Air channelling clip for sports or work equipment comprising a handle

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air channelling clip for sports or work equipment provided with a handle (2) having holes (4) covered by a grip band (3). Each clip (1) is a longitudinal, elongate or round device with rigid walls and a central opening (6), said clip being inserted into the holes (4) in the handle (2) to allow air to flow from inside the handle to the surface of the grip band (3), facilitating the evaporation of sweat and improving ventilation. The clip (1) may include a perimeter fastening flange (8), a flap (7) for redirecting air, microchannels (9) for removing sweat, and other optional variations.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] AIR CHANNEL CLIP FOR SPORTS OR WORK EQUIPMENT INCLUDING HANDLE

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] The present invention relates to an element for improving the ventilation of racket handles or grips, applicable in particular to sports equipment designed to hit a ball, such as tennis, padel, badminton rackets or similar, or to other sports or work equipment equipped with handles.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Sweaty hands during racket sports, such as tennis, padel, or badminton, can significantly affect a player's performance, experience, and most importantly, safety. When hands become slippery due to sweat, it's difficult to maintain a firm grip on the racket, reducing the accuracy and power of shots, increasing the risk of injury, and causing discomfort and distraction. Furthermore, trying to compensate by squeezing harder can lead to increased muscle fatigue.

[0007] Despite the use of absorbent products, antiperspirants, perforated grips, or frequent grip changes, these solutions don't completely solve the problem. The hand, being one of the most sensitive areas of the body, requires an efficient ventilation and evaporation system in the grip to ensure a comfortable and effective gaming experience, helping to reduce perspiration, provide a feeling of coolness, and enhance performance.

[0008] US patents 6149538A and 4108436A present solutions for improving airflow in the handle using channels located beneath the grip. However, these systems lose effectiveness when the grip or overgrips are added, as the difficulty of aligning the holes in the handle with those in the grip prevents maintaining the necessary ventilation to wick away sweat from the hands. This leads to sweat buildup and a loss of comfort.

[0009] Patent WO2017115325 and ES1302396U take a different approach, but face the same problem: when the grip or overgrip is added to adjust the handle thickness to the size of the hand, the holes in the handle are blocked, eliminating the benefits of the system.

[0010] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The object of the present invention is to improve the ventilation system of racket or paddle handles. The air channeling clip is an innovative device that introduces a direct connection between the player's palm and the airflow circulating inside the racket or paddle handle. Its design allows air to efficiently reach through the different layers of grip tape (grips and overgrips) and the handle of the racket or paddle, ensuring constant and effective ventilation, which reduces sweat buildup and improves player comfort.

[0012] The air channeling clip is a device that can be elongated, round, longitudinal, or any other shape that maintains firm walls. It's designed to be inserted through the grip tape (or overgrip) and connect to the holes in the handle of a paddle or racket. The clip is perforated in the center to allow air circulation, thus facilitating ventilation between the player's hand and the inside of the handle. It also features a perimeter wing that prevents it from shifting completely from side to side during insertion, ensuring a fixed and stable position. Its main function is to channel air, which promotes sweat evaporation, improves the feeling of coolness in the hand, and ensures the grip fits snugly without interfering with ventilation.

[0013] The clip redirects the cool air circulating inside the handle towards the skin of the hand, optimizing ventilation. The air is then returned to the handle after bouncing off the skin and expelled through the open cap at the bottom of the paddle, ensuring proper sweat evaporation and maintaining constant freshness during use.

[0014] Efficient fastening. In addition to channeling air, the clip secures the layers of grip tape, preventing them from slipping or shifting during use.

[0015] Adaptability: The clip can be integrated with different types of rackets or paddles and works efficiently with any number of layers of grip tape.

[0016] Improved sports performance: By ensuring effective sweat evaporation and a better feeling of freshness, the clip reduces hand fatigue, allowing for better grip and control during gameplay.

[0017] Improved grip. The clip's channel allows the skin of the hand to adapt to its shape, improving grip.

[0018] This clip not only offers a significant improvement in terms of ventilation, but also features an adaptable design that adjusts to the specific needs of each player and the game conditions.

[0019] The air channeling clip stands out as a comprehensive solution that enhances the player experience by offering ventilation, grip tape attachment, and adjustability, combining these elements into a unique and efficient invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a sheet of drawings is attached to this descriptive document as an integral part thereof, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0021] Figure 1 shows a one-dimensional view of the assembled unit, consisting of the air channeling clips installed on the handle of the paddle or racket, the grip tape, and the bottom handle cap. This image provides an overview of the complete system.

[0022] Figure 2 shows an symmetrical view highlighting the holes in the handle of the paddle or racket. These holes are key to allowing the direct connection of the channeling clips to the airflow.

[0023] Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the system. This figure shows the air channel installed in the paddle handle, passing through the grip tape, which demonstrates the direct connection between the player's hand and the inside of the handle.

[0024] Figure number 4 shows the air channel in detail, highlighting the air redirection spoiler.

[0025] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The present invention consists of an air channeling clip (1) designed to improve the ventilation of the handles (2) of sports rackets or paddles. This system facilitates airflow from inside the handle (2) to the player's hand, improving sweat evaporation and providing a greater feeling of warmth.

[0027] The air channeling clip (1) is installed on handles (2) that have pre-made holes (4).

[0028] The preferred installation process is detailed below:

[0029] First, the grip tape (3) (grip or overgrip) is placed in the traditional way, wrapping the handle (2) in a spiral from the base to the top, ensuring a comfortable and firm fit.

[0030] Once the grip tape (3) is installed, locate the holes (4) in the handle (2) by touch or visual inspection. If the grip tape (3) already has pre-cut slits, align them with the holes in the handle (2).

[0031] Next, the air channeling clips (1) are inserted through the slits in the grip tape (3). The clip (1) is adjusted so that it connects directly with the holes in the handle. When pressure is applied, the clip (1) causes the grip tape (3) to fold slightly inward toward the handle (2), ensuring a firm and aligned attachment.

[0032] The clip (1) is pressed inside the perforation (4) of the handle (2) and also under the grip tape (3), ensuring that the system remains stable and that air can flow freely through the holes.

[0033] Once installed, the air channeling clip (1) allows air to flow from inside the handle (2) to the player's palm, providing continuous ventilation. This airflow helps evaporate sweat from the player's hand, improving comfort during gameplay. The air is then redirected back into the handle (2) and finally expelled through the bottom plug (5) of the handle (2).

[0034] The air channeling clip (1) can be manufactured using various standard industrial methods, such as injection molding or 3D printing, but other procedures can also be considered for different production scales or specific materials. The device is easy to integrate into the production process.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the central perforation (6) of the air channeling clip (1) is designed with an air redirection spoiler (7) to channel air directly towards the player's hand, providing a feeling of coolness during use.

[0036] Furthermore, both Figure 3 and Figure 4 show how the air channeling clip (1) includes a perimeter wing (8) that prevents lateral displacement of the clip, ensuring a stable fixation in the handle (2) when inserted through the grip tape (3).

[0037] For its part, the grip tape (3) may include pre-set or pre-formed cuts that match the holes (4) of the handle (2), for easy insertion of the clip.

[0038] The air channeling clip (1) has an adaptable shape that can be longitudinal, round, or other, in any case, maintaining firm walls that keep its stability during insertion and use.

[0039] The grip tape (3) is placed conventionally or with pre-cuts on the shovel handle, allowing the subsequent insertion of the clip through cuts made in the grip tape.

[0040] The perforation of the channeling clip allows air to circulate from the inside of the handle (2) to the surface of the grip (3), facilitating the evaporation of sweat and improving the player's comfort.

[0041] The air channeling clip (1) may include absorbent material that extends from the surface of the grip tape to the inside of the handle, improving the absorption and evaporation of sweat with greater speed and effectiveness.

[0042] The air channeling clip (1) can be made of different materials, including plastic, absorbent materials or any other suitable material, and incorporate additional channels to improve sweat absorption and evaporation.

[0043] The air channeling clip (1) is compatible with any type of commercial grip tape, making it easy to use with a wide variety of grips available on the market.

[0044] The design of the air channeling clip (1) adapts according to the type of airflow circulating inside the handle (2), and can be optimized for laminar, cyclonic, or other airflows to maximize ventilation and sweat evaporation efficiency.

[0045] The air channeling clip (1) uses various methods of attachment to the handle (2) or grip tape (3), including tab-fixing systems, adhesives, gluing, or other suitable methods to ensure its stability and functionality.

[0046] The air channeling clip (1) can be reused, allowing its removal and reinstallation without loss of functionality or integrity of the ventilation system.

[0047] The air channeling clip (1) may include an anti-sweat or water-repellent coating to prevent moisture buildup on the clip surface and improve its durability.

[0048] The air channeling clip (1) can integrate an additional microchannel (9) into its structure to redirect accumulated sweat towards a more efficient escape or evaporation point within the handle.

[0049] The air channeling clip (1) can have different thicknesses or adjustable profiles to customize the intensity of the airflow according to the player's needs or environmental conditions.

[0050] The air channeling clip (1) can be made up of multiple modular pieces that are assembled during installation, allowing for greater flexibility of use and customization of airflow.

[0051] The air channeling clip (1) may include moisture sensors that detect the level of sweat and automatically adjust airflow by opening or closing internal channels.

[0052] The air channeling clip (1) can incorporate biodegradable or recyclable materials, maintaining its functionality and reducing the environmental impact of its manufacture and use.

[0053] The air channeling clip features the ability to customize the direction of the ventilation channels to optimize cooling in different areas of the palm of the hand.

[0054] The air channeling clip (1) can be adjusted in length to fit different handle sizes (2) or player preferences, while always maintaining its air channeling functionality.

[0055] The air channeling clip (1) can incorporate passive or active micro fans in its structure to increase air circulation and improve sweat evaporation.

[0056] The air channeling clip (1) may be designed to allow the placement of a removable protective cover in extremely cold conditions, partially blocking airflow when not required.

[0057] The air channeling clip (1) has the capacity to hold interchangeable components, such as absorbent pads or gel capsules that improve sweat absorption and optimize evaporation.

[0058] The air channeling clip (1) may include an internal structure with shape memory properties, allowing the clip to automatically adjust to different handle configurations when pressure is applied.

[0059] The air channeling clip (1) may contain channels that allow the introduction of fragrances or antiperspirant agents, enhancing the user experience by controlling odor and moisture.

[0060] The air channeling clip (1) can be integrated into existing systems with an overlapping handle without the need to modify the grip structure, offering a ventilation solution without altering the original design of the paddle or racket.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 19 January 2026 (19.01.2026) 1. - Air channeling clip for sports or work equipment comprising a handle (2) with a plurality of holes (4) covered by at least one grip tape (3), characterized in that each The air channeling clip (1) consists of a device of elongated longitudinal, round or other shape, independent and structurally separate from the grip tape (3), configured to be inserted after the grip tape (3) has been placed on the handle (2), passing locally through said grip tape (3) and being housed in one of the holes (4) of the handle (2), the air channeling clip (1) comprises a central perforation (6) that allows the circulation of air from the inside of the handle (2) to the surface of the grip tape (3), and the air channeling clip (1) is inserted and is held in place inside and below the grip tape (3), so that, when inserted, the air channeling clip (1) causes a local folding of the grip tape (3) towards the inside of the handle (2), acting simultaneously as an air channeling element and as an additional means of fixing the grip tape (3),reducing its displacement or slippage during use, without the grip tape (3) incorporating its own ventilation or fixing means. 2.- Air channeling clip according to claim 1 characterized in that the central perforation (6) includes an air redirection spoiler (7) configured to direct the airflow towards the surface of the grip tape (3). 3.- Air channeling clip according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a peripheral wing (8) that cooperates with the hole (4) of the handle (2) and with the local folding of the grip tape (3) to ensure a stable position of the clip (1) and reinforce its additional fixing function. 4.- Air channeling clip according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air channeling clip (1) is reusable, allowing its removal and reinstallation on the handle (2) without functional loss, as a consequence of its independent nature with respect to the grip tape (3).

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