf clubs, according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the function of the helix (23) thus formed is to force the upward rotational movement of the air (15) through the grip (8), maximizing contact with it to improve the effectiveness of drying by contact of the hot air (15) with the surface of the grip (8) and because in addition, the fins (5), when abutting the grip (8), allow the position of the latter to be naturally centered with respect to the axial axis of the grip. tube (2), which is necessary for the drying phenomenon to be as homogeneous as possible on all sides of the cuff (8).

8. - Dryer for grips of tennis, badminton and squash rackets, padel rackets and golf clubs, according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the material of the fins (4,5) must be flexible, at least at the end that is in contact with the grip (8), to facilitate adaptation to the surface of the latter.

9. - Dryer for grips of tennis, badminton and squash rackets, padel rackets and golf clubs and method for obtaining complete drying in 60 seconds, according to claims 1 to 8, characterized in that due to the movement, geometry and material of the fins (4,5), the helicoid (23) that they form has the function of adapting to different sizes and shapes of grip (8), adjusting itself effectively to achieve maximum drying efficiency.

10. - Dryer for grips of tennis, badminton and squash rackets, padel rackets and golf clubs, according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the hot air (16) coming from the cavity where the motor (18), the blades (19) and the heating resistors (17) are located exits through a grid in the form of a circular crown (6), which connects with the interior of the inner tube (2) and from there it is conducted by means of the helicoid (23) formed by the fins in their closed arrangement (5) towards the surface of the grip (8) in an ascending spiral movement (15), the base of the grip (8) resting on the inner area of ​​said circular crown (7), which is solid, through which no air passes. 11.- Dryer for grips of tennis, badminton and squash rackets, padel rackets and golf clubs, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that in a different embodiment the mobile helical structure is adjustable, the inner face of the outer tube (1) comprising toothed guides (13) that run along its entire surface at an angle and the inner tube (2) comprising a spiral groove (11) through which the fins (4, 5) pass, serving as a support and axis in their movement caused by the rotation of the outer tube (1) in relation to the inner tube (2), such that in the open position of the fins (4), a part of the free end of each fin (4) reaches the inside of the helical groove (11) of the inner tube (2) resting on it, but without exceeding the surface of the inner face of the inner tube (2), in order to leave sufficient space through which the grip (8) must pass together with its heel (35), such that when the outer tube (1) rotates,a movement of the fins (4) is generated towards the interior of the inner tube (2) through the spiral groove (11), such that it exceeds the internal face of the inner tube (2), said mobile fins (4,5) comprising a toothed edge (14) that connects with the guides formed by the teeth (13) and each fin having a hook (12) in the inner tube (2) that acts as the axis of rotation of the fin structure (4,5), such that when moving the outer tube (1) by hand, due to the engagement between the teeth of the outer tube (13) and the teeth of the fin structure (14), it occurs, rotational movement of said fin (4) being generated depending on the rotational direction of the outer tube - clockwise or counterclockwise -, the positions of the open fins (4) are generated for the introduction of the cuff (8) or the closed positions of the fins (5) in different degrees for the correct adaptation to different sizes of cuff (8), thereby achieving the most effective closure possible of the space between the cuff (8) and the cavity through which the air circulates (15), and thus ensuring maximum effectiveness of the drying process in a short time limited to 60 seconds.

12. - Dryer for grips of tennis, badminton and squash rackets, paddle tennis rackets and golf clubs, according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that independently of the design for the formation of the adjustable mobile helix (23), the equipment can operate in three possible modes of use: I) Manual: the air is driven until it is manually turned off II) By time: the equipment works for a programmed time III) By humidity: the equipment works until the surface of the fist (8) reaches a programmed target humidity. In operating mode III, it is necessary to have contact hygrometer sensors (28), these sensors being at the end of several fins to control the humidity and the measurements being interpreted by the program, which for safety will be several and an average of these will be made to compare with the target value to be reached.

13. - Procedure for obtaining complete drying in 60 seconds of the dryer for tennis, badminton and squash rackets, padel rackets and golf clubs grips claimed in the previous claims, which is developed in the following stages: A) In a first stage the user manually rotates the outer tube (1) so that the fins are in the open position (4). B) In a second stage, the handle (8) to be dried is inserted as far as possible into the mouth of the inner tube (2). C) A third stage consists of turning the outer tube (1) in the appropriate direction by which the fins move from their open position (4) to their maximum closed position (5) when they come into contact with the surface of the cuff (8). D) In ​​a fourth stage, the device is switched on with the main ON / OFF switch (24), while the power indicator LED (28) lights up at the same time. E) In a fifth stage, it is selected whether hot air (16) is to be generated using the hot air switch / button (25). When the drying process starts, the operation of the resistance system (17) is automatically activated. F) In a sixth stage, the desired drying mode is selected using the programmer (26), which can be: I. For an unlimited time, pressing the start / end switch / push button (29) in this operating mode to activate the drying process and to end said drying process, pressing the same switch / push button (29) again. II. By programmed time, selecting in this operating mode, using the programmer (26) the time option and setting the drying time, for which the start / end switch / button (29) is pressed which activates the drying process, so that, when the programmed time is reached, the dryer stops automatically. III. By programmed final humidity, setting in this operating mode, if the device contemplates it, a final humidity value to be reached in the fist (8), by means of the programmer (26), selecting the humidity option, in such a way that the humidity sensors (27) are activated to measure the humidity of the fist (8) by contact with it, for which the start / end switch / button (29) is pressed to activate the drying process and once the programmed humidity value is reached in the fist (8), the device will stop automatically. Both the processing of the chosen programming, the interpretation of the data generated during operation and the signals and action orders are managed in the electronic control and action system that the device consists of (34). G) In a seventh stage, the outer tube (1) is turned in the appropriate direction to generate the movement of the helicoid (23) towards the open position of the fins (4) until its maximum opening that the device allows, where the outer tube (1) can no longer turn, at this stage releasing the fist (8) of the helicoid (23). H) In an eighth step, the already dry grip (8) is removed from the inner tube (2). I) In a ninth stage, when you want to turn off the device, press the switch / push button (24) to its OFF position to disconnect it, automatically turning off the indicator LED (28). J) A tenth stage consists of, for recharging the battery, whose charge level is shown by the charge level indicator (30) whenever the device is switched on by means of the switch / push button (24) in its ON position, connecting the cable with alternating current transformer to direct current (32) through the USB port located on the body of the device (31). K) In an eleventh step, if the battery (20) has been exhausted and there is another alternative backup battery (33), the battery in use (20) is replaced by said backup battery. (33) to continue operating the drying appliance and provided that said appliance is previously turned off using the switch / push button (24) in its OFF position.

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