HK1100362B - Implement handle - Google Patents

Abstract

An implement handle (10) graspable by a hand of an intended user and connectable to an implement head includes a generally elongated body defining a body longitudinal axis (30), a body forward end (32) for connection to the implement head and a longitudinally opposed body rearward end (34). The body also defines a body top surface (36) and a substantially opposed body bottom surface (38). The body is configured so as to define a longitudinal cross-sectional configuration having a substantially fusiform encirclable section (40) tapering rearwards towards the body rearward end (34) and forwardly towards a neck section (80). The neck section (80) diverges forwardly into an abutment section (82). The neck and abutment sections (80) and (82) together define a thumb rest area on the body top surface (36) and an index rest area on the body bottom surface (38). The abutment section (82) tapers forwardly into a spacing section (76) for spacing the fingers of the intended user from the implement head.

Description

Tool handle

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the general field of handles, and in particular to a tool handle.

Background

The prior art is replete with different types of grips for use with various types of tools or implements. These gripping handles provide a gripping surface for manipulation, allowing the intended user to manually use the tool to accomplish its intended function or application.

Regardless of the type of grip handle, gripping the grip handle involves four steps. First, stretching the hand requires simultaneous movement of the hand's internal muscles and long extensors. Second, the fingers are closed to grip the grip handle and conform to the shape of the latter. Third, the force applied to the handle varies depending on the weight, surface characteristics, fragility, and use of the tool, as well as its grip on the handle. Fourth, release, where the hand is opened to release the grip handle.

In order to provide a grip handle which allows these four steps to be carried out in a satisfactory manner, while at the same time being relatively inexpensive to manufacture, most conventional grip handles have a generally extended configuration of substantially constant cross-sectional configuration. Typically, the cross-sectional configuration is a disk, hexagon, or the like.

Such a conventional grip handle is usually held in a so-called grip position (power grip). With this type of grip, the user's fingers hold the grip handle against the palm. The joint positions work together to align the hand with the forearm. The fingers are curved and the wrist is offset and extended at the ulnar side for the formed gripping location, which is typically used when strength and strength are of primary concern.

An example of a gripping hand position is a hook grip, where all fingers or the second and third fingers are used as hooks and possibly only the interphalangeal joints are involved or both the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints are involved (the thumb is not involved). Another example is a cylindrical grip, or a hand grip, where the thumb is used and the entire bracelet wraps around the entire gripping handle. For a fist, or finger grip, the hand moves near a narrow gripping handle.

Another type of gripping means is the so-called precision hand position or gripping hand position. Typically, the movement of the precise hand position is limited primarily by the metacarpophalangeal joints. The palm may or may not participate, but there is a finger-to-finger contact between the thumb and the other fingers, with the thumb opposite the fingers. This gripping is used when accuracy and precision are required.

There are three forms of pinch grip (ping grip). The first is the so-called three-point grip, three-finger or finger pinch, in which a palm pinch or a lower end-side-opposite manner is achieved. For this grip, there is a finger-belly-to-finger pinch and the opposite is required. One example is the holding of a pencil. This grip is sometimes referred to as a tight precision hand position.

The second type of pinch grip is a lateral, keyed, finger-to-side pinch grip, a lateral grip, or a lower end-to-side opposing. The sides of the thumb and forefinger contact each other and may be referred to as a side, lateral, or key grip. No opposite approach is required. An example of this is holding a card or key.

The third type of pinch grip is a tip pinch grip or a tip-to-tip grip, or opposite ends. For this orientation, the tip of the thumb is opposite the tip of the other finger. This grip is used for activities that require a good fit rather than a physical effort.

In other words, the gripping of the human hand typically occurs in either of two separate planes. The gripping position occurs in the so-called finger-to-palm plane, which is created between the fingers and the palm of the hand. The precise hand position or gripping hand position typically occurs at the so-called finger-to-thumb plane, which occurs between the index finger and thumb or thumb and other fingers.

While somewhat useful and relatively inexpensive to manufacture, conventional implement grip handles suffer from a number of drawbacks. One drawback is that they generally only allow the use of a grip-type hand position, in which the fingers hold the grip handle against the palm. Thus, they are not well suited for work requiring accuracy and precision.

Where both accuracy and effort are required, such as when using different types of kitchen utensils, the use of conventional handles typically relies on the operator's hands, wrists and arms for accuracy at the expense of excessive compensation which can present a potential risk of different types of injury, including repetitive stress-type injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or the like.

Another common drawback associated with conventional handles is that they generally do not match well with the hand, allowing only limited hand surface contact to grip the handle. A given user may need to exert more force to accomplish a given task. Furthermore, it creates high pressure points at the small part of the hand that touches the handle, which proves uncomfortable and can again cause potential injuries.

The muscles of the forearm, including the deep and superficial flexors, extend from the elbow into the length of the fingers, and when the hand is gripped, for example due to poor fit between the hand and the gripping handle, the muscles of the hand remain stretched and the flexors are tightly compressed. In addition, the muscles of the hand also compress the radial artery causing an obstruction of the circulation from the aorta to the fingers. This may cause fatigue for a relatively short operating period.

Another drawback associated with conventional handles is that they are poorly designed for use in certain types of activities such as rotation about the longitudinal axis of the grip handle and sawing or slicing motions involving translational motion along the longitudinal axis of the grip handle. Typically, from an ergonomic point of view, two of these movements are better accomplished with the opposing index finger and thumb.

Furthermore, most conventional handles do not provide adequate safety features when using a given tool, which may present some risk of injury if the hand of the user is expected to be both touching the tool and exposed to the environment, such as when the tool is a knife. Some kitchen or utility knives include a substantially planar shield adjacent the front hand of the handle that separates the front hand from the blade of the knife and provides a pushing surface for the intended user to facilitate slicing movement. However, conventional flat shields typically do not match the profile of the index finger, and therefore only contact the index finger with relatively little contact surface, resulting in a high pressure point. Such relatively high pressure applied to a small area of the finger can quickly cause discomfort and/or injury.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved tool handle. It is a primary object of the present invention to provide such an improved tool handle.

Disclosure of Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a tool handle graspable by a hand of an intended user and attachable to a tool head, the hand including a thumb, an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger and a little finger, the fingers extending from a palm of the hand, each finger including a pair of respective finger sides and a respective distal pulp; the tool handle includes: a generally elongated body defining a body longitudinal axis for connection to a body forward end and a longitudinally opposed body rearward end of the tool head; the body further defines a body top surface and a substantially opposing body bottom surface; the body defines an encirclable section intermediate the body front and rear ends, the encirclable section being arranged and dimensioned to be grasped between at least a portion of the palm and at least a portion of at least one of the middle, ring or small fingers at least partially surrounding the encirclable section. The body top surface having an identifiable thumb rest area intermediate the encirclable portion and the body front end for contacting at least a portion of a distal pulp of the thumb, the thumb rest area defining a forwardmost position of the rest area; the body bottom surface having a substantially concave recess defining a recess surface intermediate the encirclable portion and the body front end for contacting at least a portion of one of the finger sides of the index finger, and the latter being substantially perpendicular to the body longitudinal axis; the recess surface has a substantially arcuate cross-sectional configuration defining a first end of the recess located substantially adjacent the encirclable portion and a second end of the recess located substantially adjacent the body forward end; the body defines a first reference plane of cross-section extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body and aligned with the second end of the groove. The groove surface is disposed and dimensioned such that at least a portion of the groove surface is disposed forward relative to the first reference plane. And a recessed area of the thumb rest area 42 that is recessed downwardly relative to the body top surface 36 to receive and support at least a portion of the thumb 14 partially overlaps a projection of a recessed area of the groove 46 on the longitudinal axis 30 that is recessed upwardly relative to the body bottom surface 38 to receive at least a portion of the index finger 16.

Conveniently, the thumb rest area is longitudinally offset relative to the recess, the forwardmost location of the thumb rest area being located substantially forwardly relative to the recess. Typically, the groove surface defines a forwardmost position of the groove surface; a second datum plane defining a cross-section intersecting both the forwardmost location of the recess surface and the forwardmost location of the placement area; the second reference plane is at an angle from the first to the second reference plane angle with respect to the first reference plane.

Conveniently, the thumb rest area is substantially concave in configuration. Typically, the thumb rest area is substantially saddle-shaped. Typically, the encirclable section is of substantially convex configuration, and is configured and dimensioned to conform to a palm of a hand of substantially concave configuration when the encirclable section is gripped between the palm or the middle, ring or little finger surrounding the encirclable section. Conveniently, at least a portion of the body bottom surface further defines a bottom abutment portion for contacting the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and pinky finger in an adjacent manner.

Typically, at least a portion of the body top surface further defines a thumb positioning portion located substantially adjacent the thumb placement area, the thumb positioning portion being configured and dimensioned to allow at least a portion of the distal pulp of the thumb to be placed adjacent the thumb placement area when the encirclable portion is gripped between at least a portion of the palm and at least a portion of at least one of the middle finger, ring finger, or pinky finger at least partially surrounding the encirclable portion.

Conveniently, the implement handle further comprises a spacer portion for spacing the implement head from the fingers, the spacer portion extending between the body forward end and between the recess and the thumb rest area.

According to the present invention there is also provided an implement handle graspable by a hand of an intended user and attachable to an implement head, the hand including a thumb, an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger and a little finger, the fingers extending from a palm of the hand, each finger including a pair of respective finger-side surfaces and a respective distal pulp; the tool handle includes: a generally elongated body defining a body longitudinal axis for connection to a body forward end and a longitudinally opposed body rearward end of the tool head; the body further defines a body top surface and a substantially opposing body bottom surface; the body defining a substantially fusiform encirclable portion intermediate the body front and rear ends, the encirclable portion being arranged and dimensioned to be grippable between at least a portion of a palm of a hand and at least a portion of at least one of a middle finger, ring finger, or little finger at least partially surrounding the encirclable portion; the body top surface having a visually identifiable thumb rest area intermediate the encirclable portion and the body front end for contacting at least a portion of a distal pulp of the thumb, the thumb rest area defining a forwardmost position of the rest area; the body bottom surface having a substantially concave recess defining a recess surface intermediate the encirclable portion and the body front end for contacting at least a portion of one of the finger sides of the index finger, and the latter substantially perpendicular to the body longitudinal axis; the body further defines a spacing portion for spacing the tool head from the finger, the spacing portion extending between the body forward end and between the recess and the thumb rest area.

According to the present invention there is further provided a tool handle graspable by an intended user's hand and attachable to a tool head, the hand including a thumb, an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger and a little finger, the fingers extending from a palm of the hand, each finger including a pair of respective finger-side surfaces and a respective distal pulp; the tool handle includes: a generally elongated body defining a body longitudinal axis for connection to a body forward end and a longitudinally opposed body rearward end of the tool head; the body further defines a body top surface and a substantially opposing body bottom surface; the body being arranged so as to define a longitudinal cross-sectional configuration having a substantially fusiform encirclable portion tapering rearwardly toward the body rear end and forwardly toward a neck portion, the neck portion diverging forwardly into an abutment, the neck portion and abutment defining together a thumb rest area on the body top surface and an index finger rest area on the body bottom surface; the abutment portion tapers forwardly into a spacer portion for spacing the tool head and finger.

Conveniently, the neck portion defines a top surface nadir and a bottom surface nadir, the top surface nadir being offset forwardly from the bottom surface nadir; the abutment portion defines a top surface peak and a bottom surface peak, the top surface peak being forwardly offset relative to the bottom surface peak.

Advantages of the present invention include that the proposed tool handle is ergonomically designed to minimize the risk of fatigue and repetitive stress-type injuries.

The proposed tool handle is suitable for use with a variety of tools, including various types of kitchen utensils, carpentry utensils, garden utensils, etc., and may even be used with any other sport equipment in any other suitable field.

Furthermore, the proposed tool handle allows to grip it by a combination of gripping and precise hand position, thus allowing to obtain a firm grip without sacrificing precision and accuracy.

The proposed tool handle also reduces the risk of overt injury by allowing a higher degree of control over tool movement. In addition, the proposed implement handle inherently reduces the risk of overt injury by providing a shield that conforms to the shape of the intended user's index finger.

The shroud or index finger groove further provides an ergonomically designed surface against which the index finger of the intended user may be placed or pressure applied during some form of movement, such as a saw movement or the like.

The proposed tool handle is specially designed to allow ergonomic compliance with the general structure of the hand of the intended user, and caters for the latter in order to provide a more stable, safe and comfortable handle.

The proposed tool handle is also specifically designed to allow the fingers of the intended user to bend separately at the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints to center their respective axes in accordance with their normal physiological bending alignment toward the tuberosity of the scaphoid.

And, furthermore, the proposed tool handle is designed so as to facilitate quick and easy ergonomically positioning of the hand of the intended user on the handle surface. Also, the proposed tool handle is designed to be aesthetically pleasing.

Furthermore, the proposed tool handle is designed to be conveniently cleaned by conventional cleaning means. And, in addition, the proposed tool handle is designed so that it can be manufactured in a conventional manner using conventional materials so as to provide an economically viable, durable and relatively reliable tool handle in use.

Drawings

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be disclosed by way of example, and with reference to the following drawings, in which

FIG. 1 illustrates, in elevation view, an implement handle according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown gripped by an intended user's hand;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view illustrating the implement handle shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the implement handle shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the implement handle shown in FIGS. 1 through 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating the implement handle shown in FIGS. 1 through 4;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view illustrating the implement handle shown in FIGS. 1 through 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view illustrating the tool handle shown in FIGS. 1 through 6;

FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view illustrating the implement handle illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view illustrating the implement handle illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view illustrating the implement handle shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, and a cross-section extending thereacross;

FIG. 11 is a transverse cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the implement handle shown in FIG. 10 at various longitudinal positions therealong;

FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the implement handle shown in FIG. 10 at various longitudinal positions therealong;

FIG. 13 is a transverse cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the implement handle shown in FIG. 10 at various longitudinal positions therealong;

FIG. 14, in an elevational view, illustrates the configuration of the implement handle in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the index indentation of the handle has a different configuration than the index indentations of other implement handles shown throughout the figures;

FIG. 15, in an elevational view, illustrates the configuration of the implement handle in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the index finger groove of the handle has a different configuration than the index finger grooves of other implement handles shown throughout the figures;

FIG. 16, in an elevational view, illustrates the configuration of the implement handle in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the index indentation of the handle has a different configuration than the index indentations of other implement handles shown throughout the figures;

FIG. 17, in an elevational view, illustrates the configuration of the implement handle in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein the index indentation of the handle has a different configuration than the index indentations of other implement handles shown throughout the figures;

FIG. 18 is a top perspective view illustrating an implement handle according to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the implement handle having a thumb rest area that is different from the other implement handles shown throughout the figures;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view illustrating an implement handle having a thumb rest area that is different from the other implement handles shown throughout the figures in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view illustrating an implement handle having a thumb rest area that is different from the other implement handles shown throughout the figures in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view illustrating an implement handle having a thumb rest area that is different from the other implement handles shown throughout the figures in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22, in an elevational view, illustrates an implement handle in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the invention, the implement handle having an encirclable portion with a configuration that differs from the encirclable portions of the other implement handles shown throughout the figures;

FIG. 23, in an elevational view, illustrates an implement handle in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the invention, the implement handle having an encirclable portion with a configuration that differs from the encirclable portions of the other implement handles shown throughout the figures;

FIG. 24, in an elevational view, illustrates an implement handle in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the invention, the implement handle having an encirclable portion with a configuration that differs from the encirclable portions of the other implement handles shown throughout the figures;

FIG. 25, in an elevational view, illustrates the implement handle in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the invention, the implement handle having an encirclable portion with a configuration that differs from the encirclable portions of the other implement handles shown throughout the figures;

Detailed Description

Referring to FIG. 1, an implement handle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown and generally designated by reference numeral 10. The handle 10 is shown gripped by the hand 12 of the intended user. The hand 12 includes a thumb 14, an index finger 16, a middle finger 18, a ring finger 20, and a little finger 22.

Each finger 14 to 22 extends from a palm 24. Each finger 14 to 22 includes a pair of respective finger sides 26 and respective distal finger flanks 28.

In all of the figures, the tool handle 10 is shown in a stand-alone form. However, in use, the tool handle 10 is typically attached or affixed to a tool head (not shown). The tool head (not shown) may take any suitable form without departing from the scope of the invention.

By way of example, the tool handle 10 may be attached to the tool head of a kitchen utensil such as a knife, scoop, spoon, duster, or any other suitable kitchen utensil. The tool handle 10 may also be attached to the tool head of tools in other fields such as hammers, slicers, spades, and the like.

Also, throughout the figures, the tool handle 10 is shown disengaged from the attachment means for attachment to the tool head. It should be understood, however, that the implement handle 10 may have any suitable attachment, coupling or attachment means without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the handle-to-tool-head connection means may be of the releasable type or of the fixed type without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring now more particularly to fig. 2 through 7, the implement handle 10 is shown having a generally elongated body defining a body longitudinal axis 30 for attachment to a body forward end 32 and a longitudinally opposed body rearward end 34 of a tool head (not shown). The implement handle 10 also defines a body top surface 36 and a substantially opposing body bottom surface 38.

The tool handle also defines a graspable or encirclable portion 40 intermediate the body forward and rearward ends 32, 34. As illustrated more particularly in fig. 1, the encirclable portion 40 is configured and dimensioned to be grasped between at least a portion of the palm 24 and at least a portion of at least one of the middle, ring or small fingers 18, 20, 22 at least partially surrounding the encirclable portion 40.

It should be understood that while fig. 1 illustrates that the encirclable portion 40 is surrounded by all of the middle, ring and little fingers, 18, 20 and 22, the encirclable portion could also be configured and dimensioned to be surrounded by only one of the middle, ring and little fingers, 18, 20, 22 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, while FIG. 1 illustrates that the encirclable portion 40 is almost completely surrounded by the middle, ring and little fingers, 18, 20 and 22, the encirclable portion 40 may also be provided and sized to be completely surrounded or to be surrounded to a lesser extent than is shown in FIG. 1 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As shown more particularly in fig. 2, 5 and 6, body top surface 36 has an identifiable thumb rest area 42 intermediate encirclable section 40 and body front end 32. While the thumb rest area 42 is shown as being visually recognizable in all of the figures, it should be understood that the thumb rest area may be tactilely or otherwise recognizable without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The thumb rest area 42 is adapted to contact at least a portion of the distal pulp 28 of the thumb 14. Although the thumb rest area 42 is shown in fig. 1 as contacting a majority of the distal pulp 28 of the thumb 14, it should be understood that the thumb rest area 42 may be otherwise configured and sized to contact fewer or more portions of the distal pulp 28 of the thumb 14 than are shown in fig. 1. The thumb rest area 42 defines a rest area forwardmost position 44 for contacting a forwardmost portion of the distal pulp 28 of the thumb 14.

As shown more particularly in fig. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7, the body bottom surface 38 has a substantially concave recess 46 defining a recess surface 48 intermediate the encirclable section 40 and the body front end 32. As more particularly illustrated in FIG. 1, the concave surface 48 is adapted to contact at least a portion of one of the finger sides 26 of the index finger 16, and the latter is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal channel 30 of the body.

It should be understood that although the groove surface 48 is shown in FIG. 1 as contacting a majority of the side 26 of the index finger 16, the groove surface 48 may be otherwise configured and dimensioned to contact more or less of the side 26 of the index finger 16 than is shown in FIG. 1.

As more particularly illustrated in fig. 4 and 6, recess surface 48 has a substantially hook-like or arcuate cross-sectional configuration defining a first end 50 of the recess located substantially adjacent encirclable portion 40 and a second end 52 of the recess located substantially adjacent body forward end 32. For illustrative purposes, the body of the implement handle 10 defines a cross-sectional first datum surface 54 that extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal channel 30 of the body and is in registry with the second end 52 of the recess. The groove surface 48 is disposed and dimensioned such that at least a portion of the groove surface 48 is disposed forward relative to the first datum surface 54.

Moreover, it should be understood that the configuration and size of the recess surface 48 may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, fig. 14 through 17 illustrate an alternative embodiment wherein the configuration and size of the recess surface 48 provides for a gradually increasing portion of the recess surface 48 disposed forwardly relative to the first datum surface 54.

The thumb rest area 42 is generally longitudinally offset from the recess 46. The thumb rest area 42 is generally located in a substantially forward position relative to the recess 46. The groove surface 48 defines a forwardmost position 56 of the groove surface.

For illustrative purposes, the body of the implement handle 10 defines a cross-sectional second datum plane 58 that intersects both the forwardmost location 56 of the recess surface and the forwardmost location 44 of the rest area. Second reference plane 58 is angled relative to first reference plane 54 by a first to second reference plane angle 60. First-to-second reference plane angle 60 typically has a value between about 20 degrees and 80 degrees.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in all of the figures, the thumb rest area 42 has a substantially oval configuration with the major axis of the oval configuration substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 30 of the body. However, it should be understood that the thumb rest area 42 may have other configurations, such as a disc, square, rectangle, etc. and be otherwise aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body without departing from the scope of this invention.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 1-18, the thumb rest area 42 has a substantially concave configuration and a substantially saddle-shaped configuration defined by a pair of distinct radii of curvature. It should be understood, however, that thumb rest area 42 may have other configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In at least some embodiments of the present invention, the thumb rest area 42 is topographically distinct from its adjacent areas so as to facilitate differentiation therefrom. For example, fig. 18 shows an embodiment in which the thumb rest area 42 is concave relative to its adjacent areas to facilitate differentiation therefrom. Also, for example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 19, the thumb rest area 42 protrudes relative to its adjacent areas to facilitate differentiation therefrom.

In at least some embodiments of the present invention, thumb rest area 42 has a different surface texture than its adjacent areas to facilitate differentiation therefrom. For example, in at least some embodiments of the present invention, thumb rest area 42 has a friction enhancing surface texture. By way of further example, the embodiment shown in fig. 20 has friction enhancing protrusions 62 extending therefrom. It is understood that other types of surface textures can be used without departing from the scope of the invention

In at least some embodiments of the present invention, the thumb rest area 42 has a visually discernible edge of the thumb area to facilitate differentiation relative to adjacent portions. By way of example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 21, the thumb area edge includes a peripheral rim 64.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 1 through 21, the encirclable section 40 is of a substantially convex configuration and is configured and dimensioned to substantially conform to the substantially concave configuration of the palm 24 when the encirclable section 40 is gripped between the palm 24 and the middle, ring and little fingers 18, 20 and 22 surrounding the encirclable section 40.

As illustrated more particularly in fig. 4-7, in at least some embodiments of the present invention, the encirclable section 40 has a substantially fusiform configuration that tapers rearwardly toward the body rear end 34 and also forwardly toward the thumb rest area 42 and the recess 46. As illustrated more particularly in fig. 8-13, encirclable section 40 generally has a substantially asymmetrically flattened fusiform configuration with a cross-sectional configuration of body top surface 36 having a radius of curvature greater than a radius of curvature of body bottom surface 38.

It should be understood, however, that the encirclable portion 40 may have other configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, FIGS. 22-25 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein the encirclable portion 40 also has a different ergonomic configuration.

As more particularly illustrated in fig. 6 and 7, in at least some embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of body floor 38 further defines a bottom abutment portion 66 for contacting index, middle, ring and little fingers 16 through 22 in an adjacent manner. Typically, although by no means exclusively, the body floor 66 is made of a different material than the adjacent areas.

In at least some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom abutment section 66 is made of a substantially elastic material. For example, the bottom abutment portion 66 may be made of an elastic resin. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom abutment portion 66 is made of santoprene (a trademark).

In at least some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom abutment portion 66 extends at least partially across the encirclable portion 40. Typically, the bottom abutment section 66 extends at least partially across the groove surface 48. In all of the embodiments of the invention shown in the figures, the bottom abutment portion 66 extends at least partially across the encirclable portion 40 and the recess surface 46.

As more particularly illustrated in fig. 5 and 6, at least a portion of the body top surface 36 further defines a thumb positioning portion 68 located substantially adjacent the thumb rest area 42. Thumb positioning portion 68 is provided and dimensioned to allow at least a portion of the distal pulp 28 of thumb 14 to be placed adjacent to thumb placement area 42 when the encirclable portion 40 is gripped between at least a portion of palm 24 and at least a portion of at least one of the middle, ring or small fingers 18, 20, 22 surrounding encirclable portion 40.

Preferably, the thumb positioning portion 68 completely surrounds the thumb rest area 42. In at least some embodiments of the present invention, the thumb positioning portion 68 has a substantially saddle-shaped configuration. Also, in at least some embodiments of the present invention, the thumb rest area 42 is offset forwardly relative to the thumb positioning portion 68.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 1 to 21, the thumb positioning portion 68 defines a rear portion 70 of the positioning portion which is located rearwardly relative to the thumb rest area 42, and a front portion 72 of the positioning portion which is located forwardly relative to the thumb rest area 42. Typically, the rear portion 70 of the locating portion is forwardly inclined to provide clearance for the first phalanx 74 of the thumb.

While the thumb first phalange 74 is shown in FIG. 1 in abutting contact with the first rear portion 70 of the positioning portion, it should be understood that the thumb first phalange 74 may have other ergonomic configurations relative to the rear portion 70 of the positioning portion without departing from the scope of the present invention.

By way of example, figures 22 to 25 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the configuration of the rear portion 70 of the locating portion differs from that shown in figures 1 to 21.

Typically, the front 72 of the positioning portion is inclined substantially upwardly in the forward direction. It should be understood, however, that the front portion 72 of the positioning portion may be otherwise provided without departing from the scope of this invention.

In at least some embodiments of the present invention, the thumb positioning portion 68 is made of a different material than the adjacent areas. For example, the thumb positioning portion 68 may be made of a substantially resilient material. For example, the thumb positioning portion 68 may be made of an elastic resin. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the thumb positioning portion 68 is made of santoprene (a trademark).

In at least some embodiments of the present invention, the thumb positioning portion 68 is at least partially and preferably completely surrounded by a positioning portion peripheral rim 74.

Typically, the implement handle 10 further includes a spacing portion 76 for spacing the implement head (not shown) from the fingers 14 through 22. A spacer portion 76 extends between the body forward end 32 and between the recess 46 and the thumb rest area 42. Typically, although by no means exclusively, the spacer portion 76 is of substantially frustoconical configuration.

Typically, although by no means exclusively, the body of the tool handle 10 further has a body aperture 78 extending transversely thereof. Typically, the body aperture 78 is disposed substantially adjacent the body posterior end 34.

Generally speaking, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the body of the tool handle 10 is configured such that it defines a generally longitudinal cross-sectional configuration of the graspable or encirclable portion 40, the graspable or encirclable portion 40 tapering rearwardly toward the body rearward end 34 and forwardly toward the neck portion 80. The neck portion (80) diverges forwardly into an abutment portion 82.

The neck portion 80 and the abutment portion 82 together define a thumb rest area 42 on the body top surface 36 and an index finger rest area on the body bottom surface 38. The abutment portion 82 tapers forwardly into a spacing portion 76 for spacing the tool head (not shown) from the fingers 14 to 22.

Typically, the neck portion 80 defines a top nadir and a bottom nadir. The top surface nadir is offset forward relative to the bottom surface nadir. Similarly, the abutment portion 82 defines a top surface peak and a bottom surface peak. The apex of the top surface is offset forwardly relative to the apex of the bottom surface.

As shown more particularly in FIG. 5, in general, the body of the implement handle defines a generally outwardly extending hourglass configuration when viewed in top plan view, which generally tapers about the neck clearance portions 80, 76. Typically, the neck portion 80 is offset forwardly relative to the body forward and rearward ends 32, 34.

In use, the intended user first positions his/her thumb 14 so that the distal pulp portion 28 of the thumb contacts the thumb rest area 42 in an adjacent manner. The middle, ring and little fingers 18, 20 and 22 then cover the encirclable portion 40 for pressing the latter against the palm 24, while the index finger 16 is positioned within the groove 46 and at least a portion of the cross-section 26 and its pulp portion 28 are in abutting contact with the groove surface 48.

It is noted that during the oblique bending of the four fingers, index, middle, ring and little fingers 16 through 22, only the index finger bends to an intermediate axis that is somewhat perpendicular to the body longitudinal axis 30. This corresponds to normal physiological alignment of the fingers, as the latter are bent at the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints, respectively, so that their respective axes are concentrated in a physiological sense towards the tuberosity of the scaphoid. The structure of the encirclable portion 40 ergonomically allows finger coverage, at least partially around the cover.

By having the fingers 16 through 22 urge the encirclable portion 40 against the palm 24, the advantages of the gripping location include providing strength and strength. Also, by allowing the index and thumb fingers 16, 14 to be in opposing positions relative to each other, the advantages of the pinch-grip position include also providing precision and accuracy.

Furthermore, all fingers 14 to 22 and the palm 24 have an optimal contact surface in order to reduce the need for sufficient grip force to be applied and in order to distribute the force to a larger contact surface, thus reducing the pressure on the pressure points.

Claims (43)

1. An implement handle (10) graspable by a hand (12) of an intended user and attachable to an implement head, said hand including a thumb (14), an index finger (16), a middle finger (18), a ring finger (20) and a small finger (22), each extending from a palm (24), each of said fingers including a pair of respective finger sides (26) and a respective distal finger belly (28); the tool handle (10) comprises:

an elongated body defining a body longitudinal axis (30) for connection to a body forward end (32) and a longitudinally opposed body rearward end (34) of the tool head; the body further defining a body top surface (36) and an opposing body bottom surface (38);

the body defining an encirclable section (40) intermediate the body front and rear ends, the encirclable section (40) being arranged and dimensioned to be held between at least a portion of the palm (24) and at least a portion of at least one of the middle finger (18), ring finger (20) or small finger (22) at least partially surrounding the encirclable section (40);

said body top surface (36) having an identifiable thumb rest area (42), said thumb rest area (42) being intermediate said encirclable section (40) and said body front end (32) for contacting at least a portion of a distal pulp (28) of said thumb (14), said thumb rest area (42) defining a rest area forwardmost location (44);

said body bottom surface (38) having a concave recess (46), said recess (46) defining a recess surface (48), said recess surface (48) being intermediate said encirclable section (40) and said body front end (32) for contacting at least a portion of one of said finger sides (26) of said index finger (16) and at least a portion of one of said finger sides (26) of said index finger (16) perpendicular to said body longitudinal axis (30);

said recess surface (48) having an arcuate cross-sectional configuration defining a recess first end (50) located adjacent said encirclable portion (40) and a recess second end (52) located adjacent said body forward end (32); the body defines a first datum plane (54) of cross-section, the first datum plane (54) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the body longitudinal axis (30) and being in register with the groove second end (52), the groove surface (48) being arranged and dimensioned such that at least a portion of the groove surface (48) is disposed forwardly relative to the first datum plane (54) and a recessed area of the thumb rest area (42) is partially overlapping a projection of a recessed area of the groove (46) on the longitudinal axis (30), the recessed area being recessed downwardly relative to the body top surface (36) to receive and support at least a portion of the thumb (14), the recessed area being recessed upwardly relative to the body bottom surface (38) to receive at least a portion of the index finger (16).

2. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said forward most location (44) of said thumb rest area (42) is longitudinally offset relative to said recess (46), said forward most location (44) of said thumb rest area (42) being located forwardly relative to said recess (46).

3. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 2 wherein

The groove surface (48) defining a groove surface forwardmost location (56);

said body defining a second datum plane (58) of cross-section intersecting both said groove surface forwardmost location (56) and said placement region forwardmost location (44);

the second reference plane (58) is angled relative to the first reference plane (54) by a first to second reference plane angle (60).

4. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 3 wherein said first to second reference plane angles (60) have a value between 20 degrees and 80 degrees.

5. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said thumb rest area (42) has a generally oval configuration with the major axis of said oval configuration aligned with the longitudinal axis (30) of said body.

6. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 5 wherein said thumb rest area (42) has a concave configuration.

7. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said thumb rest area (42) has a saddle-shaped configuration.

8. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said thumb rest area (42) is topographically distinct from adjacent areas to facilitate differentiation thereof.

9. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said thumb rest area (42) is concave relative to its adjacent areas to facilitate differentiation thereof.

10. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said thumb rest area (42) is raised relative to its adjacent areas to facilitate differentiation thereof.

11. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said thumb rest area (42) has a surface texture that is different from its adjacent areas so as to facilitate differentiation thereof.

12. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 11 wherein at least a portion of said thumb rest area (42) has a friction enhancing surface texture.

13. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 12 wherein at least a portion of said thumb rest area (42) has a friction enhancing protrusion (62) extending therefrom.

14. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said thumb rest area (42) has a visually discernible thumb area edge to facilitate differentiation thereof relative to adjacent portions thereof.

15. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 14 wherein said thumb area edge comprises a peripheral rim (64).

16. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said encirclable section (40) is of convex configuration, said encirclable section (40) being configured and dimensioned to conform to the substantially concave configuration of said palm (24) when said encirclable section (40) is gripped between said palm (24) and said middle finger (18), ring finger (20) or small finger (22) surrounding said encirclable section (40).

17. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said encirclable section (40) has a fusiform configuration tapering rearwardly toward said body rear end (34) and also forwardly toward said thumb rest area (42) and said recess (46).

18. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said encirclable section (40) has an asymmetrically flattened spindle-shaped configuration wherein a radius of curvature of a cross-sectional configuration of said top body surface (36) is greater than a radius of curvature of said bottom body surface (38).

19. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said body bottom surface (38) further defines a bottom abutment section (66), said bottom abutment section (66) for contacting said index finger (16), middle finger (18), ring finger (20) and little finger (22) in an adjacent manner.

20. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said body bottom surface (38) further defines a bottom abutment section (66), said bottom abutment section (66) being made of a different material than an adjacent area.

21. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 20 wherein said bottom abutment section (66) is made of a resilient material.

22. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 20 wherein said bottom abutment section (66) is made of a resilient resin.

23. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 20 wherein said bottom abutment section (66) extends at least partially across said encirclable section (40).

24. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 20 wherein said bottom abutment section (66) extends at least partially across said recess surface (48).

25. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 20 wherein said bottom abutment section (66) extends at least partially across said encirclable section (40) and at least partially across said recessed surface (48).

26. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said body top surface further defines a thumb positioning portion (68) located adjacent said thumb rest area (42), said thumb positioning portion (68) being configured and dimensioned to allow at least a portion of said distal pulp of said thumb (14) to be adjacently positioned to said thumb rest area (42) when said encirclable portion (40) is grasped between at least a portion of said palm (24) and at least a portion of at least one of said middle finger (18), ring finger (20) or small finger (22) at least partially surrounding said encirclable portion (40).

27. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 26 wherein said thumb positioning portion (68) at least partially surrounds said thumb rest area (42).

28. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 26 wherein said thumb positioning portion (68) surrounds said thumb rest area (42) and is in a saddle-shaped configuration, said thumb rest area (42) being offset forwardly within said thumb positioning portion (68).

29. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 26 wherein said thumb positioning portion (68) is made of a different material than the adjacent area.

30. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 29 wherein said thumb positioning portion (68) is made of a resilient material.

31. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 29 wherein said thumb positioning portion (68) is made of resilient resin.

32. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 29 wherein said thumb positioning portion (68) is surrounded by a positioning portion peripheral rim (74).

33. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 further comprising a spacing portion (76) for spacing said implement head from said fingers (14, 16, 18, 20, 22), said spacing portion (76) extending between said body forward end (32) and between said recess (46) and said thumb rest area (42).

34. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 33 wherein said spacer portion (76) is of frustoconical configuration.

35. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said body has a body aperture (78), said body aperture (78) extending laterally, said body aperture (78) being disposed adjacent said body rear end (34).

36. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said thumb rest area (42) is visually discernable.

37. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said thumb rest area (42) is tactilely discernable.

38. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 1 wherein said encirclable section tapers rearwardly toward said body rear end (34) and forwardly toward a neck portion (80), said neck portion diverging forwardly into an abutment section (82), said neck portion (80) and said abutment section (82) together defining a thumb rest area (42) on said body top surface (36) and an index finger rest area on said body bottom surface, said abutment section (82) tapering forwardly into a spacing section (76) for spacing said implement head and said fingers.

39. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 38 wherein said neck portion (82) defines a top most point and a bottom most point, said top most point being forwardly offset relative to said bottom most point.

40. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 38 wherein said abutment section (82) defines a top surface apex and a bottom surface apex, said top surface apex being forwardly offset relative to said bottom surface apex.

41. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 38,

wherein the neck portion (80) defines a top surface nadir and a bottom surface nadir, the top surface nadir offset anteriorly from the bottom surface nadir;

the abutment portion (82) defines a top surface apex and a bottom surface apex, the top surface apex being forwardly offset relative to the bottom surface apex.

42. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 38 wherein said body defines an outwardly extending hourglass configuration when viewed in top plan view that tapers about said neck portion (80) and spacing portion (76).

43. An implement handle (10) as recited in claim 38 wherein said neck portion (80) is forwardly offset relative to said body forward end (32) and body rearward end (34).