Patents Assigned to Mentor Group LLC
  • Patent number: 7409766
    Abstract: A hand tool such as a multi-bladed folding knife incorporates a lock back mechanism t hat is interconnected with springs extending parallel to the knife body and with pins that interconnect the springs. The springs apply biasing force via the pins to the lock back mechanism associated with the primary blade, and also on secondary blades if used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Mentor Group LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Steigerwalt
  • Patent number: 6789323
    Abstract: A folding tool such as a knife or multitool has a handle defined by opposed side walls with a slot therebetween. An implement such as a blade is pivotally connected to the handle. A spring such as a liner disposed between the implement and one side wall has a longitudinal slot cut therein and opening on the end adjacent the implement attachment to define a spring arm. The slot includes a constricted zone that is preferably substantially V shaped and has an apex aligned with the pivot axis of the implement. A pin on the implement rides in the slot. When the pin is on the rearward side of the apex the spring arm applies pressure to the implement and prevents it from moving into the open position. The implement is thus safely and securely locked into the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Mentor Group LLC
    Inventor: Stan Moizis
  • Patent number: 6732436
    Abstract: A folding tool such as a knife or multitool has a handle defined by opposed side walls with a slot therebetween. An implement such as a blade is pivotally connected to the handle. A spring such as a liner disposed between the implement and one side wall has a longitudinal slot cut therein and opening on the end adjacent the implement attachment to define a spring arm. The slot includes a constricted zone that is preferably substantially V shaped and has an apex aligned with the pivot axis of the implement. A pin on the implement rides in the slot. When the pin is on the rearward side of the apex the spring arm applies pressure to the implement and prevents it from moving into the open position. The implement is thus safely and securely locked into the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Mentor Group LLC
    Inventor: Stan Moizis
  • Publication number: 20040045171
    Abstract: A folding tool such as a knife or multitool has a handle defined by opposed side walls with a slot therebetween. An implement such as a blade is pivotally connected to the handle. A spring such as a liner disposed between the implement and one side wall has a longitudinal slot cut therein and opening on the end adjacent the implement attachment to define a spring arm. The slot includes a constricted zone that is preferably substantially V shaped and has an apex aligned with the pivot axis of the implement. A pin on the implement rides in the slot. When the pin is on the rearward side of the apex the spring arm applies pressure to the implement and prevents it from moving into the open position. The implement is thus safely and securely locked into the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Mentor Group LLC
    Inventor: Stan Moizis
  • Patent number: 6675484
    Abstract: A folding tool such as a knife or multitool and the like has a resilient lever arm formed in a body portion. A blade pivotally connected to the body is movable between closed and open positions. A blade locking pin is carried on the lever arm, and in the normal resting position the blade locking pin engages the blade. When the blade is in the open position the lever arm biases the locking pin into locking engagement with a notch formed in the blade tang, thereby locking the blade in the open position. Actuating the lever arm disengages the locking pin from the blade, allowing the blade to be moved into the closed position. The blade may have a second notch or hole formed in the tang for engagement of the blade locking pin when the blade is closed, thereby locking the blade into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Mentor Group LLC
    Inventors: William J. McHenry, Jason L. Williams
  • Patent number: 6574869
    Abstract: Knives (10, 182) each include a handle (12, 184) having a blade (14, 90, 194) pivotally attached to the handle. The blade is movable between a closed posiiton in which it is received within a groove (36, 192) of the handle and an open position. The blade has a working portion (38, 198) and a tang portion (44, 98, 204), which remains within the groove when the blade is in its open position. A locking pin (72, 208) extends transversely of the handle and blade and is movable along a pair of elongated openings (74, 216), and engages the tang portion (44, 98, 204) of the blade to lock the blade in its open position. A spring (78, 228) biases the locking pin toward the tang.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Mentor Group LLC
    Inventors: William J. McHenry, Jason L. Williams, Steven J. Ingram
  • Patent number: 6438848
    Abstract: Knives (10, 182) each include a handle (12, 184) having a blade (14, 90, 194) pivotally attached to the handle. The blade is movable between a closed position in which it is received within a groove (36, 192) of the handle and an open position. The blade has a working portion (38, 198) and a tang portion (44, 98, 204), which remains within the groove when the blade is in its open position. A locking pin (72, 204) extends transversely of the handle and blade and is movable along a pair of elongated openings (74, 216), and engages the tang portion (44, 98, 204) of the blade to lock the blade in its open position. A spring (78, 228) biases the locking pin toward the tang. In another tool (119), multiple tool blades (114, 116, 118 and 120) are provided in a handle (112) defining a wider groove (132), and a locking pin (152) movable along elongate openings (150) can lock a selected tool blade in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Mentor Group LLC
    Inventors: William J. McHenry, Jason L. Williams
  • Patent number: D438442
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Mentor Group LLC
    Inventor: Warren Osborne
  • Patent number: D447925
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Mentor Group LLC
    Inventor: Warren Osborne
  • Patent number: RE41259
    Abstract: Knives (10, 182) each include a handle (12, 184) having a blade (14, 90, 194) pivotally attached to the handle. The blade is movable between a closed position in which it is received within a groove (36, 192) of the handle and an open position. The blade has a working portion (38, 198) and a tang portion (44, 98, 204), which remains within the groove when the blade is in its open position. A locking pin (72, 208) extends transversely of the handle and blade and is movable along a pair of elongated openings (74, 216), and engages the tang portion (44, 98, 204) of the blade to lock the blade in its open position. A spring (78, 228) biases the locking pin toward the tang.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Mentor Group LLC
    Inventors: William J. McHenry, Jason L. Williams