Locked Blade Patents (Class 30/161)
  • Patent number: 6378214
    Abstract: A folding knife having a blade with a tang, and a handle with an end to which the tang is pivotally connected. The blade is rotatable relative to the handle about a pivot axis between an open position in which the blade is extended away from the handle and a closed position in which the blade is at least partially received within the handle. The folding knife may also include a post slidably held by the blade to slide along at least a portion of the blade between a retracted position and a locking position. When the blade is open and the post is in the locking position, the handle and post block pivoting of the blade from the open position toward the closed position. Additionally, the folding knife may be provided with an oversized tang portion and a spring mechanism that allow the knife blade to be easily pivoted into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Kai U.S.A. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Onion
  • Patent number: 6370778
    Abstract: A folding knife having a handle and a blade attached to the handle, the blade being connected for movement between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the handle, and the blade a first locking profile, such as a notch. A locking member is provided having a second locking member, such as a projection, the projection being configured to be engageable with the notch when the blade is in the extended position. A pivotal connector is connected to the handle and to the locking member for allowing the locking member to pivot with respect to the handle. The locking member is movable between a locking position, wherein the second locking profile is in locking engagement with the first locking profile for locking the blade in the extended position, and an unlocking position, wherein the blade is movable with respect to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Matthew W. Conable
  • Patent number: 6363615
    Abstract: An automatically opening knife including an elongated handle with opposing separate sides forming a spacing for a blade having a working end and a tang at the opposite end. The blade may be extended from or folded into the handle. A coil spring connected between the blade and the handle biases the blade to an open position. A rotatable locking element prevents opening or closing the blade by rotational positioning with the use of a cutout in the locking element that permits the tang to pass through during pivotal movement of the blade. The locking element is further rotatably actuatable to both an unlocked position to coincide the cutout and the tang and a locked position where the locking element abuts the tang to lock the blade from movement. The locking element has separate locking element abutments cooperating with separate tang abutments to selectively prevent movement of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Taylor Cutlery
    Inventor: Rocky Lee Moser
  • Patent number: 6364182
    Abstract: A holster assembly for use with a hand-held utility knife having a segmented blade. The holster assembly comprises a plastic holster having a generally hollow interior and a blade well located inside the hollow interior of the holster. The blade well has at least one slot therethrough. By simply twisting the knife, a user may break off the endmost blade segment exposing a fresh cutting edge. The used blade segments are collected inside the blade well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Mary Kay Hansen
  • Publication number: 20020029481
    Abstract: The invention discloses a knife having a blade which is rotatably connected to a handle so that the blade can be folded into the handle and folded out of the handle. The knife has a locking means by which the blade can be locked or unlocked when the blade is folded into the handle. The locking means includes a rotatable pin which is accessible from the exterior and which is disposed in the handle of the knife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Jorg Eickhorn
  • Patent number: 6341423
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool including a plurality of tools useful to have available in an automobile, such as a flashlight, a tire pressure gauge, a scraper, and a fuse puller. The scraper preferably is pivotably mounted to a handle of the multi-purpose tool in a manner which permits the scraper to be positioned substantially perpendicular to the tool handles to permit scraping force to be applied to the scraper in an efficient manner. The multi-purpose tool preferably also includes a tool with pivotable jaws, such as a pair of foldable pliers, as well as a variety of pivotably mounted tools such as a cutting blade, a screwdriver, and a cap lifter. The tool preferably has two handles, each handle having storage channels for the tools coupled thereto. The tool jaws are pivotably mounted to the handles for selective movement between a storage position in the handles and a working position in which the jaws work together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Swiss Army Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John Merrick Taggart, A. Jeffrey Turner, Edward S. Richardson, Daniel J. Nelson, Stephen E. Lanc, Marc S. Harrison, Michael C. Pereira, Aldan J. Petrie
  • Publication number: 20010052187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blade for a folding knife with at least one hole passing through the blade, the edge of the hole having at least one dent-like or nose-shaped recess or in which the hole with the nose-shaped or dent-like a recess is an elongated hole. The blade can be locked in position and yet can be easily and cheaply produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jorg Eickhorn
  • Publication number: 20010039735
    Abstract: A folding tool (14, 60) including a locking mechanism for keeping a knife blade (2, 72) or other tool blade in an extended position or a folded position with respect to a handle (1, 62). A locking body (3, 90, 90′, 142, 150, 162) extending between the sides (16, 18, 64, 68) of the handle (1, 62) is moveable transversely, between a locking position and a releasing position. A flat locking face (42, 102) of the locking body (3, 90) engages a flat engagement surface (44, 104) on the blade (2, 72) when the blade is in the extended position. A ball detent including a projecting ball surface (98) and a mating detent cavity (112) may be used to keep the blade in its folded position with respect to the handle. Another detent includes inclined surfaces (128, 132).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: YVES NEVEUX
  • Patent number: 6308420
    Abstract: The folding knife includes an elongated handle forming a spacing therebetween. An elongated blade having a working end and a tang at the opposite end within a common plane, a pivot including a pivot axis connecting the tang to the handle to permit the blade to pivot selectively into an open position at which the blade extends outwardly from the handle and into a closed position in which the blade is nested into the spacing. The blade is provided with a cam, that may be a rolling cam, secured to the blade eccentric to the pivot axis and spaced from the plane that includes the blade. An operating spring is secured at one end to the handle and has abutting contact with the cam remote from the end in the handle thus forming force vectors that are arranged selectively to resist the pivoting of the blade to an open position and when in an open position resisting the pivoting of the blade to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Taylor Cutlery LLC
    Inventor: Rocky Lee Moser
  • Publication number: 20010032391
    Abstract: A folding knife having a blade pivotally connected to an end of a handle so that the blade is rotatable about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the blade is extended away from the handle. In the closed position, the blade is at least partially received within the handle. The knife also has a locking mechanism that is movably secured to the handle so that it may be moved into a locking position. When in the locking position, the locking mechanism blocks a protruding member extending transversely outward from a surface of the blade to prevent the blade from being rotated from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Onion
  • Patent number: 6305085
    Abstract: A clasp knife has a handle lying generally in a plane and forming an elongated recess extending longitudinally in the plane, open laterally of the plane, and having an outer longitudinally open end formed with a retaining formation. A pivot pin at the outer end defines an axis substantially parallel to the plane and transverse to the recess. A blade lying generally in a plane including the axis has a cutting edge extending generally perpendicular to the axis adjacent the axis, pivots on the pin about the axis between a closed position received in the recess and an extended position with the blade plane generally coplanar with the handle plane, moves limitedly axially relative to the handle between a pair of end positions, and has a formation fitting complementary with the handle formation in one of the end positions. A spring braced axially between the blade and the body urges the blade into the one end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventors: Harald Stallegger, Sami Stinner
  • Publication number: 20010023541
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved folding knife having a handle with opposing first and second sides and a rotatable blade coupled with the handle and moveable between a locked position at which the blade extends from the handle and an unlocked position. A slot is defined in the blade. A locking bar is coupled with the first side of the handle and has a free end biased toward the blade. The free end of the locking bar is received within the slot when the blade is in the locked position. An actuator member is disposed within the slot and is moveable with respect to the sides of the handle when the blade is in the locked position. The free end of the locking bar is forced from the slot of the handle when the actuator member is moved toward the first side of the handle so that the blade is rotatable to the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventor: Gary R. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6289592
    Abstract: A folding knife having improved releasable locks for holding the knife blade in an open position for use and for holding the blade in a closed position with the cutting edge housed in the knife handle. Two inner handle plates form a slot for receiving the knife edge in the closed position. One inner plate includes a first tab that is biased into the slot and is shaped to engage a flat end on the blade to prevent closing the blade until the first tab is manually pushed away from the blade end. The other inner plate includes a second tab that is biased into the slot opposite the first tab and has a small hard ball secured to the tab located so as to enter a corresponding hole in the blade when the blade is fully closed. The blade can be opened by manually rotating the blade with sufficient force to overcome the tab biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Ernest R. Emerson
  • Publication number: 20010016987
    Abstract: A folding knife with a safety for blade is provided. When a blade of the folding knife is in an extended position for use, a slip switch of the safety for blade could be moved to a safety lock position to depress a lock member for a lower rod portion of the latter to engage into a first locking hole on the blade, so that the blade would not turn back into a handle of the folding knife even when a blade lock of the knife is unexpectedly separated from the blade. And, when the slip switch is moved to the safety lock position when the blade is in a folded position in the handle, the lower rod portion of the lock member would engage into a second locking hole on the blade to prevent the blade from unexpectedly turning out of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: Shun-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 6276063
    Abstract: A folding knife with a safety for blade is provided. When a blade of the folding knife has been turned to an extended position, a slip switch of the safety for blade is moved to a safety lock position to depress a push element, so that the push element engages a lower end with a first locking hole on the blade, preventing the blade from undesirably closing in the event a blade lock of the folding knife is unexpectedly released or the blade is subject to an over big impact. On the other hand, when the blade has been turned to a folded position in a handle of the knife and the slip switch is moved to the safety lock position, the push element engages its lower end with a second locking hole on the blade to prevent the blade from undesirably separating from the handle. The safety for blade therefore provides the folding knife with a further means to ensure the safe use of the folding knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Chia Yi Ent. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-fu Chen
  • Patent number: 6256888
    Abstract: Knife structure employing a push button and a slide block drivingly connected with the push button. An engaging plate is disposed in the knife grip and controlled by the push button. The knife blade is formed with multiple locating notches for the engaging plate to engage therein and permit unfolding the knife blade in a stage by stage manner to provide convenience and safety in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Janchy Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Tian Shuen
  • Patent number: 6256887
    Abstract: A knife has a locking arm with a laterally displacing spring bias that retains the locking arm in a notch on the blade of the knife when the knife is in the open position. A lateral displacement of the locking arm is required to close the knife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Warren J. Osborne
  • Patent number: 6243901
    Abstract: A compound, multiple function, foldable tool having first and second handles, a tool head with pivotable jaw members, and a plurality of additional tools. The tool head are stored within first channels on first sides of the handles, and the additional tools are stored within second channels on second sides of the handles opposite the first sides. Thus, when the tool head is used, the additional tools do not interfere with gripping of the handles during use of the tool head. Moreover, because of the position of the additional tools, these tools are easily accessible while the tool head is in the storage position. The compound tool may also include a ratchet and an adapter and coupler that fit on the ratchet or at least one of the additional tools so that even further tools may be fit on the compound tool. An easy to read full length, straight edge ruler may optionally be provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Swiss Army Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl S. Elsener, Eduard A. Elsener, Albert F. Rohrer, Walter X. Rohrer, Franco Giarritta
  • Patent number: 6233830
    Abstract: A utility knife handle including a housing with an interior cavity that houses a locking mechanism, a blade storage area, and a blade carriage mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a biased locking member that is slidably provided within a first housing portion and an engagement member provided on a second housing portion pivotally connected to the first housing portion. The housing has a closed position in which the locking member is engaged with the engagement member and an open position in which the locking member is slid out of engagement with the engagement member and the first and second housing portions are rotated to allow access to the interior cavity of the housing. The blade storage area includes a blade receiving portion with a magnet therein for holding stored blade within the blade storage area. The blade carriage mechanism has a blade carriage slidably disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and adjustable to a plurality of distinct locked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: General Housewares Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Lamond, Richard Andrew Whitehall, Adam Sanchez
  • Patent number: 6233769
    Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin
  • Patent number: 6212779
    Abstract: A knife comprising a pair of elongate handle members that, when fitted together, form a mounting means for pivotal movements of a sharpened blade. The blade has a terminus at one end and a circular aperture adjacent the other end. The blade is movable between extended and folded positions, with the handle members forming a means for grasping the knife when the blade is in its extended position as well as safely enclosing the blade when the knife is not in use and the blade has been moved to its folded position. A protrusion is located mounted on the internal surface adjacent one end of each handle member, with each of the protrusions being disposed on only one side of a longitudinal centerline extending along the internal surface of each handle member. The part of each protrusion remote from the centerline has an essentially semi-circular surface, with the protrusions being caused, when the handle members have been interfitted, to reside closely together to define a substantially circular component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6170104
    Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin
  • Patent number: 6170158
    Abstract: A foldable pocket knife constructed to look like a fine writing pen includes a quick opening blade moved about 180° from the closed to the open position by grasping a pivotally movable portion of the knife handle which moves with the blade as a unit for 180° to open the blade and then continues in its pivotable movement 360° to its original position where its functions, together with a stationary handle portion, as the handle of the knife. The knife blade is closed by moving the moveable portion of the handle in the reverse direction to engage the blade and subsequently move together with the blade as a unit back to the original position adjacent the stationary portion of the handle. Accordingly, the user's hand need not contact the blade in either the opening nor the closing movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Delta Z Knives, Inc.
    Inventor: John Patrick Daily
  • Patent number: 6154965
    Abstract: A knife of which the blade is brought into or out of a haft by revolving against the haft, having a locking system fixing the blade to the haft in usable condition by a hand, is provided with a function that not only bringing the blade into or out of the haft but also the action and the release of the locking system can be done only by one hand. The operation knob 11 is attached to a part of the blade 9 where a thumb of a hand holding the haft 2 can operate the operation knob 11. The action and the release of the locking system are determined in accordance with a direction of the force added to the operation knob 11 toward the direction of the blade 9 being brought into or out of the haft 2. The operation knob 11 is added force by a thumb of a hand holding the haft 2 toward the direction of the blade 9 being brought into or out of the haft 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Susumu Sakai
  • Patent number: 6145202
    Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanism in a folding knife that urges the blade to move to an open and alternatively to a closed position. The knife generally cnsists of a blade member having a tang extending outwardly from the blade; a handle having at least one recessed portion; a bar pivotally connecting the tang and the handle; and a bias element engaging the blade wherein the bias element is housed within the recessed portion of the handle. Generally, in the present invention, the blade must be moved manually a certain distance whereupon the mechanism serves to complete the movement of the blade without the application of further outside force by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Kai U.S.A. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Onion
  • Patent number: 6134788
    Abstract: A tool holder and tools combination includes a base including a first end and a second end. A head is formed on the second end of the base and includes a first compartment for receiving spare tools and a second compartment for receiving a service tool when not in use. Each of the tools includes an end having an engaging hole and a slit extended from the engaging hole to an end edge of the tool. A fixing seat is pivotally mounted to the head and includes a groove for securely holding the end of the service tool. The fixing seat includes a transverse hole having a first part that slidably receives a latch member and a second part that slidably receives a push pin, while the engaging hole of the service tool locates between the first part and the second part. The push pin has a first end secured to the latch member to move therewith and a second end for manual operation. The engaging hole of each tool is sized to be smaller than a diameter of the latch member and greater than a diameter of the push pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: Tsai-Ching Chen, Chiu-Man Chang-Kao
  • Patent number: 6125543
    Abstract: A dual bladed folding knife is provided which has adjacent locking mechanisms positioned proximate to an upper edge of the knife handle and dual finger depressions adapted for engagement by a user's finger for releasing the knife blades from a first extended position of use and a second closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Spyderco, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter H. Jhones
  • Patent number: 6122829
    Abstract: A folding tool includes an elongate handle and a blade pivotally attached to the handle. The blade is movable between a closed position in which it is received within a groove, between the side walls of the handle, and an open position in which the blade extends away from the handle and is exposed. The blade has a tang portion which is received within the groove of the handle when the blade is in its open position. A blade locking pin is part of a sliding lock assembly and extends generally transversely with respect to the length of the handle and blade. The pin is movable along a pair of elongate holes, between a first position in which the pin engages the tang portion to lock the blade in its open position and a second position in which the pin is spaced away from the tang and allows the blade to move to its closed position. A spring is biases the pin to its first position and is further provided for manually moving the pin to its second position from its biased first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Mentor Group, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William J. McHenry, Jason L. Williams
  • Patent number: 6105255
    Abstract: A folding knife with a blade having a bottom end edge and a handle grip portion. The blade is pivotally mounted at one end of the handle grip portion. The handle grip portion has a hollow slot. The folding knife includes a leaf spring with first and second ends and a protruding member. The first end of the leaf spring is connected to the handle grip portion and the leaf spring substantially extends along a length of the slot and the second end of the leaf spring is configured to abut against the bottom end edge of the blade and lock the blade firmly in place when the blade is fully extended out of the handle grip portion. The device includes a steel ball positioned on the protruding member and a cover plate having a through bore. The cover plate is mounted on the handle grip portion securing the steel ball between the protruding member and outer edges of the through bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Kantas Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yang-Fu Cheng
  • Patent number: 6105838
    Abstract: A holster assembly for use with a hand-held utility knife having a segmented blade. The holster assembly comprises a plastic holster having a generally hollow interior and a blade well located inside the hollow interior of the holster. The blade well has at least one slot therethrough and a guide leading to the slot for a user to guide an endmost blade segment of a utility knife into engagement with the slot. By simply twisting the knife, a user may break off the endmost blade segment exposing a fresh cutting edge. The used blade segments are collected inside the blade well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Mary Kay Hansen
  • Patent number: 6101722
    Abstract: A retractable knife with single-edged blade comprises a handle of flat shape having a resilient member provided thereon; a blade hinged to handle; and an elongate protective member raised on the handle extended from one end to the opposite end along an edge thereof; wherein blade is engaged with protective member when blade is received onto handle such that blade is placed in a position away from reach of a user. By utilizing this, many advantages are offered such as user being not susceptible of hurt by the sharp blade when grasping or carrying knife, other objects being not susceptible of damage by the sharp blade when the objects are put together with knife, and the blade being not susceptible of wear due to a collision with the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Yang-Fu Cheng
  • Patent number: 6101723
    Abstract: An eccentric pivot pin with two distinct centers of axis is provided for use with a folding knife to reduce the time to assemble the various components of the folding knife and the alignment between the folding knife blade and a blade locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Spyderco, Inc.
    Inventor: Vince Ford
  • Patent number: 6101724
    Abstract: A locking-blade pocketknife includes an elongate handle having side margins that define a boundary of a side major surface of the handle. A blade is pivotally connected at its heel to a pivot end of the handle and adjacent the side major surface of the handle for movement between a folded position and an extended position. An exposed outer side of the blade remains exposed in die folded position. A cutting edge of the blade is located within the boundary of and in proximity to the side major surface of the handle when the blade is in the folded position to prevent a user touching the folded blade from being cut. A stop bolt mounted on tee handle limits the pivotal movement of the blade to approximately 180.degree.. A locking mechanism for releasably locking the blade in Ore extended position comprises a spring portion of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: GB II Corporation
    Inventor: Ed Halligan
  • Patent number: 6088860
    Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a cross-jaw module removably attached to a pair of channel-shaped handles with a pair of clips. Each clip removably attaching the tang of each jaw of the cross-jaw module to one of the handles. The multi-function tool also includes a spring biased wedge lock to positively lock a plurality of pivotal attached ancillary implements in an open position. An anti-rotational washer located between adjacent implements prevents rotation of a non-selected implement. The washers include a protrusion that is received in a slot in the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Fiskars Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W. Poehlmann, Phillip A. Montague, Edgar A. Dallas
  • Patent number: 6088861
    Abstract: A tool includes a body with implements rotatably deployed from the body. The implements have notches in their bases corresponding to open and closed positions, which are engagable by a locking plate of the body. A locking lever rotatably mounted on the body includes a lock actuator plate which does not engage the locking plate when the locking lever is rotated to an unlocked position but does engage the locking plate when the locking lever is rotated to a locked position. The engagement of the locking plate causes it to contact the notches of the implement base, thereby locking the implement either open or closed. The body may be inserted into a handle, such as the handle of a combination tool, so that the operation of the locking lever also locks the body into the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Buck Knives, Inc.
    Inventors: George Christensen Sessions, Dave Roger Nelson, Steven J. Hull, Thomas A. Gaboury, Gad J. Shaanan
  • Patent number: 6079106
    Abstract: A folding knife blade includes a knife case having a pair of spaced-apart sides forming a blade cavity therein, an elongate blade which is shiftable between a closed position and an open position, which is rotatably fixed between the sides of the case adjacent one end thereof; an actuator arm which is shiftable between a closed position wherein the blade is received in the case, and an open position, wherein the blade is fully extended; wherein user movement of the blade from its closed position initiates an opening action of the actuator arm, thereby causing the blade to shift to its open position and to be locked in its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Alney K. Vallotton
  • Patent number: 6009582
    Abstract: A compound, multiple function, foldable tool having first and second handles, a tool head with pivotable jaw members, and a plurality of additional tools. The tool head are stored within first channels on first sides of the handles, and the additional tools are stored within second channels on second sides of the handles opposite the first sides. Thus, when the tool head is used, the additional tools do not interfere with gripping of the handles during use of the tool head. Moreover, because of the position of the additional tools, these tools are easily accessible while the tool head is in the storage position. The compound tool may also include a ratchet and an adapter and coupler that fit on the ratchet or at least one of the additional tools so that even further tools may be fit on the compound tool. An easy to read full length, straight edge ruler may optionally be provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Swiss Army Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc S. Harrison, Carl S. Elsener, Eduard A. Elsener, Albert F. Rohrer, Walter X Rohrer, Franco Giarritta, Riddell Roper
  • Patent number: 6000590
    Abstract: A holster assembly for use with a hand-held utility knife having a segmented blade. The holster assembly comprises a plastic holster having a generally hollow interior. The holster may have a slot therethrough and a guide leading to the slot for a user to guide an endmost blade segment of a utility knife into engagement with the slot. By simply twisting the knife, a user may break off the endmost blade segment exposing a fresh cutting edge. A generally hollow blade well may be located inside the hollow interior of the holster and function to collect the used blade segments. The blade well may have a slot and guide therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Mary Kay Allen
  • Patent number: 5979059
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for holding a selected blade or tool kit of a multi-purpose folding tool in an extended position. A base portion of each blade is mounted on a pivot pin mounted in a tool handle. The base portion includes a cam and a notch, and a spring included in the handle biases a flange against the cam and urges the flange into the notch to hold the selected blade in an extended position. The notch has a sharp lip and the flange is attached to the spring by a bend formed in a way leaving effectively a zero radius of curvature inside the bend. As a result, the lip of the notch and the inside corner surface of the bend defining the flange do not interact as cam and follower to urge the flange out from the notch, and a shorter flange and shallower notch are effective to lock the blade in position. A channel which receives and holds blades in a folded configuration of the tool has inside corners between sidewalls and a base, each corner having effectively a zero radius of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Leatherman, Benjamin C. Rivera, Philip C. Gibson
  • Patent number: 5979065
    Abstract: A handle assembly includes a handle body formed with a longitudinal blade receiving space, a coupling member mounted on the handle body within the blade receiving space and confining an insert slit aligned and communicated with the blade receiving space, and a locking unit extending movably and transversely through the handle body and having wider and narrower sections. The locking unit extends through the coupling member to permit pivoting of the coupling member relative to the handle body. The insert slit is adapted to permit extension of a saw blade thereinto via a front opening of the coupling member. The locking pin is movable between an unlocking position, in which the narrower section is registered with the insert slit to permit movement of the locking unit into and out of a locking hole of the saw blade, and a locking position, in which the wider section is registered with the insert slit for engaging the locking hole of the saw blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: An-Sun Hsu
  • Patent number: 5966816
    Abstract: A straight knife with an interchangeable, pivoting double-ended blade. The knife includes a handle forming a blade channel in which the unused end of the blade is stored. A pivot pin and a locking pin are provided for engaging a pair of through-openings in both the handle and the blade to allow the blade to be secured in an operative position. The pivot pin and the locking pin are connected to a gripping member by a linkage. The gripping member is provided to allow the pins to be quickly and easily removed using one hand, even when wearing bulky gloves. A locking mechanism on each of the pivot pin and the locking pin engages the handle to secure the pins in the handle. The lock pin is be removed to allow rotation of the blade around the pivot pin. Both the lock pin and the pivot pin are removed to exchange one blade for another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Robbie E. Roberson
  • Patent number: 5964035
    Abstract: A knife having a blade rotatably coupled to a handle and lockable in an extended or a folded configuration is provided. A device for locking the extended blade against clockwise rotation and a separate device for locking the extended blade against counterclockwise rotation are provided. In one embodiment, one of these mechanisms is a key and keyway device and the other of these mechanisms is an adjustable stop device, preferably adjustable by a set screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Paul W. Poehlmann
  • Patent number: 5964036
    Abstract: The present invention relates to cutting instruments, and more particularly folding knives which have a blade which travels between a first extended position coextensive with the knife handle and a second closed position with the knife blade at least partially recessed within a portion of the knife handle. More specifically, the present invention relates to secondary locking mechanisms to substantially prevent the knife blade from closing if the primary locking mechanism fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Spyderco, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Anthony Centofante
  • Patent number: 5953821
    Abstract: A folding tool including a U-shaped handle and a tool element adapted to lie within the handle in its closed position, a tang at one end of the tool element fitted pivotally around a pivot axis between the two prongs of the handle, said pivot axis extending parallel to the plane defined by the tool element, wherein a locking leg extending parallel to the prongs is resiliently suspended on the inner side of the first prong such that a free end of the leg can be pressed towards the first prong against the action of a spring force. The locking leg is provided with locking means adapted to engage with an engagement part of the tang for locking the tool in its 180.degree. opened position, the locking state being disengaged by pushing the free end of the locking leg towards the first prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Steve G. Mearns
  • Patent number: 5915792
    Abstract: A foldable knife includes a handle and a folding blade. The blade is pivotable about an axis between a folded position and an extended position such that a sharp edge enters the handle when it is folded. The knife also includes a mechanism for releasably locking the blade in its extended position and for applying resistance to the blade in its folded position. The mechanism includes a ratchet member having at least two notches formed therein. The ratchet member is connected to the blade. The mechanism also includes a pivotable locking lever for engaging the ratchet member for locking the blade in its extended position and for applying resistance to the blade when the blade is in its folded position. The locking lever has a extending portion that extends from the front edge of the handle so that it may be manually manipulated to disengage the locking lever from the ratchet member to release the blade from its extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Moki Knife Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeki Sakurai
  • Patent number: 5890294
    Abstract: A locking safety utility knife includes a body and an operating lever that is squeezed to deploy a retractable cutting blade from within the body. The blade can be locked in its retracted position by means of a ratchet-like mechanism including a pawl which is released by manipulating a cam operator. The pawl engages teeth formed on the outside of a door which closes the rear of a compartment formed in the operating handle to house spare blades, or a blade cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: P.S.I., Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Keklak, Michael V. Couture
  • Patent number: 5887347
    Abstract: A hand tool, e.g., a knife, includes a handle with a pair of spaced cover pieces, at least one blade or other implement pivotally attached to the handle for movement with respect thereto between folded and extended positions, a locking lever for maintaining the blade in the extended position until manually released, and a beam spring urging the lever toward the locking position. The tool also includes a liner in the form of a flat, metal plate affixed to one of the cover pieces within a recess closely surrounding the periphery of the liner and having a depth substantially equal to the liner's thickness. The beam spring is an integral part of the liner, being formed by a slotted or cut-away area providing an elongated arm integrally connected at one end to a body portion and having an opposite, terminal end portion extending laterally to bear against the locking lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Camillus Cutlery Co.
    Inventor: Philip W. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5875552
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multistage pocket-knife being characterized in a pair of spring-supported balls rotatably received in ball holes formed on two side members of a knife handle and through holes formed on two lining members positioned adjacent to the side members. A blade of the knife is formed with several round holes near a rear edge thereof. Whereby, when the blade is in a folded position in the handle, the pair of balls extend a part thereof into one of the round holes on the blade and thereby firmly hold the blade in place without easily turning out of the handle even when the knife collides with something or falls accidentally. And, when the blade is in a process of extending or folding, the pair of balls engage into other round holes sequentially, permitting the blade to be safely extended or folded in more than one stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Chia Yi Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-fu Chen
  • Patent number: 5839194
    Abstract: A folding knife which includes a latchable blade. The blade is pivotable about a pivoting axis or bolt between two halves of a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Urs Bezold
  • Patent number: 5826340
    Abstract: A two-piece handle is provided having a male handle half and a female handle half, each of which may be formed separately by molding, machining, or other processes. The male handle half includes a projection near the rear of the handle, and has a first hole in the projection for receiving a leaf spring rod. The female handle half has an integral spring holder which includes a recess for receiving the projection of the male handle half. The spring holder has a second hole for receiving a leaf spring rod through it which intersects with the recess. When the projection of the male half is fitted into the recess of the female half, the first hole and the second hole line up sufficiently to enable the insertion of the leaf spring rod. When the leaf spring rod has been inserted, it aids in retaining the male handle half in an assembled state with the female handle half, while also serving a spring for the blade locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Buck Knives
    Inventor: Stephen J. Hull