Locked Blade Patents (Class 30/161)
  • Patent number: 5116351
    Abstract: The scalpel includes a handle with a blade moveably mounted to it by a leaf spring. A blade protecting sheath is fixably mounted to the handle. In its normal position, the blade is within the sheath such that the cutting edge is protected. In order to expose the cutting edge, the blade is depressed against the force of the spring. When not in use, the blade may be locked within the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Paris R. Frassetti
  • Patent number: 5111581
    Abstract: A locking, folding knife or tool comprising a handle with a groove dimensioned to receive a knife blade or other instrument that pivots about an integral pivot post between a closed position in the groove and an extended position. The pivot post fits into a hole in the blade of the knife which has two cutout portions along the periphery of the hole. The pivot post has an additional cutout portion. The handle carries a bolt for pushing a spring biased transfer bar toward the blade thereby disengaging a locking pin from one of the cutout portions of the blade and engaging the cutout portion of the pivot post so that the blade can pivot freely about the pivot post. The first cutout portion locks the blade in the extended position; the second cutout portion retains but does not lock the blade in the closed position. Additionally, a strut pivoting between the transfer bar and the handle can be included for added security in the locking of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Walter W. Collins
  • Patent number: 5095624
    Abstract: A folding knife including a lock for positively maintaining the knife blade in a locked condition comprising an upstanding locking pin which is integrally formed with the knife blade and which is received by an opening in a pivotal toggle mounted on the upper end of the blade handle. The toggle is yieldably maintained in its locked condition by a coil spring mounted in an elongated bore formed in the knife handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Raynold W. Ennis
  • Patent number: 5093995
    Abstract: A folding knife having a blade that can be pivoted into or out of a hollow knife handle. A depressible lock pin extends parallel to the blade pivot axis to normally extend through a notch in an arcuate edge of the blade, thereby holding the blade in a designated position (open or closed). Depression of the lock pin enables a transverse slot in the pin to register with the blade, such that the blade can be swung to a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: James Jan
  • Patent number: 5092045
    Abstract: A locking mechanism (39) comprising a rectangularly-shaped block (40) seated in a corresponding opening (41) of a blade (31) and a corresponding opening of a handle scale (32). Block (40) depresses into opening (41) after which blade (31) is free to rotate between locked open and closed modes, effecting two-position lock mechanism. Other embodiments include a stepped blocks (61, 81) by which two or one notches are utilized to effect either a two-position or one-position lock mechanism, respectively. These blocks register in their respective openings (42, 73, 89) provided in handle scale. The register in the opening (89) in the scale for the one-position lock mechanism is off-set in a direction towards the center of rotation for the blade (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventors: Francis M. Boyd, Jr., Frank M. Boyd, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5086561
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved safety knife and combination of swafety knife and protective garment for meat, fish and poultry processing involving cutting and thrusting operations. The safety knife includes a plurality of projecting serrations closely adjacent its sharpened point adapted to snagging engagement of a protective garment or clothing worn by the user to prevent deep penetration of the knife point to avoid injury to the user. The combination is employed in conjunction to provide significant user protection in fast-paced food processing operations. The cutting edge of the knife may be periodically sharpened without loss of safety protection provided by its serrated point for use in all types of cutting and thrusting operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: Daniel M. Nathan
  • Patent number: 5072513
    Abstract: This invention relates to a rocking device of a folding knife, which makes folding work easy and reduces the play between a blade and a holding handle. A round hole(21) and anchor notches(211), (212) are formed at the root portion of the blade(2) and a support sheet portion(42) is accommodated in the round hole(21) through a substantially criss-cross anchor plate member(41) and a compression spring(5), and the anchor member(41) is fixed to a drum sheet portion(11) of the holding handle(1) by fixing pins(3). When the back of the root portion of the blade(2) is pushed under the open state of the knife, the blade(2) deviates against the force of the spring(5) so that an anchor projection(411) of the anchor sheet member(41) that has been meshed with an anchor notch(211) of the blade(2) is disengaged from the notch(211) and the blade(2) is now able to rotate with respect to the holding handle(1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: Kenichi Matsushima
  • Patent number: 5060379
    Abstract: Folding knife apparatus includes a blade having a tang secured to a case or housing. Wedging action between the tang and the case locks the blade open and closed. The tang includes a longitudinally extending slot, and the case or housing includes a pin extending through the longitudinally extending slot. A spring is disposed in the slot and biases the blade against the pin to help lock the blade in place, particularly in the open, use position. Axial movement of the blade is required to unlock the blade from its open position in order to pivot the blade. A cam relationship exists between a portion of the tang and a portion of the case or housing to urge the blade to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Vaughn O. Neely
  • Patent number: 5054200
    Abstract: A double-bladed combat weapon includes a handle having slotted ends. A knife blade having a semicircular tang, which has a plurality of index notches, is pivotally disposed in each slotted end of the handle. An indexing mechanism is disposed in each end of the handle and engages one the index notches of the blade tang. A release for each blade is provided to permit the user to swing the blades selectively from a rearwardly directed position to a forwardly directed position, as well as intermediate positions during combat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: James P. Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5044079
    Abstract: A knife having at least one blade or other implement foldable about a pivot axis at one end of the handle. A separate lock lever is associated with each blade or implement and has an end portion engaging a notch in the blade adjacent the pivot point to prevent movement of the blade away from the open position until the lock is manually released. The lock levers are mounted for limited pivotal movement at an intermediate position and urged toward engagement of the one end portion with the blade notch when the blade is moved to its open or erected position by respective beam springs. The improved beam springs are mounted upon linings in a position laterally spaced from their respective lock levers. The beam spring end opposite the mounted end is curved and extends laterally through a hole in its associated lining and contacts its associated lock lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Camillus Cutlery Co.
    Inventor: Philip W. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5029354
    Abstract: A knife (20) having its member (21) comprising blade (22) and tang (23) locked to its side rails (24, 25) whichever way blade (22) or tang (23) seat in the knife (20). Side rails (24, 25) include opposing or non-corresponding edges (43, 44) which includes bayonet slots (41, 42) respectively. One pin (55) on blade (22) cooperatively engages bayonet slot (41) when the blade (22) is disposed in a pocket (40) between the side rails (24, 25), and one pin (54) on tang (23) cooperatively engages bayonet slot (42) when the tang (23) is disposed in pocket (40). Urging means (32) such as rubber bands (34, 35) urge the pins (55, 54) in their corresponding bayonet slots (41, 42) to stay therein and means such as rounds (63, 64) on side rails (24, 25) overcome such urging so that member (21) shifts into a pivoting position to unlock either blade (21) or tang (22) for pivoting either one out of pocket (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: F. Boyd, Ltd.
    Inventors: Francis M. Boyd, Jr., Frank M. Boyd, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5025557
    Abstract: A folding knife has a blade that pivots so that the cutting edge may be protected within the handle or extended for use. The blade has an extended tang which may be locked into the handle when the cutting edge is extended. The knife can be disassembled without tools for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Daniel C. Perreault
  • Patent number: 4979301
    Abstract: A folding blade knife constructed so that the knife blade can be opened or closed with one hand. The knife includes a handle composed of two side members that are assembled in a spaced relation to provide space for a blade. A blade is pivotally mounted in one end of the handle for movement to an open or closed position. The blade has an elongated slot cut therein and the slot is located in the end of the blade mounted in the handle. A locking lever is pivotally mounted in the elongated slot in the blade. The lever has a release button formed on one end and a locking button formed on the other end. A pair of locking recesses are formed in the interior surface of one of the handle sides members. These recesses are located adjacent to the end of the handle where the blade is mounted. The elongated slot in the blade, and thus the locking lever, are positioned so that the locking button of the locking lever will engage the locking recesses in the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 4949458
    Abstract: A knife of the kind having a blade (14, 43) and a handle has an extendible and retractable blade edge guard (16, 45). When the blade (14, 43) is extended, any violent movement of the knife with the cutting edge in a leading attitude acts inertially to disengage a detent (27, 55) from a recess (28, 57) in the guard (16, 45) so that a tension spring (17, 46) quickly extends the guard (16, 45) into its projecting, operative position to guard the blade edge (21, 50) and prevent at least serious injury. When the blade carrier (13, 42) is fully retracted, its engagement with a part (31, 58) of the guard (16, 45) causes that also to retract and be engaged again by the detent (27, 55) due to spring-bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: The Shirley Institute
    Inventors: Roger I. Davis, David B. Scott
  • Patent number: 4947552
    Abstract: A folding knife with positive lock for maintaining the knife blade selectively within the handle case and in open position. A spring urged foot engages appropriate locking notches on the blade for open and closed positions to render the blade immobile in either position. A thumb actuated rocker (several embodiments are disclosed) releases the foot from contact with the notch and out of the path of blade rotation. In an alternate form a pull ring may be used as the lock release. A positive stop on the knife blade abuts the handle case when the blade is in closed position to facilitate movement to its open position when the foot has been removed from the closed locking notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Barnes International Cutlery
    Inventor: Gary L. Barnes
  • Patent number: 4947551
    Abstract: A laterally foldable knife which includes a locking member slidably engageable with the blade to lock the blade into either its extended or retracted position. The locking member includes protrusions one of which is wedged between the blade proximal end and handle to lock the blade in its extended position. The other locking member protrusion is restrictively fitted within a blade proximal end notch to lock the blade in its closed position. A spring biases the lock member toward the knife blade proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: David Deisch
  • Patent number: 4930218
    Abstract: A utility knife having a main body formed from a pair of body portions which are assembled together. The main body has an opening at the front with means to prevent the pair of body portions from spreading apart and with means to prevent the blade from swaying from side to side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Great Neck Saw Manufacturers, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Jacoff
  • Patent number: 4926554
    Abstract: A clasp knife has a pivotally mounted blade which can be swung between an operative extended position and a shrouded position within a body and handle using only one hand. The knife incorporates an actuating lever carrying a latching dog which locks the blade to the lever when the blade and the body are swung from the closed position to the open position while a release member is in a locking position. When the body is swung to the extended position while the release member is in the release position, the latching dog is released from the blade and the blade is detained in the body as the body is swung back to the inoperative closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Charles L. Martin
    Inventor: Wayne C. Martin
  • Patent number: 4918820
    Abstract: A foldable pocket saw has a handle with a mounting head extending from one end thereof. A blade mounting member is rotatably disposed on the mounting head with a saw blade removably attached thereto. A detent mechanism has a spring loaded pawl actuated by a button radially movable into and out of engagement with one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending notches provided in the periphery of the rotatable blade mounting member for releasably locking the saw blade in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: American Saw & Mfg. Company
    Inventors: William B. Korb, Paul W. Koetsch
  • Patent number: 4901439
    Abstract: A foldable knife (20) having a mechanism (29) whick locks its blade (21) in open position but not in its closed position within a pocket (27) formed in its sheath (22). Mechanism (30) is mounted at a pivot axis for the rotation of sheath (22) to blade (21), and comprises a body (31) eccentrically mounted to an axle (30), the block body (31) being releasably slidable into either an opening (44) formed in the thickness of blade (23) or into a position straddling opening (45) and a cavity (44) formed in handle side (23). When so straddled, the blade is locked in open position. A pin (38) mounted on axle (30) is depressed against the biasing of a spring (39) mounted to the other side of block body (31), to push it from its straddling position, so that it slides into the thickness of blade (21), whereby sheath (22) of knife (20) is rotatable about blade (21) to place the latter in its pocket (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: F. Boyd, Ltd., a California Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Francis M. Boyd, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4896424
    Abstract: A new composite cutting blade for a knife or other cutting instrument and a novel method of making the blade. The blade is formed from a body section made of a strong tough material formed with a dovetail configuration along one edge thereof and a cutting edge section made of a hard durable material that has a matching dovetail configuraion along one edge. The body and cutting edge sections are joined by press fitting the two dovetail edges together and then peening the joint. The blade is provided with a recess so that when the blade is rotated into the handle that includes a unique locking means, the blade is retained in a closed position. The handle includes a liner that has a spring finger which engages the tang of the blade to lock the blade in an open position. The spring finger also has a ball detent mounted thereon that engages the recess in the blade when the blade is in a closed position so as to retain the blade in a tightly closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 4893409
    Abstract: The frame of a personal, folding knife forms a compartment for receiving a knife blade having a hub pivoted to turn on the frame about an axis spanning the compartment. A locking block is manually slidable on the frame. A spring urges the lock block toward engagement in a notch in the blade hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Paul W. Poehlmann
  • Patent number: 4888869
    Abstract: A lock-back foldable tool includes a folding locking channel which nests outside of the channel-shaped handle of the tool. The locking channel fits closely over a spring, integral with the web of the channel-shaped handle, which bears against a cam surface on the base of the tool blade. When the blade is in extended position with respect to the handle, pivoting of the blade with respect to the handle will cause deflection of the spring. When the locking channel is selectively positioned over the spring, it prevents deflection of the spring, thereby locking the blade into extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy S. Leatherman
  • Patent number: 4862590
    Abstract: A retractable blade knife having a self-sharpening facility which can be selectively rendered inoperable. The sharpener is spring biased in an upward direction so as to be urged into engagement with the cutting edge of a knife blade, and manually operable release means is provided to permit the sharpener to be held in an inoperable position. An assembly of which the sharpener forms part also functions as stop means which positively prevents movement of the knife blade into its extended position. Such extension is possible only upon operation of the release means, but that is only necessary during initial outward movement of the knife blade. The sharpener is arranged to sharpen the cutting edge of the blade up to the tip of the blade. Positive locking means is provided to prevent inward movement of the blade when working under load in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: McPherson's Limited
    Inventors: Frank Winyard, Gordon Bremner, Cvetan Petroff
  • Patent number: 4837932
    Abstract: A pocket-knife having a blade which is pivotable between open and closed positions, and which is lockable in the open position, is disclosed. The pocket-knife comprises a handle, a knife blade pivotaly mounted at one end of the handle, a beam spring extending substantially along the length of the handle, and a locking device for locking the knife blade in the open position. The beam spring is pivotally mounted for limited rocking movement within the handle. The beam spring includes a recess for receiving a retractable locking member of the locking device, a projection or ratchet tooth cooperating with the locking member, and cam guide cooperating with a tang portion of the knife blade to control the pivoting of the knife blade. When the knife blade is in its extended position, a spring urges the locking member into the recess of the beam spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Victorinox AG
    Inventor: Carl Elsener
  • Patent number: 4811486
    Abstract: A knife with a retractable knife blade comprising a base element, a pivot pin formed in the base element, a knife blade mounted on the pivot pin and maneuverable between retracted and extended positions, an activation notch formed on one end of the blade, a sliding knob interconnected with the base element and the knife blade by means of a connecting arm for the purpose of moving the knife blade from the retracted to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Atlanta Cutlery Corporation
    Inventor: William D. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 4805303
    Abstract: A knife having a plurality of blades or other implements foldable about a common pivot axis at one end of the handle. A separate lock lever is associated with each blade or implement and has an end portion engaging a notch in the blade adjacent the pivot point to prevent movement of the blade away from the open position until the lock is manually released. The lock levers are pivotally mounted at an intermediate position and urged toward engagement of the one end portion with the blade notch by respective beam springs contacting the lock levers on the opposite sides of the pivotal mountings. The locks are released by pressing upon portions of the lock levers arranged in transverse grooves which are longitudinally offset along the back of the knife at the end opposite the end at which the blades are pivotally mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Inventor: Philip W. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 4769912
    Abstract: There is provided a knife having a blade and handle. The knife incorporates acceleration detection means adapted to cause automatic occlusion of the blade upon detection of violent movement of the knife of at least 25 meters per second per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Shirley Institute
    Inventor: Roger I. Davis
  • Patent number: 4750267
    Abstract: A folding blade knife is disclosed in which the knife blade is releasably lockable in a plurality of angular positions relative to a knife handle. The folding knife blade has a polygonal aperture and the knife handle has a circular opening as well as an aligned polygonal recess. A one piece lock and release element operated by push button action includes a cylindrical part engaging in the circular opening of the handle and a polygonal part engageable totally in the polygonal aperture of the blade or partly in such aperture and partly in the polygonal recess of the handle. A spring biases the one piece lock and release element toward a locking position relative to the blade and handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Inventor: Francis M. Boyd
  • Patent number: 4741106
    Abstract: A folding pocket knife substantially including a handle, a blade retaining lever and a blade. The blade is pivotally held in the handle wherein the engagement between a holding lever and the base of the blade, which keeps the blade out of the handle, is released by depressing the press area of the lever. The press area of the lever is covered with soft and pliable material that can be moved downward together with the press area so that the disengagement between the retaining lever and the blade can be made without pain to the finger. The whole body of the handle is covered with the soft and pliable material, but the handle may be formed with hard material except the portion over the press area so that only this portion is covered with the soft and pliable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Kai Cutlery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masami Yamagishi
  • Patent number: 4730394
    Abstract: A folding camp knife (10) comprises an elongated handle case (12) having sideplates (24a and b) separated by a blade gap (26) in which a blade (14) is mounted for rotation by means of an axle pin (16) passing through holes (30 and 54) in the sideplates and the blade. A locking piece (18) engages the axle pin on the outside of the handle case and can both rotate about and slide longitudinally along the axle pin. The locking piece includes a locking flag (68) which can be moved into handle and blade peripheral locking slots (38a and b and 52) when they are in registration. Once the locking flag is slid into these peripheral locking slots the axle pin can be tightened against the locking piece to prevent further movement of the locking piece, thereby preventing rotational movement between the blade and the handle case. The axle end of the blade has a plurality of locking slots (52a-e) extending thereabout which allow the blade to be placed at various angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignees: Richard G. Sonner, Betty S. Hallbert
    Inventor: Edwin W. Sonner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4703560
    Abstract: A locking knife apparatus that includes a handle unit, a blade member support unit, a blade member, and a blade pivot hole and lock unit. The blade member includes a pivot slot disposed therethrough for operable interaction with the blade pivot hole and lock unit. Both the blade member and the blade member support unit include tabs and notches that may interact with one another to assist in locking the blade member in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Hawks Edge, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis B. Brooker
  • Patent number: 4679275
    Abstract: A paint scraper having a pointed scraper head defined by angled edges of an elongated member which are chamfered at their point of interception. The elongated member is rotatably received by a sheath which functions as a handle in operation, and a means for storing the scraper head when not in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventor: Timothy L. Shannon
  • Patent number: 4670984
    Abstract: A lockable folding knife utilizes a simplified, easily manufactured combination pivot and locking pin mechanism to create a strong locking action between the hub of the knife blade which pivots about the pivot pin, and the locking pin which is connected to and moved by the pivot pin when it is displaced in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Inventor: Thomas A. Rickard
  • Patent number: 4669188
    Abstract: A folding knife comprising a handle and a knife blade rotatable about a pivot. The invention is characterized by the combination that the handle (2) consists of only one wood piece, which is sawn open along a central longitudinal plane, so that a longitudinal gap (5) is formed along the greater part, but not along the entire length of the handle (2), that the blade pivot is located at the end (7) of the handle (2) where the gap (5) opens and is attached in the wood portions of the handle (2) located on opposite sides of the gap, and that a retaining mechanism known per se capable to retain the knife blade (4) in folded-out position and in a spring-loaded manner to retain the knife blade in folded-in position is provided. The retaining mechanism comprises a retaining arm (12) and a spring (13) acting against the same, which are mounted in the longitudinal gap (5) and have a thickness corresponding to the width of the gap (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Eskilstuna Knivfabriks AB
    Inventor: Torbjorn Evrell
  • Patent number: 4660284
    Abstract: A folding pocket saw or other tool having interchangeable blades employs a handle in which is pivotally mounted a head member on which the blades are affixed. The head member has means thereon which cooperates with a slide lock to alternatively secure it in its open and closed positions, and the handle is of hollow construction to provide both an underlying cavity for containment of the folded blade and also a storage compartment for holding a supply of replacement blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventor: Joseph P. Decarolis
  • Patent number: 4651419
    Abstract: A knife comprises three main parts: a handle, a blade and a removable spring lock guard. The handle, formed of two spaced apart lateral handle halves includes a blade pivot adjacent its forward end. The blade, configured as a double-ended, double-edged single blade, is mounted intermediate its ends to the blade pivot for rotation to positions in which one of its ends is contained within a slot provided between the handle halves while its opposite end extends forwardly of the handle for use. A spring lock guard is configured to releasably overlie the slot in the handle and confine the inoperative blade, thereby securely locking the single blade against inadvertent rotation during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Inventor: August D. Reed, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4612706
    Abstract: A folding knife has a handle and a blade pivotally connected to the handle. A linkage mechanism connects the pivoted blade to an operating lever at the base of the handle. The connection between the linkage mechanism and the operating lever constitutes a toggle. Thus, when the blade is in its open position, the toggle arrangement maintains the blade in a solid, non-wobbling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Inventor: Yamil R. Yunes
  • Patent number: 4606123
    Abstract: Cutlery apparatus with readily interchangeable cutting tools such as knives, the cutting tools being either double ended or a plurality of single ended tools pivotally mounted in a handle, either directly between the handle sides or on a generally U-shaped tool holding member which is in turn pivotally movable in and out of a slotted handle, the apparatus being further provided with lock arm means also pivotally mounted on the handle, forming a part of the handle when closed and retaining the tool rigidly in the handle without use of spring means when the tool is locked in the handle in a position of use. The apparatus which in certain embodiments is of a type commonly called swap blade knives, is readily disassembleable for tool interchange or cleaning. Double ended knives embodying the invention have the strength of a full tang knife with the versatility of a multi-bladed folding knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: Wraven Products Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Wrench
  • Patent number: 4604803
    Abstract: A folding knife comprising a handle transversely flanking a knife blade movable within a slot formed through the handle. A complementary fixed bushing and pivot hole on the handle and knife blade provide a positive lock for the extended knife blade, in conjunction with a spring-biased ball that is located within the bushing and which bears radially outward against the surfaces of the pivot hole. The knife blade is manually releasable from its extended position by application of manual pressure to the blade in a direction perpendicular to bushing axis. The spring-biased ball also acts in cooperation with a notch in the pivot hole to serve as a releasable detent for maintaining the knife blade in its folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Inventor: Scott Sawby
  • Patent number: 4578864
    Abstract: An improved knife having an elongate grip and a bolster joined to the grip adjacent the handles front end. The bolster includes a swept-forward thumb wing which extends adjacent a blade opposite the cutting edge to provide a wider-than-blade thumb-force-transmitting pressure platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Inventor: Phillip W. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 4573268
    Abstract: A folding fillet knife comprises a molded two-piece plastic or metal handle, a metal blade pivotally connected to the handle and pivotable between open and closed positions, and a latching member slidably mounted on the handle. The latching member is spring biased into a latching position wherein it engages the base end of the blade and either releasably secures the blade in closed position or positively locks the blade in open position. The latching member is slidably movable to an unlatching position either automatically (as the blade opens) to enable the blade to be pivoted from closed to open position, or manually to allow the blade to be pivoted from open to closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1986
    Assignee: Oy Fiskars AB
    Inventor: Daniel D. Call
  • Patent number: 4570341
    Abstract: A pocketknife is formed with a latching mechanism that includes a catch and latch for releasibly holding a key ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Inventor: Lloyd K. Konneker
  • Patent number: 4563813
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cam lock knife structure having (1) a main handle assembly; (2) a knife blade assembly pivotally connected to the main handle assembly and moveable from storage/folded condition to an open/usage condition; (3) a cam lock assembly engagable with a portion of the knife blade assembly to hold same rigidly in the usage and non-usage conditions; (4) a convey and actuator assembly operable to be attached to the cam lock assembly for ease of operation and for conveyance purposes; and (5) a sharpener lock assembly which can be utilized with the cam lock assembly to hold the knife blade assembly in various conditions and, additionally, independently removed for blade sharpening activities. The knife blade assembly includes a main support body having a cutting section and cam sections engagable with the cam lock assembly for holding the knife blade assembly in a rigid condition whether in the usage condition or folded non-usage condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Inventor: Charles K. Fortenberry
  • Patent number: 4551917
    Abstract: A knife which has generally a blade and a handle wherein the blade folds into the handle; and wherein the handle has a first parallel plate and a second parallel plate which are secured to each other and spaced from each other by a spacer bushing and a fixed bushing to form therein a pocket into which the blade folds as it rotates around the fixed bushing. The fixed bushing has therein a slide hole into which the stem of a lock inserts. A biasing spring is installed in a bore in the stem and bears against a shoulder inside the stem and against a spring plate affixed to the outside of the first parallel plate, thereby biasing the stem and the lock through the second parallel plate. A button on the outside of the second parallel plate passes through a button hole therein, and the button is affixed to the end of the stem. The lock has a lock pin which protrudes through the first parallel plate and engages one of a plurality of lock pin holes in the blade securing the blade in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 4541175
    Abstract: A foldable knife is disclosed as including a latching mechanism utilizing a non-circular non-arcuate multi-sided operator which positively locks the knife in its selected positions. The latching mechanism embodies a square shaped operator permitting the knife blade to be locked in each of a closed position, an intermediate position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Inventors: Francis M. Boyd, Kenneth A. Fireman
  • Patent number: 4536959
    Abstract: A folding knife including a blade and a handle which are joined together by a pivot at a forward end of the handle, an axis of the pivot is in the same plane as the blade and the handle and joins same to a tang portion of the blade so that the blade can pivot laterally from an extended position through about 180.degree. to a second position where the blade lies within the confines of the handle. The top and/or bottom of the tang is generally rectangular in section and engages in a similarly shaped recess formed in upper and/or bottom arms of the handle, the upper and/or bottom arms of the handle incorporate a mechanism for moving the arms apart to enable the tang to be disengaged from the recess to swing the blade laterally either to its open or closed position. The top of the tang can have locking surfaces associated therewith which engage with a recess in the arm of the handle adjacent thereto to lock the blade in its open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignees: Mark Anthony Ross, Robert Allen Hiseman
    Inventor: Mark A. Ross
  • Patent number: 4535539
    Abstract: A foldable knife (10) comprises a handle (14), a blade (12), means (24) for securing the blade (12) to the handle for pivotal movement between a closed position wherein the cutting edge (20) is received in a recess (34) in the handle (14) and an open position wherein the cutting edge edge (20) is exposed, a bar spring (16) secured at one end to the handle (14) in the recess (34), and a mechanism (18) secured in an opening (58), (60) in the handle (14) and extending through a hole (44) in the bar spring (16), the mechanism (18) comprising an enlarged portion (48) and a reduced portion (b 50), and means (54) for moving the mechanism (18) between a locking position when the enlarged portion is in the hole (44) for limiting movement of the bar spring (16) for preventing movement of the blade (12) and a release position wherein the reduced portion (50) is in the hole (44) and sufficient movement of the bar spring (16) is accommodated for moving the blade (12) to the closed or opened positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Jet AER Corporation
    Inventors: Harry Friedman, Isao Sengoku, Yukiro Hattori, Minoru Isikawa
  • Patent number: 4502221
    Abstract: A locking knife having a thumb latch for release. The knife includes a handle, and the handle defines a cavity to receive the blade so the knife can be closed. A circular cam is fixed to the handle, and the blade has a circular hole to receive the cam, the blade being rotatable about the cam. A latch arm is pivoted with respect to the blade, and a cam follower depends from the latch arm and rides on the cam. A spring urges the cam follower towards the cam, and when the cam follower falls into the notch the blade is prevented from rotating with respect to the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Inventor: Leon M. Pittman
  • Patent number: 4451982
    Abstract: A knife having a blade pivoted to a handle is disclosed with a slidable bolt within the handle, the bolt being extended to lock the blade in an open position and retracted to permit closing of the blade. In one form of the invention, the blade includes a camming portion which retracts the bolt when the blade is opened. Also, a biasing mechanism is provided for urging the bolt into locking engagement with the blade. In another form of the invention, the bolt blade is locked in a closed position until the bolt is retracted. The handle is preferably of a unitary one-piece construction and has walls which define a tapered blade receiving slot. Bushings are held at an angle by these walls so that the bushings bear against the sides of the blade and aid in maintaining the blade in all operating positions. The knife blade is pivoted to the handle in a manner which permits removal of the blade for replacement or repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Inventor: Walter W. Collins