Kitchen knife

Abstract

The invention relates to a knife comprising a blade (1) and a handle (2), wherein the handle (2) comprises a plurality of grooves (400) provided on at least one of the sides (23) of the handle, the grooves (400) being distinct from each other, with a reference groove (410) positioned closest to the blade (1) and the other grooves (400) being arranged adjacently starting from the reference groove (410) and going along the handle (2) towards a free end of the handle (2) opposite the blade (1). Each groove (400) has a mean direction of extension (410), the projection of which in the longitudinal plane forms a groove angle γ with the longitudinal direction (L), the reference groove (410) being oriented at a reference groove angle γR comprised between 0° and 10°, and each subsequent groove (400) of the plurality of grooves (400) having a groove angle γ greater than the reference groove angle γR, the respective groove angles γ of two adjacent grooves (400) being different.

Description

[0001] Kitchen knife

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of knives, and more specifically kitchen knives.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Knives, especially kitchen knives, can be held in the hand and used for long periods of time. Their design is therefore essential to give the user the best possible experience, as well as a certain level of control and dexterity.

[0006] One of the important factors in this user experience lies in the design of the knife handle, also called the grip.

[0007] There are many shapes and sizes of kitchen knife handles that vary depending on the use and sometimes the size of the blade.

[0008] There are also different combinations of materials that make up kitchen knife handles, whether they are monobloc (i.e. the handle is made from the same material as the blade) or multi-material.

[0009] Regarding the ergonomics of these handles, there are knives with handles of various shapes, made with specific materials, to try to optimize the gestures and comfort of the user when using the knife for cooking.

[0010] However, it is very difficult to find a perfect balance between all the design criteria and existing models will often favor one aspect over another, which will ultimately harm this desired balance.

[0011] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a knife whose grip by a user is not only comfortable but also secure, in particular without impromptu movement of the hand when using the knife.

[0013] Another aim of the present invention is to provide a knife which does not require excessive pressure on the handle during use, avoiding muscular fatigue.

[0014] An aim of the present invention is indeed to provide a knife that facilitates the usual movements imparted by the user, providing great cutting precision to the user. Another aim of the present invention is to provide a knife with a specific geometry of the handle allowing to optimize the grip for the user. A good grip will have the advantage of avoiding premature wear of the blade due to improper use.

[0015] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a knife with a handle whose shape naturally adapts to the shape of the hand, regardless of the size of the user's hand, and regardless of which hand (right or left) is used.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a knife for which the grip is optimized, and where the effort required to hold and maintain the knife properly is limited.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a knife where user fatigue is reduced and where his efforts are concentrated on cutting and not on gripping the knife.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a one-piece knife, that is to say one whose handle is formed from a material similar to that of the blade, in particular a metallic material, which does not slip in the user's hand when the latter uses it.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a knife whose design principles are applicable to all sizes of knife.

[0020] For this purpose, a knife is proposed, comprising

[0021] - a blade having a blade back and a cutting edge opposite the blade back, the blade extending in a longitudinal plane in a longitudinal direction between a distal end and a proximal end,

[0022] - a handle extending from the proximal end of the blade in the longitudinal direction, the handle being connected to the proximal end of the blade and having an upper handle edge extending substantially in the extension of the blade back in the longitudinal plane, a lower handle edge extending in the longitudinal plane and opposite the upper handle edge, two handle flanks respectively on either side of the longitudinal plane and extending between the upper handle edge and the lower handle edge, wherein the handle comprises a plurality of grooves provided on at least one of the handle flanks, the grooves being distinct from each other, with a reference groove positioned closest to the blade and the other grooves being arranged next to each other from the reference groove along the handle towards a free end of the handle opposite the blade,each groove having a mean direction of extension whose projection in the longitudinal plane forms with the longitudinal direction a groove angle y, the reference groove being oriented according to a reference groove angle yR of between 0° and 10°, each subsequent groove of the plurality of grooves having a groove angle y greater than the reference groove angle yR, the respective groove angles y of two adjacent grooves being different.,

[0023] Preferred but non-limiting aspects of this knife, taken alone or in combination, are as follows: in the direction from the reference groove towards the free end of the handle, each groove of the plurality of grooves has a groove angle y greater than the groove angle y of the preceding grooves. the groove angle y of the plurality of grooves is first increasing relative to the reference groove angle yR as the corresponding groove moves away from the reference groove, then decreasing towards the free end of the handle. the respective groove angles y of two adjacent grooves differ by an angle of at least 1°, and preferably an angle of between 4° and 8°, more preferably an angle of between 5° and 7°.

[0024] - all or part of the grooves of the plurality of grooves extend in a curve. a part of the grooves of the plurality of grooves are curved with a concavity oriented towards the side of the upper handle edge and another part of the grooves of the plurality of grooves are curved with a concavity oriented towards the side of the lower handle edge. each groove is defined by a maximum width at the surface of the handle flank and a maximum depth, the maximum depth being at least equal to 0.2 mm, and preferably at most equal to one third of the maximum width, each groove is defined by a maximum width at the surface of the handle flank and a maximum depth, the maximum depth having a value between 5% and 12% of the value of the maximum width, preferably between 6% and 11% of the value of the maximum width. each groove has a cross-section having a rectangular shape, or an arc of a circle,or in an arc of an ellipse. each handle flank is formed of an upper handle flank portion connected to the upper handle edge and a lower handle flank portion connected to the lower handle edge, the upper handle flank portion being connected to the lower handle flank portion via a transversely projecting handle gripping edge constituting the outermost handle flank area transversely to the longitudinal plane, and the plurality of grooves are provided in the upper handle flank portion of the corresponding handle flank. the handle gripping edge is closer to the lower handle edge than to the upper handle edge. the handle has a joining portion connected to the proximal end of the blade, and a main gripping portion extending from the joining portion,the main gripping portion having o an upper edge extending substantially in the extension of the blade back in the longitudinal plane, o a lower edge extending in the longitudinal plane and opposite the upper edge, o two flanks respectively on either side of the longitudinal plane and extending between the upper edge and the lower edge, o each flank being formed of an upper flank portion connected to the upper edge and a lower flank portion connected to the lower edge, the upper flank portion being connected to the lower flank portion by means of a gripping edge projecting transversely and constituting the outermost flank zone transversely relative to the longitudinal plane,o wherein the main gripping portion of the handle has a shape having a longitudinal flare extending from the joining portion in the longitudinal plane and defined by a longitudinal flare angle a formed between the lower edge and the upper edge, the longitudinal flare angle a having a fixed value of between 3° and 8°, and o wherein grooves are provided in the upper flank portion of the corresponding flank. the main gripping portion of the handle has a shape having a transverse flare extending from the joining portion and defined by a transverse flare angle P formed between the two gripping edges of the flanks of the main gripping portion of the handle, the transverse flare angle P having a fixed value of between 1° and 5°. each handle flank comprises a plurality of grooves,the grooves on one of the handle sides being symmetrical to the grooves on the other of the handle sides in relation to the longitudinal plane. the knife is in one piece.,

[0025] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0026] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a knife according to a first embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 is a side view of the knife of Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 3 is a top view of the knife of Figure 1;

[0030] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the knife of Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 5 is the side view of Figure 2 in which the longitudinal flare angle a has been shown;

[0032] Figure 6 is the side view of Figure 2 in which the longitudinal junction flare angle aJ has been shown;

[0033] Figure 7 is the top view of Figure 4 in which the transverse flare angle P has been shown;

[0034] Figure 8 is the top view of Figure 4 in which the transverse junction flare angle pj has been shown;

[0035] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the joining portion of the knife handle along section line AA of Figure 3;

[0036] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main gripping portion of the knife handle along section line BB of Figure 3;

[0037] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the end portion of the knife handle along section line CC of Figure 3;

[0038] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a knife according to a second embodiment;

[0039] Figure 13 is a side view of the knife of Figure 12;

[0040] Figure 14 is a top view of the knife of Figure 12;

[0041] Figure 15 is a bottom view of the knife of Figure 12;

[0042] Figure 16 is a side view of the handle of the knife according to the second embodiment, illustrating the groove angles; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a knife according to a third embodiment;

[0043] Figure 18 is a side view of the knife of Figure 17;

[0044] Figure 19 is a top view of the knife of Figure 17;

[0045] Figure 20 is a bottom view of the knife of Figure 17;

[0046] Figure 21 is a side view of the handle of the knife according to the third embodiment, illustrating the groove angles.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] A knife consists of a blade 1 from which extends a handle 2, also commonly called a grip.

[0049] The blade 1 always has the following geometry. It has a blade back 11 and a cutting edge 12 opposite the blade back 11, the cutting edge 12 forming the side by which a user can cut. The blade 1 extends in a longitudinal plane in a longitudinal direction L between a distal end 13 and a proximal end 14. The distal end 13 constitutes the free end of the blade, generally in the form of a point or rounded. The proximal end 14 is coupled with the handle 2 as will be seen later.

[0050] Blade 1 is generally a single piece formed from a single material, for example a metal base.

[0051] Blade 1 can take different shapes and sizes depending on the intended use.

[0052] As indicated above, the handle 2 extends from the proximal end 14 of the blade 1 in the longitudinal direction L, the handle 2 being connected to the proximal end 14 of the blade 1.

[0053] For kitchen knives, the handle 2 is connected to the blade 1 in a fixed and integral manner. The handle may, for example, be welded to the blade, particularly in the case of one-piece knives. It should be remembered that a one-piece knife is a knife whose handle is formed from a material similar to that of the blade, particularly a metal-based material. Preferably, a one-piece knife has a handle and a blade formed from the same material.

[0054] Preferably, the proposed knife is a single-piece knife. It could, for example, be made of a metallic material, in particular a steel alloy, for example stainless steel.

[0055] Overall, the handle 2 comprises an upper handle edge 21 extending substantially in the extension of the blade back 11 in the longitudinal plane, and a lower handle edge 22 extending in the longitudinal plane and opposite the upper handle edge 21.

[0056] The handle 2 further comprises two handle flanks 23 respectively on either side of the longitudinal plane and extending between the upper handle edge 21 and the lower handle edge 22. Each handle flank 23 thus makes it possible to connect the upper handle edge 21 to the lower handle edge 22.

[0057] These handle flanks 23 are preferably curved transversely outwards relative to the longitudinal plane. It is the handle flanks 23 which will in particular define the volume of the handle 2.

[0058] Preferably, each handle flank 23 is formed of an upper handle flank portion 231 connected to the upper handle edge 21 and a lower handle flank portion 232 connected to the lower handle edge 22.

[0059] More preferably, the upper handle flank portion 231 is connected to the lower handle flank portion 232 by means of a handle gripping edge 233 projecting transversely and constituting the outermost area of ​​the handle flank transversely relative to the longitudinal plane. Such a handle gripping edge 233 is formed in the lower part of the handle 2, that is to say on the side of the lower handle edge 22. More precisely, the handle gripping edge 233 is closer to the lower handle edge 22 than to the upper handle edge 21.

[0060] Such a handle gripping edge 233 is provided to fit into the user's interphalangeal line so that his hand fits perfectly around the handle of the knife. The user's grip is therefore more pleasant and the knife is handled more securely since this handle gripping edge 233 prevents the knife from rotating in the hand around its longitudinal axis.

[0061] The handle is preferably symmetrical about the longitudinal plane. In this case, the structure and geometry of the sides are identical, the sides also being symmetrical about the longitudinal plane. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous so that the knife can be used indifferently by a right-handed or a left-handed person, with the same advantages.

[0062] Preferably, the handle 2 is formed of several portions depending on the longitudinal position considered, these portions having shapes and functions which may differ.

[0063] The handle 2 may firstly have a joining portion 100 connected to the proximal end 14 of the blade 1. In addition to providing the link between the blade 1 and the rest of the handle 2, this joining portion 100 may also be provided to facilitate fine manipulations of the knife, for example when the knife must be inclined along a translation axis orthogonal to the longitudinal plane.

[0064] The handle 2 further has a main gripping portion 200 extending from the joining portion 100, and allowing the user to have a complete grip of the knife with his entire hand. This main gripping portion 200 corresponds to the largest portion of the handle in the longitudinal direction.

[0065] The main gripping portion 200 may for example represent at least 2 / 3 of the length of the handle, or even at least 3 / 4 of the length of the handle, for example 80% of the length.

[0066] Preferably but not necessarily, the handle 2 further comprises an end portion 300 connected to and extending from the main gripping portion 200. If present, this end portion 300 thus constitutes the free end of the handle, opposite the tip of the blade.

[0067] Main gripping portion

[0068] Just like the handle 2 in general, the main gripping portion 200 has an upper edge 221 (also called the upper gripping edge) extending substantially in the extension of the blade back 11 in the longitudinal plane, a lower edge 222 (also called the lower gripping edge) extending in the longitudinal plane and opposite the upper edge 221, and two flanks 223 (also called gripping flanks) respectively on either side of the longitudinal plane and extending between the upper edge 221 and the lower edge 222.

[0069] According to a preferred but not mandatory design, each flank is formed of an upper flank portion 2231 connected to the upper edge 221 and a lower flank portion 2232 connected to the lower edge 222.

[0070] More preferably, the upper flank portion 2231 is connected to the lower flank portion 2232 by means of a gripping edge 2233 projecting transversely and constituting the outermost zone of the flank transversely relative to the longitudinal plane, as can be clearly seen in FIG. 11 for example, which illustrates a transverse section of the handle in the main gripping portion.

[0071] The gripping edge 2233 is preferably positioned specifically to fit into the user's interphalangeal line so that his hand fits perfectly around the handle of the knife. In this regard and with reference to FIG. 10, the handle height H is defined as the distance in the longitudinal plane between the lower edge 222 and the upper edge 221 at a given position along the longitudinal direction L.

[0072] Still with reference to Figure 10, the lower arrow Fi is further defined as the distance in the longitudinal plane between the lower edge 222 and the projection of the gripping edge 2233 in the longitudinal plane at a given position in the longitudinal direction L. The upper arrow Fs corresponds to the distance in the longitudinal plane between the upper edge 221 and the projection of the gripping edge 2233 in the longitudinal plane at a given position in the longitudinal direction L.

[0073] According to an advantageous and preferred embodiment, the main gripping portion 200 is specifically formed so that the positioning of the gripping edge 2233 is such that the ratio between the lower arrow and the handle height is substantially constant at any point of the main gripping portion of the handle in the longitudinal direction L. By substantially constant, it is understood that the ratio is constant within manufacturing and measurement tolerances. Thus, the percentage value is constant to plus or minus 2%, or even plus or minus 1%.

[0074] Preferably, in the main gripping portion 200, the ratio between the lower arrow and the handle height has a fixed value of between 13% and 20%. Preferably, this value is between 16% and 18%, for example a value of the order of 17%.

[0075] The specific positioning of such a gripping edge 2233 in the main gripping portion 200 of the handle 2 also makes it possible to facilitate the cutting of food by a user in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the blade. Indeed, such a gripping edge 2233 creates a protruding line coming in opposition to the user's hand when the latter makes an up-and-down movement with the knife. Not only is the force applied by the hand to the handle well transmitted to the blade, but this transmission of force is easier thanks to the gripping edge 2233.

[0076] This allows the user to reduce the pressure on the handle so that the knife still fits comfortably in the hand.

[0077] In addition, handling the knife is safe since this gripping edge 2233 prevents the knife from rotating in the hand around its longitudinal axis.

[0078] Preferably, the gripping edge 2233 is sufficiently protruding to fit well into the interphalangeal fold when a user takes the knife in hand. In this regard, the gripping edge angle θ which is the internal angle formed between the upper flank portion 2231 and the lower flank portion 2232 is preferably less than 160°, more preferably between 120° and 150°, and more preferably between 135° and 145°.

[0079] The gripping edge 2233 is preferably straight. Advantageously, the lower edge 222 can extend along a straight line, just as the upper edge 221 extends along a straight line.

[0080] It may be provided that the upper flank portion 2231 and the lower flank portion 2232 are curved with a concavity facing the inside of the handle. Preferably, neither the upper flank portion 2231 nor the lower flank portion 2232 has an inflection point. Such a geometry makes it possible to provide a handle 2 with a soft and pleasant design for gripping, the gripping edge 2233 making it possible to stabilize the handle 2 in the user's hand.

[0081] According to an additional preferred but not mandatory design, taken alone or in combination with the other proposed designs, the main gripping portion 200 of the handle 2 has a shape having a longitudinal flare extending from the joining portion 100 in the longitudinal plane and defined by a longitudinal flare angle a formed between the lower edge 2232 and the upper edge 2231, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0082] Preferably, the longitudinal flare angle a has a fixed value which is between 3° and 8°. More preferably, the longitudinal flare angle a has a fixed value between 3.5° and 5.5°. The longitudinal flare angle a has, for example, a value of the order of 4.5°.

[0083] Such a longitudinal flaring of the handle 2 is particularly advantageous since it helps to hold the knife in the hand during use. In particular, when the user cuts food with a translational movement in the longitudinal direction L, then the longitudinal flaring prevents the hand from slipping relative to the handle, in particular for a backward translation, that is to say in the direction of the blade towards the handle.

[0084] In addition, the particular longitudinal flare that is proposed guarantees the user a comfortable grip of the knife. The sensation of the user's hand on the handle 2 is not in fact disturbed by an aggressive geometry and / or additional elements to the handle which would have the objective of helping to maintain the hand on the handle.

[0085] Finally, such a longitudinal flare allows all the fingers of the hand to be mobilized when the user grips the knife, in particular the fingers intended to be furthest from the blade (ring finger, little finger), especially in the case where the upper edge of the main gripping portion is aligned with the back of the blade. Furthermore, the lower force exerted by the distant fingers is compensated by the fact that the handle height is greater (due to the longitudinal flare angle a), which makes it possible to guarantee a uniform grip, regardless of the finger considered.

[0086] According to a preferred but not mandatory additional design, taken alone or in combination with the other proposed designs, the main gripping portion 200 of the handle 2 has a shape having a transverse flare extending from the joining portion 100 and defined by a transverse flare angle P formed between the two gripping edges 2233 of the flanks of the main gripping portion 200 of the handle 2.

[0087] Preferably, the transverse flare angle P has a fixed value between 1° and 5°. More preferably, the transverse flare angle P has a fixed value between 1.5° and 4°, preferably a fixed value between 2° and 3°.

[0088] Such a transverse flare of the handle 2 is particularly advantageous since it helps to hold the knife in the hand during use. In particular, when the user cuts food with a translational movement in the longitudinal direction L, then the transverse flare prevents the hand from slipping relative to the handle, in particular for a backward translation, that is to say in the direction of the blade towards the handle.

[0089] In addition, the particular transverse flare that is proposed guarantees the user a comfortable grip of the knife. The sensation of the user's hand on the handle 2 is not in fact disturbed by an aggressive geometry and / or additional elements to the handle which would have the objective of helping to maintain the hand on the handle.

[0090] As with longitudinal flaring, such transverse flaring allows all the fingers of the hand to be mobilized when the user grips the knife, in particular the fingers intended to be furthest from the blade (ring finger, little finger). Furthermore, the lower force exerted by the distant fingers is compensated by the fact that the handle height is greater (due to the transverse flaring angle P), which ensures a uniform grip, regardless of the finger considered.

[0091] According to a specific example, the transverse flare angle P is different from the longitudinal flare angle a where applicable. Thus, a kind of asymmetry is created in the geometry of the handle which makes it possible to strengthen the grip by the user, and to reinforce the blocking function of the hand during a translational movement of the knife in the longitudinal direction L. In addition, this asymmetry makes it possible to prevent the knife from rotating in the hand around its longitudinal axis.

[0092] The handle height of the main gripping portion 200 at the connection with the joining portion 100 preferably has a value between 17 mm and 22 mm, preferably a value between 18 mm and 21 mm, more preferably of the order of 20 mm.

[0093] Junction portion

[0094] Just like the handle 2 in general, the joining portion 100 comprises an upper joining edge 121 extending substantially in the extension of the blade back 11 in the longitudinal plane, the upper joining edge 121 connecting the blade back 11 to the upper edge 221 of the main gripping portion 200.

[0095] The joining portion 100 further comprises a lower joining edge 122 extending in the longitudinal plane and opposite the upper joining edge 121, the lower joining edge 122 connecting the proximal end of the blade to the lower edge 222 of the main gripping portion 200.

[0096] Furthermore, the junction portion 100 comprises two junction flanks 123 respectively on either side of the longitudinal plane and extending between the upper junction edge 121 and the lower junction edge 122.

[0097] The junction portion 100 is commonly called a miter in dedicated language.

[0098] According to a preferred but not mandatory design, each junction flank 123 is formed of an upper junction flank portion 1231 connected to the upper junction edge 121 and a lower junction flank portion 1232 connected to the lower junction edge 122.

[0099] More preferably, the upper joining flank portion 1231 is connected to the lower joining flank portion 1232 by means of a joining gripping edge 1233 projecting transversely and constituting the outermost area of ​​the joining flank transversely relative to the longitudinal plane.

[0100] The joining gripping edge 1233 is preferably positioned specifically to fit within the user's interphalangeal line, more specifically within the interphalangeal line of the thumb and / or index finger.

[0101] In this regard and with reference to FIG. 9, the junction height HJ is defined as the distance in the longitudinal plane between the lower junction edge 122 and the upper junction edge 121 at a given position in the longitudinal direction L.

[0102] Still with reference to Figure 9, the lower junction arrow FiJ is further defined as the distance in the longitudinal plane between the lower junction edge 122 and the projection of the junction gripping edge 1233 in the longitudinal plane at a given position in the longitudinal direction L. The upper junction arrow FsJ corresponds to the distance in the longitudinal plane between the upper junction edge 121 and the projection of the junction gripping edge 1233 in the longitudinal plane at a given position in the longitudinal direction L.

[0103] According to an advantageous and preferred embodiment, the junction portion 100 is specifically formed so that the positioning of the junction gripping edge 1233 is such that the ratio between the lower junction deflection FiJ and the junction height HJ is decreasing in the longitudinal direction L starting from the blade 1 towards the main gripping portion 200.

[0104] Preferably, the ratio between the lower junction deflection FiJ and the junction height HJ has a maximum value of between 35% and 55%, preferably a maximum value of between 45% and 50%. This maximum value of the ratio corresponds to the end point of the junction gripping edge 1233 which is on the blade side, i.e. in the front part of the junction portion 100.

[0105] Furthermore, the ratio between the lower junction arrow FiJ and the junction height HJ has a minimum value equal to the value of the ratio between the lower arrow Fi and the handle height H of the main gripping portion 200. Indeed, this minimum value of the ratio is found at the other end point of the junction gripping edge 1233 which is on the side of the main gripping portion 200.

[0106] Thus, the joining gripping edge 1233 and the gripping edge 2233 form a continuous line at the connection area between the joining portion 100 and the main gripping portion 200. This ensures a good gripping sensation for the user and the function of the gripping edge is maintained regardless of the portion of the handle 2 considered.

[0107] Each joining gripping edge 1233 is preferably curved, and may include an inflection point at which a change in concavity is present.

[0108] The inflection point is rather placed in the rear part of the joining portion 100, that is to say on the side of the main gripping portion 200. For example, the projection of the inflection point in the longitudinal plane is at a distance from the main gripping portion of between 5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 9 mm. As for the gripping edge 2233 of the main gripping portion 200, the joining gripping edge 1233 makes it possible on the one hand to secure the user's grip of the knife because it prevents the handle from rotating on itself in the user's hand.

[0109] Furthermore, the joining gripping edge 1233 also makes it easier for a user to cut food in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the blade. Due to the decrease in the ratio between the lower joining deflection FiJ and the joining height HJ, the joining gripping edge 1233 is inclined relative to the gripping edge 2233, which creates opposition when cutting is carried out in the longitudinal direction L of the knife. This phenomenon is accentuated when the joining gripping edge 1233 has a curved shape, in particular with an inflection point. Thanks to the joining gripping edge 1233, cutting is made easier and the user's hand is better held in place because it does not slip.

[0110] Preferably, the junction gripping edge 1233 is sufficiently protruding to fit well into the interphalangeal fold when a user takes the knife in hand. In this regard, the junction gripping edge angle θJ which is the internal angle formed between the upper junction flank portion 1231 and the lower junction flank portion 1232 is preferably less than 160°, more preferably between 120° and 150°, and more preferably between 135° and 145°.

[0111] According to an additional preferred but not mandatory design, taken alone or in combination with the other proposed designs, the joining portion 100 of the handle 2 has a shape having a longitudinal flare extending from the blade in the longitudinal plane and defined by a joining longitudinal flare angle aJ formed between the lower joining edge 122 and the upper joining edge 121, the joining longitudinal flare angle aJ, as illustrated in Figure 8.

[0112] Preferably, the longitudinal junction flare angle aJ has a fixed value which is between 15° and 20°.

[0113] In addition to the advantages mentioned above concerning the longitudinal flare of the handle 2, this longitudinal flare specifically provided at the gripping portion 100 is particularly advantageous since it makes it possible to guarantee that the knife is held in the hand during use, and in particular prevents slipping, in particular when the user has a knife grip very close to the blade, for example a pincer grip. According to an additional preferred but not mandatory design, taken alone or in combination with the other proposed designs, the joining portion 100 of the handle 2 has a shape having a transverse flare extending from the blade and defined by a joining transverse flare angle 0J formed between the two joining gripping edges 1233 of the joining portion of the handle.

[0114] Preferably, the transverse junction flare angle 0J has a fixed value between 15° and 20°.

[0115] According to a specific example, the transverse junction flare angle 0J is different from the longitudinal junction flare angle aJ where applicable. Thus, a sort of asymmetry is created in the geometry of the handle which makes it possible to strengthen the user's grip, and to reinforce the hand blocking function during a translational movement of the knife in the longitudinal direction L.

[0116] The upper joining edge 121 extends along a straight line since it is in the extension of the back of the blade 11. It should be noted that the upper joining edge 121 of the joining portion 100 and the upper edge 221 of the main gripping portion 200 form a single straight line which extends the back of the blade 11.

[0117] The lower joining edge 122 extends along a curve. Preferably, the lower joining edge 122 has an edge inflection point at which a change in concavity is present.

[0118] The curvature of the lower junction edge 122 combined with the junction flanks 123 form a recession provided in particular for the positioning of the index.

[0119] This recession can for example be positioned as follows: it originates from the proximal portion 13 (or heel) of the blade, gradually thickening towards the main gripping portion 200 and gradually joins this main gripping portion 200. In this way, the lower joining edge 122 prevents the back of the index finger from being injured against the heel of the blade 1 when the hand moves the knife forward.

[0120] The cross-section of this recession may, according to a preferred embodiment, comprise 3 distinct zones which are connected to each other by a tangency so as not to create an edge which could injure the index finger.

[0121] The central area corresponding to the lower junction edge 122 has a large radius of curvature which will reduce as it advances towards the heel, the width of this area is such that it allows the knife to balance on its own when it is placed in the distal interphalangeal joint. That is to say that once the index finger is in position in the recession zone, the knife does not tilt to the left or to the right.

[0122] The lateral zones corresponding to the junction flanks 123 become thinner as they join the blade 1, allowing the index finger to bend naturally around the shape, respecting the shape of the interphalangeal fold.

[0123] The cross section of the recession is therefore broken down into the part corresponding to the lower junction edge 122 from which the junction flanks 123 extend on either side, with in particular a change in curvature between the elements.

[0124] The fact that the cross-section of this recession is neither round nor elliptical allows an immediate sensation of lateral balance of the knife in the hand, which has the advantage of reassuring the user about the correct position of his hand and fingers on the front of the knife. A classic bolster with a lower area having a round or elliptical shape will turn more easily in the hand and a prismatic bolster will be less comfortable to use.

[0125] Preferably, the knife is formed so that the center of gravity of the knife is in the joining portion, in particular at the level of the recess area, i.e. the area where the joining height HJ of the joining portion has its minimum value.

[0126] Preferably, the junction height HJ of the junction portion 100 has a minimum value of between 14 mm and 18 mm, preferably of between 15 mm and 16 mm.

[0127] End portion

[0128] Just like the handle 2 in general, the end portion 300 comprises an upper end edge 321 extending substantially in the extension of the blade back 11 in the longitudinal plane, the upper end edge 321 being connected to the upper edge 221 of the main gripping portion 200.

[0129] The end portion 300 further comprises a lower end edge 322 extending in the longitudinal plane and opposite the upper end edge 321, the lower end edge being connected to the lower edge 222 of the main gripping portion 200.

[0130] Furthermore, the end portion 300 comprises two end flanks 323 respectively on either side of the longitudinal plane and extending between the upper end edge 321 and the lower end edge 322. According to a preferred but not mandatory design, each end flank 323 is formed of an upper end flank portion 3231 connected to the upper end edge 321 and a lower end flank portion 3232 connected to the lower end edge 322.

[0131] More preferably, the upper end flank portion 3231 is connected to the lower end flank portion 3232 by means of an end gripping edge 3233 projecting transversely and constituting the outermost end flank area transversely relative to the longitudinal plane.

[0132] The end gripping edge 3233 is preferably specifically positioned to fit within the user's interphalangeal line.

[0133] In this regard and with reference to FIG. 11, the end height HE is defined as the distance in the longitudinal plane between the lower end edge 322 and the upper end edge 321 at a given position along the longitudinal direction L.

[0134] Still with reference to FIG. 11, the lower end arrow FiE is further defined as the distance in the longitudinal plane between the lower end edge 322 and the projection of the end gripping edge 3233 in the longitudinal plane at a given position in the longitudinal direction L. The upper end arrow FsE corresponds to the distance in the longitudinal plane between the upper end edge 321 and the projection of the end gripping edge 3233 in the longitudinal plane at a given position in the longitudinal direction L.

[0135] According to an advantageous and preferred embodiment, the end portion 300 is specifically formed so that the positioning of the end gripping edge 3233 is such that the ratio between the lower end deflection FiE and the end height HE is decreasing in the longitudinal direction L starting from a free end of the end portion 300 towards the main gripping portion 200.

[0136] Preferably, the ratio between the lower end deflection FiE and the end height HE has a minimum value between 0% and 10%, preferably a minimum value between 2% and 5%.

[0137] Furthermore, the ratio between the lower end deflection FiE and the end height HE has a maximum value equal to the value of the ratio between the lower deflection Fi and the height H of the main gripping portion 200.

[0138] Thus, the end gripping edge 3233 and the gripping edge 2233 form a continuous line at the connection area between the end portion 300 and the main gripping portion 200. This ensures a good grip feeling for the user and the function of the gripping edge is maintained regardless of the portion of the handle 2 considered.

[0139] Each end gripping edge 3233 is curved and has no inflection point.

[0140] As with the gripping edge 2233 of the main gripping portion 200, the end gripping edge 3233 makes it possible, on the one hand, to secure the user's grip on the knife because it prevents the handle from rotating on itself in the user's hand.

[0141] Due to the decrease in the ratio between the lower end deflection FiE and the end height HE, the end gripping edge 3233 is inclined relative to the gripping edge 2233, which creates an opposition when cutting is carried out in the longitudinal direction L of the knife. This phenomenon is accentuated when the end gripping edge 3233 has a curved shape. Thanks to the end gripping edge 3233, cutting is facilitated and the user's hand is better held in place because it does not slip.

[0142] Preferably, the end gripping edge 3233 is sufficiently protruding to fit well into the interphalangeal fold when a user takes the knife in hand. In this regard, the end gripping edge angle θE which is the internal angle formed between the upper end flank portion 3231 and the lower end flank portion 3232 is preferably less than 160°, more preferably between 120° and 150°, and more preferably between 135° and 145°.

[0143] The upper end edge 321 extends along a straight line since it is in the extension of the back of the blade 11. It should be noted that the upper end edge 321 of the end portion 300 and the upper edge 221 of the main gripping portion 200 form a single straight line which extends the back of the blade 11.

[0144] The lower end edge 322 may extend along a curve. Preferably, the lower end edge 322 has no inflection point.

[0145] Gorges

[0146] According to an additional preferred but not mandatory design, taken alone or in combination with the other proposed designs, the handle 2 comprises a plurality of grooves 400 provided on at least one of the handle flanks 23. Preferably, the grooves 400 are distinct from one another, the plurality of grooves 400 comprising a reference groove 410 positioned closest to the blade and the other grooves 400 being arranged next to one another from the reference groove 410 along the handle 2 towards a free end of the handle 2 opposite the blade 1.

[0147] Each groove 400 extends over a certain length and may be straight as in the example knife illustrated in Figures 12 to 17, or curved as in the example knife illustrated in Figures 18 to 21. It should be noted that a specific handle design with straight grooves and other curved grooves could be envisaged.

[0148] Each groove 400 has a certain width and a certain depth from the surface of the corresponding handle flank 23.

[0149] The groove 400 generally has a fixed width, as in the case of a straight groove, but could also have a variable width, in particular for a curved groove. In any case, a maximum width of the groove 400 can be defined, taken at the level of the surface of the handle flank.

[0150] The maximum width has a value of at least 2 mm, and is preferably at most equal to 10 mm.

[0151] Each groove 400 may have a different profile, but the grooves 400 generally have an indicated profile, the profile of a groove 400 is defined in particular with respect to its cross-section. Such a cross-section may for example have a rectangular shape, or an arc of a circle, or an arc of an ellipse.

[0152] Each groove 400 also has a maximum depth, this maximum depth being at least equal to 0.2 mm. More preferably, the maximum depth is not greater than 1 mm.

[0153] Furthermore, the maximum depth is at most equal to one third of the maximum width defined above.

[0154] Preferably, the maximum depth has a value between 5% and 12% of the value of the maximum width, preferably between 6% and 11%, for example of the order of 10%.

[0155] For example, the maximum width is between 2.5 mm and 6.5 mm, preferably between 3.5 mm and 5 mm, and the maximum depth is between 0.25 mm and 0.5 mm, preferably between 0.35 mm and 0.45 mm.

[0156] For each groove 400 of the handle, an average direction of extension 401 can be defined. Such an average direction of extension is more specifically defined as the straight line passing through the middle of each of the sides forming the ends of the groove 400 considered.

[0157] RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP The average extension directions 401 of each groove 400 have been shown in dotted lines in Figure 16 for an example of handles with straight grooves, and in Figure 21 for an example of handles with curved grooves.

[0158] The orientation of each of the grooves 400 can be defined using this average direction of extension 401. In this regard, we consider in particular the groove angle y corresponding to the angle formed between the projection in the longitudinal plane of the average direction of extension 401 and the longitudinal direction L.

[0159] The arrangement of the different grooves 400 can be defined relative to the reference groove 410. Such a reference groove 410 is oriented according to a reference groove angle yR which is preferably between 0° and 10°. Preferably, the reference groove angle yR is between 2° and 6°.

[0160] Each subsequent groove 400 of the plurality of grooves has a groove angle y greater than the reference groove angle yR, the respective groove angles y of two adjacent grooves 400 being different.

[0161] Preferably, the respective groove angles y of two adjacent grooves 400 differ by an angle of at least 1°, and preferably an angle of between 4° and 8°, more preferably an angle of between 5° and 7°.

[0162] According to a first possible arrangement of the grooves 400, each groove 400 of the plurality of grooves has, in the direction going from the reference groove 410 towards the free end of the handle 2, a groove angle y greater than the groove angle y of the preceding grooves. In other words, the further a groove 400 is from the reference groove 410 in the direction going towards the free end of the handle 2, the greater the corresponding groove angle y.

[0163] According to a second possible arrangement of the grooves 400, the groove angle y of the plurality of grooves 400 first increases relative to the reference groove angle yR as the corresponding groove moves away from the reference groove 410, then decreases upon reaching the free end of the handle 2. The examples of handles in FIGS. 12 to 16 and FIGS. 17 to 21 correspond to this particular arrangement.

[0164] The use of grooves 400 with the specific geometry, orientation and arrangement proposed is particularly advantageous since it makes it possible to reinforce the adhesion of the user's hand to the knife, which improves the grip on the one hand and facilitates cutting while guaranteeing the safety of the user, in particular preventing the hand from slipping relative to the handle. The shape and orientation of the grooves 400 in particular allows the hand to properly fit the external shape of the handle, and increases the contact surface with the surface of the hand.

[0165] The specific orientation of the grooves 400 also has the particular advantage of creating areas that oppose the movement imparted by the user with his hand when cutting food.

[0166] Specifically, the grooves 400 which are placed on the front side of the handle 2, that is to say on the blade side, have an orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L, or slightly inclined relative to the longitudinal direction L. These grooves 400 thus make it possible to facilitate the cutting of food by a user in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the blade. It should be noted that such cuts are generally made from the front of the handle, that is to say towards the joining portion.

[0167] Moving away from the blade 1, the grooves 400 will tend to straighten up to have a more marked inclination relative to the longitudinal direction L, for example with angles of the order of 25° or more, which gives the corresponding grooves 400 an additional advantage, namely to promote the cutting of food by a user in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the blade, but also in a translation direction along the longitudinal direction L.

[0168] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, and as shown in figures 17 to 21, a first part of the grooves 400 are curved with a concavity oriented towards the side of the upper handle edge 21 and a second part of the grooves 400 of the plurality of grooves are curved with a concavity oriented towards the side of the lower handle edge 22.

[0169] The first part of the grooves 400 having a concavity oriented towards the side of the upper handle edge 21 are preferably arranged together, on the front side of the handle, that is to say close to the blade 1.

[0170] The second part of the grooves 400 having a concavity oriented towards the side of the lower handle edge 22 are also preferably arranged together, on the rear side of the handle, that is to say close to the free end of the handle 2.

[0171] The fact that the grooves 400 have such a change in concavity makes it possible to further promote cutting, particularly during translational cutting along the longitudinal direction L. Indeed, during such a cut going towards the rear of the knife (i.e. in the direction from the blade to the handle), then the force exerted by the hand is rather concentrated towards the front of the handle 2, and the concavity of the grooves 400 positioned at the front of the handle 2 thus promotes cooperation between the hand and the handle during cutting. Conversely, during translational cutting going towards the front of the knife (i.e. in the direction from the handle to the blade), then the force exerted by the hand is rather concentrated towards the middle or rear of the handle 2, and the concavity of the grooves 400 positioned at the rear of the handle 2 thus promotes cooperation between the hand and the handle during cutting.

[0172] The grooves could be provided on only one of the two sides of the handle. However, it is preferred that each handle flank comprises a plurality of grooves. In this case, it is preferable that the grooves 400 of one of the handle flanks 23 are symmetrical to the grooves 400 of the other of the handle flanks 23 with respect to the longitudinal plane. This makes it possible in particular to provide an ambidextrous knife, which can be used with both the right and left hand.

[0173] It should be recalled that this particular design with the provision of grooves 400 provided on the sides of the handle 2, can be combined with one or more of the designs previously described, in particular the proposed longitudinal flaring, the proposed transverse flaring, and the formation of a specific gripping edge.

[0174] In the case where the handle 2 comprises a gripping edge 233 separating the upper handle flank portion 231 from the lower handle flank portion 232, then the grooves are preferably provided in the upper handle flank portion 231 of the corresponding handle flank 23.

[0175] General dimensions and shape of the knife

[0176] One of the advantages of the proposed knife is that its design is based on principles that are adaptable to all sizes and shapes of knife.

[0177] The design principles described are particularly applicable to both small and large knives.

[0178] In the culinary field, small knives are, for example, paring knives or paring knives, and large knives are, for example, chef's knives, santoku knives, bread knives, or slicing knives.

[0179] The example knife illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 corresponds to a chef's type knife, in which several combined design parameters among those described above have been applied, namely the proposed longitudinal flare, the proposed transverse flare, and the formation of a specific gripping edge.

[0180] The example knife illustrated in Figures 12 to 15 also corresponds to a chef's type knife, in which several combined design parameters among those described above have been applied, namely the proposed longitudinal flare, the proposed transverse flare, the formation of a specific gripping edge, and the provision of grooves, these grooves being straight.

[0181] The example knife illustrated in Figures 17 to 20 also corresponds to a chef's type knife, in which several combined design parameters among those described above have been applied, namely the proposed longitudinal flare, the proposed transverse flare, the formation of a specific gripping edge, and the provision of grooves, these grooves being curved.

[0182] Digital references

[0183] 1 blade

[0184] 11 blade backs

[0185] 12 blade wire

[0186] 13 distal end

[0187] 14 proximal end

[0188] 2 handles

[0189] 21 top handle slice

[0190] 22 lower handle slice

[0191] 23 handle flank

[0192] 231 portion of upper handle flank

[0193] 232 lower handle flank portion

[0194] 233 handle gripping edge

[0195] 100 junction portion

[0196] 121 upper junction slice

[0197] 122 lower junction slice

[0198] 123 junction flank

[0199] 1231 upper junction flank portion

[0200] 1232 lower junction flank portion

[0201] 1233 junction gripping edge

[0202] 200 main portion of grip

[0203] 221 upper slice

[0204] 222 lower slice

[0205] 223 flank

[0206] 2231 upper flank portion 2232 lower flank portion

[0207] 2233 gripping edge

[0208] 300 end portion 321 upper end slice

[0209] 322 lower end slice

[0210] 323 end flank

[0211] 3231 upper end flank portion

[0212] 3232 lower end flank portion 3233 end gripping edge

[0213] 400 gorges

[0214] 410 reference throat

[0215] 401 medium extension direction

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Knife, including - a blade (1) having a blade back (11) and a cutting blade edge (12) opposite the blade back (11), the blade (1) extending in a longitudinal plane in a longitudinal direction (L) between a distal end (13) and a proximal end (14), - a handle (2) extending from the proximal end (14) of the blade (1) in the longitudinal direction (L), the handle (2) being connected to the proximal end (14) of the blade (1) and having an upper handle edge (21) extending substantially in the extension of the blade back (11) in the longitudinal plane, a lower handle edge (22) extending in the longitudinal plane and opposite the upper handle edge (21), two handle flanks (23) respectively on either side of the longitudinal plane and extending between the upper handle edge (21) and the lower handle edge (22), wherein the handle (2) comprises a plurality of grooves (400) provided on at least one of the handle flanks (23), the grooves (400) being distinct from each other,with a reference groove (410) positioned closest to the blade (1) and the other grooves (400) being arranged next to each other from the reference groove (410) along the handle (2) towards a free end of the handle (2) opposite the blade (1), each groove (400) having a mean direction of extension (410) whose projection in the longitudinal plane forms with the longitudinal direction (L) a groove angle y, the reference groove (410) being oriented according to a reference groove angle yR of between 0° and 10°, each subsequent groove (400) of the plurality of grooves (400) having a groove angle y greater than the reference groove angle yR, the respective groove angles y of two adjacent grooves (400) being different., 2. Knife according to claim 1, wherein, in the direction from the reference groove (410) towards the free end of the handle (2), each groove (400) of the plurality of grooves (400) has a groove angle y greater than the groove angle y of the preceding grooves (400).

3. A knife according to claim 2, wherein the groove angle y of the plurality of grooves (400) is first increasing relative to the reference groove angle yR as as the corresponding groove (400) moves away from the reference groove (410), then decreasing when reaching the free end of the handle (2).

4. Knife according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the respective groove angles y of two adjacent grooves (400) differ by an angle of at least 1°, and preferably an angle of between 4° and 8°, more preferably an angle of between 5° and 7°.

5. A knife according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein all or part of the grooves (400) of the plurality of grooves (400) extend in a curve.

6. A knife according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a portion of the grooves (400) of the plurality of grooves (400) are curved with a concavity oriented toward the side of the upper handle edge (21) and another portion of the grooves (400) of the plurality of grooves (400) are curved with a concavity oriented toward the side of the lower handle edge (22).

7. Knife according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which each groove (400) is defined by a maximum width at the surface of the handle flank (23) and a maximum depth, the maximum depth being at least equal to 0.2 mm, and preferably at most equal to a third of the maximum width.

8. Knife according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each groove (400) is defined by a maximum width at the surface of the handle flank (23) and a maximum depth, the maximum depth having a value between 5% and 12% of the value of the maximum width, preferably between 6% and 11% of the value of the maximum width.

9. Knife according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in which each groove (400) has a cross-section having a rectangular, or circular arc, or elliptical arc shape.

10. Knife according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each handle flank (23) is formed of an upper handle flank portion (231) connected to the upper handle edge (21) and a lower handle flank portion (232) connected to the lower handle edge (22), the portion upper handle flank portion (231) being connected to the lower handle flank portion (232) via a handle gripping edge (233) projecting transversely and constituting the outermost handle flank area transversely to the longitudinal plane, and wherein the plurality of grooves (400) are provided in the upper handle flank portion (231) of the corresponding handle flank (23).

11. A knife according to claim 10, wherein the handle gripping edge (233) is closer to the lower handle edge (22) than to the upper handle edge (21).

12. Knife according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the handle (2) has a joining portion (100) connected to the proximal end (14) of the blade (1), and a main gripping portion (200) extending from the joining portion (100), the main gripping portion (200) having an upper edge (221) extending substantially in the extension of the blade back (11) in the longitudinal plane, a lower edge (222) extending in the longitudinal plane and opposite the upper edge (221), two flanks (231) respectively on either side of the longitudinal plane and extending between the upper edge (221) and the lower edge (222), each flank being formed of an upper flank portion (2231) connected to the upper edge (221) and a lower flank portion (2232) connected to the lower edge (222),the upper flank portion (2231) being connected to the lower flank portion (2232) by means of a gripping edge (2233) projecting transversely and constituting the outermost flank area transversely relative to the longitudinal plane, wherein the main gripping portion (200) of the handle (2) has a shape having a longitudinal flare extending from the joining portion (100) in the longitudinal plane and defined by a longitudinal flare angle a formed between the lower edge (222) and the upper edge (221), the longitudinal flare angle a having a fixed value of between 3° and 8°, and wherein grooves (400) are provided in the upper flank portion (2231) of the corresponding flank., 13. Knife according to claim 12, wherein the main gripping portion (200) of the handle (2) has a shape having a transverse flare extending from the joining portion (100) and defined by a transverse flare angle P formed between the two gripping edges of the flanks (231) of the main gripping portion (200) of the handle (2), the transverse flare angle P having a fixed value between 1° and 5°.

14. Knife according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein each handle flank (23) comprises a plurality of grooves (400), the grooves (400) of one of the handle flanks (23) being symmetrical to the grooves (400) of the other of the handle flanks (23) relative to the longitudinal plane.

15. Knife according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it is in one piece.

Images