Ergonomic handle of a hand tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a handle (2) comprising a gripping surface (21) and an ergonomic device (22) a rear portion (222) of which is integral with a free end (211) of the gripping surface (21), and a front portion (221) of said ergonomic device (22) being intended to accommodate a functional tip (11) of the hand tool (1), the ergonomic device (22) extending over each lateral surface (223) and comprising, on each of these surfaces, a textured structure (224) configured to increase grip and limit slippage, the textured structure (224) comprising, symmetrically on each lateral surface (223), a depression forming a concave surface (2241) along the transverse axis (Y) and a guard (2242) forming an edge that projects from the depression, the guard (2242) being arranged exclusively along a front edge (2246) of depression,without extending over an upper (2244) and a lower (2243) edge of the depression. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Ergonomic handle for a hand tool

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of hand tools, that is to say those that can be manipulated with one hand in all fields of application, and more particularly in the household field, especially in the kitchen, or even in the field of personal care practiced with the aid of such a hand tool.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to an ergonomic handle for such a hand tool, such that such an ergonomic handle facilitates the positioning of the thumb and forefinger on the handle. More specifically, the invention aims to facilitate and optimize the grip of such a handle between the thumb and forefinger at one of the front ends of the handle. This grip is particularly valued in various fields of application because it allows the handle—and ultimately the corresponding hand tool—to be manipulated with force and / or precision.

[0003] Consequently, although not exhaustively, the present invention relates particularly to hand tools and the handles of such hand tools designed specifically for children. Indeed, one of the objects of the invention is to enable children—typically those between the ages of 3 and 8—to use these hand tools in the same way that an adult would use them later. Thus, unlike many hand tools designed specifically for children, which offer different ergonomics than those for adults by providing a grip adapted to the abilities and development of children, the invention proposes to develop a particular ergonomic design for the handle in order to lead children to grasp it in the same way as an adult.The aim is therefore to promote gestural mimicry and to teach children from a very young age to handle these hand tools in a way similar to their parents.

[0004] In the state of the art, we know of many hand tools which aim to improve their ergonomics, that is to say to facilitate their handling, or even to encourage an optimal grip for a given use.

[0005] In this regard, we know in particular of document FR3009941 B1, which describes a vegetable peeler and a tool for cutting dough. This hand tool has, at one end of the handle located near a functional end piece, i.e., the peeler blade or the cutter wheel, a gripping device that improves the grip on the handle by allowing the index finger or thumb of the hand holding the tool to pass through the gripping device. More specifically, such a hand tool has an opening a through-hole which opens completely on each of the lateral faces of the hand tool, the opening being delimited by a ring attached to the handle on one side and holding the functional tip on the other side.

[0006] The drawback of such a tool described in FR3009941 B1 is that it is not suitable for children and is limited to a certain type of hand tool. Furthermore, passing a finger through the ring does not guarantee great precision of movement because the finger, especially a child's, can slip and move within the ring forming the gripping device. In addition, such a gripping device does not allow the handle to be grasped between the thumb and forefinger.

[0007] US patent 6502314 B1 is also known, describing a knife with several grooves in the handle at the proximal end of the blade to accommodate a finger. While the advantage of the knife described in this patent is that it allows for several different grips thanks to the various grooves in the handle, the major drawback is that the knife cannot be used by both right- and left-handed users. Conversely, the asymmetrical orientation of the grooves on each of the two lateral faces of the handle makes this knife suitable for right-handed users only, as a left-handed knife would have to be designed in reverse. Thus, the ergonomic principles developed in this knife handle are not reversible and make the industrial production of the knife less efficient and less profitable.

[0008] In addition, the knife described in document US6502314 B1 is not suitable for children because the grooves on either side of the handle seem inaccessible for small hands.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a new handle for a hand tool in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages as well.

[0010] Another aim of the invention is to provide an ergonomic handle that makes it easier for children to grip between their thumb and forefinger.

[0011] Another objective of the invention is to provide an ergonomic handle that can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people, depending on the grip between the thumb and forefinger.

[0012] Another objective of the invention is to provide an economical handle.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a handle of a hand tool, the handle comprising:

[0014] - a longitudinal elongation gripping reach configured to allow a grasped between the palm and the back fingers of the hand;

[0015] - an ergonomic device, the rear part of which is fixed to one end free from the grasping range forming the handle, and of which a front part of said The ergonomic device is designed to accommodate a functional end piece of the hand tool. The ergonomic device has lateral surfaces, each with a textured structure to facilitate gripping the handle between a thumb and forefinger. The textured structure has the same features on each lateral surface:

[0016] - a depression forming a concave surface intended to accommodate the thumb or the index;

[0017] - a guard forming a projecting edge of the depression, the guard being arranged on the front side of the ergonomic device, in front of the depression and extending only along a front edge of the depression without extending over an upper and lower edge of the depression.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis are defined with respect to the handle conforming to the first aspect of the invention. More particularly, the longitudinal axis is understood as being taken along a straight line of elongation of the handle, that is to say, along its longest dimension. The longitudinal axis extends between a rear face of the handle and a front face intended to accommodate a functional end piece, such as, for example, the blade of a knife. The adjectives front, front, and rear refer to this longitudinal axis. Furthermore, the transverse axis is understood as a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, taken between two lateral faces of the handle. The adjectives lateral, right, or left refer to such a transverse axis. Finally, the vertical axis is understood as being taken along an axis that extends between a lower face and an upper face of the handle.The lower face is that which is located on the cutting edge side of a knife blade when the handle according to the invention is associated with such a blade, for example; and the upper face is that which is associated with the back of the blade when the handle according to the invention is associated with such a blade, for example. The vertical axis is simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis and to the longitudinal axis. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper, refer to this vertical axis.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the gripping area has a generally cylindrical shape, although not strictly delimited by a cylinder in the sense of the invention. The gripping area forms a closed surface, having a circular, ovoid, or polygonal transverse profile, which is stretched along the longitudinal axis. The shape of the closed surface delimiting the handle can vary along the longitudinal axis. The gripping area thus allows the handle to be grasped with the back fingers of the hand, that is to say, to form a grip between the palm on one side, and the little, ring, and middle fingers on the other. The gripping area is delimited, at the rear, by a rear end and, at the front, by a free end configured to cooperate with the ergonomic device.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the ergonomic device facilitates gripping of the handle between the thumb and forefinger. More specifically, the ergonomic device defines specific support surfaces for the thumb and forefinger along the handle.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the textured structure extends over each of the lateral surfaces of the ergonomic device. Thus, the handle according to the invention comprises a first textured structure located on the right side of the handle and its ergonomic device, and a second textured structure located on the left side of the handle and its ergonomic device. Each textured structure thus provides a support area for the thumb and index finger, respectively, on each of the two lateral surfaces. The textured structure is configured to improve grip on the handle, and more particularly the support of the thumb or index finger against said textured structure. In other words, the textured structure is configured to facilitate support and limit slippage of the thumb or index finger against the ergonomic device, on each of the lateral faces of the handle according to the invention.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, the depression in the textured structure forms the area of ​​the ergonomic device designed to accommodate the thumb or index finger when gripping the handle. The concave shape of the depression facilitates localization and promotes a strong and secure grip.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the guard forms a means of retaining the finger—the thumb or index finger—pressed against the textured structure. To this end, the guard extends slightly above the depression to prevent the finger from slipping forward on the handle. Thus, the guard extends exclusively along the front edge of the depression. The guard does not extend along the upper and lower edges of the depression to facilitate the positioning of the thumb and index finger in either a right- or left-handed configuration.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, the functional tip is not part of the handle according to the first aspect of the invention. The functional tip is intended to be combined with the handle to form a hand tool. The functional tip is intended to be securely attached to the handle according to the invention, and more particularly at the ergonomic device.

[0025] Thus, the handle conforming to the first aspect of the invention solves the technical problem in that it facilitates the gripping of the handle between the finger and the index finger at the level of its front part, by the presence of the ergonomic device.

[0026] The handle conforming to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0027] - the ergonomic device is symmetrical with respect to a median elongation plane The textured structure extends symmetrically along the longitudinal axis of the handle, covering each lateral surface of the ergonomic device, relative to the median plane of longitudinal elongation of the handle. This advantageous configuration simplifies the handle design according to the first aspect of the invention, reduces manufacturing costs, and makes the handle easily usable by both left- and right-handed users. Thus, the ergonomic device presents an identical textured structure and guard on both sides of the handle, i.e., on each lateral face of the handle. The ergonomic device is therefore designed to allow the thumb and index finger to rest interchangeably on the handle according to the invention.

[0028] - the textured structure extends from an upper face of the handle and in the direction of the underside of the handle. Thus, the textured structure extends along the vertical axis to provide a larger support surface for the thumb or index finger. In particular, when the index finger is supported, gripping the handle between the thumb and index finger requires that the index finger be placed against the handle—and therefore against the opposite textured structure—at the level of its second phalanx for optimal grip. Therefore, extending the textured structure along the vertical axis facilitates such a grip for the index finger;

[0029] - the textured structure extends beyond the underside of the handle. In other In terms of ergonomics, the ergonomic device has an elongation along the vertical axis greater than the height of the handle's gripping reach. This advantageous configuration facilitates gripping between the thumb and forefinger and improves the ergonomics of the handle. Indeed, with such a configuration, it is easier to position the thumb and forefinger on either side of the handle on each ergonomic device. In particular, the lower edge of the textured structure has a downward offset, relative to the underside of the handle, of at least 30%, preferably between 35% and 55%, preferably also equal to or substantially equal to 45%;

[0030] - a height of the textured structure - taken between the bottom edge and the edge The upper part of the depression is greater than a certain height of the handle, measured between the upper and lower surfaces of the handle. This advantageous configuration facilitates gripping between the thumb and forefinger and improves the ergonomics of the handle. Indeed, with this configuration, the dimensions of the ergonomic device are greater than the handle's gripping reach, thus making it easier to position the thumb and forefinger on either side of the handle on each ergonomic device. In particular, the height of the textured structure is at least 10% greater than the handle height, preferably between 15% and 50%, preferably still greater than or significantly greater than 25% of the handle height;

[0031] - the ergonomic device extends outwards on both sides of the lateral faces of the handle. In other words, a width of the handle, taken at the level of the ergonomic device and along the transverse axis, is greater than that of the gripping reach, this advantageous configuration makes it easier to grip between the thumb and index finger, allowing a grip with the fingers - the thumb and index finger - more open than the back fingers which maintain the gripping reach of the handle according to the invention;

[0032] - the concave surface forming the depression has a circular or ovoid shape. In other words, the concave surface is delimited by a peripheral contour taking a circular, ovoid, or elliptical shape. This advantageous shape is particularly well-suited to the shape of the fingers—and in particular the thumb and index finger—and the way in which they are intended to grasp the handle according to the invention, at the level of its ergonomic design:

[0033] - the concave surface forming the depression has a depression - measured perpendicular to the lateral surfaces of the ergonomic device – by at least 0.5 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the concave surface forming the depression has a recess angle of at least 3°. This advantageous configuration makes the thumb and index finger resting area on each ergonomic device more clearly defined. Furthermore, this advantageous configuration makes the thumb and index finger resting on each textured structure more comfortable and provides a better grip for applying precise force with the handle;

[0034] - in a particularly advantageous manner, the concave surface has ribs or ribs. The ribs project from a base surface forming the concave surface. The grooves form channels extending from the base surface forming the concave surface. The presence of the ribs or grooves reduces or even prevents the finger – the thumb or index finger – from slipping on the textured structure, thus enhancing the ergonomics of the handle according to the invention. In particular, the height of the ribs or the depth of the grooves is less than 1 mm, preferably between X and Y mm, and preferably Z mm;

[0035] - advantageously, the ribs are of the circular or ovoid rib type, said ribs being concentric; or the grooves are of the circular or ovoid type, said grooves being concentric. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to reduce or even avoid the slippage of the finger - the thumb or index finger - on the textured structure, thus reinforcing the ergonomics of the handle according to the invention;

[0036] - the guard extends along part of a peripheral contour delimiting the surface concave, forming the depression. In particular, the guard extends along the front part of the depression following a curved contour, specifically taking the form of an arc. This advantageous configuration effectively retains the finger – thumb or index finger – on the textured structure, preventing it from slipping towards the functional end piece located further forward on the ergonomic device. Furthermore, this advantageous configuration is compatible both with the thumb positioning on one of the ergonomic devices located on one side of the handle, and with the index finger positioning on the other ergonomic device located on the other side of the handle;

[0037] - the rim forming the guard has a variable elevation relative to the depression, along the peripheral contour. In particular, the rim has a middle portion with a greater elevation than that of said rim measured at terminal portions located respectively near the lower and upper edges of the depression. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, at the middle portion, the elevation of the rim forming the guard is greater than 0.5 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2 mm. More generally, the rim forms a toroidal ridge capping the front part of the ergonomic device;

[0038] - the ergonomic device is made of a synthetic material, such as comprising plastic - preferably of the type of food-grade polypropylene - and / or silicone. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to offer an ergonomics that is both pleasant to the touch, but also has sufficient mechanical properties for the desired objective, and in particular to limit slippage on the textured structure while offering sufficient rigidity for the intended uses;

[0039] - the material forming the ergonomic device has a Shore hardness between 55A and 80A, preferably equal to or substantially equal to 65A. This advantageous configuration is particularly optimal for the applications referred to here;

[0040] - the material forming the gripping area of ​​the handle is chosen from wood, and including beech or bamboo for example, plastic or metal;

[0041] - according to a first embodiment, the ergonomic device is derived from material with the gripping reach of the handle. In the context of the present invention, "made from material" means that the ergonomic device and the gripping reach of the handle are produced from the same manufacturing process and cannot be separated from one another without one or both being wholly or partially damaged or destroyed. More generally, if the ergonomic device is made from material with the gripping reach of the handle, then they are formed from the same material and obtained during the same manufacturing process, for example by molding;

[0042] - alternatively, according to a second embodiment, the device The ergonomic device is attached to the gripping reach of the handle, with the rear part of the ergonomic device being fixed securely to the free end of the gripping reach forming the handle. In particular, and advantageously, the rear part of the ergonomic device and the free end of the gripping reach work together by means of a push-fit connection. This configuration allows the ergonomic device to be easily assembled at the end of the gripping reach;

[0043] - in order to strengthen the connection between the gripping reach and the device Ergonomically designed, the handle includes an internal reinforcement configured to work with the free end of the gripping area, with the ergonomic device overmolding the internal reinforcement. In the context of the present invention, the internal reinforcement is a structural element of the handle that increases the handle's rigidity at the ergonomic device. The ergonomic device covers the internal reinforcement. Additionally, the internal reinforcement also strengthens the connection with the functional end piece intended to be attached to the handle according to the invention. To this end, the internal reinforcement is made of a material with greater rigidity than the ergonomic device. By way of non-limiting example, the material forming the internal reinforcement is a plastic, preferably of the polypropylene type;

[0044] - the internal reinforcement comprises (i) a rear cylindrical bearing which collaborates by (ii) a joint with the free end of the handle, (ii) a front cylindrical bearing surface located at the ergonomic device, said ergonomic device covering the front cylindrical bearing surface. Consequently, the free end of the gripping surface forms a shoulder against which the rear cylindrical bearing surface of the internal reinforcement rests. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to define an axial stop of the internal reinforcement relative to the gripping surface, thus facilitating the manufacture of the handle according to the invention;

[0045] - the shoulder is oriented along a plane intersecting a transverse plane perpendicular to the elongation of the gripping reach of the handle;

[0046] - the internal reinforcement is fixed securely to the gripping area of ​​the handle by a plurality of weld points and / or by a weld bead and / or by gluing. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to strengthen the assembly and to prevent the internal reinforcement from separating from the gripping surface. In particular, the weld points and / or the weld bead and / or the gluing are located at the point of contact between the gripping surface of the handle, taken at its free end, and the rear cylindrical surface of the internal reinforcement, resting against the shoulder;

[0047] - the front cylindrical bearing surface of the internal reinforcement has two bearing faces of the ergonomic device located on either side of the median plane of longitudinal elongation of the handle, the support facets forming concave facets intended to accommodate the depressions of the ergonomic device. These support facets form force-bearing surfaces for the pressure exerted by the thumb and forefinger when gripping the handle according to the invention and their application on the ergonomic devices located on either side of said handle;

[0048] - at the level of a front end, the support facets arrange between each other a slot intended to accommodate the functional tip of the hand tool.

[0049] According to a second aspect of the invention, a hand tool is proposed comprising a handle conforming to the first aspect of the invention or to any one of its improvements and a functional tip attached to the free end of the handle.

[0050] Such a hand tool is particularly suitable for use by children or people with disabilities, for example, as well as by people without any disability in gripping such a hand tool, the ergonomic device on the handle of the hand tool facilitating gripping and cleverly and effectively indicating how the hand tool should be optimally held.

[0051] The hand tool according to the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0052] - according to a first embodiment, the hand tool is of the type of a tool kitchen. The hand tool is of the type of a kitchen tool having the handle and a functional tip attached to the handle at the level of its ergonomic device, the hand tool being for example of the type of a knife, a fork, a vegetable peeler or a handle of a cooking appliance;

[0053] - in particular, a rear segment of the functional tip collaborates by fitting with the ergonomic device and / or the internal reinforcement. More specifically, the rear segment of the functional tip collaborates with the slot located between the two support facets of the front cylindrical bearing surface of the internal reinforcement;

[0054] - advantageously, the rear segment of the functional tip is welded or glued to the ergonomic device and / or the internal reinforcement. More specifically, the rear segment of the functional tip is glued to the internal reinforcement at the slot located between the two support facets of the front cylindrical bearing surface of said internal reinforcement;

[0055] - according to a first relevant example of the invention, the kitchen tool is of the type of a knife and the functional end piece includes a blade. In a particularly The invention also provides for such a knife for children. In this case, the blade advantageously has a unique profile: the thickness of the blade measured at the back is less than the thickness of the blade measured at the cutting edge. For example, the thickness of the back of the blade is equal to or approximately equal to 2 mm; and the thickness of the cutting edge is equal to or approximately equal to 4 mm;

[0056] - according to a second relevant example of the invention, the kitchen tool is of the type of a vegetable peeler and the functional end includes a cutting blade arranged opposite a support strip, a cutting edge of the blade being intended to be positioned, in active position, below the plane formed by the blade and the support strip, the blade and the support strip extending parallel to the longitudinal elongation of the handle;

[0057] - according to a third relevant example of the invention, the kitchen tool is from type of a fork and the functional tip has a plurality of tines which all extend in a principal direction of longitudinal elongation, the tines being adjacent to each other in a direction transverse to the handle.

[0058] - according to a fourth relevant example of the invention, the kitchen tool is of the type of a handle of a cooking appliance, such as, for example, a saucepan, frying pan, stockpot, sauté pan, casserole dish, Dutch oven, or crepe pan. According to the first embodiment, the handle of the cooking appliance is integral with the cooking appliance; the handle cannot be separated from it. The cooking appliance is integral with the handle at the ergonomic point. According to a second embodiment, the handle of the cooking appliance is attached to the cooking appliance in a detachable manner. In this embodiment, the cooking appliance is integral with the handle at the ergonomic point.

[0059] - according to a second embodiment, the hand tool is of the type of a manual tool personal care items, such as a toothbrush.

[0060] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all their possible combinations, the different optional features set out here.

[0061] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given by reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0062] [Fig-1] illustrates a three-dimensional, front-view image of an example of production of a hand tool conforming to the second aspect of the invention;

[0063] [Fig.2] illustrates a three-dimensional view and a view from the rear of the illustrated hand tool on the [Fig.l];

[0064] [Fig.3] illustrates a top view of the hand tool shown in [Fig.1];

[0065] [Fig.4] illustrates a detailed view of the ergonomic design of the illustrated hand tool on the [Fig.l];

[0066] [Fig. 5] illustrates a detailed view of an internal reinforcement equipping the illustrated hand tool on the [Fig.l];

[0067] [Fig.6] illustrates a side and transparent view of the hand tool shown on the [Fig.l].

[0068] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0069] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described are combinable with each other if there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

[0070] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0071] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 6 described below, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined relative to the handle 2 according to the invention.

[0072] More specifically, the longitudinal axis X is understood to be taken along a straight line of elongation of the handle 2, that is, along its longest dimension. The longitudinal axis X extends between a rear face 212 of the handle 2 and a front face intended to receive a functional end piece 11, such as, for example, the blade of a knife. The adjectives front, front, and rear refer to this longitudinal axis X.

[0073] Furthermore, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, taken between two lateral faces 215 of the handle 2. The adjectives lateral, right or left refer to such a transverse axis Y.

[0074] Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood to be taken along an axis extending between a lower face 214 and an upper face 213 of the handle 2. The lower face 214 is the one located on the cutting edge side of a knife blade when the handle 2 according to the invention is associated with such a blade, for example; and the upper face 213 is the one associated with the back of the blade 111 when the handle 2 according to the invention is associated with such a blade, for example. The vertical axis Z is simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis Y and to the longitudinal axis X. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper, refer to this vertical axis Z.

[0075] The FIGURES described below illustrate a particular embodiment of a hand tool 1 equipped with such a handle 2 according to the invention, taken here as being of the type of a kitchen knife. Of course, as mentioned previously, the invention is not limited to kitchen knives; this embodiment is taken here to clearly and fully illustrate the various technical features of the invention. Thus, at first glance, the invention relates to a handle 2 that can be fitted to a wide variety of hand tools, such as knives, vegetable peelers, forks, saucepan handles, toothbrushes, etc.

[0076] In the case of a hand tool 1 of the type of a kitchen knife, the invention is intended primarily but not exclusively for children or people with disabilities, by enhancing the ergonomics of such a hand tool 1. This enhancement is achieved by adding an ergonomic device 22 associated with each lateral face 215 of the handle 2, so as to encourage the user to grip the handle 2 between the thumb and forefinger at the level of the ergonomic device 22.

[0077] Indeed, it has been observed that an effective grip on a hand tool 1 is induced, in many use cases, by:

[0078] - grasping a rear part of the handle 2 between the palm and the rear fingers of the hand, that is to say the little finger, the ring finger and the middle finger, allowing the handle to be held firmly and securely; and

[0079] - gripping a front part of the handle 2 between the thumb and forefinger in order to provide a a more precise and secure grip on the hand tool 1 during its manipulation. In this grip, the thumb is pressed against a first lateral face 215 of the handle 2, the pad of the thumb being placed against said first lateral face 215; while the index finger is pressed against a second lateral face 215 of the handle 2. Unlike the thumb, the index finger is placed against the second face at the level of its phalanges, by the edge of the index finger rather than by its pad.

[0080] Thus, the invention aims to promote this type of grip.

[0081] To this end, the invention addresses a handle 2 of a hand tool 1, the handle 2 including:

[0082] - a gripping reach 21 of longitudinal elongation configured to allow a grip between the palm and the back fingers of the hand;

[0083] - an ergonomic device 22, a rear part 222 of which is integral with a free end 211 of the gripping reach 21 forming the handle 2, and of which a front part 221 of said ergonomic device 22 is intended to accommodate a functional tip 11 of the hand tool 1, the ergonomic device 22 having lateral surfaces 223 and, on each of them, a textured structure 224 facilitating the gripping of the handle 2 between a thumb and forefinger of the hand, the textured structure 224 having, identically on each lateral surface 223:

[0084] - a depression forming a concave surface 2241 intended to accommodate the thumb or the index;

[0085] - a guard 2242 forming a projecting rim of the depression, the guard 2242 being arranged on the front side 221 of the ergonomic device 22, in front of the depression and extending only along a front edge 2246 of the depression without extending over an upper edge 2244 and a lower edge 2243 of the depression.

[0086] The gripping reach 21 has a generally cylindrical shape along the longitudinal axis X. The gripping reach 21 can be made of any material, and its longitudinal and lateral dimensions can be arbitrary within the context of the invention. The gripping reach 21 is bounded, at the rear, by a rear face 212 and, at the front, by the free end 211.

[0087] The gripping reach 21 carries, at its front free end 211, the ergonomic device 22. As mentioned previously, the ergonomic device 22 is configured to facilitate a grip on the handle 2 between the thumb and forefinger, the thumb and forefinger working respectively with the ergonomic device 22. To this end, the ergonomic device 22 extends on either side of the handle 2, at the free end 211 of the gripping reach 21. In other words, the ergonomic device 22 is located at the free end 211 of the gripping reach 21 and in continuity with it: the ergonomic device 22 also extends along the longitudinal axis X and has a different geometry from that of the gripping reach 21, the proposed geometry being particularly advantageous for a grip between the thumb and forefinger.

[0088] Thus, as can be seen in [Fig. 1] to 4, the ergonomic device 22 comprises, on each lateral face 215 of the handle 2, a textured structure 224 and a guard 2242 located in front of the textured structure 224. In other words, the ergonomic device 22 comprises two lateral surfaces 223, each of which is located in the direct extension of the lateral faces 215 of the gripping reach 21. Naturally, the two lateral surfaces 223 have a particular geometry that facilitates gripping the handle 2.

[0089] First, the ergonomic device 22 comprises, at each lateral surface 223, the textured structure 224 which forms a concave surface 2241 facilitating the support of the front fingers, i.e. the thumb or index finger. The textured surface thus forms – at each lateral surface 223 – a recessed surface which is indented – relative to the transverse axis Y – in the direction of a median longitudinal plane of the handle 2, as can be seen in particular in FIGURES 3 and 4.

[0090] Next, in order to prevent one of the front fingers from sliding further forward towards the functional end piece 11 - the knife blade in the embodiment shown In the FIGURES – the ergonomic device 22 comprises, on each lateral surface 223, the guard 2242 which forms a retaining wall projecting from a front edge 2246 of the corresponding textured structure 224. The guard 2242 thus forms a peripheral rim that extends along the textured structure 224, but only along its front edge 2246. Conversely, the guard 2242 does not extend along an upper edge 2244 and a lower edge 2243 of the textured surface. In other words, the guard 2242 extends between the lower edge 2243 and the upper edge 2244, along the front edge 2246, but without reaching the lower edge 2243 and the upper edge 2244.

[0091] The objective here is to make handle 2 usable interchangeably by a finger joint or a left-handed person. Indeed, when gripping the handle 2 between the thumb and forefinger on each lateral surface 223 of the ergonomic device 22, the thumb "arrives" on the corresponding textured structure 224 from the outside, that is to say, it extends predominantly along the transverse axis Y in order to position its pad on the concave surface 2241 of the ergonomic device 22 located opposite. Conversely, on the opposite lateral surface 223, the forefinger "arrives" on the concave surface 2241 by an extension oriented predominantly along the vertical axis Z, the forefinger being supported at the level of its phalanges rather than by its pad. Also, when gripping, the thumb needs to be held forward by the guard 2242, but the index finger needs clearance upwards and / or downwards in order to easily reach the textured structure 224 forming the concave surface 2241.For this purpose, it is therefore important that the guard 2242 extends exclusively along the front edge 2246 of the concave surface 2241 of each lateral surface 223.

[0092] More generally, the ergonomic device 22 is advantageously symmetrical along the medial longitudinal plane of the handle 2 according to the invention.

[0093] As can be seen more particularly in [Fig. 4], the concave surface 2241 of each device takes the form of a depression forming a hollow area. The concave surface 2241 is delimited by a curved surface that slopes inward toward the handle 2, relative to the transverse axis Y. The concave surface 2241 is delimited, for example, by an elliptical surface, so as to form a slope in a plurality of directions between the vertical axis Z and the longitudinal axis X.

[0094] Next, the concave surface 2241 is associated with the textured structure 224, which promotes finger grip on the concave surface 2241, i.e., prevents slippage by increasing friction. For this purpose, the textured structure 224 is advantageously not smooth. Rather, the textured structure 224 preferably has ribs or grooves 2245 that enhance the finger's grip on the textured surface. In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the textured structure 224 has a plurality of grooves 2245 forming grooves. The dimensions of the grooves are minimal. The grooves forming the grooves 2245 preferably have a circular and concentric shape, as illustrated in the embodiment shown in the FIGURES. Optionally, the grooves 2245 may wrap around a center that coincides with the center of the textured structure 224.

[0095] The guard 2242 and the concave surface 2241 associated with the textured structure 224 are preferably made of material. More generally, the ergonomic device 22 is monolithic and has, on each of its lateral surfaces 223, each concave surface 2241, each textured structure 224 and each guard 2242.

[0096] To enhance the ergonomic experience, the ergonomic device 22 is selected from food-grade plastics or, preferably, from silicones. The objective being to provide a surface that is both welcoming, non-slip, and sufficiently rigid, a Shore A hardness of 65 is advantageously chosen for the gripping device.

[0097] It should be noted at this stage that the ergonomic device 22 can be formed from material or attached to the gripping reach 21 of the handle 2. If the ergonomic device 22 is attached to the gripping reach 21, then the ergonomic device 22 is securely fixed to the gripping reach 21 by any means, and preferably by joining complementary shapes and / or by bonding and / or by welding. More specifically, the ergonomic device 22 is secured to the gripping reach 21 at the rear portion 222 of the ergonomic device 22 and the free end 211 of the gripping reach 21.

[0098] According to an advantageous embodiment for increasing the rigidity of the handle 2 according to the invention, the handle 2 comprises an internal reinforcement 23 visible in FIGURES 5 and 6. The internal reinforcement 23 is configured to interact with the free end 211 of the gripping surface 21, and the ergonomic device 22 overmolds the cylindrical body. More particularly, the internal reinforcement 23 is configured to engage in a cavity provided in the gripping surface 21 of the handle 2, such that the internal reinforcement 23 is partially fitted into the gripping surface 21 of the handle 2, from its free end 211.

[0099] The inner reinforcement 23 is an underlying component of the ergonomic device 22, the latter capping the inner reinforcement 23. For this purpose, the ergonomic device 22 advantageously includes anchoring means on the inner reinforcement 23, such as centering pins or grooves 2245 or ribs collaborating with complementary bearing surfaces provided on the inner reinforcement 23. In addition, the ergonomic device 22 is advantageously glued or welded to the inner reinforcement 23 in order to strengthen the connection between them and to prevent the handle 2 from unintentionally dislodging.

[0100] The inner reinforcement 23 is made of a more rigid material than that forming the ergonomic device 22. For example, the inner reinforcement 23 can be made of a material identical to that used for the gripping reach 21, such as, for example, a plastic, and in particular of the type of a polypropylene.

[0101] As can be seen in FIGURES 5 and 6, the internal reinforcement 23 comprises:

[0102] - a rear cylindrical bearing surface 231 which collaborates by fitting with the free end 211 of the handle 2 and with a cavity provided in the gripping reach 21 from said free end 211;

[0103] - a front cylindrical bearing 232 located at the ergonomic device 22, said ergonomic device 22 covering the front cylindrical bearing 232. The front cylindrical bearing 232 is located in front of the rear cylindrical bearing 231, relative to the longitudinal axis X.

[0104] The internal reinforcement 23 is advantageously placed against the free end 211 of the gripping reach 21, at the interface between the rear cylindrical reach 231 and the front cylindrical reach 232.

[0105] The internal reinforcement 23, at the level of its rear cylindrical bearing surface 231, is advantageously glued or welded to the gripping bearing surface 21 in order to strengthen the connection between them and to prevent the handle 2 from unintentionally dislocating.

[0106] To promote cohesion between each ergonomic device 22 – on each lateral surface 223 of the handle 2 – and the underlying internal reinforcement 23, the front cylindrical bearing surface 232 of the internal reinforcement 23 has two opposing bearing facets 233 of the ergonomic device 22. The bearing facets 233 are located on either side of the median longitudinal elongation plane of the handle 2. The bearing facets 233 form flat or concave facets designed to accommodate the depressions of the associated ergonomic device 22. Thus, these bearing facets 233 form force-absorbing surfaces for the pressure exerted respectively by the thumb and forefinger when gripping the handle 2 and their application to the ergonomic devices 22 located on either side of said handle 2.

[0107] Finally, at one front end, the support facets 233 provide between them a slot 234 intended to accommodate the functional tip 11 of the hand tool 1.

[0108] According to another aspect of the invention, as mentioned previously, the invention also relates to a hand tool 1 comprising a handle 2 as described above and a functional tip 11 attached to the free end 211 of the handle 2. In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the functional tip 11 is of the type of a knife blade, but it could be of the type of a fork tip, or a means of attachment to a cooking appliance, or a toothbrush tip.

[0109] In all cases, the functional tip 11 collaborates with the ergonomic device 22 and / or (preferably) with the internal reinforcement 23 in order to be securely attached to the handle 2. In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, a rear segment of the functional tip 11 is engaged in the slot 234 delimited between the two bearing facets 233 of the internal reinforcement 23. In addition, the functional tip 11, and in particular its rear segment, is securely attached to the handle 2 by any means, such as, for example, by axial locking, by gluing, by fitting, by welding, these means possibly being able to be combined with each other.

[0110] In summary, the invention relates to a handle 2 comprising a gripping reach 21 and an ergonomic device 22, a rear portion 222 of which is integral with a free end 211 of the gripping reach 21, and a front portion 221 of said ergonomic device 22 is intended to accommodate a functional tip 11 of the hand tool 1. The ergonomic device 22 extends over each lateral surface 223 and comprises, on each of these surfaces, a textured structure 224 configured to increase grip and limit slippage. The textured structure 224 comprises, symmetrically on each lateral surface 223, a depression forming a concave surface 2241 along the transverse axis Y and a guard 2242 forming an edge that projects outward from the depression. The guard 2242 is arranged exclusively along a front edge 2246 of the depression, without extend over an upper edge 2244 and a lower edge 2243 of the depression.

[0111] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable with each other.

Claims

Demands

1. Handle (2) of a hand tool (1), the handle (2) comprising: - a gripping reach (21) of longitudinal elongation configured to permit a grip between a palm and the back fingers of the hand; - an ergonomic device (22) having a rear part (222) attached to a free end (211) of the gripping reach (21) forming the handle (2), and having a front part (221) of said ergonomic device (22) intended to accommodate a functional tip (11) of the hand tool (1), the ergonomic device (22) having lateral surfaces (223) and, on each of them, a textured structure (224) facilitating the gripping of the handle (2) between a thumb and forefinger of the hand, the textured structure (224) having, identically on each lateral surface (223): - a depression forming a concave surface (2241) intended to accommodate the thumb or forefinger;- a guard (2242) forming a projecting rim of the depression, the guard (2242) being arranged on the side of the front part (221) of the ergonomic device (22), in front of the depression and extending only along a front edge (2246) of the depression without extending over an upper edge (2244) and a lower edge (2243) of the depression.;

2. Handle (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the ergonomic device (22) is symmetrical with respect to a median plane of longitudinal elongation of the handle (2), the textured structure (224) extending symmetrically over each of the lateral surfaces (223) of the ergonomic device (22), relative to the median plane of longitudinal elongation of the handle (2).

3. Handle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the textured structure (224) extends from an upper face (213) of the handle (2) and towards an underside face (214) of said handle (2), the textured structure (224) extending beyond the underside face (214) of the handle (2).

4. Sleeve (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concave surface (2241) forming the depression has a circular or ovoid shape.

5. Handle (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the concave surface (2241) has ribs or grooves (2245) of the circular or ovoid type, the ribs or grooves (2245) being concentric.

6. Sleeve (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guard (2242) extends along a portion of a peripheral contour delimiting the concave surface (2241) forming the depression.

7. Handle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ergonomic device (22) is formed of a synthetic material, such as comprising plastic - preferably of the food-grade polypropylene type - and / or silicone.

8. Handle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ergonomic device (22) is made of material with the gripping reach (21) of the handle (2).

9. Handle (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ergonomic device (22) is attached to the gripping reach (21) of the handle (2), the rear part (222) of the ergonomic device (22) being fixed securely to the free end (211) of the gripping reach (21) forming the handle (2).

10. Handle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle (2) has an internal reinforcement (23) configured to collaborate with the free end (211) of the gripping reach (21), the ergonomic device (22) overmolding the internal reinforcement (23).

11. Handle (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the inner reinforcement (23) comprises: - a rear cylindrical bearing (231) which collaborates by fitting with the free end (211) of the gripping bearing (21); - a front cylindrical bearing (232) located at the level of the ergonomic device (22), said ergonomic device (22) covering the front cylindrical bearing (232).

12. Handle (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the front cylindrical bearing surface (232) of the inner reinforcement (23) comprises two bearing facets (233) of the ergonomic device (22) located on either side of the median plane of longitudinal elongation of the handle (2), the support facets (233) forming concave facets intended to accommodate the depressions of the ergonomic device (22).

13. Handle (2) according to the preceding claim, in which, at a front end, the support facets (233) provide between them a slot (234) intended to accommodate the functional tip (11) of the hand tool (1).

14. Hand tool (1) comprising a handle (2) according to any one of the preceding claims and a functional tip (11) integral with the free end (211) of the handle (2).

15. Hand tool (1) according to claim 14, wherein the hand tool (1) is of the type of a kitchen tool comprising the handle (2) and a functional tip (11) integral with the handle (2) at the level of its ergonomic device (22), the hand tool (1) being for example of the type of a knife, a fork, a vegetable peeler or a cooking appliance handle.

16. Hand tool (1) according to claim 14, wherein the hand tool (1) is of the type of a personal care hand tool, such as, for example, a toothbrush.

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