JP7341365B1 - kitchen knife - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a knife that can be held in a comfortable and safe manner by a user, and in particular does not require sudden movements of the hand when using the knife. The present invention relates to a knife comprising a blade (1) and a handle (2), the handle (2) comprising a plurality of grooves (400) arranged in at least one of the side parts (23) of the handle. , the grooves (400) are separated from each other, with the reference groove (410) located closest to the blade (1) and the handle (2) in the direction of the free end of the handle (2) opposite the blade (1). ) along the reference groove (410) and other grooves (400) arranged in parallel. Each groove (400) has an average extension direction (410) whose projection in the longitudinal plane forms a groove angle γ in the longitudinal direction (L), the reference groove (410) consisting of 0° to 10° oriented according to a reference groove angle γR, each subsequent groove (400) of the plurality of grooves (400) has a groove angle γ greater than the reference groove angle γR, and each of the two adjacent grooves (400) The groove angle γ is different. [Selection diagram] Figure 17

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of knives, more specifically kitchen knives.

State of the art Knives, especially kitchen knives, are held and used for long periods of time. It is therefore essential that the design provides the user with the best possible user comfort and allows for constant control and dexterity in gestures.

One of the key elements to this user experience is the design of the knife's handle, also known as the handle.

Knife handles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the purpose and sometimes the size of the blade.

The materials that make up the knife handle also vary depending on whether the knife is a one-piece knife (ie, the handle is made from the same material as the blade) or a multi-piece knife.

When it comes to the ergonomics of these handles, they have different shapes and are made from specific materials, with the aim of optimizing the cooking gestures and comfort of the user when using the knife in cooking. There is a knife that has a handle.

However, finding the perfect balance between all design criteria is very difficult, and existing models often prioritize some aspects over others, which in turn undermines this desired balance.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is to provide a knife that the user can grip in a comfortable and safe manner, in particular without jerks of the hand when using the knife.

Another object of the invention is to provide a knife that does not require excessive force on the handle during its use, avoiding muscle fatigue.

One aim of the invention is precisely to provide a knife that facilitates the normal movements exerted by the user and provides the user with great cutting precision.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a knife with a specific shape of the handle that makes it possible to optimize the grip for the user. A good grip has the advantage of avoiding premature wear of the blade due to incorrect use.

In particular, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a knife whose handle shape naturally matches the shape of the user's hand, regardless of the size of the hand and regardless of the hand used (right or left). I will.

Another object of the invention is to provide a knife that can be gripped in an optimized manner and that limits the effort required to properly hold and maintain the knife.

Another object of the invention is to provide a knife in which user fatigue is reduced and the user's efforts are concentrated in cutting rather than in gripping the knife.

Another object of the invention is a one-piece knife, i.e. a knife whose handle is made of a material similar to that of the blade, in particular a metallic material, and which does not slip in the user's hand when he uses it. The goal is to provide the following.

Another object of the invention is to provide a knife whose design principles are applicable to knives of all sizes.

For this purpose, a knife is proposed,
- a blade having a spine and a cutting edge opposite the spine, the blade extending longitudinally in a longitudinal plane between a distal end and a proximal end;
- a handle extending longitudinally from the proximal end of the blade, the handle being connected to the proximal end of the blade, and an upper handle part extending substantially over the extension of the spine in the longitudinal plane;
a lower handle portion extending in a longitudinal plane and opposite the upper portion;
two handle side parts provided on each side of the longitudinal plane and extending between the upper handle part and the lower handle part,
The handle includes a plurality of grooves located on at least one side of the handle, the grooves being separated from each other, with a reference groove positioned closest to the blade, and other grooves extending from the reference groove to the blade. are arranged side by side along the handle in the direction of the free end of the handle opposite to It has a pattern that forms a
The reference grooves are oriented according to a reference groove angle γR comprised between 0° and 10°, and each subsequent groove of the plurality of grooves has a groove angle γ greater than the reference groove angle γR, and The groove angle γ of each groove is different.

Preferred but non-limiting aspects of this knife, alone or in combination, are:
- in the direction from the reference groove towards the free end of the handle, each groove of the plurality of grooves has a groove angle γ greater than the groove angle γ of the preceding groove;
- the groove angle γ of the plurality of grooves first increases with respect to the reference groove angle γR as the corresponding groove moves away from the reference groove and then decreases when reaching the free end of the handle; .
- the groove angle γ of each of two adjacent grooves differs by an angle of at least 1°, preferably an angle comprised between 4° and 8°, more preferably an angle comprised between 5° and 7°;
- all or part of the grooves extend along a curve;
- some of the grooves are curved with indentations oriented on the sides of the upper handle part, and some of the grooves are curved with indentations oriented on the sides of the lower handle part; It is curved with oriented depressions on the top.
- Each groove is defined by a maximum width at the level of the surface of the handle armpit and a maximum depth, the maximum depth being at least equal to 0.2 mm and preferably equal to at most one third of the maximum width.
- each groove is defined by a maximum width and a maximum depth at the level of the surface of the handle side, the maximum depth consisting of 5% to 12%, preferably 6% to 11% of the maximum width value; has a value of
- each groove has a rectangular, arc-shaped or elliptical-arc shaped transverse section;
- Each handle side part is formed by an upper handle side part connected to the upper handle part and a lower handle side part connected to the lower handle part, with the upper handle side part protruding in the transverse direction and forming a longitudinal plane. It is connected to the lower handle side part by a handle gripping ridge line that constitutes the outermost area of the handle side part in the transverse direction, and a plurality of grooves are arranged in the upper handle side part of the corresponding handle side part. There is.
- The handle gripping ridge is closer to the lower handle than to the upper handle.
- the handle has a joint portion connected to the proximal end of the blade and a main gripping portion extending from the joint portion, the main gripping portion comprising:
o an upper portion extending substantially over an extension of the spine in the longitudinal plane;
o a lower part extending in the longitudinal plane and opposite the upper part;
o having two flanks on each side in the longitudinal plane, each extending between an upper part and a lower part;
〇 Each armpit section is formed by an upper armpit section connected to the upper section and a lower armpit section connected to the lower section, and the upper armpit section projects in the transverse direction and connects the armpit section in the direction transverse to the longitudinal plane. It is connected to the lower armpit part by the gripping ridge line that constitutes the outermost area of the
o The main gripping part of the handle extends in the longitudinal plane from the joint part and exhibits a longitudinal flare defined by a longitudinal flare angle α formed between the lower part and the upper part. It has a shape, the longitudinal spread angle α has a fixed value of 3° to 8°, and the groove is arranged in the upper armpit part of the corresponding armpit part.
- the main gripping part of the handle has a transverse extent defined by a transverse spread angle β extending from the joint part and formed between the two gripping ridges on the sides of the main gripping part of the handle; and the transverse spread angle β has a fixed value comprised between 1° and 5°.
- each handle armpit comprises a plurality of grooves, one groove of the handle armpit being symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal plane to the other groove of the handle armpit;
- The knife is a one-piece knife.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not restrictive, and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a knife according to a first embodiment. 2 is a side view of the knife of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view of the knife of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the knife of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 2 in which the longitudinal spread angle α is represented. FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 2 showing the longitudinal joint spread angle αJ. FIG. 7 is a top view of FIG. 4 showing the transverse spread angle β. FIG. 8 is a top view of FIG. 4 showing the transverse spread angle βJ. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the joint portion of the knife handle along section line AA in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main gripping portion of the knife handle taken along section line BB in FIG. 3. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the end portion of the knife handle taken along section line CC in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a knife according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side view of the knife of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a top view of the knife of FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the knife of FIG. 12. FIG. 16 is a side view of a knife handle according to a second embodiment showing the groove angle. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a knife according to a third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a side view of the knife of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a top view of the knife of FIG. 17. FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the knife of FIG. 17. FIG. 21 is a side view of a knife handle according to a third embodiment showing the groove angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The knife is formed by a blade 1 from which extends a handle 2, also commonly referred to as a handle.

The blade 1 still has the following shape. It has a spine 11 and a cutting edge 12 opposite the spine 11, the cutting edge 12 forming a side that can be cut by the user. The blade 1 extends in a longitudinal plane along the longitudinal direction L between a distal end 13 and a proximal end 14 . The distal end 13 constitutes the free end of the blade and is generally tip-shaped or rounded in shape. The proximal end 14 is partially connected to the handle 2, as seen below.

The blade 1 is a single piece component made entirely of a single material, for example a metallic material.

The blade 1 can take various shapes and different sizes depending on the purpose of use.

As shown above, the handle 2 extends along the longitudinal direction L from the proximal end 14 of the blade 1, and the handle 2 is connected to the proximal end 14 of the blade 1.

In the case of a kitchen knife, the handle 2 is connected to the blade 1 in a stable and fixed manner. The handle may, for example, be welded to the blade, especially in the case of a one-piece knife. Recall that a one-piece knife is one whose handle is formed from a similar material to that of the blade, especially a metal-based material. Preferably, a one-piece knife has the handle and blade made of the same material.

Preferably, the proposed knife is a one-piece knife. It may be manufactured, for example, from a metallic material, in particular a steel alloy, such as stainless steel.

Overall, the handle 2 comprises an upper handle part 21 extending substantially over an extension of the spine 11 in the longitudinal plane and a lower handle part 22 extending opposite the upper handle part 21 in the longitudinal plane.

The handle 2 further includes two handle side parts 23 which are provided on each side of the longitudinal plane and extend between the upper handle part 21 and the lower handle part 22. Each handle side 23 thus makes it possible to connect the upper handle part 21 to the lower handle part 22.

These handle sides 23 are preferably curved outwardly transversely to the longitudinal plane. In particular, it is the handle side portion 23 that defines the volume of the handle 2.

Preferably, each handle side part 23 is formed of an upper handle side part 231 connected to the upper handle part 21 and a lower handle side part 232 connected to the lower handle part 22.

More preferably, the upper handle armpit part 231 is connected to the lower handle armpit part 232 by a handle gripping ridge 233 that projects transversely and constitutes the outermost region of the handle armpit in a direction transverse to the longitudinal plane. Ru. Such a handle gripping ridgeline portion 233 is formed at the lower portion of the handle 2, that is, at the side of the lower handle portion 22. More specifically, the handle gripping ridgeline portion 233 is closer to the lower handle portion 22 than to the upper handle portion 21.

Such a handle gripping ridgeline portion 233 is provided so as to be accommodated in the interphalangeal line of the user, so that the user's hand fits snugly against the handle of the knife. Therefore, the grip by the user is more comfortable and the handling of the knife is safe since this handle grip ridge 233 makes it possible to prevent the knife from rotating in the hand about its longitudinal axis. It is.

The handle is preferably symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal plane. In this case, the structure and shape of the flanks are particularly the same, and the flanks are also symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal plane. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous as it allows the knife to be used with equal advantage by both right-handed and left-handed people.

Preferably, the handle 2 is formed in several parts according to the considered longitudinal position, these parts having a shape and function that may be different.

The handle 2 can first of all have a joint part 100 connected to the proximal end 14 of the blade 1 . In addition to creating a link between the blade 1 and the rest of the handle 2, this joint part 100 can be used, for example, if the knife has to be tilted along a translational axis perpendicular to the longitudinal plane. , can also be provided to facilitate delicate handling of the knife.

The handle 2 also has a main gripping part 200 extending from the joint part 100 and allowing the user to grip the knife completely with the whole hand. This main gripping portion 200 corresponds to the largest portion in the longitudinal direction of the handle.

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

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

Main gripping part Similar to the handle 2 in general, the main gripping part 200 comprises an upper part 221 (also referred to as the upper gripping part) which extends substantially over an extension of the spine 11 in the longitudinal plane and an upper part 221 (also referred to as the upper gripping part) in the longitudinal plane. A lower portion 222 (also referred to as a lower gripping portion) extends on the opposite side of the portion 221, and two side portions 223 (grip side portions) are located on each side of the longitudinal plane and extend between the upper portion 221 and the lower portion 222. ).

According to one preferred but not mandatory design, each armpit is formed by an upper armpit section 2231 connected to the upper section 221 and a lower armpit section 2232 connected to the lower section 222.

Preferably also, the upper armpit portion 2231 is transversely projecting and extends transversely to the longitudinal plane, as is clearly depicted in FIG. It is connected to the lower armpit portion 2232 by a gripping ridgeline portion 2233 that constitutes the outermost region.

Preferably, the gripping ridges 2233 are specially positioned to be accommodated in the interphalangeal line of the user's hand so that it fits perfectly over the handle of the knife.

Referring in this regard to FIG. 10, the handle height H is defined corresponding to the distance in the longitudinal plane between the lower portion 222 and the upper portion 221 at a predetermined position along the longitudinal direction L.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the lower deflection Fi is defined as the lower deflection Fi in the longitudinal plane between the lower portion 222 at a given position along the longitudinal direction L and the projection of the gripping ridge 2233 in the longitudinal plane. Also defined as a distance, the amount of upper deflection Fs for that portion is the distance in the longitudinal plane between the upper portion 221 at a given position along the longitudinal direction L and the projection of the gripping ridge line portion 2233 in the longitudinal plane. It corresponds to

According to an advantageous and preferred embodiment, the main gripping part 200 is such that the positioning of the gripping ridge 2233 is between the downward deflection amount and the handle height at any point of the main gripping part of the handle along the longitudinal direction L. It is specifically designed such that the ratio is substantially constant. By substantially constant, it is understood that the ratio is constant within manufacturing and measurement tolerances. Therefore, the percentage value is constant within ±2%, or within ±1%.

Preferably, in the main gripping part 200, the ratio between the amount of downward deflection and the handle height has a fixed value comprised between 13% and 20%. Preferably, this value is comprised of a value of the order of 16% to 18%, for example 17%.

Such a particular positioning of the gripping ridge 2233 in the main gripping part 200 of the handle 2 also makes it possible to facilitate cutting of the food product by the user in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the blade. In fact, such a gripping ridge 2233 forms a protruding line that resists the user's hand when it performs a movement of moving the knife from top to bottom. Not only is the effort applied by the hand on the handle better transferred to the blade, but this transfer of effort is easier thanks to the gripping ridges 2233.

This allows the user to reduce pressure on the handle, allowing the knife to hold better in the hand.

Moreover, handling of the knife is safe, since this gripping ridge 2233 makes it possible to prevent the knife from rotating in the hand about its longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the gripping ridge 2233 is sufficiently protruding to allow good insertion into the interphalangeal fold when the knife is gripped by the user. In this regard, the gripping ridge angle θ, which is the internal angle formed between the upper armpit portion 2231 and the lower armpit portion 2232, is preferably less than 160°, more preferably 120° to 150°, and even more preferably It consists of 135° to 145°.

Grip ridge 2233 is preferably straight. Advantageously, the lower part 222 can extend along a straight line, just as the upper part 221 extends along a straight line.

It may be provided that the upper armpit portion 2231 and the lower armpit portion 2232 are curved with a recess facing inward of the handle. Preferably, neither the upper armpit portion 2231 nor the lower armpit portion 2232 has an inflection point. Such a shape makes it possible to provide the handle 2 with a soft and comfortable design for gripping, and the gripping ridges 2233 make it possible to stabilize the handle 2 in the user's hand.

According to one preferred but not mandatory additional design, which can be obtained alone or in combination with other proposed designs, the main gripping part 200 of the handle 2 is joined in the longitudinal plane, as shown in FIG . It has a longitudinal extension shape defined by a longitudinal extension angle α extending from the lower part 100 and formed between the lower part 2 22 and the upper part 2 21 .

Preferably, the longitudinal extent angle α has a fixed value comprised between 3° and 8°. Preferably also the longitudinal extent angle α has a fixed value comprised between 3.5° and 5.5°. The longitudinal extent angle α has, for example, a value of the order of 4.5°.

Such a longitudinal extent of the handle 2 is particularly advantageous, since it contributes to keeping the knife in the hand during its use. In particular, when the user cuts the food with a translational movement along the longitudinal direction L, the longitudinal spread is limited by the hand relative to the handle, especially for backward translations, i.e. in the direction from the blade to the handle. Allows to prevent slipping.

Furthermore, the proposed specific longitudinal extent ensures that the user holds the knife comfortably. The sensation of the user's hand on the handle 2 is in fact not hindered by the aggressive shape and/or complementary elements to the handle, which have the purpose of helping to keep the hand on the handle.

Finally, such a longitudinal spread means that when the user grips the knife, all fingers of the hand, especially the finger furthest from the blade, are (ring finger, little finger) can be mobilized. Furthermore, the lowest force exerted by the far fingers is compensated by the fact that the handle height is larger (due to the longitudinal spread angle α), which ensures uniform grasping, whatever the fingers are considered. make it possible to

According to one preferred but non-mandatory additional design, which may be obtained alone or in combination with other proposed designs, the main gripping portion 200 of the handle 2 extends from the joint portion 100 and extends from the joint portion 100 of the handle 2. It has a shape that presents a transverse extension defined by a transverse extension angle β formed between two gripping ridges 2233 on the sides of the main gripping portion 200 .

Preferably, the transverse spread angle β has a fixed value comprised between 1° and 5°. Preferably also the transverse spread angle β has a fixed value comprised between 1.5° and 4°, preferably between 2° and 3°.

Such a transverse extent of the handle 2 is particularly advantageous since it contributes to keeping the knife in the hand during its use. In particular, when the user cuts the food with a translational movement along the longitudinal direction L, the transverse spread is particularly important for backward translations, i.e. in the blade-to-handle direction, when the hand is relative to the handle. Prevent slipping.

Furthermore, the proposed specific transverse extent ensures that the user holds the knife comfortably. The feel of the user's hand on the handle 2 is in fact unimpeded by the positive shape and/or complementary elements to the handle whose purpose is to help keep the hand on the handle.

Similar to the longitudinal extent, such a transverse extent allows the user to mobilize all the fingers of the hand when gripping the knife, especially the fingers furthest from the blade (ring finger, little finger) do. Furthermore, the smallest force exerted by the far fingers is compensated by the larger handle height (due to the transverse spread angle β), which ensures a uniform grasp no matter which finger is considered. make it possible to

According to one embodiment, the transverse spread angle β differs from the longitudinal spread angle α, if applicable. Thus, a kind of asymmetry is created in the shape of the handle, which allows an enhanced grip by the user and strengthens the blocking function of the hand during translation of the knife along the longitudinal direction L. Moreover, this asymmetry makes it possible to prevent the knife from rotating in the hand around its longitudinal axis.

The handle height of the main gripping part 200 at the level of the connection with the joint part 100 is preferably a value comprised between 17 mm and 22 mm, preferably a value comprised between 18 mm and 21 mm, more preferably a value of the order of 20 mm. It is.

Similar to the joint part handle 2 as a whole, the joint part 100 comprises an upper joint part 121 extending substantially over an extension of the spine 11 in the longitudinal plane, the upper joint part 121 mainly extending over the spine 11. It is connected to the upper part 221 of the gripping part 200.

The joint portion 100 further comprises a lower joint portion 122 extending in the longitudinal plane and opposite the upper joint portion 121 , the lower joint portion 122 bringing the proximal end of the blade under the main gripping portion 200 . It is connected to section 222.

Furthermore, the joint section 100 comprises two joint flanks 123 extending between the upper joint section 121 and the lower joint section 122, each on each side of the longitudinal plane.

Joint section 100 is commonly referred to as a bolster in industry-specific language.

According to one preferred but not mandatory design, each joint armpit 123 has an upper joint armpit portion 1231 connected to the upper joint portion 121 and a lower joint armpit portion 1231 connected to the lower joint portion 122. 1232.

Preferably, the upper joint armpit portion 1231 also extends downwardly via a joint gripping ridge portion 1233 that projects transversely and constitutes the outermost region of the joint armpit transversely to the longitudinal plane. It is connected to the joint side portion 1232.

The joint gripping ridge 1233 is preferably specially positioned to be accommodated in the interphalangeal line of the user, more specifically in the interphalangeal line of the thumb and/or index finger.

Referring in this regard to FIG. 9, the joint height HJ corresponds to the distance in the longitudinal plane between the lower joint portion 122 and the upper joint portion 121 at a given position along the longitudinal direction L. stipulated.

Still referring to FIG. 9, the lower joint deflection amount FiJ is defined as the distance between the lower joint portion 122 at a given position along the longitudinal direction L and the projection of the joint gripping ridge 1233 on the longitudinal plane. is also stipulated. The upper joint portion deflection amount FsJ partially corresponds to the distance between the upper joint portion 121 at a given position along the longitudinal direction L and the projection of the joint gripping ridge portion 1233 on the longitudinal plane. There is.

According to an advantageous and preferred embodiment, the joint portion 100 is arranged such that the position of the joint gripping ridge 1233 is such that the ratio of the lower joint deflection amount FiJ to the joint height HJ is from the blade 1 to the main gripping portion 200. It is particularly shaped such that it starts in the direction L and decreases along the longitudinal direction L.

Preferably, the ratio of the lower joint deflection amount FiJ to the joint height HJ has a maximum value comprised between 35% and 55%, preferably between 45% and 50%. The maximum value of the ratio corresponds to the end point of the joint gripping ridge 1233 on the side of the blade, ie the forward part of the joint section 100.

Further, the ratio between the lower joint deflection amount FiJ and the joint height HJ has a minimum value equal to the ratio between the lower deflection amount Fi and the handle height H of the main gripping portion 200. In fact, the minimum value of this ratio is found at the other end point of the joint gripping ridge 1233 on the side of the main gripping portion 200.

In this way, the joint gripping ridge 1233 and the gripping ridge 2233 form a continuous line at the level of the connection area between the joint part 100 and the main gripping part 200. This ensures a good grip feeling for the user and allows the function of the grip ridge to be maintained no matter which part of the handle 2 is considered.

Each joint gripping ridge 1233 is preferably curved and may define an inflection point where there is a change in concavity.

The inflection point is located rather in the rear part of the joint part 100, ie on the side of the main gripping part 200. For example, the projection of the point of inflection in the longitudinal plane is at a distance from the main gripping part comprised between 5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 9 mm.

Regarding the gripping ridges 2233 of the main gripping portion 200, one joint gripping ridge 1233 prevents the handle from rotating in the user's hand, thereby allowing the user to safely grip the knife.

On the other hand, the joint gripping ridge 1233 also makes it possible to facilitate cutting of the food product by the user in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the blade. Due to the decrease in the ratio between the lower joint deflection amount FiJ and the joint height HJ, the joint gripping ridge 1233 is inclined with respect to the gripping ridge 2233, which means that the cutting is performed along the longitudinal direction L of the knife. Create resistance when performed. This phenomenon is accentuated when the joint gripping ridge 1233 has a curved shape, especially an inflection point. Thanks to the joint gripping ridges 1233, cutting is facilitated and the user's hand is better held since it does not slip.

Preferably, the joint gripping ridge 1233 is sufficiently protruding to allow good insertion into the interphalangeal crease when the knife is gripped by a user. In this regard, the joint gripping ridge angle θJ, which is the internal angle formed between the upper joint side part 1231 and the lower joint side part 1232, is preferably less than 160°, preferably 120° to 150°. preferably between 135° and 145°.

According to one preferred, but not mandatory, additional design, which may be obtained alone or in combination with other proposed designs, the joint portion 100 of the handle 2 is arranged in the longitudinal plane as shown in FIG. It has a shape extending from the blade and exhibiting a longitudinal extent defined by a longitudinal joint extent angle αJ formed between the lower joint portion 122 and the upper joint portion 121.

Preferably, the longitudinal joint spread angle αJ has a fixed value comprised between 15° and 20°.

In addition to the above-mentioned advantages regarding the longitudinal extent of the handle 2, this longitudinal extent provided specifically at the level of the gripping part 100 makes it possible to ensure that the knife is held in the hand during its use. This is particularly advantageous since it makes it possible to prevent slippage, especially when the user grips the knife very close to the blade, e.g. in a pincer grip.

According to one preferred but non-mandatory additional design, which may be obtained alone or in combination with other proposed designs, the joint portion 100 of the handle 2 exhibits a transverse extent extending from the blade and extends from the handle. It has a shape defined by a transverse joint spread angle βJ formed between two joint gripping ridges 1233 of the joint portion.

Preferably, the transverse joint spread angle βJ has a fixed value comprised between 15° and 20°.

According to one embodiment, the transverse joint spread angle βJ is different from the longitudinal joint spread angle αJ, if applicable. Thus, a kind of asymmetry is created in the geometry of the handle, which makes it possible to strengthen the grip by the user and strengthens the blocking function of the hand during the translational movement of the knife along the longitudinal direction L. be able to.

The upper joint portion 121 is on an extension of the spine 11 and therefore extends along a straight line. It should be noted that the upper joint part 121 of the joint part 100 and the upper part 221 of the main gripping part 200 form one and the same straight line extending the spine 11.

A portion of the lower joint portion 122 extends along a curve. Preferably, the lower joint portion 122 has a section inflection point where there is a concave change.

The curvature of the lower joint portion 122 in combination with the joint flank 123 forms a recess provided specifically for the positioning of the index finger.

This recess may be positioned, for example, as follows: it gradually thickens starting from the proximal part 13 (or heel) of the blade in the direction of the main gripping part 200 and gradually to join. In this way, the lower joint part 122 allows the back of the index finger to rest against the tail of the blade 1 and avoid injury when the hand imparts a forward movement of the knife.

The cross-section of this recess, according to a preferred exemplary embodiment, comprises three different areas that are connected together by tangents so as not to create ridges that could injure the index finger. be able to.

The central region, corresponding to the lower joint portion 122, has a large radius of curvature that decreases as one moves towards the end, and the width of this region increases when the knife is placed at the distal interphalangeal joint. , it is now possible to achieve balance by itself. That is, when the index finger is located in the recessed area, the knife will not swing to the left or right.

The transverse region corresponding to the joint flank 123 becomes thinner when joining the blade 1, allowing the index finger to bend naturally while conforming to the shape of the interphalangeal crease.

The cross-section of the recess is therefore divided into parts, in which the joint flanks 123 correspond to the lower joint portions 122 extending on each side, in particular with varying curvatures between the elements.

The fact that the cross-section of this recess is neither circular nor oval allows the user to feel the transverse balance of the knife at the moment it is held in the hand, which gives the user the correct position of the hand and fingers in front of the knife. This has the advantage of giving you a sense of security that you are in the right place. Classic bolsters with a lower area with a circular or oval shape rotate more easily in the hand, and prismatic bolsters are less comfortable to use.

Preferably, the knife is formed in such a way that the center of gravity of the knife is at the level of the hollow area of the joint part, in particular the recess, that is, the area of the joint part or the joint height HJ has a minimum value.

Preferably, the joint height HJ of the joint portion 100 has a minimum value comprised between 14 mm and 18 mm, preferably comprised between 15 mm and 16 mm.

Similar to the end portion handle 2 as a whole, the end portion 300 comprises an upper end portion 321 extending substantially over an extension of the spine 11 in the longitudinal plane, the upper end portion 321 It is connected to the upper part 221.

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

Furthermore, the end section 300 comprises two end flanks 323, one on each side of the longitudinal plane and extending between the upper end section 321 and the lower end section 322.

According to one preferred but not required design, each end armpit 323 is formed with an upper end armpit section 3231 connected to the upper end section 321 and a lower end armpit section 3232 connected to the lower end section 322. has been done.

More preferably, the upper end armpit portion 3231 is attached to the lower end via an end gripping ridge 3233 that projects transversely and constitutes the outermost region of the end armature transversely to the longitudinal plane. It is connected to the side portion 3232.

The end gripping ridge 3233 is preferably specifically positioned to be received in the interphalangeal line of the user.

Referring in this regard to FIG. 11, the end height HE is defined corresponding to the distance in the longitudinal plane between the lower end portion 322 and the upper end portion 321 at a predetermined position along the longitudinal direction L. Ru.

Further referring to FIG. 11, the amount of lower end deflection FiE is defined as the amount of deflection FiE in the longitudinal plane between the lower end portion 322 at a given position along the longitudinal direction L and the projection of the end gripping ridge 3233 on the longitudinal plane. Also defined as distance. The upper end deflection amount FsE partially corresponds to the distance in the longitudinal plane between the upper end portion 321 at a predetermined position along the longitudinal direction L and the projection of the end gripping ridgeline portion 3233 on the longitudinal plane. ing.

According to an advantageous and preferred embodiment, the end portion 300 is arranged such that the positioning of the end gripping ridge 3233 is such that the ratio of the lower end deflection amount FiE to the end height HE is predominant from the free end of the end portion 300. It is particularly shaped such that it starts in the direction of the gripping part 200 and decreases along the longitudinal direction L.

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

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

In this way, the end gripping ridge 3233 and the gripping ridge 2233 form a continuous line at the level of the connection area between the end part 300 and the main gripping part 200. This makes it possible to guarantee a good gripping feeling for the user, and the functionality of the gripping ridge is maintained no matter which part of the handle 2 is considered.

Each end gripping ridge 3233 is curved and does not have an inflection point.

Regarding the gripping ridges 2233 of the main gripping part 200, the end gripping ridges 3233 on the one hand prevent the handle from rotating itself in the user's hands, thus making the gripping of the knife safe by the user. make it possible.

Due to the decrease in the ratio between the lower end deflection amount FiE and the end height HE, the end gripping ridge 3233 is inclined with respect to the gripping ridge 2233, which is caused when the cutting is performed along the longitudinal direction L of the knife. generates resistance. This phenomenon is accentuated when the end gripping ridgeline portion 3233 has a curved shape. Thanks to the end gripping ridges 3233, cutting is facilitated and the user's hand is better held since it does not slip.

Preferably, the end gripping ridge 3233 protrudes sufficiently to allow good insertion into the interphalangeal crease when the knife is gripped by the user. In this regard, the end gripping ridge angle θE, which is the internal angle formed between the upper end armpit portion 3231 and the lower end armpit portion 3232, is preferably less than 160°, more preferably 120° to 150°. The angle is more preferably 135° to 145°.

The upper end portion 321 is on an extension of the spine 11 and therefore extends along a straight line. It should be noted that the upper end portion 321 of the end portion 300 and the upper portion 221 of the main gripping portion 200 form one and the same straight line extending the spine 11.

The lower end portion 322 may extend along a curve for a portion thereof. Preferably, lower end portion 322 does not have an inflection point.

According to one preferred but non-mandatory additional design, which can be obtained by the grooves alone or in combination with other proposed designs, the handle 2 has a plurality of grooves arranged in at least one of the handle sides 23. Equipped with 400.

Preferably, the grooves 400 are separated from each other, with a plurality of grooves 400 extending from the reference groove 410 located closest to the blade and from the reference groove 410 in the direction of the free end of the handle 2 on the opposite side of the blade 1. and other grooves 400 arranged side by side along the handle 2.

Each groove 400 extends a length and is either straight, as in the example knife illustrated in FIGS. 12-17, or curved, as in the example knife illustrated in FIGS. 18-22. Is possible. It should be noted that specific designs of handles with straight grooves and other curved grooves can be envisaged.

Each groove 400 has a certain width and a certain depth from the surface of the corresponding handle side part 23.

The groove 400 as a whole has a fixed width, in particular in the case of a straight groove, but it is also possible to have a variable width, in particular in the case of a curved groove. In any case, it is possible to define the maximum width of the groove 400 obtained at the level of the surface of the handle side.

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

Although each groove 400 can have a different profile, the groove 400 generally has the profile shown, and the profile of the groove 400 is defined specifically with respect to its cross section. Such a cross section may have, for example, a rectangular shape or a circular arc shape or an elliptical arc shape.

Each groove 400 also has a maximum depth, which is at least equal to 0.2 mm. More preferably the maximum depth does not exceed 1 mm.

Furthermore, the maximum depth is at most equal to one-third of the maximum width specified above.

Preferably, the maximum depth has a value of the order of 5% to 12%, preferably 6% to 11%, such as 10%, of the value of the maximum width.

For example, the maximum width is comprised between 2.5mm and 6.5mm, preferably between 3.5mm and 5mm, and the maximum depth is comprised between 0.25mm and 0.5mm, preferably between 0.35mm and 0.45mm. be done.

For each groove 400 of the handle, an average direction 401 of extension can be defined. More specifically, the average direction of such extensions is defined as a straight line passing through the center of each of the sides forming the ends of the considered groove 400.

The average direction 401 of the extension of each groove 400 is represented by a dotted line in FIG. 16 for the example of a handle with a straight groove and in FIG. 21 for an example of a handle with a curved groove.

The orientation of each groove 400 can be defined by virtue of the average direction 401 of this extension. In this respect, the groove angle γ, which corresponds to the angle formed between the projection of the average direction 401 of the extension in the longitudinal plane and the longitudinal direction L, is particularly taken into account.

Different groove 400 placements may be defined relative to a reference groove 410. Such a reference groove 410 is oriented according to a reference groove angle γR preferably comprised between 0° and 10°. Preferably, the reference groove angle γR is comprised between 2° and 6°.

Each subsequent groove 400 of the plurality of grooves has a groove angle γ greater than the reference groove angle γR, and the groove angle γ of each of two adjacent grooves 400 is different.

Preferably, the groove angles γ of each of two adjacent grooves 400 differ by an angle of at least 1°, preferably comprised between 4° and 8°, more preferably comprised between 5° and 7°. It's an angle.

According to a first possible arrangement of the grooves 400, each groove 400 of the plurality of grooves has a groove angle γ greater than the groove angle γ of the previous groove in the direction from the reference groove 410 towards the free end of the handle 2. has. In other words, the farther the groove 400 is from the reference groove 410 in the direction towards the free end of the handle 2, the larger the corresponding groove angle γ.

According to a second possible arrangement of the grooves 400, the groove angle γ of the plurality of grooves 400 first increases with respect to the reference groove angle γR as the corresponding groove moves away from the reference groove 410, and then the free It decreases when reaching towards the end. The example handles of Figures 12-16 and 17-21 correspond to this particular arrangement.

The use of the groove 400 with the particular shape, orientation and arrangement proposed is particularly advantageous as it can strengthen the adhesion of the user's hand to the knife, facilitating gripping on the one hand and, on the other hand, It facilitates cutting while ensuring user safety, especially by preventing the hand from slipping from the handle.

The shape and orientation of the groove 400 particularly allows the hand to fit the contour of the handle well, increasing the contact surface with the surface of the hand.

The particular orientation of the grooves 400 also has the particular advantage of creating an area that resists the movement exerted by the user's hand when cutting the food product.

Specifically, the groove 400 arranged on the front side of the handle 2, i.e. on the side of the blade, has an orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L or slightly inclined to the longitudinal direction L. . These grooves 400 thus enable the user to facilitate cutting of the food product in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the blade. It should be noted that such a cut is applied entirely from the front of the handle, ie towards the joint section.

Moving away from the blade 1, the grooves 400 tend to straighten out and have a more pronounced inclination to the longitudinal direction L, for example at an angle of the order of 25° or more, which provides an additional advantage over the corresponding grooves 400. , i.e. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the blade, but also in the direction of translation along the longitudinal direction L, to facilitate cutting of the food product by the user.

According to certain exemplary embodiments, and as depicted in FIGS. 17-21, the first portion of the groove 400 is curved with a recess oriented on the side of the upper handle portion 21 and has a plurality of grooves. The second portion of the groove 400 is curved with a recess oriented on the side of the lower handle portion 22 .

The first part of the groove 400 with a recess oriented on the side of the upper handle part 21 is preferably arranged together on the front side of the handle, ie near the blade 1.

A second part of the groove 400 with a recess oriented on the side of the lower handle part 22 is also preferably arranged together on the rear side of the handle, ie near the free end of the handle 2.

Having such a concave variation in the groove 400 further makes it possible to facilitate cutting, especially during translational cutting along the longitudinal direction L. In fact, during such a cut towards the rear of the knife (i.e. in the direction from the blade to the handle), the force exerted by the hand was rather concentrated towards the front of the handle 2 and positioned in front of the handle 2. The recess of groove 400 thus facilitates cooperation between the hand and handle during cutting. Conversely, during a translational cut directed towards the front of the knife (i.e. in the handle-to-blade direction), the effort exerted by the hand is rather concentrated toward the middle or back of the handle 2, and is positioned at the rear of the handle 2. The recess of the groove 400 thus facilitates cooperation between the hand and handle during cutting.

The groove may be located only on one of the two sides of the handle. However, it is preferred that each handle side portion include a plurality of grooves. In this case, it is preferable that one groove 400 of the handle side part 23 is symmetrical to the other groove 400 of the handle side part 23 with respect to the longitudinal plane. This makes it possible in particular to propose an ambidextrous knife that can be used both in the right and left hand.

This particular design with the groove 400 located on the side of the handle 2 is similar to the previously described design, in particular the proposed longitudinal extent, the proposed transverse extent and the particular gripping ridge. Recall that it can be combined with one or more of the formations.

If the handle 2 comprises a gripping ridge 233 separating the upper handle side part 231 from the lower handle side part 232, the groove is preferably arranged in the upper handle side part 231 of the corresponding handle side part 23.

Overall dimensions and shape of the knife The advantage of the proposed knife is that it is designed on the principle that it can be adapted to knives of all sizes and shapes.

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

In the field of cooking, a small knife is a paring knife or a paring knife, and a large knife is a chef's knife, a santoku knife, a bread knife, or a slicing knife.

The example knife shown in FIGS. 1-4 corresponds to a chef's knife and has several design parameters combined from those described above, namely a proposed longitudinal extent, a proposed transverse extent, and A specific gripping ridge formation is applied.

The knife examples shown in Figures 12 to 15 also correspond to chef knives and require a combination of several design parameters of those mentioned above: a proposed longitudinal extent, a proposed transverse extent, a specific It is applied that the gripping ridges are formed and the grooves are provided, and these grooves are straight.

The example knife shown in Figures 17-20 also corresponds to a chef's knife and has several design parameters combined of those mentioned above, namely a proposed longitudinal extent, a proposed transverse extent, a specific Formation of gripping ridges and provision of grooves, where these grooves are curved, are applied.

Reference number 1 Blade 11 Spine 12 Edge 13 End part 14 Base end part 2 Handle 21 Upper handle part 22 Lower handle part 23 Handle side part 231 Upper handle side part 232 Lower handle side part 233 Handle grip ridgeline part 100 Joint part 121 Top Joint part 122 Lower joint part 123 Joint part armpit part 1231 Upper joint part armpit part 1232 Lower joint part armpit part 1233 Joint part gripping ridgeline part 200 Main gripping part 221 Upper part 222 Lower part 223 Armpit part 2231 Upper armpit part 2232 Lower armpit Portion 2233 Gripping ridgeline portion 300 End portion 321 Upper end portion 322 Lower end portion 323 End side portion 3231 Upper end side portion 3232 Lower end side portion 3233 End gripping ridgeline portion 400 Groove 410 Reference groove 401 Average of extension portion direction

Claims (15)

A knife,
- a blade (1) having a spine (11) and a cutting edge (12) opposite said spine (11), said blade (1) having a distal end (13) and a proximal end (14); a blade (1) extending in the longitudinal plane along the longitudinal direction (L) between;
- a handle (2) extending along the longitudinal direction (L) from the proximal end (14) of the blade (1), the handle (2) extending from the proximal end (14) of the blade (1); 14) and extending substantially over an extension of the spine (11) in the longitudinal plane;
a lower handle portion (22) extending in said longitudinal plane and opposite said upper handle portion (21);
comprising a handle, the handle having two handle side parts (23) provided on each side of the longitudinal plane and extending between the upper handle part (21) and the lower handle part (22);
Said handle (2) comprises a plurality of grooves (400) arranged on at least one of said handle sides (23), said grooves (400) being separated from each other and closest to said blade (1). a reference groove (410) positioned in the direction of the free end of the handle (2) opposite the blade (1) from the reference groove (410); each groove (400) has an average direction of extension (410) whose projection in the longitudinal plane forms a groove angle γ with the longitudinal direction (L). and
The reference groove (410) is oriented according to a reference groove angle γR comprised between 0° and 10°, and each subsequent groove (400) of the plurality of grooves (400) is oriented with respect to the reference groove angle γR. The knife also has a large groove angle γ, and each of the two adjacent grooves (400) has a different groove angle γ. In the direction from the reference groove (410) toward the free end of the handle (2), each groove (400) of the plurality of grooves (400) has the groove angle γ of the preceding groove (400). Knife according to claim 1, having a groove angle γ greater than . The groove angle γ of the plurality of grooves (400) first increases with respect to the reference groove angle γR, and then increases as the corresponding groove (400) moves away from the reference groove (410). Knife according to claim 2, which decreases when arriving towards the free end of the handle (2). The respective groove angles γ of two adjacent grooves (400) differ by an angle of at least 1°, preferably an angle comprised between 4° and 8°, more preferably an angle comprised between 5° and 7°. 2. The knife according to claim 1. The knife of claim 1, wherein all or part of the plurality of grooves (400) extend along a curve. A portion of the grooves (400) of the plurality of grooves (400) is curved with a recess oriented on the side of the upper handle portion (21); Knife according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (400) in the other part of the lower handle part (22) is curved with a recess oriented on the side of the lower handle part (22). Each groove (400) is defined by a maximum width and a maximum depth at the level of the surface of said handle side (23), said maximum depth being at least equal to 0.2 mm, preferably a maximum of said maximum width. Knife according to claim 1, equal to one-third. Each groove (400) is defined by a maximum width and a maximum depth at the level of the surface of said handle side (23), said maximum depth being between 5% and 12% of the value of said maximum width, preferably Knife according to claim 1, having a value comprised between 6% and 11%. 2. Knife according to claim 1, wherein each groove (400) has a cross section in the shape of a rectangle or a circular arc or an elliptical arc. Each handle side part (23) is formed by an upper handle side part (231) connected to the upper handle part (21) and a lower handle side part (232) connected to the lower handle part (22). The upper handle side portion (231) is attached to the lower handle by a handle gripping ridgeline portion (233) that protrudes in the transverse direction and constitutes the outermost region of the handle side portion in the transverse direction with respect to the longitudinal plane. 2. Connected to a side portion (232), and wherein the plurality of grooves (400) are arranged in the upper handle side portion (231) of the corresponding handle side portion (23). knife. A knife according to claim 10, wherein the handle gripping ridge (233) is closer to the lower handle part (22) than to the upper handle part (21). The handle (2) has a joint portion (100) connected to the proximal end (14) of the blade (1) and a main gripping portion (200) extending from the joint portion (100). and the main gripping portion (200) is
an upper portion (221) extending substantially over an extension of the spine (11) in the longitudinal plane;
a lower portion (222) extending in said longitudinal plane and opposite said upper portion (221);
on each side of the longitudinal plane, two side portions (231) each extending between the upper portion (221) and the lower portion (222);
Each side part is formed of an upper armpit part (2231) connected to the upper part (221) and a lower armpit part (2232) connected to the lower part (222), and the upper armpit part (2231) is , connected to the lower armpit portion (2232) by a gripping ridge portion (2233) that projects transversely and constitutes the outermost region of the armpit portion transversely to the longitudinal plane;
The main gripping part (200) of the handle (2) extends in a longitudinal plane from the joint part (100) and is formed between the lower part (222) and the upper part (221). It has a shape exhibiting a longitudinal extension defined by a longitudinal extension angle α, and the longitudinal extension angle α has a fixed value of 3° to 8°, and a groove (400) is arranged in the upper armpit portion (2231) of the corresponding armpit portion;
Knife according to claim 1 , wherein the upper part (221) and the lower part (222) each extend along a straight line . The main gripping part (200) of the handle (2) extends from the joint part (100) and connects the two side parts (231) of the main gripping part (200) of the handle (2). It has a shape exhibiting a lateral spread defined by a lateral spread angle β formed between the gripping ridges (2233) , and the lateral spread angle β is comprised between 1° and 5°. has a fixed value,
13. A knife according to claim 12, wherein the two gripping ridges (2233) are straight . Each handle side (23) is provided with a plurality of grooves (400), and one of the grooves (400) of the handle side (23) is connected to the other side of the handle side (23) with respect to the longitudinal plane. Knife according to claim 1, which is symmetrical with the groove (400) of the knife. Knife according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a one-piece knife.

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