Ventilation system for racquet and sports paddle grips

Abstract

The invention relates to a ventilation system that can be used for racquet and sports paddle grips, which comprises a head, a frame (3), a throat or heart, a handle (4) and a striking area. The system includes at least one hole (1) disposed in the frame (3), designed to channel air through the inside of the frame (3) and guide same to outlet holes (5) located in the handle (4). Optionally, the system includes an air channelling element (2) designed to change the angle of incidence of the flow relative to the hole (1) and redirect same towards the handle (4). The channelling element (2) may be an independent element that can be replaced or exchanged.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Ventilation system for racket and sports paddle handles.

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a system for improving the ventilation of grips, handles of rackets or shovels.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Sweaty hands during racket sports like tennis, padel, or badminton can negatively impact a player's performance and safety. This sweat makes the hands slippery, hindering a firm grip on the racket, which reduces the accuracy and power of shots, increases the risk of injury, and causes discomfort and distraction. Furthermore, trying to compensate by squeezing harder can lead to muscle fatigue. To mitigate these problems, players often use absorbent products, antiperspirants, perforated handles, and regularly change grips, among other things, but these often fail to solve the underlying issue.

[0007] US patent 6149538 introduces an air vent at the top of the handle to improve ventilation and reduce perspiration, representing an advance in the search for solutions to mitigate the problems caused by sweaty hands during racquet or paddle sports. However, despite its advantages in terms of improved airflow for sweat evaporation, this technology has some significant drawbacks.

[0008] The addition of the air catcher adds structure to support it, which results in a greater weight and length of the racket or paddle, significantly impacting the balance and weight distribution.

[0009] In many racket sports, such as tennis, padel, and badminton, equipment dimensions are strictly regulated. If lengthening the handle to accommodate the air catcher causes the racket or paddle to exceed the permitted dimensions, it could be banned in official competitions. This significantly limits the applicability of this technology, relegating it to recreational or non-competitive uses, where regulations are less stringent.

[0010] The placement of the air intake at the top of the handle is not ideal for generating a clean and significant airflow.

[0011] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention places air intakes on the front of the frame of the racket, padel racket, badminton racket, and other similar equipment to channel airflow to the handle. This placement offers several significant advantages, especially in terms of optimizing airflow, minimizing the impact on maneuverability, and complying with size regulations.

[0013] By placing the air intakes in the frame, they allow air to enter with greater pressure and speed, facilitating the creation of a more stable airflow towards the handle, which in turn and consequently increases the capacity for sweat evaporation.

[0014] During the movement of the paddle or racket, the interaction with the surrounding air creates pressure differences depending on the orientation of the perforations and channels relative to the direction of travel. On the front face, the channels are positioned to directly receive the incoming airflow, generating dynamic pressure that forces air into the hollow interior of the frame. Simultaneously, on the opposite face, the geometry and orientation of the channels create a localized low-pressure area that generates a certain level of air suction. The combination of pressure on the front face and low pressure on the opposite face affects the airflow, ensuring a continuous flow to the handle without the need for additional mechanical components.

[0015] Placing the air intakes within the frame, which is already an existing, rigid, and hollow structure, eliminates the need for an additional structure to support the air intake. This allows the racket to remain within the required weight and length parameters, thus preserving the maneuverability properties that are critical for athletic performance.

[0016] The air intake can be integrated during the blade manufacturing process or through subsequent drilling, allowing for the incorporation of the air channel. Both options ensure the desired functionality; the first optimizes the integration of the air intake from the outset, while the second offers flexibility to adapt it to new designs or modifications in airflow. Both methods allow for efficient air channeling while preserving the essential characteristics of the blade. Manufacturing is carried out using conventional processes.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a padel racket in perspective, presented as an example to facilitate understanding of the invention. We can observe a perforation (1) with the incorporated channel (2), the hollow frame of the racket (3), the hollow handle (4), and the outlet holes (5).

[0019] Figure 2 schematically shows a cross-section of the blade, in which the perforation (1) and the frame hole (3) can be observed.

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates the air ducts installed in section (2).

[0021] Figure 4 shows the air channel. Figure 5 shows the front blade with the air channels installed (2).

[0022] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0023] An example of a practical embodiment of the present invention is described below, though not a limiting one. Other embodiments introducing minor changes that do not alter its fundamental principle are not excluded; on the contrary, the present invention also encompasses all variations in form, position, and / or dimensions.

[0024] The invention relates to an improved ventilation system for the evaporation of sweat from the athlete's hand that occurs while holding the paddle or racket.

[0025] The key feature of this invention is the incorporation of strategic perforations (1) in the frame (3) of the paddle or racket, which allow air to pass through the frame (3) to the handle (4), and then exit through the outlet holes (5) and the lower part of the handle, thus contributing to the elimination of sweat.

[0026] To achieve efficient airflow, the perforations in the frame (1) incorporate a channel (2). This channel is designed to redirect the angle at which the air enters through the perforation (1) and efficiently channel it through the frame (3) of the paddle or racket to the outside through the handle (4). The channel (2) not only facilitates air redirection but also ensures a smooth and controlled flow, preventing unnecessary turbulence that could negatively affect the paddle or racket's performance. In this way, the invention not only improves comfort and playing efficiency but also optimizes the paddle's durability and stability during play.

[0027] The air channel (2) can be integrated during the racket's manufacturing process or by drilling a hole (1) and adding the air channel (2). Both options allow for the desired functionality: the first optimizes the integration of the air intake from the start, while the second offers flexibility to adapt it to new designs and allows for customization options based on playing conditions or user preferences. Both methods ensure efficient airflow while maintaining the racket's essential characteristics.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 22 December 2025 (22.12.2025) 1. Ventilation system for racket and sports paddle grips comprising a head, a frame, a neck or core, a handle, and a hitting zone; characterized in that the frame (3) includes at least a first perforation (1) oriented towards the forward direction of the paddle and subjected, during its movement, to overpressure conditions that favor the entry of air into the hollow interior of the frame (3), and at least a second perforation (1) located on the opposite face of the frame (3) and subjected, during the movement of the paddle, to local depression conditions that induce the circulation of air towards the interior of the frame, both cooperating to generate a continuous flow directed towards the handle (4) and evacuated through the outlet holes (5) arranged in said handle.

2. Ventilation system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first perforation (1) comprises an air channel (2) configured to modify the angle of incidence of the airflow under overpressure conditions and direct it into the frame (3).

3. Ventilation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second perforation (1) comprises an air channel (2) configured to optimize the air intake induced by local depression during blade displacement.

4. Ventilation system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooperation between the overpressure perforation (1) and the depression perforation (2) generates an internal pressure gradient that favors a self-induced airflow towards the handle.

5. Ventilation system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air channels (2) can be integrated during the manufacture of the blade or added subsequently by drilling and fixing the corresponding channel.

6. Ventilation system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air channel (2) is an independent component that can be replaced or interchanged.

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