Flat spatula with adjustable handle and flat spatula equipped with such a handle

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an adjustable plastering knife handle and to a plastering knife equipped with such a handle.

[0002] Traditional plastering knives have a cylindrical handle attached to a blade at a distance roughly perpendicular to the free edge of the blade. In this case, the handle is gripped "with the whole hand," meaning that the fingers and thumb wrap in opposite directions around the handle.

[0003] Then the blade is pressed firmly against a surface to apply and smooth the plaster. The blade must be flexible enough to bend in order to apply the plaster without scraping it off the surface, and rigid enough to press the plaster firmly against the surface.

[0004] With this type of plastering knife, the user can hold the handle very firmly without fatigue, but the application of the plaster is not uniform over the entire width of the blade, especially if you have a wide blade (greater than 25 cm).

[0005] One improvement involves attaching a handle parallel to the blade.

[0006] In this case, the putty knife is gripped by pinching the handle between the fingers. Examples of such a putty knife can be found in documents FR2327374, DE1845335, and EP2137364.

[0007] This type of handle has the advantage of allowing the handle to be manufactured with a profile that can be cut to the desired length. This makes it possible to produce wide plastering knives, which allows for faster and more even work, as the application force is transmitted across the entire width of the blade.

[0008] However, this type of putty knife is impractical because all the compressive force applied to the putty is generated by pinching the handle between the fingers, making the operation painful and tiring. To avoid this, this document illustrates a position in which the handle is held in the palm of the hand, but this position requires a sharp bend in the wrist when applying the putty, which leads to pain with repeated use.

[0009] Documents DE1845335 and EP2137364 propose a notable improvement to the plastering knife of the previous document, by providing a handle with a gripping part and a levering part.

[0010] Although these handles provided satisfaction for a long time, it was found that their grip was still not entirely satisfactory during use.

[0011] Thus, with continued use, the hand tends to become stiff and the user must stop working to rest.

[0012] Furthermore, this type of very rigid handle requires the hand to be positioned very close to the surface, forcing the user to significantly disrupt the alignment between their hand and forearm at the wrist. The alternative is to use a very flexible blade, but this comes at the expense of the product's application quality.

[0013] In the long term, this type of handle generates musculoskeletal disorders in both the fingers and the wrist.

[0014] In addition to these problems, the diversity of plastered surfaces (vertical walls, horizontal or sloping ceilings, flat surfaces) and the morphologies of users (height, joint flexibility, disability) makes the use of a plastering knife tiring and unpleasant, or even impossible for a significant number of users.

[0015] The objective of the present invention is therefore to offer an economical handle, i.e. one that can be easily manufactured in the form of a profile, lightweight and which limits user fatigue, while ensuring optimal application of the coating and great versatility of use.

[0016] To achieve this, the invention provides a gripping part that can be adjusted in angular position relative to the plane of the blade.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the invention also provides that the gripping part makes it possible to combine the advantages of a powerful grip on the cylindrical handles and a uniform application of the profiled handles, while preventing the hand from becoming tetanic during application.

[0018] The invention more specifically relates to a coating knife handle in profile extending along a longitudinal direction, according to claim 1.

[0019] By allowing the user to easily adjust the angle of the gripping part, the handle according to the invention makes the application of plaster easier, less tiring, and adapted to the morphology of the user and / or the orientation of the plastered surface.

[0020] Similarly, by allowing the thumb to close in the direction of the joint instead of being in hyperextension as in the prior art, the area of ​​the handle's inversion according to the invention allows a natural stiffening of the user's wrist, which transfers the application effort to the arm and therefore to the shoulder, which are much more resistant to fatigue.

[0021] According to specific forms of implementation: The means for locking against rotation may include additional reliefs carried by the outer surface of the cylinder of the lever portion and by the inner surface of the grip portion; the means for locking against rotation may include at least two grooves carried by the inner arc-shaped surface of the grip portion and a rib carried by the outer arc-shaped surface of the cylinder of the lever portion; the means for locking against rotation may include at least two grooves carried by the outer arc-shaped surface of the lever portion and a rib carried by the inner arc-shaped surface of the grip portion;the two profiles can be movable relative to each other by sliding along the longitudinal direction of the profiles, and by rotating about the longitudinal direction, the profiles being locked against each other in rotation by attached rotation-locking means; the rotation-locking means may include a groove carried by the inner arcuate surface of the grip portion, at least two grooves carried by the outer arcuate surface of the lever portion, and at least one locking key integral with the grip portion; the inner arcuate surface of the grip portion may be smooth, the rotation-locking means including at least two grooves carried by the outer arcuate surface of the lever portion and at least one locking key integral with the grip portion; the locking key may be carried by an end cap of the profiles;the key can be mounted movably between an engagement position in at least one groove carried by the outer arc-shaped surface of the lever portion, and a disengagement position to allow rotation of the two portions of the gripping part relative to each other; the key can be mounted fixed on the cover that carries it; the oblong lever body can have, viewed in cross-section, a convex upper face intended to receive the palm and fingers of the user's hand, the convex curved upper face being connected to a convex lower lever face located below the convex upper face, and in which the central part includes a concave support face located at the rear of the central part, the convex lower lever face and the concave support face being separated by a cusp area in which the user's thumb can bend in the direction of the joint;The oblong lever body may include a curved protective tab extending over a portion of the cylinder and providing, between the cylinder and the tab, a sliding guide groove for a free end of the open hook; and / or the first gripping profile may include, on each side, a fixed cover arranged in front of a blade fixing slot, the fixed cover covering only a section of the fixing portion and the central portion, and wherein the second lever profile includes, on each side, a fixed cover that covers a section of the oblong body and a movable cover that covers a section of the cylinder and a section of the hook portion, the movable cover being fixed to the cylinder of the second profile by a threaded fixing knurled knob engaging in a tapped hole in the cylinder.

[0022] The invention also relates to a plastering knife comprising a handle of the previous plastering knife, and a plastering application blade.

[0023] The plastering knife may include a handle in which the first grip profile includes, on each side, a fixed cover arranged in front of a blade fixing slot, the fixed cover covering only a section of the fixing portion and the central portion, and in which the second lever profile includes, on each side, a fixed cover that covers a section of the oblong body and a movable cover that covers a section of the cylinder and a section of the hooked portion, the movable cover being fixed to the cylinder of the second profile by a threaded fixing knurled knob engaging in a tapped hole in the cylinder.

[0024] The invention also relates to a plastering knife kit, characterized in that it comprises a previous plastering knife handle, a plastering application blade, and a plurality of lever profiles of different oblong lever body shapes.

[0025] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a previous handle and a part for attaching an extension handle to this handle, the part for attaching having a shape complementary to the grip and lever areas of the handle so as to be able to be secured to the handle.

[0026] The preceding assembly may also include an extension handle fitted with said fixing part.

[0027] The fixing part of the preceding assembly may include, viewed in cross-section, a cylinder having an outer surface in the form of an arc of a circle complementary to the inner surface in the form of an arc of a circle of the first portion of the first gripping profile, the cylinder being integral with a fixing element intended to receive a handle, the fixing part including means for locking against rotation relative to the gripping profile.

[0028] Other features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description below, made with reference to the accompanying figures, given by way of example, and which represent, respectively: [ Fig. 1 ], a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a plastering knife handle according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ], a schematic cross-sectional view of a plastering knife handle according to the invention, showing a first embodiment of mounting the handle in a first locking position; [ Fig. 3 ], a schematic perspective view of a plastering knife handle according to the invention and showing a second embodiment of the handle assembly, the latter also having three locking positions; [ Fig. 4 ], a schematic perspective view of the handle of the figure 1 during the first step of the process of changing the handle position; [ Fig. 5 ], a schematic perspective view of the handle of the figure 1 during a second step of the process of changing the handle position; [ Fig. 6 ], a schematic perspective view of the handle of the figure 1 during a third step in the process of changing the handle position; [ Fig. 7 ], a schematic perspective view of the handle of the figure 1 during a fourth step in the process of changing the handle position; [ Fig. 8 ], a schematic profile view of a plastering knife handle according to the invention, showing the hand gripping the entire gripping part in a first locking position; [ Fig. 9 ], a schematic profile view of a putty knife handle according to the invention, showing the hand gripping the entire gripping part in a second locking position; Fig. 10 ], a schematic cross-sectional view of the handle of the figure 2 illustrating the radii of curvature of an advantageous embodiment of the lever portion of the handle according to the invention; [ Fig. 11 ], a schematic cross-sectional view of a handle according to the invention illustrating a second embodiment of the lever portion of the handle according to the invention; [ Fig. 12 ], a schematic profile view of a putty knife handle according to the invention engaged with a fastening part of an extension handle in a first locking position; [ Fig. 13 ], a schematic profile view of a putty knife handle according to the invention engaged with a fastening part of an extension handle in a second locking position; [ Fig. 14 ], a schematic profile view of a putty knife handle according to the invention, equipped with a first embodiment of a fastening part for an extension handle according to the invention; [ Fig. 15 ], a schematic profile view of a plastering knife handle according to the invention, equipped with a second embodiment of a fastening part for an extension handle according to the invention; [ Fig. 16 ], a schematic view from below of the fixing part of the figure 15 ; Fig. 17 ], a schematic profile view of a plastering knife handle according to the invention, equipped with a third embodiment of a fastening part for an extension handle according to the invention; [ Fig. 18 ], a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a handle according to the invention preventing the blade from being disassembled; and [ Fig. 19 ], a schematic perspective view of the handle of the figure 18 during the first step of the process of changing the handle position setting.

[0029] By convention, in the remainder of this description, the elements referred to as "upper" are those located towards the top of the handle of the figure 2 The elements referred to as "front" or "distal" are those located towards the right of the handle of the figure 2 That is to say, towards the blade and at a distance from the user, the so-called "rear" or "proximal" elements are those located to the left of the handle of the figure 2 that is, opposite the blade and towards the user, and the so-called "lower" elements are those located towards the bottom of the handle of the figure 2 .

[0030] Also by convention, a "curve" is understood to mean a surface formed by an arc of a circle.

[0031] With reference to figures 1 et 2 , a 100-piece knife handle according to the present invention comprises two profiles 10-20 extending along a longitudinal direction L. The two profiles are mounted to slide relative to each other.

[0032] The handle 100 includes, in profile view, a gripping part 110 connected by a central part 120 to a fixing part 130 of an edge of a plastering blade 200. In other words, the handle is fixed to the blade 200 substantially parallel to the free edge of the blade.

[0033] According to the invention, the gripping part is in two portions detachable from each other, a first gripping portion 111 attached to the first profile 10, a second lever portion being constituted by the second profile 20.

[0034] More specifically, the first gripping profile 10 includes the fixing portion 130 of the plastering blade 200, which is connected to the central portion 120. The latter is integral with the first gripping portion 111 of the gripping part 110 forming, seen in cross-section, an open hook having an inner surface in the shape of an arc of a circle 111a, and a free end 111b.

[0035] Preferably, the first portion of grip 111 also has a convex curved outer surface 111c called the "front grip" against which the user's fingertips can bend, enabling them to pull the putty knife during use.

[0036] The second lever profile 20, constituting a second lever portion of the gripping part 110, comprises, in cross-section, a cylinder 21 having an outer surface in the shape of a circular arc 21a complementary to the inner surface in the shape of a circular arc 111a of the first gripping portion 111.

[0037] The open hook has a C shape over at least 200°, preferably over at least 240°, provided that it is open over at least 45°, which ensures that the cylinder 21 can only exit the hook 111 laterally, by sliding along the longitudinal direction L.

[0038] The cylinder 21 is integral with an oblong lever body 22, seen in cross-section, designed to receive the palm, thumb and fingers of the user's hand (see figures 7 And 8 ). The oblong body is arranged in a proximal position relative to the cylinder, that is to say, it is closer to the user than the cylinder.

[0039] The oblong body 22 has, in cross-section, an upper face 22a intended to receive the palm and fingers of the user's hand, the upper face 22a being connected, by a rear support face 22c intended to rest in the hollow of the hand located between the thumb and index finger, to a lower lever face 22b located under the upper face 22a and against which the user's thumb can be pressed to allow the user to perform a levering movement with his thumb.

[0040] The oblong lever body preferably includes a curved protective tongue 22d extending over a portion of the cylinder 21 and providing, between the cylinder 21 and the tongue 22d, a sliding guide groove 23 for a free end 111b of the open hook 111. The curved protective tongue 22d protects the sliding guide groove regardless of the angular position of the lever portion 20, and prevents coating from becoming lodged in the groove 23.

[0041] The handle according to the invention also includes means for locking one profile against rotation relative to the other in at least two different angular positions.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the rotation blocking means include complementary reliefs carried by the outer surface 21a of the cylinder 21 of the lever portion 20 and by the inner surface 111a of the grip portion 111.

[0043] In this embodiment, the two profiles 10 and 20 are movable relative to each other only by sliding along a longitudinal direction L of the profiles. The raised features prevent any rotation of the profiles when they are engaged with each other.

[0044] In the figures 2 And 4 à 8 , the rotation blocking means 30 comprise at least two grooves 31-32 carried by the inner surface 111a in an arc of the grip portion 111 and a rib 33 carried by the outer surface 21a in an arc of the cylinder 21 of the lever portion 20.

[0045] Alternatively, as illustrated in figure 3 The structure of the reliefs can be reversed. In this case, the rotation-locking means 30 comprise at least two grooves 34-35 carried by the outer surface 21a in an arc of the cylinder 21 of the lever portion 20, and a rib 37 carried by the inner surface 111a in an arc of the grip portion 111. Figure 9 also illustrates the possibility of providing a third groove 36 for a third angular position of the lever portion 20.

[0046] Of course, additional grooves can be provided for more angular positions. In this case, the grooves and ribs are advantageously smaller and form undulations on surfaces 21a and 111a.

[0047] THE figures 4 à 7 illustrate the implementation of the handle according to the invention to change angular position.

[0048] To begin with ( figure 4 ), unscrew the fixing knob 51 (see figure 1 ; not illustrated in figure 4 (to avoid cluttering the figure) of the cover 50, and the cover 50 is moved away from the first gripping profile 10 in the direction of arrow F1. The cover 50 covers the entire cross-section of the profile 10 (fixing portion 130, central portion 120 and gripping portion 111), as well as the cross-section of the cylinder 21 of the second profile 20. In this way, when the cover is in place, it prevents the second profile 20 from sliding out of the first profile 10.

[0049] Then we slide the second lever profile 20 in the direction of arrow F2, along the longitudinal direction L, to disengage the two profiles 10-20 ( figure 5 ). The rib 33 then slides along the groove 31, and the cylinder 21 slides inside the grip portion 111.

[0050] Afterwards ( figure 6 ), the lever profile 20 is rotated in the direction of arrow F3 towards the second angular position, i.e. until the rib 33 is opposite the groove 32, then the lever profile 20 is pushed back towards the grip profile, in the direction of arrow F4, along the longitudinal direction L, so that the rib 33 slides along the groove 32, and the cylinder 21 slides inside the grip portion 111.

[0051] The rib 33 and the grooves 31-32 therefore perform two functions, one of blocking the rotation of the profiles 10-20 relative to each other, but also a function of guiding the profiles 10-20 relative to each other.

[0052] Finally ( figure 7 ), reposition the cover in the direction of arrow F5 and fix it onto the first grip profile with the knob.

[0053] Of course, this implementation is similar when the rib and groove structures are reversed ( figure 3 ).

[0054] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the plastering knife handle according to the invention has a blade 200 fixing slot 11. The slot 11 also includes a longitudinal groove 12, extending in the longitudinal direction L. Complementarily, the blade includes ridges 201 intended to fit into the groove 12 to lock the blade against the handle 100. These ridges are advantageously spring tabs (not shown) obtained by localized stamping of the blade and which flatten when the blade 200 is inserted into the fixing slot 11 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, then release into the longitudinal groove 135 to lock the blade.

[0055] The method of implementation of figures 4 à 7 allows access to the blade and for the latter to be removed by sliding along the longitudinal direction L.

[0056] To move back from the second angular position to the first angular position, we repeat this same process by rotating the lever profile in the opposite direction of arrow F3.

[0057] THE figures 8 et 9 illustrate the handle according to the invention when held in the hand, respectively in the first angular position ( figure 8 ) and in the second angular position ( figure 9 ).

[0058] In cross-sectional view of the handle, the oblong body 22 has a median plane P1, passing through a midpoint of the rear support face and the center of the cylinder.

[0059] Thus, in the first angular position, the median plane P1 forms an angle α1 with a reference plane XX parallel to the blade 200.

[0060] In the second angular position, the median plane P1 forms an angle α2 with the reference plane XX parallel to the blade 200, α2 being greater than α1.

[0061] In this second position, the hand is more vertical relative to the blade than in the first angular position.

[0062] This second angular position is, for example, well suited to applying plaster against a ceiling.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the oblong body 22 and the rear of the central part 120 have a particularly efficient structure which significantly reduces user fatigue.

[0064] In this embodiment illustrated in figures 1 à 10 , 12 et 13 The general shape of the gripping part 110 and the central part allows the user to grip it in an embrace, i.e. with a full hand with the fingers and thumb folded in the direction of the joints.

[0065] This effect is achieved by the oblong lever body 22, which, in cross-section, has a convex upper face 22a designed to receive the palm and fingers of the user's hand. The convex upper face 22a is connected to a convex lower lever face 22b located beneath the convex upper face 22a.

[0066] Furthermore, the central part 120 includes a concave support face 122 located at the rear of the central part 120, the convex lower lever face 22b and the concave support face 122 being separated by a cusp 117 in which the user's thumb can bend in the direction of the joint (see figure 10 ).

[0067] The cusp zone is virtual here and delimited by the extension of the convex curve of the convex lower face of lever 22b and by the extension of the concave curve of the concave support face 122.

[0068] Thanks to this 117 cusp, the user can wedge the C1 end of their thumb by bending it in the direction of the C2 joint, rather than in hyperextension as in the prior art. This position allows the hand to grip the grasping portion in a very powerful and comfortable position.

[0069] What is important is that the cusp zone 117, that is to say the passage between the convex curved surface 22b and the concave support surface 122, provides a hollow allowing the end of the thumb to fit in by bending the thumb in the direction of the joint, the thumb being in contact with the convex curved surface 115.

[0070] In addition, this gripping position is very effective since it is the powerful muscles of the forearm that grip the handle, whereas in a pinch between the fingertips, it is the much less powerful muscles of the hand that grip the handle.

[0071] In addition to the specific shapes (concave, convex, curved, and cusp zone), the grip and comfort of the handle are particularly optimized for specific dimensions.

[0072] In an advantageous embodiment, illustrated in figure 10 The convex upper surface 111 has a principal radius of curvature R1 of between 9 and 11 cm, preferably 10 cm, and an arc length L1 of between 5.2 cm and 5.7 cm, preferably 5.5 cm. These dimensions allow the palm of the hand to fit completely against the convex upper surface 111 and facilitate the placement of the fingertips and thumb.

[0073] Similarly, the convex lower face of the lever preferably has a radius of curvature R2 between 7 and 9 cm, advantageously 8 cm, and an arc length L2 between 2 cm and 3 cm, preferably 2.5 cm.

[0074] The convex curved support face 116 having a radius of curvature R7 between 0.6 and 0.9 cm, preferably 0.75 cm and an arc length L7 between 2 cm and 2.2 cm, preferably 2.1 cm.

[0075] Towards the front, the convex curved front grip face 113 and the concave curved grip face 121 have a radius of curvature R3-R4 between 0.8 and 1.2 cm, advantageously 1 cm, provided that the radius of curvature R3 of the convex curved front grip face 113 is strictly greater by at least 0.2 cm than the radius of curvature R7 of the convex curved support face 116.

[0076] The radii of curvature R3 and R4 can be identical. However, the radius of curvature R3 of the convex curved face 114 can be slightly larger to smooth the transition with the convex top face 111. For example, the radius of curvature R3 of the convex curved face 114 can be 1.2 cm when the radius of curvature R4 of the concave curved grip face 121 is 1 cm.

[0077] The convex curved grip face 113 and the concave curved grip face 121 have respective arc lengths L3 and L4 between 2.5 and 3.2 cm. They may be identical or different if the radius of curvature R3 of the convex curved face 114 is slightly larger than the radius of curvature R4 of the concave curved grip face 121.

[0078] Their respective lengths L3 and L4 can be different, which allows the gripping part to be tilted relative to the horizontal and improves user comfort, as described below.

[0079] In the previous example, if the radius of curvature R3 of the convex curved face 114 is 1.2 cm and the radius of curvature R4 of the concave curved face 121 is 1 cm, then the arc length L3 of the convex curved face 114 can be 3 cm and the arc length L4 of the concave curved face 121 can be 2.8 cm.

[0080] In doing so, the gripping part 110 allows a powerful grip of the hand which totally embraces this gripping part, all the fingers being bent in the direction of the joints without being in hyperextension.

[0081] Preferably also, the concave support face 122 has a radius of curvature R5 between 2.4 and 2.8 cm, preferably 2.6 cm, and an arc length L5 between 2.2 and 2.6, preferably 2.4 cm.

[0082] Other oblong body shapes are of course possible, as long as the oblong body is attached to a cylinder 21 of complementary shape to the inner surface in arc of circle 111a of the first portion 111.

[0083] An alternative example of an oblong body 22' is illustrated in figure 11 This body can be adapted, for example, for users who have difficulty bending their thumb normally.

[0084] It is thus understood that the handle according to the invention can be easily adapted to many morphologies or handicaps, only by changing the second profile 20.

[0085] It is therefore possible to market kits including a grip profile 10, a blade, and a plurality of lever profiles 20 of different shapes, the lever profiles 20 being distinguished only by the shape of the oblong body, while they have fixing cylinders identical with the first grip profile.

[0086] As illustrated in figures 12 et 13 The handle may be part of an assembly that also includes a mounting portion 60 for an extension handle 70. The mounting portion has a shape complementary to the gripping and levering areas of the handle so that it is suitable for being attached to the handle.

[0087] The structure of the handle according to the invention makes it possible to design a much more ingenious extension taking advantage of the coupling portion between the two profiles.

[0088] In this case, the fixing part replaces the second lever profile and attaches to the first grip profile. Three embodiments are illustrated in figures 14 à 17 .

[0089] On the figure 14 , the fixing part 80 comprises, in cross-section, a cylinder 81 having an outer surface in the shape of a circular arc 81a complementary to the inner surface in the shape of a circular arc 111a of the first portion 111 of the first gripping profile.

[0090] The cylinder 81 is integral with a body 82 carrying a fixing element 83 to an extension handle 71. For ease and to limit costs, the body is similar to the oblong body of the lever profiles sold, on which one or more fixing plates 83 to the handle 71 are fixed.

[0091] An alternative embodiment is illustrated in figures 15 et 16 .

[0092] In this case, the fixing part 90 has a general T-shape. The crossbar of the fixing part 90 includes, in cross-section, a cylinder 91 having an outer surface in the shape of a circular arc 91a complementary to the inner surface in the shape of a circular arc 111a of the first portion 111 of the first gripping profile.

[0093] A portion of the attachment 92 to the extension handle 72 is fixed perpendicularly to the cylinder 91.

[0094] The fixing portion can be tubular, as illustrated in figure 15 or be a mounting bracket to which the handle is fixed in an angularly adjustable manner, similarly to the figure 14 .

[0095] A third alternative embodiment is illustrated in figure 17 .

[0096] In this case, the mounting part 95 is a second lever profile that includes at least one threaded insert 96 for receiving a threaded extension handle 73. The insert 96 is located in the oblong body of the profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert is located on the rear support face. However, the insert can be positioned at other locations on the body, depending on the profile's shape and the desired angle of the handle relative to the putty knife when the handle is screwed into the insert.

[0097] In these three embodiments, the fastening portion 80, 90, 95 naturally includes means for locking it against rotation relative to the gripping profile. In the illustrated variants, these locking means comprise two grooves on the curved inner surface of the gripping portion and a rib on the curved outer surface of the cylinder of the fastening portion 80, 90, 95.

[0098] As before, these structures can be inverted and / or multiplied.

[0099] In an embodiment not shown, the grip profile 10 and the lever profile 20 can also be mounted to rotate movably relative to each other.

[0100] In other words, the two profiles are mounted to move relative to each other in a sliding manner along a longitudinal direction of the profiles, and in rotation around the longitudinal direction, the profiles being blocked relative to each other in rotation by an added part.

[0101] In a first variant, at least two grooves are carried by the outer arc-shaped surface of the lever portion and one groove is carried by the inner arc-shaped surface of the grip portion.

[0102] In a second variant, at least two grooves are carried by the outer arc-shaped surface of the lever portion, the inner arc-shaped surface of the grip portion being smooth, i.e. without relief (groove or rib).

[0103] In a simple embodiment, each cover carries a fixed key that acts as a locking stop when inserted into one or two grooves. In this case, it is sufficient to remove one of the covers, partially slide the lever profile along the longitudinal direction to disengage it from the key carried by the other unremoved cover, pivot the lever profile to a second operating position, slide the lever profile along the longitudinal direction towards the other unremoved cover to engage it with the key carried by the other unremoved cover, and finally reinstall the first cover by inserting the fixed key it carries into a groove on the outer arc-shaped surface of the lever portion.

[0104] Another embodiment avoids dismantling one of the covers. In this embodiment, the covers include a key mounted movable between an engagement position in two grooves carried by the two portions of the gripping part to lock these two portions against rotation relative to each other, and a disengagement position to allow rotation of the two portions of the gripping part relative to each other.

[0105] Advantageously, each key is attached to an actuating lever and a return mechanism to the engaged position. In this case, if the user does not act, the key is held in the engaged position, and it is only when the user wants to change the angle of the lever portion that they actuate the lever(s) to disengage the key(s) and rotate said lever portion relative to the engagement portion. As soon as two grooves on the lever and engagement portions are aligned, the key will automatically engage in them thanks to the return mechanism, such as a spring.

[0106] Alternatively, the covers include a movable key mounted between an engagement position in a groove carried by the lever portion of the gripping part, and a clearance position to allow rotation of the two portions of the gripping part relative to each other.

[0107] Since the covers are fixed and attached to the grip portion, the key attached to the cover(s) prevents the two portions from rotating relative to each other.

[0108] This embodiment with fixed covers prevents the blade from being disassembled.

[0109] Another embodiment with fixed covers preventing blade removal is illustrated in figures 18 et 19 .

[0110] In this embodiment, the first gripping profile 10 includes, on each side, a fixed cover 14 positioned in front of the blade fixing slot 11, thus preventing the blade from being removed. Unlike previous embodiments, the cover 14 does not cover the cross-section of the cylinder 21 of the second profile, nor the cross-section of the hook portion 111. The cover 14 only covers the cross-section of the fixing portion 130 and the central portion 120.

[0111] As in previous embodiments, the second lever profile 20 includes, on each side, a fixed cover 24 which covers only the section of the oblong body 22, but not the section of the cylinder 21.

[0112] To ensure that the second profile 20 is held securely on the first profile and to prevent mutual sliding, the profile 20 also includes a movable cover 25 that covers not only the cross-section of the cylinder 21, but also the cross-section of the hooked portion 111 of the first profile. The movable cover 25 is attached to the cylinder 21 of the second profile 20 by a threaded locking knob that engages in a threaded hole 26 in the cylinder 21.

[0113] As illustrated in figure 19 , initially, we unscrew the fixing knob 52 of the cover 25, and we move the cover 25 away from the second lever profile 20 in the direction of arrow F6.

[0114] Then we slide the second lever profile 20 in the direction of arrow F6, along the longitudinal direction L, to disengage the two profiles 10-20.

[0115] Next, the lever profile 20 is rotated to place it in the second operating position, as in the embodiment of the figure 6 and we reattach the cover 25 with the knob 52 on the cylinder 21.

[0116] Since there is a cover 25 on each side of the second lever profile, the latter cannot slide out of the first grip profile.

[0117] This embodiment therefore allows a change in position of the lever profile while preventing the blade from being removed.

[0118] According to other embodiments of the invention: The handle may have internal stiffening reinforcements within the profile; the handle profile may be manufactured by extrusion and then cut to the width of the blade to distribute pressure across its entire width. The external and internal surfaces of the cylinder and the hook of the gripping part are fully grooved to allow for a multitude of positions while ensuring significant friction, and therefore strong support, between the two profiles.

Claims

1. Profiled coating knife handle (100) extending along a longitudinal direction, characterized in that it comprises two profiles that are able to move relative to each other in a sliding manner: • a first engagement profile (10) comprising a portion (130) for fastening an edge of a coating blade (200), connected to a central portion (120) attached to a first engagement portion (111) of a gripping part (110) forming, when viewed in transverse cross section, an open hook having a circular-arc-shaped inner surface (111a), • a second profile (20, 80, 90, 95) comprising, when viewed in transverse cross section, a cylinder (21, 81, 91) having a circular-arc-shaped outer surface (21a, 81a, 91a) that complements the circular-arc-shaped inner surface (111a) of the first portion (111), the cylinder (21, 81, 91) being attached either to an oblong lever body (22), when viewed in transverse cross section, intended to receive the palm, the thumb and the fingers of the hand of the user, or to a fastening member (83, 92, 96) intended to receive a stick (71, 72, 73): and in that the coating knife handle comprises means (30, 31-32-33-34-35-36-37) for blocking one profile in rotation relative to the other in at least two different angular positions.

2. Coating knife handle (100) according to Claim 1, in which the rotation blocking means (30, 31-32-33-34-35-36-37) comprise complementary reliefs borne by the outer surface of the cylinder of the lever portion and by the inner surface of the engagement portion.

3. Coating knife handle (100) according to Claim 2, in which the rotation blocking means (30) comprise at least two grooves (31-32) borne by the circular-arc-shaped inner surface (111a) of the engagement portion and a rib (33) borne by the circular-arc-shaped outer surface (21a) of the cylinder (21) of the lever portion (20).

4. Coating knife handle (100) according to Claim 2, in which the rotation blocking means (30) comprise at least two grooves (34-35-36) borne by the circular-arc-shaped outer surface (21a) of the lever portion (20) and a rib (37) borne by the circular-arc-shaped inner surface (111a) of the engagement portion (111).

5. Coating knife handle (100) according to Claim 1, in which the two profiles are able to move relative to each other in a sliding manner along the longitudinal direction of the profiles, and in rotation about the longitudinal direction, the profiles being blocked relative to each other in rotation by attached rotation blocking means.

6. Coating knife handle (100) according to Claim 5, in which the rotation blocking means comprise a groove borne by the circular-arc-shaped inner surface of the engagement portion, at least two grooves borne by the circular-arc-shaped outer surface of the lever portion, and at least one blocking key attached to the engagement portion.

7. Coating knife handle (100) according to Claim 5, in which the circular-arc-shaped inner surface of the engagement portion is smooth, the rotation blocking means comprising at least two grooves borne by the circular-arc-shaped outer surface of the lever portion and at least one blocking key attached to the engagement portion.

8. Coating knife handle (100) according to any one of Claims 6 and 7, in which the blocking key is borne by an end cap of the profiles.

9. Coating knife handle (100) according to Claim 5, in which the key is mounted so as to be able to move between a position of engagement in at least one groove borne by the circular-arc-shaped outer surface of the lever portion, and a position of disengagement to allow the two portions of the gripping part to rotate relative to each other.

10. Coating knife handle (100) according to Claim 5, in which the key is mounted fixedly on the cap that bears it.

11. Coating knife handle (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, in which the oblong lever body (22) has, when viewed in transverse cross section, a convex upper face (22a) intended to receive the palm and the fingers of the hand of the user, the convex curved upper face (22a) being connected to a convex lower lever face (22b) situated below the convex upper face (22a), and in which the central part (120) comprises a concave supporting face (122) situated at the rear of the central part (120), the convex lower lever face (22b) and the concave supporting face (122) being separated by a return zone (117) in which the thumb of the user can bend in the direction of the joint.

12. Coating knife handle (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, in which the oblong lever body (22) comprises a curved protective tab (22d) extending above a part of the cylinder (21) and forming, between the cylinder and the tab, a groove (23) for guiding the sliding of a free end (111b) of the open hook (111).

13. Coating knife handle (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, in which the first engagement profile (10) comprises, on each side, a fixed cap (14) arranged in front of a slot (11) for fastening the blade, the cap (14) only covering a section of the fastening portion (130) and of the central portion (120), and in which the second lever profile (20) comprises, on each side, a fixed cap (24) that covers a section of the oblong body (22) and a mobile cap (25) that covers a section of the cylinder (21) and a section of the hooked part (111), the mobile cap (25) being fastened to the cylinder (21) of the second profile (20) by a threaded fastening knob (52) engaging in a tapped hole (26) in the cylinder (21).

14. Coating knife, characterized in that it comprises a coating knife handle according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, and a plaster application blade.

15. Coating knife, characterized in that it comprises a coating knife handle according to Claim 13, in which the first engagement profile (10) comprises, on each side, a fixed cap (14) arranged in front of a slot (11) for fastening the blade, the cap (14) only covering a section of the fastening portion (130) and of the central portion (120), and in which the second lever profile (20) comprises, on each side, a fixed cap (24) that covers a section of the oblong body (22) and a mobile cap (25) that covers a section of the cylinder (21) and a section of the hooked part (111), the mobile cap (25) being fastened to the cylinder (21) of the second profile (20) by a threaded fastening knob (52) engaging in a tapped hole (26) in the cylinder (21).

16. Coating knife kit, characterized in that it comprises a coating knife handle according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, a plaster application blade and a plurality of lever profiles (20) with different shapes of oblong lever body.

17. Assembly comprising a handle according to any one of Claims 1 to 13 and a part for fastening an extension stick to this handle, characterized in that the fastening part has a shape that complements the engagement and lever zones of the handle so that it is able to be secured to the handle.

18. Assembly according to Claim 17, comprising an extension stick provided with said fastening part.