EP0958893B1 - Pliers with ergonomic grips - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a clamp of the of the type described in the preamble of claim 1 (see par example FR-A-2 215 294).

The invention is particularly applicable to collets such as flat or round nose pliers, so-called pliers "universal" or multi-pliers.

"Essentially convex profile" means a profile closed without a strongly pronounced concavity like that which results from the U-shaped bending of a sheet. Such concavities are meet in the handles of pruning shears and shears hand but are incompatible with the imperatives of the handles pliers. Indeed, these must allow the user to exert very diverse efforts repeatedly: tightening, torsion, traction, torsion-traction, leverage perpendicular to the general direction of the handles, etc.

The invention aims to improve the ergonomics of gripper handles taking these requirements into account.

To this end, the invention relates to pliers of the type above, characterized by the characterizing part of the claim 1.

The clamp according to the invention may include one or more than one of the features of claims 2 to 16, taken in isolation or according to all their technical characteristics possible.

It should be noted that US-A-5,463,814 describes large scissors whose upper handle has, in its proximal part, an asymmetrical exterior profile.

• la Figure 1 est une vue de côté d'une pince conforme à l'invention;
• la Figure 2 est une vue de dessus de la même pince;
• la Figure 3 est une vue en bout, de l'arrière, de la pince;
• la Figure 4 en est une vue en bout de l'avant;
• la Figure 5 est une vue de côté d'une poignée de la pince;
• les Figures 6 à 8 sont des vues prises en coupe respectivement suivant les lignes VI-VI à VIII-VIII de la Figure 5;
• la Figure 9 est une vue de dessus de la même poignée;
• les Figures 10 et 11 sont des vues schématiques de côté d'une pince multiprise suivant l'invention, dans deux positions différentes d'utilisation;
• la Figure 12 est une vue en perspective de dessous de la poignée inférieure de la pince des Figures 10 et 11; et
• la Figure 13 est une vue en coupe transversale, vue de l'avant, d'une variante.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a side view of pliers according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is a top view of the same clamp;
• Figure 3 is an end view from the rear of the clamp;
• Figure 4 is an end view of the front;
• Figure 5 is a side view of a handle of the clamp;
• Figures 6 to 8 are views taken in section respectively along lines VI-VI to VIII-VIII of Figure 5;
• Figure 9 is a top view of the same handle;
• Figures 10 and 11 are schematic side views of a pliers according to the invention, in two different positions of use;
• Figure 12 is a perspective view from below of the lower handle of the pliers of Figures 10 and 11; and
• Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view, seen from the front, of a variant.

The clamp 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is a so-called "universal" forceps made up of two members metal 1A, 1B, a hinge rivet 2 and two handles 3A, 3B made of one or more materials plastics and / or elastomers.

Each member 1A, 1B defines a plane half-mesh 4A, 4B from which a jaw or jaw tightening 5A, 5B. The member is extended backwards by a branch 7A, 7B of which only the front end part or distal is visible in the drawings. The two half-meshes are applied one over the other and are maintained assembled by the rivet 2 to form the mesh 4 of the clamp. The two members 1A and 1B cross at the site of this mesh.

We have designated by P the mean plane of the mesh, which is the sliding plane of the half-meshes 4A and 4B, one on the other.

Each handle 3A, 3B is a handle molded in one or more operations on branch 7A, 7B corresponding, or made separately and then strung on this branch and subject to it, or even come from matter with the branch.

The form of the handle 3A "upper" (considering Figure 1). The shape of the other handle 3B is deduced therefrom around the center line of the tool, which is in position closed of the clamp, the intersection of the plane P and the plane median Q of the two handles passing through the axis of the rivet 2.

The handle 3A has, from front to back, a guard 8A, distal part 9A, transition part 10A and a proximal part 11A with rounded end 12A. The parts 9A to 12A at least have no sharp edges. The lines that appear in the different figures are fictitious lines, intended to clearly show the shape of the handle.

Each of the handles has in cross section, on its parts 9A to 12A, an essentially convex profile, at meaning indicated above and as will be described in more detail below.

However, at least a fraction of the area of handles may have shallow recesses intended increase grip with the user's hand, such as well known in the art.

The handle 3A has, from its front end or distal to a point in part 11A but spaced from the rear end of the handle, a conduit blind 13 with rectangular section in which the branch 7A. The plane P is the vertical plane of symmetry of the duct 13. The latter has a substantially constant width, and a height which decreases gradually towards the rear.

In parts 9A and 10A, i.e. on substantially the front half of its length, the handle has a substantially symmetrical ovoid section by relative to its mean line L parallel to the plane P. Line L is the line located halfway between the two tangents T1 and T2 to the section parallel to the plane P. In this example, the line L is contained in plane P.

More specifically, in part 9A (Figure 6), this section has an external profile, i.e. upper, 14 which is roughly semi-circular, and a interior or lower profile 15 substantially straight and perpendicular to the plane P, with two large rounds of connection 16.

In part 10A (Figure 7), the profile is similar but more flattened, i.e. the profile upper 14 is substantially a half-ellipse. In addition, the profile is slightly wider than in part 9A, of on either side of line L.

The handle section changes significantly in the rear or proximal part 11A, where its profile takes a bean shape.

So, considering Figure 8, while the portion 17 located to the right of plane P retains substantially the same shape as in part 10A of the handle, the portion 18 located to the left of this plane is clearly elongated horizontally.

In addition, the portion 18 has a higher profile more strongly plunging down.

By this is meant that the contact point A1 of the portion 18 with the tangent T1 is closer to the plane Q than the point of contact A2 of the portion 17 with the tangent T2.

Thus, on the one hand, the line L is shifted towards the left of Figure 8, i.e. towards the palm of one hand right who grips the clamp, and on the other hand the profile upper 14 is asymmetrical with respect to this line L.

In addition, the lower section profile is a slightly concave curve 19 which connects tangentially to the lateral roundings 16.

In this way, seen from above (Figure 9), the handle 3A is delimited in parts 9A and 10A by two upper 21 and lower 22 lines substantially straight and parallel to plane P. Line 22 is continues, with a slight divergence from plan P, to the rounded end 12A, to which it is connected tangentially.

On the contrary, in part 11A of the handle, the line 21 deviates upward to form a convex curve 23 which is tangentially connected to the round 12A. The transition between line 21 and curve 23 takes place at by means of a concave curve 24 with a large radius of curvature.

Thus, considering, in Figure 9, the whole segments of the handle perpendicular to the plane P, such that the segments S1, S2 and S3 located respectively in the parts 9A, 10A and 11A, the geometrical place LG of the media of these segments such as M1, M2 and M3, form a line LG1 which is close to the trace of the plane P in parts 9A and 10A, then which, in part 11A, curves upwards (line LG2) then down (line LG3).

As can be understood, for the upper handle of the pincers, the enlarged region 18 is on the palm side with a right hand which grasps the tool. In top view, from from the above description, the two handles are offset relative to each other in their parts 11A, 11B, as can be seen in Figure 2.

Furthermore, considering the entire clamp, in side view (Figure 1), the proximal parts 11A and 11B have exterior profiles substantially parallel to each other the other and to the Q plan.

• La surface de contact de la poignée supérieure avec la paume de la main est très large, ce qui assure une prise améliorée et une adaptation optimale au mouvement de la main qui se ferme sur les deux poignées.
• La section aplatie des poignées permet de refermer efficacement les quatre doigts autres que le pouce, notamment l'annulaire et l'auriculaire, sur la poignée inférieure pour exercer une traction sur la pince. La forme concave et en dévers du contour 19 facilite encore ce type de prise de l'outil, et offre de plus une grande surface d'appui aux doigts pour ouvrir la pince.
• Grâce à la forme extérieure sensiblement rectiligne que les parties 11A, 11B présentent en vue de côté, l'ouverture de la pince est facilitée et, en position ouverte, l'effort de serrage ne tend pas à faire glisser la main vers l'avant ou vers l'arrière.
• L'ensemble de la région de la poignée qui est en contact avec la main est dépourvu d'arête vive, de sorte que la main ne risque pas d'être blessée, quel que soit l'effort ou la combinaison d'efforts exercé sur l'outil : serrage, torsion, traction, torsion-traction, efforts de levier exercés dans le plan P, dans le plan Q ou dans un plan intermédiaire entre ceux-ci.

The shape of the handles 3A, 3B described above has significant advantages for a right-handed user:

• The contact surface of the upper handle with the palm of the hand is very wide, which ensures an improved grip and an optimal adaptation to the movement of the hand which closes on the two handles.
• The flattened section of the handles makes it possible to effectively close the four fingers other than the thumb, notably the ring finger and the little finger, on the lower handle to exert traction on the clamp. The concave and cant shape of the contour 19 further facilitates this type of grip of the tool, and moreover provides a large bearing surface for the fingers to open the clamp.
• Thanks to the substantially rectilinear external shape that the parts 11A, 11B have in side view, the opening of the clamp is facilitated and, in the open position, the clamping force does not tend to slide the hand forward or backwards.
• The entire region of the handle which is in contact with the hand is devoid of sharp edges, so that the hand is not likely to be injured, whatever the effort or the combination of efforts exerted on the tool: tightening, torsion, traction, torsion-traction, leverage exerted in the P plane, in the Q plane or in an intermediate plane between them.

The clamp described above and shown provides the aforementioned advantages for right-handers, without disadvantage or particular discomfort for left-handers. Alternatively, the deformations of the proximal part 11A of the handles could be more pronounced, to increase their effects beneficial explained above, but it would then be appropriate to produce a tool symmetrical with respect to the plane P, intended for left-handers.

Alternatively, the asymmetry of the handles can be extended in the intermediate part 10A, 10B and even possibly in the front part 9A, 9B, in gradually diminishing.

Figures 10 and 11 show pliers power strip according to the invention. The elements common to the mode for carrying out Figures 1 to 9 have the same numbers , increased by 30, and will not be rewritten.

The rivet 32 can be positioned, as known, in any of the notches 55 of an oblong lumen 56 of the member 31B. Therefore, when the clamp is closed (Figure 11), the mean plane Q of the two handles is parallel to the axis of the rivet 32 but spaced therefrom.

The lower handle 33B has a guard 38B at its front end and, behind it, a bead 57 with a lower projection. The distance between this bead and guard 38B is sufficient to receive a index (Figure 11).

So the user can place his hand with the index 58 is just behind the bead 57 (Figure 10), either between the latter and the guard 38B (Figure 11).

In the first case, the clamping force is increased, which is advantageous for grabbing and pushing a thick object 59. We see in Figure 10 that the guard 38A is then finds approximately at the right of the bead 57. In addition, the hand is well propelled forward when the branches of the pliers make an important angle between them.

In the case of Figure 11, we can easily push and pull on a small piece. The guards 38A and 38B are found substantially at the right one of the other.

The bead 57 extends laterally on the two sides of the handle, for example thanks to a shape substantially toroidal which is connected by rounded to the rest of handle (Figure 12). This promotes good positioning of the hand on the clamp, especially when the opening of it.

It should be noted that the bead 57 can be provided on any other type of pliers, with similar advantages. It improves the ergonomics of the tool vis-à-vis the fingers anterior, including the index finger, while the shape asymmetrical handles described above promotes more particularly the posterior fingers and the palm of the hand.

In the variant of Figure 13, relating to a clamp with fixed hinge pin, cross sections of the two handles, at least in the distal part, are symmetrical with respect to the median plane Q defined above. This allows left-handers to use the tool in the same conditions that right-handers, by simply reversing the clip around its center line.

Claims (16)

1. Pliers of the type comprising two branches (7A, 7B) having an area forming a handle (3A, 3B) integral with the branch and having, at least in a proximal part (11A, 11B), a cross-section, the profile of which is convex or essentially convex, these branches being hinged one to the other in the area of the coupler (4) and extending beyond the coupler to define jaws (5A, 5B), each handle (3A, 3B) having an external face (14) and an internal face (15, 19) with two rounded (16) joints, each cross-section of each handle defining a middle line (L) parallel to the median plane (P) of the coupler (4) constituted by the sliding plane of the half couplers (4A, 4B), the one above the other and located halfway along two tangents (T₁, T₂) from the cross- section, said tangents (Ti, T₂) being parallel to said plane (P) characterised in that each handle (3A, 3B) has, at least in said proximal part (11A, 11B), a cross-section which, in relation to its middle line (L), has a profile for the external face (14) which is non-symmetrical with a shape plunging steeply towards one side of the handle and in that, observing the handle from the side of its external face in said proximal part of each handle (3A, 3B), the geometrical position (LG) of the centres of the segments (S3) perpendicular to said median plane (P) forms a curve (LG3) whose convexity is directed towards said side.
2. Pliers according to claim 1, characterised in that, for the upper handle (3A), said side is directed towards the palm of the hand intended to grip the pliers.
3. Pliers according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, in said proximal part (11A, 11B), each handle (3A, 3B) has a cross-section (Si) which is wider than its height.
4. Pliers according to claim 3, characterised in that said cross-section has a convex external profile (14) and a concave internal profile (19) which gives to the handle a cross-section with the general shape of a bean.
5. Pliers according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said curve (LG3) is extended towards the distal end (9A, 9B) of the handle (3A, 3B) by a second curve (LG2) whose convexity is directed in the opposite direction of said side.
6. Pliers according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that, in said proximal part (11A, 11B), each handle (3A, 3B) has, when seen from the side, a substantially rectilinear external profile, both profiles being in particular substantially parallel to each other.
7. Pliers according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that, at least in said proximal part (11A, 11B) and preferably over the whole of its length, the handle (3A, 3B) is without any sharp edge.
8. Pliers according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that said non-symmetrical profile extends, possibly being reduced, up to the distal end (9A, 9B) area of the handle (3A, 3B).
9. Pliers according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the distal end (9A, 9B) area of each handle (3A, 3B) has a cross-section which is symmetrical in relation to said middle line (L).
10. Pliers according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that, at least in said proximal part, the two handles (3A, 3B) are identical in cross-section and symmetrical in relation to the centre line of the pliers.
11. Pliers according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that, at least in said proximal part, the two handles (3A, 3B) are, in cross-section, symmetrical in relation to a median plane (Q) of the two handles which, in the closed position of the pliers, is parallel to the hinge axis (2, 32) of the two branches (7A, 7B).
12. Pliers according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that a handle (33B) at least comprises, on its external face, a distal end guard (38B) and a bead (57) spaced from said guard by a distance permitting an index finger to be received.
13. Pliers according to claim 12, characterised in that the bead (57) has a protruding height smaller than that of the guard (38B).
14. Pliers according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the bead (57) extends laterally on the handle, in particular on both sides of the latter.
15. Pliers according to claim 14, characterised in that the bead has a shape which is generally toric.
16. Pliers according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterised in that they constitute clamping pliers, in particular pliers with a flat or round nose, universal pliers or adjustable joint pliers.

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