A manually operated tool for processing an external surface

Abstract

The invention relates to a manually operated tool (2) for processing an external surface. The manually operated tool (2) comprises an engagement member (4) with an engagement surface (14) for engagement with the external surface to be processed and a handle member (6) comprising an elongated hand grip body (20) for being gripped and manoeuvred by means of a hand (80) of a user. The manually operated tool (2) further comprises a spherical convex contact surface (24) and a spherical concave contact surface (26), wherein the spherical convex contact surface (24) and the spherical concave contact surface (26) correspond to each other forming a joint allowing the elongated hand grip body (20) to be arranged in a plurality of different angular positions in a three dimensional space around the joint. The manually operated tool (2) further comprises a fixing arrangement (42) adapted to fix the spherical convex contact surface (24) and the spherical concave contact surface (26) in a plurality of different attachment states for fixing the elongated hand grip body (20) in any one of the different positions relative to the engagement surface (14). The invention further relates to a kit of parts for forming the manually operated tool (2).

Description

[0001] A manually operated tool

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a manually operated tool for processing an external surface according to the preamble of claim 1. Accordingly, the manually operated tool comprises an engagement member with an engagement surface for engagement with the external surface to be processed and a handle member comprising an elongated hand grip body for being gripped and manoeuvred by means of a hand of a user, wherein the manually operated tool further comprises a first connection portion and a second connection portion, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are adapted for connection to each other to form a force transmitting structure between the elongated hand grip body and the engagement surface, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are adapted for connection to each other in different relative positions so that the elongated hand grip body may be arranged in different positions relative to the engagement surface, wherein the manually operated tool further comprises a fixing arrangement adapted to fix the first connection portion and the second connection portion in a plurality of different attachment states for fixing the elongated hand grip body in any one of the different positions relative to the engagement surface.

[0004] The manually operated tool may be a plaster knife. The background of the invention will be explained below with regard to such a plaster knife. It should be regarded as an exemplary but not limiting example.

[0005] Such plaster knifes are used for finishing an already plastered surface such as a wall or wall surface in a house. After applying piasterwork on the surface, often using a trowel or float, the surface is rough, wherein the piasterwork has to be finished for achieving a smooth final surface. Accordingly, it will be finished using the plaster knife, which enables obtaining a smooth and regular surface by moving the plaster knife over the rough surface.

[0006] Handling the plaster knife is done manually by a user. The user picks up and holds the plaster knife by the handle member and moves the plaster knife manually, in such a way that the engagement surface follows a desired movement resulting in a desired finish ofthe surface. By exerting force on the plaster knife the user is able to apply a pressure on the surface to be finished.

[0007] A traditional plaster knife is normally formed in a one-piece unit, wherein the handle member is rigidly attached (in a non-detachable way) to the engagement member, that comprises a blade-shaped knife. Such a traditional plaster knife (in a one-piece unit) is discarded when the blade-shaped knife has been used / worn out, wherein also the handle member that may not be worn-out is discarded.

[0008] It is also known with a plaster knife, where the handle member is detachably connected to the engagement member (comprising the blade-shaped knife). According to one such example, the engagement member comprises a rectangular blade-shaped knife and a first connection portion in the form of an elongated connection rib extending in parallel with a straight edge defining a long side of the rectangular blade-shaped knife. The elongated connection rib has a constant cross section along its length. Further, the handle member comprises an opening with a cross section corresponding to the cross section of the elongated connection rib, wherein the handle member is slidable along the long side of the rectangular blade-shaped knife when the elongated connection rib is received in the opening. The manually operated tool further comprises a fixing arrangement adapted to detachably fix the handle member in any longitudinal position along the elongated connection rib.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] An object of the invention is to provide a manually operated tool that is adapted for arranging the handle member in ergonomically convenient ways also in smaller spaces and / or less accessible spaces.

[0011] The object is achieved by a manually operated tool according to claim 1. Thus, it is achieved by a manually operated tool for processing an external surface, wherein the manually operated tool comprises an engagement member with an engagement surface for engagement with the external surface to be processed and a handle member comprising an elongated hand grip body for being gripped and manoeuvred by means of a hand of a user, wherein the manually operated tool further comprises a first connection portion and a second connection portion, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are adapted for connection to each other to form a forcetransmitting structure between the elongated hand grip body and the engagement surface, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are adapted for connection to each other in different relative positions so that the elongated hand grip body may be arranged in different positions relative to the engagement surface, wherein the manually operated tool further comprises a fixing arrangement adapted to fix the first connection portion and the second connection portion in a plurality of different attachment states for fixing the elongated hand grip body in any one of the different positions relative to the engagement surface, characterized in that one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion comprises a spherical convex contact surface and the other one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion comprises a spherical concave contact surface, wherein the spherical convex contact surface and the spherical concave contact surface correspond to each other forming a joint allowing the elongated hand grip body to be arranged in the plurality of different angular positions in a three-dimensional space around the joint.

[0012] Accordingly, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are in a connected state adapted to form the force transmitting structure between the elongated hand grip body and the engagement surface. In other words, a force exerted on the elongated hand grip body by the hand of the user is transmitted via the connection joint to the engagement surface, wherein a corresponding pressure or force may be exerted on the external surface for finishing the surface.

[0013] The joint between the spherical convex contact surface and the spherical concave contact surface may be termed a ball joint.

[0014] The engagement member may comprise a blade-shaped part or knife, wherein one side of the blade-shaped part defines the engagement surface. In other words, the elongated hand grip body may be arranged so that its longitudinal direction is in parallel with a plane defined by the blade-shaped part and in a plurality of angular directions around the joint. Further, the elongated hand grip body may be arranged so that its longitudinal direction is inclined / tilted relative to the plane defined by the blade-shaped part around the joint.

[0015] In other words, the solution provides for that the user may manually operate the engagement member for processing the surface by manoeuvring the handle memberwhen the handle member is fixed to the engagement member in any one of a plurality of desired angular attachment states in the three-dimensional space around the joint.

[0016] Accordingly, the manually operated tool is adapted for facilitating positioning the handle member in multiple directions in space around the joint. To obtain a smooth and regular surface, a uniform pressure on the surface of the knife side is necessary. The manually operated tool creates conditions for the user to manoeuvre his hand and arm in natural ways for creating a constant, smooth and controlled movement. Thus, the solution creates conditions for an ergonomically convenient solution irrespective of the accessibility of the external surface to be processed.

[0017] Further, it creates conditions for a more time-efficient work in that it reduces the risk that a hand of the user ends up in the plastered surface during operation. Such undesired contact of the user hand with the plastered surface would result in a non-continuous surface, which would require re-work. It would also result in dirty hands.

[0018] The term “processing” should in this context be interpreted in a broad sense. It comprises any type of applying, treating, finishing and cleaning of a surface, such as applying a material to a wall, floor or ceiling of a building and smoothing such applied material. According to one alternative to plaster, the material may be microcement.

[0019] The term “spherical” may be defined as having the shape of at least a portion of a sphere. The term “sphere” may in turn be defined as a geometrical object that defines a set of points that are all at the same distance from a given point in a three-dimensional space. That given point is the center of the sphere, and the distance is the sphere's radius.

[0020] Further, the definition that the spherical convex contact surface and the spherical concave contact surface correspond to each other means that they are adapted with same / similar curvature and size etc with little or no play for a snug contact with each other. According to one example, the spherical contact surfaces are adapted for contacting each other against a friction force. It creates conditions for a tactile response in moving the handle member around the joint to a desired angular position while maintaining the spherical concave contact surface and the spherical convex contact surface in abutment.Setting the handle member in a desired angular position may be performed by, in a first step, moving the handle member in a direction so that the spherical concave contact surface abuts the spherical convex contact surface in a first, preliminary relative position and then, in a second step, rotating the handle member in a sliding manner maintaining the spherical concave contact surface and the spherical convex contact surface in abutment to a desired angular position.

[0021] According to one example, the fixing arrangement is arranged adjacent the elongated hand grip body for a one-hand thumb operation while gripping around the elongated hand grip body by the further fingers and / or palm of the same hand.

[0022] The solution creates conditions for an efficient and user-friendly operation in that the user quickly and easily may position the handle member in a desired operational angular state by means of a rotational / pivotal three-dimensional movement of the handle member while the spherical contact surfaces are in abutment with each other and fix the handle member in the desired operational angular state by a single hand operation.

[0023] According to one embodiment example, the first connection portion comprises the spherical convex contact surface and is rigidly connected or connectable to the engagement member so that it protrudes on an opposite side of the engagement member relative to the engagement surface and wherein the second connection portion comprises the spherical concave contact surface and is rigidly connected or connectable to the handle member so that it faces away from the elongated hand grip body of the handle member.

[0024] The wording “rigidly connected” implies that two parts may be connected to each another in a non-detachable way. In this context, the two parts may be riveted together, welded together, glued together or molded together depending on the materials of the parts. The wording “connectable” implies that two parts may be connectable to each another in a detachable way. The term “detachable” may alternatively be termed releasable.

[0025] Accordingly, the handle member may be provided with the spherical concave contact surface. It creates conditions for an efficient manufacturing of the different parts.According to one embodiment example, the handle member comprises the fixing arrangement. It creates conditions for arranging the fixing arrangement in relation to the elongated hand grip body of the handle member securing that the user may easily manoeuvre the handle member to the desired angular position and fix the handle member in that desired angular position using one hand only.

[0026] According to a further embodiment example, the fixing arrangement comprises a lever that is pivotably arranged around an axis for arranging the fixing arrangement in a fixed state and an open state, respectively, wherein the fixing arrangement is adapted to be arranged in a vicinity of a first end of the elongated hand grip body allowing operation of the lever by a thumb of the user's hand while the user holds the elongated hand grip body by a palm and / or further fingers of the hand.

[0027] Such a design creates conditions for a facilitated operation in that the user may adjust the handle member to a desired position relative to the engagement member with one hand and then quickly fix the handle member in the desired position with the same hand.

[0028] According to a further embodiment example, the second connection portion is rigidly connected or connectable to a first end of the elongated hand grip body of the handle member, wherein the second connection portion defines a symmetry line that indicates a connection direction for engagement with the first connection portion, wherein the symmetry line of the second connection portion is transverse relative to a longitudinal direction of the elongated hand grip body of the handle member. According to one example, the second connection portion forms the spherical concave contact surface and the spherical concave contact surface is symmetrical defining a half-sphere, wherein the symmetry line extends through a center of the sphere and coinciding with an innermost point of the spherical concave contact surface.

[0029] According to one example, the engagement surface of the engagement member and the first connection portion of the engagement member are rigidly connected in a one-piece unit.

[0030] According to one example, the elongated hand grip body of the handle member and the second connection portion of the handle member are rigidly connected in a one-piece unit.According to one example, the symmetry line of the second connection portion of the handle member is perpendicular relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hand grip body of the handle member. According to a further example, the handle member comprises a distance portion or spacer arranged between the second connection portion of the handle member and a first end of the elongated hand grip body. According to one example, the elongated hand grip body extends along a generally straight line. According to a further example, the distance portion extends along a line in parallel with the symmetry line of the spherical concave contact surface. According to a further example, the distance portion extends along a generally straight line perpendicular to the elongated hand grip body. Accordingly, the handle member generally has the shape of an L, wherein a large leg of the L is formed by the elongated hand grip body and a small leg of the L is formed by the distance portion. Further, the elongated hand grip body comprises a second end opposite the first end, wherein the second end is free.

[0031] According to a further embodiment example, the spherical convex contact surface at least to a significant extent forms the shape of a sphere (or a ball), wherein the fixing arrangement is adapted to effect surface regions of the spherical convex contact surface facing in opposite direction for clamping the spherical convex contact surface for fixing the first connection portion and the second connection portion in any one of the plurality of different attachment states.

[0032] According to a further embodiment example, the spherical concave contact surface comprises two surface regions facing in opposite directions, wherein the fixing arrangement is adapted to effect the two surface regions of the spherical concave contact surface towards each other for clamping the spherical convex contact surface.

[0033] According to a further embodiment example, the one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion that comprises the spherical concave contact surface comprises a wall section that forms the shape of a cup that is sized for substantially encompassing the spherical convex contact surface in the attachment states, wherein the wall section is slit defining the two surface regions on opposite sides of the slit allowing relative movement of adjacent edges of the wall section defining the slit, wherein the fixingarrangement is arranged for clamping the wall section around the spherical convex contact surface.

[0034] The term “cup” may alternatively be termed “socket”. According to one example, the cup is sized to fit snugly around the spherical convex contact surface in a non-fixed state, wherein relative movement of the cup and the ball is performed against a friction force acting between the contact surfaces.

[0035] Further, each one of the adjacent edges of the wall section defining the slit may be formed with a protrusion, wherein the wall section is somewhat flexible allowing the protrusions to be moved towards each other and thereby reducing the gap for clamping the wall section around the spherical convex contact surface.

[0036] According to a further embodiment example, the handle member is adapted to be separable from the engagement member in an interface between the spherical convex contact surface and the spherical concave contact surface.

[0037] According to a further embodiment example, the engagement member comprises a bladeshaped part that has a straight edge at one free end, wherein the engagement surface of the engagement member forms a first main surface of the blade-shaped part that defines the straight edge.

[0038] According to one example, the blade-shaped part is generally flat, extending in a flat plane. Further, the blade-shaped part has a generally rectangular shape in said flat plane, wherein a long side of the rectangular blade-shaped part defines the straight edge.

[0039] According to one example, the blade-shaped part is in a metallic material.

[0040] According to a further embodiment example, the first connection portion is arranged on a side of the blade-shaped part that is adjacent a second main surface of the blade-shaped part opposite the first main surface of the blade-shaped part.

[0041] According to one example, the first connection portion of the engagement member defines a symmetry line indicating a connection direction that is perpendicular to the flat plane of the blade-shaped part.According to a further embodiment example, the manually operated tool comprises a support element that is formed in a one-piece unit with the first connection portion and wherein the support element is rigidly connected or connectable to the blade-shaped part of the engagement member.

[0042] According to a further embodiment example, the engagement surface of the engagement member and the first connection portion are rigidly connected in a one-piece unit.

[0043] According to an alternative to the last-mentioned embodiment example, the engagement member comprises a first connection means that is accessible from a second main surface of the blade-shaped part opposite the first main surface of the blade-shaped part, wherein the support element comprises a second connection means that is connectable to the first connection means for a detachable connection of the first connection portion and the engagement surface of the engagement member.

[0044] This embodiment creates conditions for providing a part comprising the spherical convex contact surface (that may have the shape of a sphere or a ball) separate from the engagement member comprising the flat blade-shaped part. It creates conditions for an efficient packaging of a plurality of engagement members in parallel with each other in a tool box.

[0045] According to a further embodiment example, the manually operated tool comprises a plurality of first connection portions that are arranged in a spaced relationship, wherein the second connection portion is connectable to any one of the plurality of first connection portions.

[0046] According to one example, the plurality of first connection portions that are arranged in a spaced relationship along a line in parallel with the straight edge of the blade-shaped part that is adapted to engage with the external surface. It creates further conditions for reaching certain spaces that are less accessible.

[0047] According to a further embodiment example, each one of the spherical convex contact surface and the spherical concave contact surface is at least substantially continuous allowing for a stepless transition between the plurality of different attachment states.According to one example, at least one of the spherical convex contact surface and the spherical concave contact surface is generally flat / smooth. According to a further alternative, at least one of the spherical convex contact surface and the spherical concave contact surface is structured / textured for achieving a larger friction force against relative movement.

[0048] According to a further embodiment example, the spherical convex contact surface comprises at least one projection and / or depression and the spherical concave contact surface comprises at least one corresponding depression and / or projection, wherein at least one predetermined attachment state is defined by mating of the projection and depression.

[0049] According to one example, a first one of the spherical convex contact surface and the spherical concave contact comprises a plurality of sets of projections and / or depressions, wherein the sets define different predetermined angular positions of the handle member relative to the engagement member. According to one example, each one of the plurality of sets of projections and / or depressions is arranged along a line extending around a circumference of the spherical surface. According to one example, the plurality of sets of projections and / or depressions are arranged along such circumferentially extending lines that are angularly spaced. According to one example, one such set comprises a plurality of projections and / or depressions that are arranged in a spaced relationship along the circumferentially extending line.

[0050] According to a further embodiment example, the elongated hand grip body of the handle member and the second connection portion of the handle member are rigidly connected in a one-piece unit.

[0051] The invention further regards a kit of parts for forming a manually operated tool according to any preceding claims, wherein the kit of parts comprises a single handle member and a plurality of engagement members according to any preceding claims, wherein the single handle member may be connected to any one of the plurality of engagement members for forming the manually operated tool.The kit of parts may comprise a plurality of engagement members of the same structure, design and size, wherein the handle member may be detached from a worn out first engagement member and attached to a second, new engagement member. According to an alternative, the kit of parts may comprise engagement members of different sizes and / or designs for a similar type of work, wherein a specific engagement member is selected for a certain application / space and the handle member is attached to the selected engagement member. According to a further alternative, the kit of parts may comprise engagement members designed for different type of works. For example, the kit of parts may comprise a first type of engagement member designed for application of material to a wall in a way that the surface is rough and a second type of engagement member designed for finishing the rough surface for achieving a smooth final surface.

[0052] Further, the kit of parts may comprise a part comprising the spherical convex contact surface (that may have the shape of a sphere or a ball) separate from the engagement member comprising the flat blade-shaped part. Accordingly, the kit of parts may comprise one (or several) handle member(s), one (or several) such part(s) comprising the spherical convex contact surface and a plurality of engagement members.

[0053] Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

[0054] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

[0056] In the drawings:

[0057] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a manually operated tool for processing an external surface according to a first embodiment, wherein an engagement member and a handle member are in an attached state,

[0058] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the manually operated tool according to fig. 1, wherein the engagement member and the handle member are in a detached state,

[0059] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the manually operated tool according to fig. 1, wherein the handle member is shown to be moved towards the engagement member for connection,Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the manually operated tool according to fig. 1, wherein the engagement member and the handle member are connected but not fixed, wherein the handle member is movable to any desired position in a three-dimensional space, Fig. 5A is a view from below of the handle member according to fig. 1, wherein a fixing arrangement is shown in an open state,

[0060] Fig. 5B is similar to fig. 5A, wherein the fixing arrangement is shown in a closed state, Fig. 5C is similar to fig. 5B, wherein the fixing arrangement is shown in cross section, Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the manually operated tool according to fig. 1 , wherein the handle member is in a position pivoted about 45 degrees clockwise around an axis perpendicular to a main extension plane of the engagement member relative to fig. 1, Fig. 6B is similar to fig. 6A, wherein the handle member is in a position pivoted about 90 degrees clockwise around an axis perpendicular to the main extension plane of the engagement member relative to fig. 1,

[0061] Fig. 6C is a perspective view of the manually operated tool according to fig. 1, wherein the handle member is in a position pivoted about 45 degrees counterclockwise around an axis in parallel with the main extension plane of the engagement member relative to fig. 1, Fig. 6D is a perspective view of the manually operated tool according to fig. 1, wherein the handle member is in a position pivoted about 90 degrees counterclockwise around an axis perpendicular to the main extension plane of the engagement member relative to fig. 1 , Fig. 6E is similar to fig. 6D, wherein the handle member is in a position pivoted upwards about 30 degrees around a further axis in parallel with the main extension plane of the engagement member,

[0062] Fig. 6F is similar to fig. 6D, wherein the handle member is in a position pivoted downwards about 30 degrees around a further axis in parallel with the main extension plane of the engagement member,

[0063] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a manually operated tool according to a second embodiment in a similar view as in fig. 2,

[0064] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of a manually operated tool according to a third embodiment in a similar view as fig. 1, wherein the engagement member and the handle member are in an attached state,

[0065] Fig. 8B is a perspective view of the manually operated tool according to fig. 8A, wherein the engagement member and the handle member are in a detached state,

[0066] Fig. 8C is a cross section view of a portion of the handle member according to fig. 8B, Fig. 8D is a cross section view of a portion of the engagement member according to fig.

[0067] 8B,Fig. 8E is a cross section view of the handle member and the engagement member according to figures 8C and 8D in a contact state but not engaged state,

[0068] Fig. 8F is a cross section view of the handle member and the engagement member according to figures 8C and 8D in an engaged state,

[0069] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a manually operated tool according to a fourth embodiment in a similar view as fig. 1, wherein the engagement member and the handle member are in an attached state,

[0070] Fig. 9B is a perspective view of the manually operated tool according to fig. 9A, wherein the engagement member and the handle member are in a detached state,

[0071] Fig. 9C is a cross section view of a portion of the handle member according to fig. 9B, Fig. 9D is a cross section view of a portion of the engagement member according to fig.

[0072] 9B,

[0073] Fig. 9E is a cross section view of the handle member and the engagement member according to figures 9C and 9D in a contact state but not engaged state,

[0074] Fig. 9F is a cross section view of the handle member and the engagement member according to figures 9C and 9D in an engaged state,

[0075] Fig. 10A is a perspective view of manually operated device comprising the manually operated tool according to fig. 1 and an elongated handle extension portion, wherein the handle extension portion is showed in a detached state,

[0076] Fig. 10B is similar to fig. 10A, wherein the handle extension portion is showed in an attached state,

[0077] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a manually operated tool according to a fifth embodiment in a similar view as fig. 1 ,

[0078] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a manually operated tool according to a sixth embodiment, Fig. 13A is a perspective view of a manually operated tool according to a seventh embodiment,

[0079] Fig. 13B is an exploded view of the manually operated tool according to fig. 13A, Fig. 14A is a perspective view of a manually operated tool according to an eighth embodiment,

[0080] Fig. 14B is an exploded view of the manually operated tool according to fig. 14A, Fig. 15A is a perspective view of a manually operated tool according to a ninth embodiment,

[0081] Fig 15B is a perspective view of a connection operation for connecting a first connection portion with an engagement member for forming the manually operated tool in fig. 15A,Fig 15C is a cross section view of the manually operated tool in fig. 15A, wherein a fixing arrangement is in an open state,

[0082] Fig 15D is a cross section view of the manually operated tool in fig. 15A, wherein the fixing arrangement is in a closed state, and

[0083] Fig 15E is a perspective view of a connection operation for connecting a handle member to the first connection portion for forming the manually operated tool in fig. 15A.

[0084] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0085] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a manually operated tool 2 for processing an external surface according to a first embodiment. More specifically, the manually operated tool 2 is a plaster knife. The manually operated tool 2 comprises an engagement member 4 for engagement with the external surface to be processed and a handle member 6 that is adapted to be held and manoeuvred by means of a hand of a user. The engagement member 4 and the handle member 6 are formed in separate pieces that are in an attached state in fig. 1.

[0086] The engagement member 4 comprises a blade-shaped part 8 that is generally flat and extending in a flat plane defined by the coordinates X and Y. Further, the blade-shaped part 8 has a generally rectangular shape in said flat plane. More specifically, the rectangular blade-shaped part 8 has a long straight side edge 10 and a short straight side edge 12. The engagement member 4 comprises an engagement surface 14 (hidden in fig.1) for engagement with the external surface. The engagement surface 14 of the engagement member 4 forms a first main surface 14 of the blade-shaped part 8 that defines the straight edges 10, 12. The first main surface 14 is hereby suitable for scraping over the external surface, that may be plastered, such that a desired finish is obtained.

[0087] Further, the manually operated tool 2 comprises a first connection portion 16. More specifically, the engagement member 4 comprises the first connection portion 16. The first connection portion 16 is arranged on a side of the blade-shaped part 8 that is adjacent a second main surface 18 of the blade-shaped part 8 opposite the first main surface 14 of the blade-shaped part 8.

[0088] The handle member 6 comprises an elongated hand grip body 20 for being gripped by the hand of the user. The elongated hand grip body 20 defines a longitudinal direction L.Further, the manually operated tool 2 comprises a second connection portion 22. More specifically, the handle member 6 comprises the second connection portion 22.

[0089] The first connection portion 16 and the second connection portion 22 are adapted for connection to each other in a way that they connect the elongated hand grip body 20 of the handle member 6 and the engagement surface 14 of the engagement member 4 in a force transmitting way allowing different positions of the elongated hand grip body 20 relative to the engagement surface 14.

[0090] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the manually operated tool 2, wherein the engagement member 4 and the handle member 6 are in a detached state. More specifically, the handle member 6 is adapted to be separable from the engagement member 4 in an interface between the first connection portion 16 and the second connection portion 22.

[0091] The first connection portion 16 comprises a spherical convex contact surface 24 and the second connection portion 22 comprises a spherical concave contact surface 26, wherein the spherical convex contact surface 24 and the spherical concave contact surface 26 correspond to each other forming a joint allowing the elongated hand grip body 20 to be arranged in a plurality of different angular positions in a three-dimensional space around the joint. In other words, the spherical convex contact surface 24 and the spherical concave contact surface 26 are adapted with the same / similar curvature and size so that there is only little or no play between the contact surfaces 24, 26 when in contact for a snug fit with each other. More specifically, the spherical convex contact surface 24 at least to a significant extent forms the shape of a ball. More specifically, the spherical convex contact surface 24 defines a symmetry line S1, wherein the first connection portion 16 is arranged so that the symmetry line S1 of the spherical convex contact surface 24 is in parallel with a coordinate Z perpendicular to the plane defined by the coordinates X and Y. In other words, the symmetry line S1 of the spherical convex contact surface 24 is perpendicular relative to the extension plane of the blade-shaped part 8.

[0092] Further, the second connection portion 22 that comprises the spherical concave contact surface 26 comprises a wall section 28 that forms the shape of a cup or socket that is sized for encompassing the spherical convex contact surface 24. More specifically, an inner end of the wall section 28 defines the shape of a half-sphere. More specifically, the spherical concave contact surface 26 defines a symmetry line S2, see fig. 3, wherein thesecond connection portion 22 is arranged so that the symmetry line S2 of the spherical concave contact surface 26 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the elongated hand grip body 20.

[0093] Referring now to fig. 1 and fig. 2. The manually operated tool 2 comprises a plate-shaped support element 30 that is rigidly connected to the first connection portion 16. More specifically, the engagement member 4 comprises the plate-shaped support element 30. The manually operated tool 2 further comprises a distance portion 32 that is arranged to distance the first connection portion 16 from the plate-shaped support element 30. The distance portion 32 has the shape of a stem or pin. The distance portion 32 has a cross section shape and dimension that is smaller than a diameter of the ball-shaped first connection portion 16. It facilitates arranging the handle member 6 in a large range of angular positions in space. Further, the distance portion 32 has a main extension direction in parallel with the symmetry line S1.

[0094] More specifically, the distance portion 32 has a circular cross section shape with a smaller radius relative to a radius of the ball-shaped first connection portion 16. The distance portion 32 is rigidly connected to the first connection portion 16 and to the plate-shaped support element 30. More specifically, the distance portion 32, the first connection portion 16 and the plate-shaped support element 30 are formed in a one-piece unit. The distance portion 32 has an extension direction perpendicular to a main extension plane of the plate-shaped support element 30.

[0095] Further, the plate-shaped support element 30 is rigidly connected to the blade-shaped part 8 by means of any attachment means, such as welding, riveting etc. More specifically, the plate-shaped support element 30 is connected to the blade-shaped part 8 in a way that the main extension plane of the plate-shaped support element 30 is in parallel with the extension plane of the blade-shaped part 8.

[0096] More specifically, the support element 30 has an elongated shape extending in parallel with the long side edge 10 of the rectangular blade-shaped part 8. More specifically, the support element 30 is arranged about midway between the opposite long side edges of the rectangular blade-shaped part 8. Further, the engagement member 4 comprises a plurality of first connection portions 16, 16’, 16”, 16”’, 16”” of the same design that are arranged in a spaced relationship in the longitudinal direction of the elongated supportelement 30. Accordingly, the handle member 6 is attachable to the engagement member 4 by engagement of the second connection portion 22 to any one of the first connection portions 16, 16’, 16”, 16”’, 16””. It creates conditions for arranging the handle member 6 in an ergonomically optimal position for processing external surfaces that may be difficult to reach with a handle member arranged centrally with regard to the engagement member 4.

[0097] The handle member 6 comprises a distance portion 34 arranged between the second connection portion 22 of the handle member 6 and a first end 36 of the elongated hand grip body 20. The distance portion 34 extends along a generally straight line generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the elongated hand grip body 20. Accordingly, the handle member 6 generally has the general shape of an L, wherein a large leg of the L is formed by the elongated hand grip body 20 and a small leg of the L is formed by the distance portion 34.

[0098] Due to the design of the manually operated tool 2, the elongated hand grip body 20 is placed at a distance from the plane in which the blade-shaped portion 8 is located, wherein a risk that during use the hand of the user gets dirty and / or the work surface is disturbed is small.

[0099] The second connection portion 22 that comprises the spherical concave contact surface 26 is rigidly connected to the handle member 4 so that it faces away from the elongated hand grip body 20 of the handle member 6.

[0100] Further, the elongated hand grip body comprises a second end 38 opposite the first end 36, wherein the second end 38 is free. More specifically, the distance portion 34 forms an extension of the elongated hand grip body 20. More specifically, the distance portion 34 and the elongated hand grip body 20 are formed in a one-piece unit. More specifically, a peripheral dimension of the distance portion 34 is generally the same as a peripheral dimension of the elongated hand grip body 20 in an interface between the distance portion 34 and the elongated hand grip body 20. More specifically, the handle member 6 provides a smooth external transition between the distance portion 34 and the elongated hand grip body 20 by means of a gentle curved portion 40. More specifically, the handle member 6 forms a hollow structure.The manually operated tool 2 further comprises a fixing arrangement 42 adapted to detachably fix the first connection portion 16 and the second connection portion 22 in a plurality of different attachment states defining different relative positions of the elongated hand grip body 20 of the handle member 6 relative to the engagement surface 14 of the engagement member 4. More specifically, the handle member 6 comprises the fixing arrangement 42.

[0101] The design of the first connection portion 16 and the second connection portion 22 allows for a relative rotational movement of the first connection portion 16 and the second connection portion 22 while the spherical convex contact surface 24 and the spherical concave contact surface 26 are in engagement. Further, the fixing arrangement 42 creates conditions for arranging the elongated hand grip body 20 of the handle member 6 relative to the engagement surface 14 of the engagement member 4 in a large range of desired angular relative positions on a side of the blade-shaped part 8 opposite the engagement surface 14.

[0102] The fixing arrangement 42 comprises a lever 44 that is pivotably arranged around an axis 46 for arranging the fixing arrangement 42 in a fixed state, in which the first connection portion 16 and the second connection portion 22 are fixed relative to one another, and an open state, in which the first connection portion 16 and the second connection portion 22 are not fixed relative to one another, wherein the lever 44 is arranged in a vicinity of the first end 36 of the elongated hand grip body 20 allowing operation by a thumb of the user's hand while the user holds the elongated hand grip body by a palm and / or further fingers of the hand. See also fig. 4.

[0103] It may be noted that the handle member 6 is adapted to be separable from the engagement member 4 in an interface between the spherical convex contact surface 24 and the spherical concave contact surface 26.

[0104] Turning now to the design of the handle member 6, see fig. 2. The wall section 28 that forms the shape of a cup is non-continuous in a circumferential direction. A slit 46 defines two surface regions 48, 50 on opposite sides of the slit 46 allowing relative movement of adjacent edges of the wall section defining the slit. The fixing arrangement 42 is arranged for clamping the wall section 28 around the spherical convex contact surface 24. In other words, the fixing arrangement 42 is adapted to effect the surface regions 48, 50 of thespherical convex contact surface 24 facing in opposite direction for clamping the spherical convex contact surface 24 for detachably fixing the first connection portion 16 and the second connection portion 22 in any one of the plurality of different attachment states.

[0105] More specifically, each one of the adjacent edges of the wall section 28 defining the slit 46 has a radially outwards extending protrusion 52, 54, wherein the protrusions 52, 54 are arranged adjacent each other and in parallel with each other. Further, each one of the protrusions 52, 54 has a through hole 56, 58 (see fig. 5C) and the through holes 56, 58 are arranged in-line with each other. Further, the fixing arrangement 42 comprises a pin 60 that is arranged in the in-line through holes 56, 58. Further, the pin 60 is operatively connected to the thumb-operated lever 44 at a first end 62. The fixing arrangement 42 comprises a first end stop 63 at the first end 62. Further, the fixing arrangement 42 comprises a second end stop 64 at a second end 66 of the pin 60, wherein the pin 60 is movably arranged relative to the first end stop 63 and non-movably arranged relative to the second end stop 64. The lever 44 and the first end stop 63 are arranged with mating contact surfaces for clamping the radially outwards extending protrusions 52, 54 towards each other when the fixing arrangement 42 is in a closed state.

[0106] In the first embodiment, each one of the spherical convex contact surface 24 and the spherical concave contact surface 26 is at least substantially continuous allowing for a stepless transition between the plurality of different attachment states. More specifically, the spherical contact surfaces 24, 26 are adapted so that a friction force will act against any relative rotational movement when the spherical contact surfaces 24, 26 are connected. Accordingly, the handle member 6 may be pivoted / rotated between different angular positions with a tactile response formed by the friction force.

[0107] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the manually operated tool 2, wherein the handle member 6 is shown to be moved towards the engagement member 2 for connection in parallel with the symmetry line S2, see arrow 68. The fixing arrangement 42 is in an open state, wherein a free end 82 of the lever 44 extends away from the wall section 28 defining the cup.

[0108] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the manually operated tool 2 in a step consecutive to the one shown in fig. 3. More specifically, the handle member 6 has been moved in the direction of the arrow 68 until the spherical concave contact surface 26 is in contact withthe spherical convex contact surface 24. Accordingly, the engagement member 4 and the handle member 6 are connected but not fixed, wherein the handle member 6 is movable to any desired position around a joint 70 formed by the spherical contact surfaces 24, 26 in a three-dimensional space, see arrows 72, 74, 76. The joint 70 has the function of a “ball joint”. When the handle member 6 has been pivoted around the joint 70 to a desired angular position, the lever 44 is operated for setting the fixing arrangement in the closed state, see arrow 78. The contours of a hand 80 of a user is indicated with dashed lines in fig. 4.

[0109] The user controls the plaster knife by exerting, with one hand, a force on elongated hand grip body 20. This force is transmitted via the connection joint 70 to the knife side, where the knife side can exert a corresponding pressure or force to a to be finished surface.

[0110] Fig. 5A is a view from below of the handle member 6, wherein the fixing arrangement 42 is shown in an open state. The lever 44 is provided with a non-circular peripheral contact surface around its rotational axis 86 for mating with an outer surface of the first end stop 63. In other words, the peripheral contact surface of the lever 44 is eccentric. Accordingly, a pivoting of the lever 44 exerts a force on the first end stop 63, wherein the radially outwards extending protrusion 52, 54 are pushed towards each other. The free end 82 of the lever 44 is arranged distally from the elongated hand grip body 20 in fig. 5A. In fig. 5A, a first distance d1 is indicated between the radially outwards extending protrusion 52, 54.

[0111] Fig. 5B is similar to fig. 5A, wherein the fixing arrangement 42 is shown in a closed state. In fig. 5A, a second distance d2 is indicated between the radially outwards extending protrusion 52, 54, wherein the second distance d2 is smaller than the first distance d1. The free end 82 of the lever 44 is arranged proximally to the elongated hand grip body 20 in fig. 5B. Fig. 5C is similar to fig. 5B, wherein the fixing arrangement 42 is shown in a cross section A-A.

[0112] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the manually operated tool 2, wherein the handle member 6 is in a position pivoted about 45 degrees clockwise in parallel with the main extension plane of the blade-shaped part 8 of the plate-shaped engagement member 4 relative to fig. 1.Fig. 6B is similar to fig. 6A, wherein the handle member 6 is in a position pivoted about 90 degrees clockwise in parallel with the main extension plane of the blade-shaped part 8 of the plate-shaped engagement member 4 relative to fig. 1.

[0113] Fig. 6C is a perspective view of the manually operated tool 2, wherein the handle member 6 is in a position pivoted about 45 degrees counter clockwise in parallel with the main extension plane of the blade-shaped part 8 of the plate-shaped engagement member 4 relative to fig. 1.

[0114] Fig. 6D is a perspective view of the manually operated tool 2, wherein the handle member 6 is in a position pivoted about 90 degrees counter clockwise in parallel with the main extension plane of the blade-shaped part 8 of the plate-shaped engagement member 4 relative to fig. 1.

[0115] Fig. 6E is similar to fig. 6D, wherein the handle member 6 is in a position pivoted upwards about 30 degrees around an axis in parallel with the main extension plane of the bladeshaped part 8 of the plate-shaped engagement member 4, wherein the free end 38 of the elongated hand grip body 20 is arranged distally from the plate-shaped engagement member 4.

[0116] Fig. 6F is similar to fig. 6D, wherein the handle member 6 is in a position pivoted downwards about 30 degrees around an axis in parallel with the main extension plane of the blade-shaped part 8 of the plate-shaped engagement member 4, wherein the free end 38 of the elongated hand grip body 20 is arranged proximally from the plate-shaped engagement member 4.

[0117] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a manually operated tool 102 according to a second embodiment in a similar view as in fig. 2. The manually operated tool 102 comprises the handle member 6 as described above. The manually operated tool 102 further comprises an engagement member 104, that differs in only one aspect with regard to the engagement member 4 as described above. The manually operated tool 102 comprises a first connection portion 116 with a spherical convex contact surface 124 that has a structured surface for an increased friction in relation to the spherical concave contact surface 26 of the second connection portion 22 of the handle member 6 in operation. In other words, the spherical convex contact surface 124 has a somewhat non-smooth oruneven surface. More specifically, the structured spherical convex contact surface 124 has the shape of a grid formed by elongated depressions in the peripheral surface along straight lines crossing each other.

[0118] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of a manually operated tool 202 according to a third embodiment in a similar view as fig. 1. For ease of presentation, only the main differences will be explained in the following. The manually operated tool 202 comprises an engagement member 204 and a handle member 206. Fig. 8A shows the engagement member 204 and the handle member 206 in an attached state. Referring now also to Fig.

[0119] 8B, which is a perspective view of the manually operated tool 202 according to fig. 8A, wherein the engagement member 204 and the handle member 206 are in a detached state.

[0120] The engagement member 204 comprises a first connection portion 216 with a spherical convex contact surface 224 that comprises a plurality of depressions, or recesses, 225. The handle member 206 comprises a second connection portion 222 with a spherical concave contact surface 226 that comprises a plurality of projections 227, wherein each depression corresponds in shape and size to a projection such that the projection can be snugly received by the depression. Further, all depressions 225 are of the same size and shape. Similarly, all projections 227 are of the same size and shape. More specifically, the depression 225 has the shape of a half-sphere projecting radially inwards from an otherwise spherical peripheral surface. Similarly, the projection 227 has the shape of a half-sphere protruding radially outwards from an otherwise spherical peripheral surface.

[0121] The plurality of depressions 225 are arranged in a certain pattern and the plurality of projections 227 are arranged in a certain pattern matching the pattern of projections. More specifically, the depressions 225 are arranged in a spaced relationship along a number of angularly spaced lines coinciding at a top end point of the spherical convex contact surface 224 that coincides with the symmetry line S1 and faces away from the bladeshaped part 208. Similarly, the projections 227 are arranged in a spaced relationship along a number of angularly spaced lines coinciding at an innermost end point of the spherical concave contact surface 226 that coincides with the symmetry line S2. The pattern of projections 225 and depressions 227 creates conditions for a plurality of predetermined attachment states defined by mating of the projections and depressions. Accordingly, the handle member 6 may be pivoted / rotated between different angularpositions with a tactile response formed by the mating and non-mating of the projections 225 and depressions 227. Further, the pattern of projections 225 and depressions 227 creates conditions for an increased resistance against an undesired relative movement between the handle member 206 and the engagement member 204 when in an attached state during operation. Further, the pattern of projections 225 extends over a smaller circumferential area than the pattern of depressions 227 for allowing that all projections are received in corresponding depressions also when the handle member is in a tilted state. In other words, the number of individual depressions is higher than the number of individual projections.

[0122] Fig. 8C is a cross section view B-B of a portion of the second connection portion 222 of the handle member 206 according to fig. 8B and Fig. 8D is a cross section view C-C of the first connection portion 216 of the engagement member 204 according to fig. 8B.

[0123] Fig. 8E is a cross section view of the handle member 206 and the engagement member 204 according to figures 8C and 8D in a contact state but not engaged state, wherein the projections 227 are in a displaced state with regard to the depressions 225. Fig. 8F is a cross section view of the handle member 206 and the engagement member 204 according to figures 8C and 8D in an engaged state, wherein the projections 227 are received in the depressions 225.

[0124] Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a manually operated tool 302 according to a fourth embodiment in a similar view as fig. 1. For ease of presentation, only the main differences will be explained in the following. The manually operated tool 302 comprises an engagement member 304 and a handle member 306. Fig. 9A shows the engagement member 304 and the handle member 306 in an attached state. Referring now also to Fig.

[0125] 9B, which is a perspective view of the manually operated tool 302 according to fig. 9A, wherein the engagement member 304 and the handle member 306 are in a detached state.

[0126] The engagement member 304 comprises a first connection portion 316 with a spherical convex contact surface 324 that comprises a plurality of depressions 325. The handle member 306 comprises a second connection portion 322 with a spherical concave contact surface 326 that comprises a plurality of projections 327, wherein each depression corresponds in shape and size to a projection. All depressions 325 are of the same sizeand shape. Similarly, all projections 327 are of the same size and shape. More specifically, the depression 325 has an elongated shape projecting radially inwards from an otherwise spherical peripheral surface. Similarly, the projection 327 has an elongated shape protruding radially outwards from an otherwise spherical peripheral surface. Further, the projection 327 has a shorter length in its longitudinal direction relative to the depression 325.

[0127] The plurality of depressions 325 are arranged in a certain pattern and the plurality of projections 327 are arranged in a certain pattern matching the pattern of projections. More specifically, the elongated depressions 325 are arranged in a spaced relationship with their longitudinal directions along a number of angularly spaced lines coinciding at a top end point of the spherical convex contact surface 324. Further, the depressions 325 are arranged in a spaced relationship along a number of angularly spaced lines in parallel with each other around the spherical convex contact surface 224. Similarly, the elongated projections 327 are arranged in a spaced relationship with their longitudinal directions along a number of angularly spaced lines coinciding at an innermost end point of the spherical concave contact surface 326. The pattern of projections 325 and depressions 327 creates conditions for a plurality of predetermined attachment states defined by mating of the projections and depressions. Further, the pattern of projections 325 and depressions 327 creates conditions for an increased resistance against an undesired relative movement between the handle member 306 and the engagement member 304 when in an attached state during operation.

[0128] Fig. 9C is a cross section view D-D of a portion of the second connection portion 322 of the handle member 306 according to fig. 9B and Fig. 9D is a cross section view E-E of the first connection portion 316 of the engagement member 304 according to fig. 9B.

[0129] Fig. 9E is a cross section view of the handle member 306 and the engagement member 304 according to figures 9C and 9D in a contact state but not engaged state, wherein the projections 327 are in a displaced state with regard to the depressions 325. Fig. 9F is a cross section view of the handle member 306 and the engagement member 304 according to figures 9C and 9D in an engaged state, wherein the projections 327 are received in the depressions 325.Fig. 10A is a perspective view of a manually operated device 402 comprising the manually operated tool 2 according to the first embodiment and an elongated handle extension portion 403. The manually operated tool 2 and the elongated handle extension portion 403 are showed in a detached state in fig. 10A. Fig. 10B is similar to fig. 10A, wherein the manually operated tool 402 and the elongated handle extension portion 403 are showed in an attached state. The handle member 6 and the elongated handle extension portion 403 comprises complimentary shaped connection means 7, 407 for a detachable connection. More specifically, the connection means 7 of the handle member 6 is formed in that the handle member 6 is cylindrical and hollow with an open end at its second, distal end 38. Further, the connection means 407 of the elongated handle extension portion 403 is formed by a cylindrical end portion with an outer peripheral shape matching an inner peripheral shape of the handle member 6. Accordingly, for connection, the elongated handle extension portion 403 is positioned with its longitudinal direction in line with the longitudinal direction L of the elongated hand grip body 20 in a way that the cylindrical end portion faces the open end 38 of the handle member 6. In a next step, the elongated handle extension portion 403 is moved along its longitudinal direction so that the cylindrical end portion is received in the open end 38 of the handle member 6, see arrow 409 in fig. 10A.

[0130] Further, the complimentary shaped connection means 7, 407 comprises complimentary shaped locking elements 11, 411 extending transverse in relation to the longitudinal direction of the elongated hand grip body 20 and the elongated handle extension portion 403. The handle member 6 comprises a first locking element 11 that is formed by a hole extending perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction L of the elongated hand grip body 20. Further, the elongated handle extension portion 403 comprises a second locking element 411 that is formed by a spring-loaded pin that corresponds to the opening in size and is movable perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongated handle extension portion 403. The spring-loaded pin is urged radially outwards by the spring. Further, the spring-loaded pin has a slanted surface facing a proximal end of the elongated handle extension portion 403, wherein the distal end 38 of the handle member 6 may contact the slanted surface and push the spring-loaded pin inwards against the spring force. Further, the elongated handle extension portion 403 comprises a handle 413 at its free end opposite the connection means 407.Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a manually operated tool 502 according to a fifth embodiment in a similar view as fig. 1. For ease of presentation, only the main differences will be explained in the following. The manually operated tool 502 comprises an engagement member 504 that comprises a spongy layer on lower side of the bladeshaped part 8. The manually operated tool 502 may be adapted for a cleaning operation.

[0131] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a manually operated tool 602 according to a sixth embodiment in a similar view as fig. 1. For ease of presentation, only the main differences will be explained in the following. The manually operated tool 602 comprises an engagement member 604 with a blade-shaped part 608 with a smaller dimension than the blade-shaped part 8 of the engagement member 4 in the first embodiment. The bladeshaped part 608 comprises a straight edge 609 for engagement with an external surface and a rounded edge 611 at an opposite end of the blade-shaped part 608. Further, the engagement member 604 comprises a first connection portion 616 comprising a single spherical convex surface, i.e a single ball-shaped part. Further, the first connection portion 616 is arranged off center and more particularly distant from the straight edge 609. manually operated tool 602 may be adapted for brick laying.

[0132] Fig. 13A is a perspective view of a manually operated tool 702 according to a seventh embodiment. For ease of presentation, only the main differences in relation to the first embodiment will be explained in the following. The manually operated tool 702 comprises an engagement member 704 with a rectangular blade-shaped part 708 that comprises a straight edge 709 for engagement with an external surface and a reinforcement portion 711 along one long side of the rectangular blade-shaped part 708 opposite the straight edge 709 for providing stiffness to the engagement member 704. Further, the manually operated tool 702 comprises a first connection portion 716 comprising a single spherical convex surface, i.e a single ball-shaped part. Further, the manually operated tool 702 comprises a plate-shaped support element 730 that is detachably connected to the reinforcement portion 711.

[0133] Fig. 13B is an exploded view of the manually operated tool 702 according to fig. 13A. The engagement member 704 comprises a first connection means 729 that is accessible from a second main surface of the blade-shaped part 708 opposite the first main surface of the blade-shaped part. More specifically, the reinforcement portion 711 comprises the first connection means 729 in the form of a through-hole 729. More specifically, the firstconnection portion 716 and the support element 730 are formed in a one-piece unit 731. Further, the support element 730 comprises a second connection means 733 that is connectable to the first connection means 729 for a detachable connection of the first connection portion 716 and the engagement surface of the engagement member. More specifically, the one-piece unit 731 comprises the second connection means 733 in the form of a threaded shaft 733 that extends on an opposite side of the plate-shaped support element 730 relative to the first connection portion 716. The threaded shaft 733 is adapted to be received in the through hole 729 so that its free end projects out from the reinforcement portion 711 on an opposite side of the reinforcement portion 711. Further, the manually operated tool 702 comprises a wing nut 735 that is adapted to engage with the free end of the threaded shaft 733 for rigidly attaching the one-piece unit 731 to the rectangular blade-shaped part 708.

[0134] Fig. 14A is a perspective view of a manually operated tool 802 according to an eighth embodiment. For ease of presentation, only the main differences in relation to the seventh embodiment will be explained in the following. The manually operated tool 802 comprises an engagement member 804 with a rectangular blade-shaped part 808 that comprises a straight edge 809 for engagement with an external surface and a reinforcement portion 811 along one long side of the rectangular blade-shaped part 808 opposite the straight edge 809 for providing stiffness to the engagement member 804. Further, the manually operated tool 802 comprises a first connection portion 816 comprising a single spherical convex surface, i.e. a single ball-shaped part. Further, the manually operated tool 802 comprises a plate-shaped support element 830 that is detachably connected to the reinforcement portion 811.

[0135] Fig. 14B is an exploded view of the manually operated tool 802 according to fig. 14A. The engagement member 804 comprises a first connection means 829, 839 that is accessible from a second main surface of the blade-shaped part 808 opposite the first main surface of the blade-shaped part. More specifically, the reinforcement portion 811 comprises the first connection means 829, 839 that is formed by two through-holes 829, 839 arranged in a spaced relationship in parallel with the straight edge 809. Further, the support element 830 comprises a second connection means 849, 859 that is connectable to the first connection means 829, 839 for a detachable connection of the first connection portion 816 and the engagement surface of the engagement member. More specifically, the plate-shaped support element 830 comprises two through-holes 849, 859 arranged in aspaced relationship corresponding to a spacing between the two through-holes 829, 839 in the reinforcement portion 811. Further, the plate-shaped support element 830 is adapted to be arranged relative to the rectangular blade-shaped part 808 so that each one of the two through-holes 849, 859 in the plate-shaped support element 830 is arranged in line with the two through-holes 829, 839 in the rectangular blade-shaped part 808. More specifically, the first connection portion 816 and the support element 830 are formed in a one-piece unit 831. The two through-holes 849, 859 in the plate-shaped support element 830 extend on opposite sides of the first connection portion 816. Further, the manually operated tool 802 comprises two fasteners 861, 863 that are each adapted to be received in one of the pair of in-line through holes 829, 849; 839, 859. The two fasteners 861, 863 are formed by screws. Further, the manually operated tool 802 comprises two wing nuts 835, 837 that are adapted to engage with the free ends of the screws 861, 863 for rigidly attaching the one-piece unit 831 to the rectangular bladeshaped part 808.

[0136] Fig. 15A is a perspective view of a manually operated tool 902 according to a ninth embodiment in a similar view as fig. 1. For ease of presentation, only the main differences will be explained in the following. The manually operated tool 902 comprises an engagement member 904 with a rectangular blade-shaped part 908. Further, the engagement member 904 comprises a first connection means 980 that is accessible from a second main surface 918 of the blade-shaped part 908 opposite a first main surface 914 of the blade-shaped part. More specifically, the first connection means 980 is arranged on the second main surface 918 of the blade-shaped part 908. The first connection means 980 is formed by an elongated support bar 980 (that may alternatively be termed a rib or rail) with a constant cross section along its longitudinal direction.

[0137] Further, the manually operated tool 902 comprises a first connection portion 916 that is similar to the first connection portion 16 of the first embodiment. Further, the manually operated tool 902 comprises a support element 930 that comprises a second connection means 982 that is connectable to the first connection means 980. More specifically, the first connection portion 916 and the support element 930 are formed in a one-piece unit 931. More specifically, the first connection means 980 and the second connection means 982 creates conditions for a detachable connection of the first connection portion 916 and the engagement member 904.More specifically, the second connection means 982 is formed by an opening 982 on a side of the support element 930 that is opposite the first connection portion 916. Further, the opening 982 has a constant cross section along an extension direction. Further, the opening 982 and the elongated support bar 980 are adapted for connection to each other for allowing the first connection portion 916 to slide along the elongated support bar 980 to assume any operational position in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support bar 980. More specifically, the elongated support bar 980 and the opening 982 comprises lateral engagement means 983, 985, see fig. 15B, in the form of laterally extending protrusions 983 in a first one of the elongated support bar 980 and the opening 982 and laterally extending recesses 985 in the other one of the elongated support bar 980 and the opening 982, wherein the laterally extending protrusions 983 and the laterally extending recesses 985 correspond to each other for engagement. In the shown example, the elongated support bar 980 comprises the laterally extending recesses 985 and the one-piece unit 931 comprises the laterally extending protrusions 983 that project inwards into the opening 982.

[0138] The manually operated tool 902 comprises a further fixing arrangement 942 that is adapted for fixing the first connection portion 916 in any operational position in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support bar. More specifically, the one-piece unit 931 comprising the support element 930 and the first connection portion 916 further comprises the further fixing arrangement 942. The further fixing arrangement 942 comprises a lever 944 that is pivotable around a pivot axis and operable by means of a finger, such as the thumb, of the user for setting the fixing arrangement 942 in a closed state, in which the first connection portion 916 is fixed in an operational position in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support bar, and an open state, in which the first connection portion 916 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the elongated support bar.

[0139] Fig 15B is a perspective view of a connection operation for connecting the one-piece unit 931 comprising the first connection portion 916 and the support element 930 to the engagement member 904 for forming the manually operated tool 902. The one-piece unit 931 is positioned so that its opening is in-line with a longitudinal direction of the elongated support bar 980. Further, the one-piece unit 931 is relative to the elongated support bar, see arrow 933, so that the laterally extending protrusions 983 in the opening 982 engages with the laterally extending recesses 985 at an end of the elongated support bar 980,wherein the one-piece unit 931 may be slidingly guided by the elongated support bar 980 along the elongated support bar 980.

[0140] Fig 15C shows the further fixing arrangement 942 in an open state and Fig 15D shows the further fixing arrangement 942 in a closed state. The further fixing arrangement 942 comprises a locking means 946, that is operationally connected to the lever 944 and adapted to exert a force on an upper surface 981 of the elongated support bar 980 when the lever is pivoted from a first position corresponding to that the fixing arrangement 942 is in the open state and a second position corresponding to that the fixing arrangement 942 is in the closed state. More specifically, the locking means 946 is formed by a body with a gently curved peripheral surface that is adapted to contact the upper surface 981 of the elongated support bar 980. A curvature of the peripheral surface is eccentric relative to a pivot axis of the lever 944. More specifically, the body is rigidly connected to the lever 944. More specifically, the body is formed in a one-piece unit with the lever 944. Accordingly, an upper region of the elongated support bar may be clamped between the locking means 946 and the laterally extending protrusions 983 of the one-piece unit 931 in the closed state.

[0141] Fig 15E is a perspective view of a connection operation for connecting the handle member 6 to the first connection portion 916 for forming the manually operated 902.

[0142] The handle member 6 is positioned and moved, see arrow 935, relative to the first connection portion 916 in a similar manner as has been described with regard to fig. 3. Further, the lever 944 of the fixing arrangement 942 is operated, see arrow 937 for setting the fixing arrangement 942 in a closed state, wherein the one-piece unit 931 is locked in a desired position along the elongated support bar.

[0143] It may be noted that the handle member 6 is adapted to be separable from the one-piece unit 931 comprising the support element 930 and the first connection portion 916 in an interface between a spherical convex contact surface 924 of the first connection portion 916 and the spherical concave contact surface 26 of the second connection portion 22. Further, it may be noted that the one-piece unit 931 is adapted to be separable from the engagement member 904 an interface between the first connection means 980 and the second connection means 982.It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0144] Accordingly, any design of the spherical convex contact surface and the spherical concave contact surface according to the embodiments described above may be applied in any other one of the embodiments.

[0145] Moreover, the manually operated tool may have an edge with a different shape and / or design than a straight shape in order to generate a desired pattern. This may for example be a pattern of lines, wherein the edge may be provided with a plurality of spaced recesses in a toothed pattern. The plurality of recesses often have a regular pattern corresponding to the desired line pattern. In other words, each recess may have a rectangular shape forming a cutout from a peripheral straight edge. A length of each one of the recesses along the straight edge may be same as a length of a portion of the bladeshaped part inbetween two adjacent recesses along the straight edge.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A manually operated tool (2, 102, 202, 302, 502, 602, 702, 802, 902) for processing an external surface, wherein the manually operated tool comprises an engagement member (4, 104, 204, 304, 504, 604, 704, 804, 904) with an engagement surface (14) for engagement with the external surface to be processed and a handle member (6, 206, 306) comprising an elongated hand grip body (20) for being gripped and manoeuvred by means of a hand (80) of a user, wherein the manually operated tool further comprises a first connection portion (16, 116, 216, 316, 716, 816, 916) and a second connection portion (22, 222, 322), wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are adapted for connection to each other to form a force transmitting structure between the elongated hand grip body and the engagement surface, wherein the first connection portion and the second connection portion are adapted for connection to each other in different relative positions so that the elongated hand grip body may be arranged in different positions relative to the engagement surface, wherein the manually operated tool further comprises a fixing arrangement (42) adapted to fix the first connection portion and the second connection portion in a plurality of different attachment states for fixing the elongated hand grip body (20) in any one of the different positions relative to the engagement surface (14), characterized in that one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion comprises a spherical convex contact surface (24, 124, 224, 324,) and the other one of the first connection portion and the second connection portion comprises a spherical concave contact surface (26, 226, 326), wherein the spherical convex contact surface and the spherical concave contact surface correspond to each other forming a joint allowing the elongated hand grip body to be arranged in the plurality of different angular positions in a three-dimensional space around the joint.

2. A manually operated tool according to claim 1, wherein the first connection portion (16, 116, 216, 316, 716, 816, 916) comprises the spherical convex contact surface (24, 124, 224, 324) and is rigidly connected or connectable to the engagement member (4, 104, 204, 304, 504, 604, 704, 804, 904) so that it protrudes on an opposite side of the engagement member relative to the engagement surface (14) and wherein the second connection portion (22, 222, 322) comprises the spherical concave contact surface (26, 226, 326) and is rigidly connected or connectable tothe handle member (6, 206, 306) so that it faces away from the elongated hand grip body (20) of the handle member.

3. A manually operated tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the handle member (6, 206, 306) comprises the fixing arrangement (42).

4. A manually operated tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the fixing arrangement (42) comprises a lever (44) that is pivotably arranged around an axis for arranging the fixing arrangement (42) in a fixed state and an open state, respectively, wherein the fixing arrangement (42) is adapted to be arranged in a vicinity of a first end (36) of the elongated hand grip body (20) allowing operation of the lever (44) by a thumb of the user's hand while the user holds the elongated hand grip body (20) by a palm and / or further fingers of the hand.

5. A manually operated tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the second connection portion (22, 222, 322) is rigidly connected or connectable to a first end (36) of the elongated hand grip body (20) of the handle member (6, 206, 306), wherein the second connection portion defines a symmetry line that indicates a connection direction for engagement with the first connection portion (16, 116, 216, 316, 716, 816, 916), wherein the symmetry line of the second connection portion is transverse relative to a longitudinal direction of the elongated hand grip body (20) of the handle member (6, 206, 306).

6. A manually operated tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the spherical convex contact surface (24, 124, 224, 324, 824, 924) at least to a significant extent forms the shape of a ball, wherein the fixing arrangement (42) is adapted to effect surface regions of the spherical convex contact surface facing in opposite directions for clamping the spherical convex contact surface for fixing the first connection portion and the second connection portion in any one of the plurality of different attachment states.

7. A manually operated tool according to claim 6, wherein the spherical concave contact surface (26, 226, 326) comprises two surface regions facing in opposite directions, wherein the fixing arrangement (42) is adapted to effect the two surface regions of the spherical concave contact surface towards each other for clamping the spherical convex contact surface.

8. A manually operated tool according to claim 7, wherein the one of the first connection portion (16, 116, 216, 316, 716, 816, 916) and the second connection portion (22, 222, 322) that comprises the spherical concave contact surface (26, 226, 326) comprises a wall section (48) that forms the shape of a cup that is sized for encompassing the spherical convex contact surface in the attachment states, wherein the wall section (48) is slit defining the two surface regions on opposite sides of the slit allowing relative movement of adjacent edges of the wall section defining the slit, wherein the fixing arrangement (42) is arranged for clamping the wall section around the spherical convex contact surface.

9. A manually operated tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle member (6, 206, 306) is adapted to be separable from the engagement member (4, 104, 204, 304, 504, 604, 704, 804, 904) in an interface between the spherical convex contact surface (24, 124, 224, 324, 824, 924) and the spherical concave contact surface (26, 226, 326).

10. A manually operated tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the engagement member (4, 104, 204, 304, 504, 604, 704, 804, 904) comprises a blade-shaped part (8, 608, 708, 808, 908) that has a straight edge (10, 12) at one free end, wherein the engagement surface of the engagement member forms a first main surface (14) of the blade-shaped part that defines the straight edge.

11. A manually operated tool according to claim 10, wherein the first connection portion (16, 116, 216, 316, 716, 816, 916) is arranged adjacent a second main surface (18) of the blade-shaped part (8, 608, 708, 808, 908) opposite the first main surface (14) of the blade-shaped part.

12. A manually operated tool according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the manually operated tool comprises a support element (30, 730, 830, 930) that is formed in a one-piece unit (731, 831, 931) with the first connection portion (16, 116, 216, 316, 716, 816, 916) and wherein the support element is rigidly connected or connectable to the blade-shaped part (8, 608, 708, 808, 908) of the engagement member (4, 104, 204, 304, 504, 604, 704, 804, 904).

13. A manually operated tool according to claim 12, wherein the engagement surface (14) of the engagement member (4, 104, 204, 304, 504, 604) and the first connection portion (16, 116, 216, 316) are rigidly connected in a one-piece unit.

14. A manually operated tool according to claim 12, wherein the engagement member (704, 804, 904) comprises a first connection means (729, 829, 839, 980) that is accessible from a second main surface of the blade-shaped part (708, 808, 908) opposite the first main surface of the blade-shaped part, wherein the support element (730, 830, 930) comprises a second connection means (733, 849, 859, 982) that is connectable to the first connection means for a detachable connection of the first connection portion (716, 816, 916) and the engagement surface of the engagement member.

15. A manually operated tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the manually operated tool comprises a plurality of first connection portions (16, 16’, 16”, 16”’, 16””) that are arranged in a spaced relationship, wherein the second connection portion (22, 222, 322) is connectable to any one of the plurality of first connection portions (16, 16’, 16”, 16’”, 16””).

16. A manually operated tool according to any preceding claim, wherein each one of the spherical convex contact surface (24, 124, 824) and the spherical concave contact surface (26) is at least substantially continuous allowing for a stepless transition between the plurality of different attachment states.

17. A manually operated tool according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the spherical convex contact surface (224, 324) comprises at least one projection (227, 327) and / or depression (225, 325) and the spherical concave contact surface (226, 326) comprises at least one corresponding depression and / or projection, wherein at least one predetermined attachment state is defined by mating of the projection and depression.

18. A manually operated tool according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongated hand grip body (20) of the handle member (6, 206, 306) and the second connection portion (22, 222, 322) of the handle member are rigidly connected in a one-piece unit.

19. A kit of parts for forming a manually operated tool (2, 102, 202, 302, 502, 602, 702, 802, 902) according to any preceding claims, wherein the kit of parts comprises a single handle member and a plurality of engagement members according to any preceding claims, wherein the single handle member is attachable to any one of the plurality of engagement members for forming the manually operated tool.

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