HK1223592B - Folding knife with locking mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Folding knife with locking mechanism

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/050,648, filed September 15, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present application is directed to various embodiments of folding knives.

Summary of the Invention

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a folding knife featuring a locking mechanism that extends through a pivot pin of the blade. The locking mechanism may include a locking member that reversibly engages a locking recess in the tang of the blade. The locking member may be disengaged from the blade by applying an axial force on the locking mechanism in the direction of the pivot axis and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the knife handle, thereby causing the locking member to exit the locking recess of the blade.

In various embodiments, the blade can have multiple recessed areas to allow the blade to be locked in multiple positions. For example, the blade can have two recessed areas to allow the blade to be locked in an open blade position and a closed blade position. In most embodiments, the open blade position and the closed blade position are separated by 180 degrees along the blade's arcuate range of motion.

In one exemplary embodiment, a folding knife includes a handle and a blade having a tang portion pivotally connected to the handle. The blade is operable to pivot relative to the handle between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis extending through the tang portion, wherein the tang portion has at least one locking recess. A locking mechanism includes: a rod extending through the tang portion along the pivot axis; and at least one locking member coupled to the rod, the at least one locking member engaging the at least one locking recess of the tang portion when the blade is in at least one of the open position and the closed position.

In another representative embodiment, a folding knife includes a handle and a blade having a tang portion pivotally connected to the handle, the blade being operable to pivot relative to the handle between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis extending through the tang portion, wherein the tang portion has a first locking recess and a second locking recess. A locking mechanism includes: a rod extending through the tang portion along the pivot axis; a connecting member mounted on the rod; and first and second locking members extending laterally from the connecting member toward the tang portion. The rod is movable laterally along the pivot axis to move the first and second locking members relative to the tang portion. When the blade is in the open position, the first locking member engages the first locking recess and the second locking member engages the second locking recess to maintain the blade in the open position.

In another exemplary embodiment, a folding knife includes a handle comprising a first liner and a second liner, the first liner having a first opening and a second opening, the second liner having an opening. A blade has a tang portion pivotally connected to the handle between the first liner and the second liner, the blade being operable to pivot relative to the handle between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis extending through the tang portion, wherein the tang portion has a first locking recess and a second locking recess. A pivot pin extends through the tang portion and supports the blade for pivotal movement between the closed and open positions. A locking mechanism includes a rod extending through the tang portion and the pivot pin along the pivot axis, the rod including a first end portion and a second end portion. The locking mechanism also includes: a connecting member mounted on the first end portion of the rod; and first and second locking members extending transversely from the connecting member toward the tang portion. A button is connected to the second end portion of the rod, the button and the connecting member being on opposite sides of the tang portion relative to each other. The lever is movable laterally along the pivot axis to move the first locking member and the second locking member relative to the tang portion. When the blade is in the open position, the first locking member extends through the first opening in the first liner, the first locking recess, and into the opening in the second liner, and the second locking member extends through the second opening in the first liner and into the second locking recess. A spring is disposed on the lever and is configured to urge the first locking member and the second locking member into engagement with the first locking recess and the second locking recess when the blade is in the open position, wherein pushing the button toward the tang portion against the spring effectively urges the first locking member and the second locking member out of engagement with the first locking recess and the second locking recess.

Additional details regarding the present disclosure are set forth below in the context of certain representative embodiments, which are not intended to be limiting in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 is a perspective view of a folding knife according to one embodiment, showing the blade in a closed position.

2 is a perspective view of the folding knife of FIG. 1 showing the blade in an open position.

3 is an exploded perspective view of the folding knife of FIG. 1 showing the blade in a closed position.

4 is a perspective view of a blade of the folding knife of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment.

5 is a perspective view of a side panel of the handle of the folding knife of FIG. 1 .

6 is a perspective view of a pivot pin that may be used in the folding knife of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment.

7 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism that may be used in the folding knife of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the folding knife of Fig. 1, showing the blade in an open and locked configuration. For clarity of illustration, one side panel of the handle has been removed.

Fig. 9 is a side view of the folding knife of Fig. 1 taken from the opposite side as compared to Fig. 8 and showing the blade in a closed and locked configuration.For clarity of illustration, one side panel of the handle has been removed.

Figure 10 is a side view of the folding knife of Figure 1 taken from the opposite side as compared to Figure 9 and showing the blade in a closed and locked configuration.For clarity of illustration, one side panel of the handle has been removed.

11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the folding knife of FIG. 1 taken through line 11 - 11 of FIG. 1 , showing the blade in a closed and locked configuration.

11A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the folding knife of FIG. 1 near the tang portion of the blade.

12 is a cross-sectional view of the folding knife of FIG. 1 taken through line 11 - 11 , showing the blade in an open and locked configuration.

13 is a cross-sectional view of the folding knife of FIG. 1 taken through line 11 - 11 , showing the blade in an open and unlocked configuration.

14 is a perspective view of a folding knife according to another embodiment showing the blade in an open position.

15 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism that may be used in the folding knife of FIG. 14 , according to another embodiment.

16 is a perspective view of a button that may be implemented in the folding knife of FIG. 14 .

17 is an exploded perspective view of the folding knife of FIG. 14 showing the blade in an open position.

18 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the folding knife of FIG. 14 showing the blade in a closed position.

19 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the folding knife of FIG. 14 showing the blade in an open position.

20 is a perspective view of the blade of the folding knife of FIG. 14 .

21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the folding knife of FIG. 14 taken through line 21 - 21 of FIG. 18 , showing the blade in a closed position.

22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the folding knife similar to FIG. 21 showing the locking member of the locking mechanism removed from the locking recess on the blade.

23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the folding knife of FIG. 14 taken through line 23 - 23 of FIG. 22 .

24 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the folding knife of FIG. 14 taken through line 24 - 24 of FIG. 22 .

25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the folding knife of FIG. 14 taken through line 25 - 25 of FIG. 19 , showing the blade in an open and locked position.

26 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the folding knife similar to FIG. 25 showing the locking member of the locking mechanism removed from the locking recess on the blade.

27-29 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the knife of FIG. 14 having an alternative safety mechanism.

30-31 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the knife of FIG. 14 having a leaf spring configured to help retain the blade in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the term "comprising" means "including." Additionally, the term "coupled" includes mechanical and other practicable means of coupling or linking items together and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled items.

The products and methods described herein should not be construed as being limited in any way. Rather, the disclosure herein is directed to all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments, individually and in various combinations or sub-combinations with each other. The disclosed products and methods are not limited to any particular aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor are the disclosed products or methods required to have one or more specific advantages or one or more problems to be solved.

Although the operations of some disclosed methods are described in a specific sequential order for ease of description, it should be understood that this description includes rearrangement unless a specific order is required by a specific statement below. For example, the operations described in sequence can be rearranged or performed simultaneously in some instances. Also, for simplicity, the accompanying drawings may not show the various ways in which the disclosed products and methods can be used in combination with other products and methods. In addition, the description sometimes uses terms such as "produce" and "provide" to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level abstractions for performing actual operations. The actual operations corresponding to these terms will vary depending on the specific implementation and are readily discernible to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In the following description, specific terms such as "upward," "downward," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," etc. may be used. Where appropriate, these terms are used to provide clarity when dealing with relative relationships. However, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, for an object, simply by turning the object upside down, the "upper" surface can become the "lower" surface. However, it is still the same object.

Reference is first made to Figures 1-13, which illustrate a folding knife 10 according to one embodiment. The knife 10 includes a handle 12 and a blade 14 (Figure 4), which is pivotally coupled to the handle at its base or tang portion 16. The handle 12 of the knife 10 may include a first half 18 (first handle portion) and a second half 20 (second handle portion) with the blade 14 disposed therebetween. The blade 14 is pivotable about a pivot axis A between a closed (i.e., folded) position (Figure 1) and an open position for use (Figure 2).

The blade 14 can be pivotally coupled to the handle 12 by a pivot assembly extending through the tang portion 16. The pivot assembly can include a pivot pin 32. The pivot pin 32 can include an internal channel or hole 33 (Figure 6) through which another pin 40 (also referred to as a rod or shaft) can extend. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 40 is cylindrical and has a circular cross-section, however, other non-circular cross-sectional shapes are possible (e.g., square). The first handle portion 18 can include a first outer panel or plate 24 (i.e., a first side panel) and a first inner lining portion 26, and the second handle portion 20 can include a second outer panel 28 (i.e., a second side panel) and a second inner lining portion 30. The first side panel 24 and the second side panel 28 can be secured to the first lining portion 26 and the second lining portion 30, respectively, by the pivot assembly and by additional screws 34 positioned along the length of the first side panel 24 and the second side panel 28, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The knife 10 may also include a spacer or spline 66 ( FIG. 3 ) positioned between the liners 26 , 30 . Additional screws 35 may pass through the spacer 66 to secure it to the first liner portion 26 of the first handle portion 18 and the second liner portion 30 of the second handle portion 20 .

11-13 , the pivot pin 32 can extend through an opening in the first liner portion 26, an opening in the tang portion 16 of the blade 14, and an opening in the second liner portion 30, thereby stably holding these components together. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot pin 32 also includes external threads 62 configured to engage the internal threads of the second liner portion 30, and a groove 64 along the head of the pivot pin 32 for engaging a tool (such as a screwdriver) used to assemble or disassemble the knife. As shown, the portion of the tang portion 16 that receives the pivot pin 32 can be made thicker than the remainder of the tang portion 16 and/or the remainder of the blade 14.

The knife 10 can be made of any of a variety of known materials using known manufacturing methods. The components of the handle portion 12 can be constructed of any of a variety of metals, metal alloys, and/or polymers. The blade 14 can be constructed of, for example, stainless steel or any of a variety of other suitable metals or alloys.

The knife 10 also includes a blade locking assembly or locking mechanism 22 mounted within the handle adjacent the blade tang 16 for locking the blade 14 in the closed and/or open positions. As best shown in FIG7 , the locking assembly 22 can include a transversely extending locking member 38 (also referred to as a locking element or locking pin), an elongated rod or shaft 40 having a first end portion 42 and a second end portion 44, and a connecting portion 46 (also referred to as a connecting arm or arm). As best shown in FIG11A , the rod 40 is configured to extend through a channel 33 of a pivot pin 32, which in turn extends through a corresponding opening in the tang portion 16 of the blade 14. The first end portion 42 can extend at least partially through the first handle portion 18, while the second end portion 44 can extend at least partially through the second handle portion 20. The connecting arm 46 can extend longitudinally (along the axis of the handle 12) from the second end portion 44 to the locking member 38 and be secured to these components at its opposite ends. The locking member 38 may project laterally away from the connecting portion 46 , parallel to the rod 40 , in a direction toward the blade 14 and the first end portion 42 .

The button 48 can be fixed to the first end portion 42 of the pin 40. As best shown in Figure 7, the first end portion 42 can have external threads that engage the internal threads (not shown) of the button 48. As best shown in Figure 3, the first side panel 24 can be formed with an opening or hole 58, in which the button is disposed. As best shown in Figure 5, the inner surface 68 of the second side panel 28 can be formed with a recess or notch 60 that is sized to receive the connecting arm 46 of the locking assembly 22. The recess 60 can be shaped to complement the connecting arm 46 and can include a contoured edge. However, in other embodiments, the recess 60 can be replaced by a hole that extends through the entire thickness of the second side panel 28.

The locking assembly 22 is laterally movable from side to side along the pivot axis A of the blade 14 between an unlocked position and a locked position. As best shown in FIG11A , a biasing element (such as, for example, a coil spring 50) can be coaxially arranged around the pin 40 within the hole 58 of the first side panel 24. One end of the spring 50 abuts against the inner surface of the button 48 and the opposite end of the spring 50 abuts against the opposite surface of the pivot pin 32. In this way, when manual pressure is released from the button, the spring 50 biases the button 48 (and the locking member 38) toward the locked position, as further described below. Other types of biasing mechanisms (such as, for example, leaf springs, omega-shaped springs, etc.) can also be used.

3 , the blade tang 16 can be formed with a first locking recess, notch, or opening 52 and a second locking recess, notch, or opening 54, desirably positioned approximately 180 degrees apart from one another relative to the pivot axis A. The first locking recess 52 and the second locking recess 54 are sized and shaped to receive the locking member 38 when the blade 14 is in the open and closed positions, respectively. As best shown in FIG. 11A , these recesses can occupy a portion of the thickness of the tang portion 16 of the blade 14. However, in alternative embodiments, one or both of these recesses can be replaced with a hole extending through the entire thickness of the tang portion 14 without affecting the basic function of the locking assembly 22. The second inner liner portion 30 can have a hole 70 through which the locking member 38 can extend to engage the locking recesses 52, 54 in the blade 14 when the locking assembly is in the locked position.

Referring again to Figures 11-13, the operation of the locking assembly 22 will now be described. Figure 11 shows the blade 14 in a closed and locked position. In this position, the biasing force of the spring 50 biases the locking assembly 22 laterally toward the first side panel 24 in the direction of arrow 72, causing the locking member 38 to extend through the aperture 70 in the second liner 30 and into the second locking recess 54. The engagement of the locking member 38 with the second locking recess 54 maintains the blade 14 in the closed position. To pivot the blade to its open position (Figure 12), manual pressure is applied to the button 48 in the direction of arrow 74 toward the second side panel 28 until the locking member 38 is removed from the second locking recess 54, at which point the blade is free to pivot to the open position.

When the blade is in the open position, manual pressure on button 48 can be released, allowing spring 50 to urge locking member 38 rearward toward the locked position (in the direction of arrow 72), causing locking member 38 to extend through aperture 70 and into first locking recess 52 (as depicted in FIG12 ). Note that when the blade is pivoted from the closed position to the open position, manual pressure on button 48 can be released once second locking recess 54 has pivoted past locking member 38. In this manner, locking member 38 can slide against the side surface of blade tang 16 until the blade reaches its fully open position and first locking recess 52 becomes aligned with locking member 38, at which point, under the force of spring 50, locking member 38 can engage first locking recess 52. To close the blade from its open position, pressing button 48 in the direction of arrow 74 is sufficient to remove locking member 38 from first locking recess 52 (as depicted in FIG13 ). In this position, locking member 38 no longer restricts pivotal movement of the blade.

As shown, the first locking recess 52 of the blade 14 can be deeper (in the direction of the thickness of the blade) than the second locking recess 54. Therefore, when the blade is in the open and locked configuration (Figures 2 and 12), the button 48 can protrude further outward than when the blade is in the closed and locked configuration (Figures 1 and 11). Therefore, when the blade is in the open position, the button may need to be depressed to a greater extent to unlock the blade than when the blade 14 is in the closed position. However, in other embodiments, the second recess 54 can be deeper than the first recess 52, or the recesses can be of substantially equal size.

7 , the locking member 38 can include an angled or inclined cam surface 76 such that the locking member 38 extends tapered from one end thereof adjacent the connecting portion 46 in a direction toward the opposite end of the locking member. The cam surface 76 forms an angle α with a line parallel to the opposite surface of the locking member and perpendicular to the connecting portion 46. In various embodiments, the angle α can be in the range of about 1 degree to about 80 degrees, or in the range of about 1 degree to about 45 degrees, with 8 degrees being one embodiment.

The opening 54 can have a correspondingly angled or inclined cam surface 78 ( FIG. 3 ) that engages with the cam surface 76 when the blade 14 is in the closed position. When the blade is in the closed and locked position, the spring 50 desirably provides sufficient force to at least overcome gravity to hold the blade in the closed and locked position (preventing the blade from opening under its weight). With the cam surface 78 engaged with the cam surface 76, pivotal movement of the blade toward the open position effectively pushes the locking member 38 out of the opening 54 against the bias of the spring 50 (without applying manual force to the button 48). To further facilitate opening the blade, the tang portion 16 can include a protrusion 80 ( FIG. 3 and FIG. 9 ) (referred to as a “flipper”) that extends outward from the rear edge of the handle 12 when the blade is in the closed position. When the knife is held in the hand, opening the blade can be accomplished by pressing on the protrusion 80 with a finger of the same hand in the general direction of arrow 82.

In alternative embodiments, the blade may be provided with only one locking recess. For example, the blade 14 may have only a single locking recess 52 for locking the blade in the open position. Alternatively, the blade 14 may have only a single locking recess 54 for locking the blade in the closed position.

Reference is now made to Figures 14-26, which illustrate a folding knife 100 according to another embodiment. As best shown in Figures 14 and 17, the knife 100 includes a handle 102 and a blade 104 pivotally coupled to the handle at its base or tang portion 106 (also referred to as the tang). The handle 102 of the knife 100 may include a first half 108 (first handle portion) and a second half 110 (second handle portion), with the blade 104 disposed therebetween. The blade 104 is pivotable about a pivot axis A between a closed (i.e., folded) position (Figure 18) and an open position for use (Figures 14 and 19).

The blade 104 can be pivotally coupled to the handle 102 by a pivot assembly extending through the tang portion 106. The pivot assembly can include a pivot pin 132. The pivot pin 132 can include an internal passage or hole 134 (FIG. 21) through which another pin 136 (also referred to as an axle or rod) can extend. As best shown in FIG17, the first handle portion 108 can include a first outer panel or plate 112 (i.e., a first side panel) and a first inner lining portion or liner 114, and the second handle portion 110 can include a second outer panel or plate 116 (i.e., a second side panel) and a second inner lining portion or liner 118. The first and second side panels 112, 116 can be secured to the first and second lining portions 114, 118, respectively, by the pivot assembly and by additional screws 120 positioned along the lengths of the first and second side panels 112, 116, as best shown in FIG17. In FIG. 14 , the first side panel 112 and the second side panel 116 are removed for illustration purposes.

The knife 100 may also include a washer or spline 122 positioned between the liners 114, 118. An additional screw 120 may pass through the washer 122 to secure it to the first liner portion 114 of the first handle portion 108 and the second liner portion 118 of the second handle portion 110.

As shown in FIG21 , a pivot pin 132 can extend through an opening in the first liner portion 114, an opening in the tang portion 106 of the blade 14, and an opening in the second liner portion 118, thereby stably holding these components together. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot pin 132 also includes external threads 138 configured to engage the internal threads of the first liner portion 114, and a groove 140 ( FIG17 ) along the head of the pivot pin 132 for engaging a tool (such as a screwdriver) used to assemble or disassemble the knife. As shown, the portion of the tang portion 106 that receives the pivot pin 132 can be made thicker than the remainder of the tang portion 106 and/or the remainder of the blade 104.

Knife 100, like knife 10, can be manufactured from any of a variety of known materials using known manufacturing methods. Components of handle portion 102 can be constructed from any of a variety of metals, metal alloys, and/or polymers. Blade 104 can be constructed from, for example, stainless steel or any of a variety of other suitable metals or alloys.

The knife 100 also includes a blade locking assembly or locking mechanism 142 mounted within the handle adjacent the blade tang 106 for locking the blade 104 in the closed and/or open positions. As best shown in FIG. 17 , the locking assembly 142 may include an elongated rod or plate 144 (also referred to as a connecting member) mounted to a first end portion 152 of the inner shaft 136, such as by engaging internal threads of an opening 146 of the plate 144 with external threads on the end portion 152 of the inner shaft 136. Extending from opposite ends of the plate 144 are a first laterally extending locking member 148 (also referred to as a locking element or locking pin) and a second laterally extending locking member 150 (also referred to as a locking element or locking pin). The first locking member 148 may be formed with an enlarged base portion 148a and a narrower end portion 148b having a smaller width than the base portion 148a. A step or shoulder 192 is defined at the intersection of the bottom portion 148a and the end portion 148b.

21 , the rod 136 is configured to extend through the passage 134 of the pivot pin 132, which in turn extends through a corresponding opening in the tang portion 106 of the blade 104. The button 156 can be mounted on the second end portion 154 of the rod 136, such as by engaging internal threads 194 of the button's opening with external threads on the second end portion 154 of the rod 136. The locking members 148, 150 can project laterally away from the plate 144, parallel to the rod 136, in a direction toward the blade 104.

The locking assembly 142 is laterally movable from side to side between an unlocked position and a locked position along the pivot axis A of the blade 14. A biasing member, such as a compression spring 162, may be disposed on the lever 136 between the button 156 and the head of the pivot pin 132. One end of the spring abuts against an inner surface of the button, and an opposite end of the spring abuts against an opposite surface of the pivot pin 132. In this manner, when manual pressure is released from the button, the spring 162 biases the button 156 (and the locking assembly 142) toward the locked position, as further described below.

17 , the first side panel 112 can be formed with an opening or recessed portion 158 sized to receive the plate 144. The recessed portion 158 can be shaped to complement the plate 144 and can include a contoured edge. The second side panel 116 can be formed with an opening 160 in which the button 156 is disposed.

The blade tang 106 can be formed with an arcuate slot 164, for example, forming a 180-degree arc around the pivot pin 132. Opposite ends of the slot 164 form a first locking recess, notch, or opening 166 and a second locking recess, notch, or opening 168, desirably positioned approximately 180 degrees apart from one another relative to the pivot axis A. The first locking recess 166 and the second locking recess 168 are sized and shaped to receive the first locking member 148 and the second locking member 150 in the closed and open positions, as further described below. The first inner liner 114 can have a first aperture 170 and a second aperture 172, through which the locking members 148 and 150 can extend, respectively, to engage the locking recesses 166 and 168. The second inner liner 118 can have a hole 174 sized to receive the end portion 148b of the first locking member 148.

With reference to Figures 18-19 and 21-26, the operation of the locking assembly will now be described. Figures 18 and 21 show the blade 104 in the closed position. In this position, the biasing force of the spring 162 biases the locking assembly 142 laterally toward the second side panel 116, causing the first locking member 148 to extend through the first aperture 170 in the first inner liner 114 and into the second locking recess 168, and the second locking member 150 to extend through the second aperture 172 in the first liner 114 and into the first locking recess 166. The end portion 148b of the first locking member 148 can extend into the aperture 174 in the second inner liner 118.

The locking members 148, 150 and/or the locking recesses 166, 168 can be formed with cam surfaces that maintain the blade 104 in the closed position under its own weight, but allow the blade 104 to pivot away from the closed position with manual pressure or force applied to the blade without depressing the button 156. For example, as best shown in Figures 20 and 23, the second locking recess 168 can be formed with an angled or inclined cam surface 176 to engage a shoulder 192 on the bottom portion 148a of the first locking member 148. As best shown in Figures 15 and 24, the second locking member 150 can be formed with an angled or inclined cam surface 178 to engage an adjacent surface of the first locking recess 166. The bottom portion 148a (e.g., shoulder 192) and the second locking recess 166 can also be formed with complementary cam surfaces that engage the cam surfaces 176, 178. The cam surfaces 176, 178 are inclined at an angle greater than zero degrees relative to a plane parallel to the sides of the blade tang 106 (ie, the cam surfaces are not parallel to the sides of the blade tang).

When the blade is in the closed position, the spring 162 desirably provides sufficient force to at least overcome gravity to hold the blade closed (preventing the blade from opening under its weight). With the cam surfaces 176, 178 engaging the abutment surfaces of the bottom portion 148a and the abutment surfaces of the first locking recess 166, pivotal movement of the blade toward the open position effectively overcomes the bias of the spring 162 in the direction of arrow 182 (without applying manual force to the button 156) to push the bottom portion 148a of the first locking member 148 out of the second locking recess 168 and the second locking member 150 out of the first locking recess 166, as depicted in Figures 22-24. When the blade 104 is pivoted to the open position, the shoulder 192 of the first locking member 148 and the second locking member 150 can slide against the side surfaces of the blade tang 106 until the blade reaches the fully open position. When the blade is pivoted from the closed position to the open position, the end portion 148b of the first locking member 148 can reside within the slot 164 of the blade. To facilitate opening the blade, the tang portion 106 may include a projection or "flipper" 180. When the knife is held in one hand, opening of the blade may be accomplished by pressing on the projection 180 with a finger of the same hand, as described above with respect to the knife 10.

19 and 25 , when the blade reaches the fully open position, the first locking member 148 becomes aligned with the first locking recess 166, and the second locking member 150 becomes aligned with the second locking recess 168. The force of the spring 162 forces the bottom portion 148a of the first locking member 148 into the first locking recess 166 and the second locking member 150 into the second locking recess 168 (in the direction of arrow 196) to hold the blade 104 in the open and locked position. More specifically, the first locking member 148 extends through the opening 170 in the first liner 114, the first locking recess 166, and the opening 174 in the second liner 118. The opening 174 in the second inner liner 118, which receives the end portion 148b of the first locking member 148, also helps to hold the blade in the open position by resisting twisting or bending of the first locking member 148 caused by forces applied to the blade during use.

To close the blade from its open position, pressing the button in the direction of arrow 182 is sufficient to remove the bottom portion 148a of the first locking member 148 from the first locking recess 166 and the second locking member 150 from the second locking recess 168, as depicted in Figure 26. In this position, the locking members 148, 150 no longer restrict the pivotal movement of the blade. When the blade is pivoted from the open position to the closed position, the end portion 148b of the first locking member 148 can reside in the slot 164 of the blade.

The knife 100 may also include a safety mechanism configured to prevent inadvertent operation of the button 156 when the blade 104 is in the open and locked configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in Figures 14 and 15, the knife 100 may include a safety mechanism 186 in the form of a lever that is pivotally connected at one end to the second inner liner 118, such as by a screw or pin 188. The end portion 148b of the first locking member 148 may be formed with a slot 190 sized and shaped to receive a free end portion of the safety mechanism 186. When the blade is in the open and locked configuration, the slot 190 extends laterally beyond the second inner liner 118, as best shown in Figure 14. The safety mechanism 188 can be rotated from a release position (shown in dashed lines in Figure 14) to a safety position (shown in solid lines in Figure 14), in which the free end portion of the safety mechanism extends at least partially into the slot 190. In the safety position, the safety mechanism 186 prevents any lateral movement of the first locking member (and thus the locking assembly 142) against manual pressure applied to the button 156. When the safety mechanism 186 is moved to the safety position, the safety mechanism 186 no longer restricts lateral movement of the locking assembly relative to the locking recess of the blade. In an alternative embodiment, the safety mechanism can be a slidable member that slides relative to the handle between the safety position and the release position.

In an alternative embodiment, the knife 100 can be formed without the cam surfaces 176, 178, and thus, when the blade 104 is in the closed position, the bottom portion 148a of the first locking member 148 is retained in the second locking recess 168, and the second locking member 150 is retained in the first locking recess 166, and inadvertent opening of the blade is resisted unless manual pressure is applied to the button 156. Opening of the blade is accomplished by pressing the button 156 in the direction of arrow 182 sufficiently to move the bottom portion 148a of the first locking member 148 out of the second locking recess 168 and the second locking member 150 out of the first locking recess 166. As the blade is pivoted away from the closed position, the manual pressure on the button 156 can be removed once the locking recesses 166, 168 are pivoted past the locking members 148, 150. In some embodiments, the knife can be an automatic knife having a spring or other opening mechanism that provides a sufficiently strong biasing force to the blade to pivot the blade from the closed position to the open position when the button 156 is pressed to remove the locking member from the locking recess. In the closed and locked position of the blade, the locking mechanism overcomes the biasing force of the opening mechanism on the blade to hold the blade closed.

Figure 27-Figure 29 shows an alternative embodiment of the safety mechanism 200 for knife 100.For illustration purposes, blade 104 and locking mechanism 142 have been removed.The safety mechanism 200 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a sliding member 202 that can be mounted to the lining 118 of the handle. This sliding member 202 is slidable between a safety position (Figure 28) and a release position (Figure 29) relative to the handle and button 156. In the safety position, the end portion 204 of the sliding member 202 is positioned behind the button 156 to block the lateral movement of the button 156 and prevent the unlocking of the blade. In the release position, the end portion 204 of the sliding member 202 is spaced apart from the button 156 and does not block the lateral movement of the button, thereby allowing the movement of the button and locking mechanism 142.

The safety mechanism 200 may include a biasing member (such as a coil spring 206) that biases the sliding member 202 toward the safety position. The spring 206 may be arranged around an axis and may have one end that abuts the sliding member 202 and the other end that abuts a stationary member 208, which may be part of the liner 118 or the side panel 116 or a separate component mounted inside the handle.

27-29 , the spring 162 that biases the button 156 and the locking mechanism 142 is mounted inside the hole 134 of the pivot 132 rather than outside the pivot 132. One end of the spring 162 can rest against an abutment surface of the liner 118, and the other end of the spring can rest against a washer or plate 210 secured to one end of the shaft 136. The spring 162 functions as described above in connection with FIGS. 21-26 to bias the locking mechanism 142 into engagement with the blade 104. Because the spring is inside the pivot, it does not interfere with the operation of the slide member 202, which can slide behind the button 156 and into engagement with the rod 136.

In another embodiment, the safety mechanism can be a sliding member mounted on the locking mechanism 142 (such as, on the rod 136 or the button 156). The sliding member can move between a safety position that blocks the movement of the locking mechanism and a release position that allows the locking mechanism to move. In the release position, the sliding member is positioned so that when manual pressure is applied to the button 156, the sliding member can be pushed laterally into a recess in the handle. In the safety position, the sliding member is offset from the recess in the handle and therefore blocks the movement of the button and the locking mechanism. Other details of such a safety mechanism that can be incorporated into the knife 100 are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/073,851, filed on October 31, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Figures 30-31 illustrate a modification of the knife 100. In this embodiment, the knife 100 may include an internal leaf spring 250 that applies a lateral force against the tang 106 of the blade 104 to help maintain the blade in the closed position against its weight. The spring 250 may be secured to one side of the liner 114 using a screw 260 that is tightened into the liner 114. Alternatively, the spring 250 may be integrally formed as part of the liner 114 (i.e., formed by machining or cutting the spring shape into the liner 114). The spring 250 has a free end that may have a laterally extending protrusion or ball 252 that can be received by a recess or opening 262 formed in the tang 106. The bias of the leaf spring 250 forces the ball 252 into the recess 262 and helps maintain the blade in the closed position.

The handle 102 may also include an adjustment mechanism to adjust the amount of force applied by the leaf spring 250 against the tang 106. The adjustment mechanism may be, for example, a screw 254 including a head portion 256 and a threaded shaft 258, which extends through the leaf spring and is tightened into the liner 114. The head portion 256 is adjacent to one side of the leaf spring 250. Thus, tightening the screw 254 causes the head portion 256 to press against one side of the leaf spring, thereby increasing the force of the spring against the tang 106. Loosening the screw 254 causes the head portion 256 to move rearwardly away from the leaf spring 250, thereby decreasing the force of the spring against the tang 106. Thus, a user can increase or decrease the force of the spring 250 as desired to adjust the amount of force required to overcome the spring 250 and pivot the blade 104 away from the closed position.

In an alternative embodiment, the knife may be configured with a cam surface that is effective to push the locking member out of the locking recess when manual pressure is applied to the blade to pivot the blade from the open position to the closed position.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking recess can be configured so that the locking member engages or extends into the locking recess only when the blade is in the open position, and thus does not engage or extend into the locking recess when the blade is in the closed position. Alternatively, the locking recess can be configured so that the locking member engages or extends into the locking recess only when the blade is in the closed position, and thus does not engage or extend into the locking recess when the blade is in the open position, in which case an alternative locking mechanism (such as a liner lock) can be implemented in the knife to hold the blade in the open position.

In alternative embodiments, the locking mechanism 142 may be formed with only one locking member (eg, only locking member 148 ) and/or only one locking recess (eg, locking recess 166 ).

In alternative embodiments, the locking members 148, 150 and the locking recesses 166, 168 can be spaced apart from each other by more than or less than 180 degrees. In some embodiments, if it is desired to be able to lock the blade in multiple open positions relative to the handle, the locking mechanism can include more than two locking members and/or more than two locking recesses. For example, the blade can be locked in a fully open position of 180 degrees relative to the handle, and in one or more partially open positions of less than 180 degrees relative to the handle.

In an alternative embodiment, the locking mechanism 22 or the locking mechanism 142 can be incorporated into the handle so that the lever 40 or 136 is offset from the pivot pin and the pivot axis of the blade. In such an embodiment, the tang of the blade can be formed with an arcuate slot that partially surrounds the pivot axis and receives the lever, thereby allowing the blade to pivot relative to the lever.

In some embodiments, the knife may have a thumb stud attached to the blade that can be used to open the blade and act as a stop pin for the blade, as is known in the art.

While the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied to many possible embodiments, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are merely preferred examples of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. Applicants therefore claim that the invention encompasses all technical solutions that fall within the scope and spirit of these claims.

Claims (22)

1. A folding knife, comprising: A handle includes a first handle portion and a second handle portion opposite each other, the first handle portion having a first opening and the second handle portion having a second opening; A blade having a shank portion pivotally connected to the handle between a first handle portion and a second handle portion, the blade being operable to pivot relative to the handle between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis extending through the shank portion, wherein the shank portion has at least one locking recess; and A locking mechanism includes a lever and at least one locking member coupled to the lever, the lever extending along the pivot axis through the foot portion, wherein when the blade is in at least one of the open position and the closed position, the at least one locking member engages at least one locking recess in the foot portion; The locking member is configured to extend through a first opening in the first handle portion, the locking recess, and a second opening in the second handle portion when the blade is in the open position. 2. The knife of claim 1, further comprising a button coupled to the lever, wherein pressing the button is configured to eject the locking member from the locking recess in the blade, thereby unlocking the blade. 3. The blade of claim 2, further comprising a biasing member configured to advance the locking member into the locking recess when the blade is in at least one of the open position and the closed position. 4. The knife of claim 2, wherein the button and the locking member are coupled to opposite ends of the rod. 5. The knife of claim 1, further comprising a pivot pin extending through the shank portion of the blade and defining the pivot axis of the blade, the rod extending through the pivot pin. 6. The knife of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking recess includes a first locking recess and a second locking recess, wherein when the blade is in the closed position, the locking member extends into the first locking recess, and when the blade is in the open position, the locking member extends into the second locking recess. 7. The knife according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one locking recess includes a first locking recess and a second locking recess; and The at least one locking component includes a first locking component and a second locking component; When the blade is in the closed position, the first locking member extends into the first locking recess and the second locking member extends into the second locking recess; When the blade is in the open position, the first locking member extends into the second locking recess and the second locking member extends into the first locking recess. 8. The knife of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism includes a connecting member connected to the handle, the first locking member and the second locking member extending laterally from opposite end portions of the connecting member toward the foot portion. 9. The knife of claim 8, wherein the first locking member and the second locking member are spaced apart from each other at 180 degrees relative to the pivot axis. 10. The knife of claim 1, further comprising a safety mechanism configured to engage the locking member when the blade is in the open position, and the locking member engaging the locking recess such that the safety mechanism prevents lateral movement of the locking member away from the locking recess. 11. The knife according to claim 10, wherein: The locking recess extends completely through the foot portion; and The locking mechanism includes a connecting member connected to the rod, the locking member having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being connected to the connecting member, and the second end portion extending laterally through and beyond the handle portion when the blade is in the open position; On the side of the handle portion opposite to the connecting member, the safety mechanism engages the second end portion of the locking member. 12. The folding knife of claim 1, wherein the foot portion includes an arcuate groove communicating with the locking recess, and the locking member is configured to be removed from the second opening to allow the blade to pivot from an open position to a closed position, and the locking mechanism extends through the first opening and into the arcuate groove when the blade pivots from the open position to the closed position. 13. The folding knife of claim 12, wherein the locking member comprises a bottom portion and an end portion, the width of the end portion being smaller than that of the bottom portion, the bottom portion being configured to extend through the first opening and engage the locking recess when the blade is in the open position, and the end portion being configured to extend into the second opening when the blade is in the open position, and the end portion being configured to reside within the arcuate groove when the blade pivots from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position. 14. A folding knife, comprising: A handle; A blade having a shank portion pivotally connected to the handle, the blade operable to pivot relative to the handle between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis extending through the shank portion, wherein the shank portion has at least one locking recess; and A locking mechanism includes a lever and at least one locking member coupled to the lever, the lever extending along the pivot axis through the foot portion, wherein when the blade is in at least one of the open position and the closed position, the at least one locking member engages at least one locking recess in the foot portion; The at least one locking recess includes a first locking recess and a second locking recess, wherein when the blade is in the closed position, the locking member extends into the first locking recess, and when the blade is in the open position, the locking member extends into the second locking recess; and A biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to advance the locking member toward the shank portion, wherein when the blade is in the closed position, the biasing force is sufficient to advance the locking member into the first locking recess to hold it in the closed position under the weight of the blade itself, and wherein at least one of the locking member and the first locking recess includes a cam surface that, when manual pressure is applied to the blade to pivot the blade away from the closed position, causes the locking member to be pushed out of the first locking recess. 15. A folding knife, comprising: A handle; A blade having a shank portion pivotally connected to the handle, the blade operable to pivot relative to the handle between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis extending through the shank portion, wherein the shank portion has at least one locking recess; and A locking mechanism includes a lever and at least one locking member coupled to the lever, the lever extending along the pivot axis through the foot portion, wherein when the blade is in at least one of the open position and the closed position, the at least one locking member engages at least one locking recess in the foot portion; The at least one locking recess includes a first locking recess and a second locking recess; and The at least one locking member includes a first locking member and a second locking member; When the blade is in the closed position, the first locking member extends into the first locking recess and the second locking member extends into the second locking recess; When the blade is in the open position, the first locking member extends into the second locking recess and the second locking member extends into the first locking recess; The handle portion includes an arcuate groove extending from the first locking recess to the second locking recess, and the first locking member has an end portion disposed within the arcuate groove when the blade moves from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position. 16. A folding knife, comprising: A handle; A blade having a shank portion pivotally connected to the handle, the blade operable to pivot relative to the handle between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis extending through the shank portion, wherein the shank portion has a first locking recess and a second locking recess; and A locking mechanism includes a rod, a connecting member, a first locking member, and a second locking member, the rod extending along the pivot axis through the foot portion, the connecting member being mounted on the rod, and the first locking member and the second locking member extending laterally from the connecting member toward the foot portion; The rod is laterally movable along the pivot axis to move the first locking member and the second locking member relative to the handle portion; When the blade is in the open position, the first locking member engages and extends fully through the first locking recess, and the second locking member engages the second locking recess to hold the blade in the open position. 17. The folding knife of claim 16, wherein the connecting member is connected to a first end portion of the handle, and the knife further includes a button connected to a second end portion of the handle, the button and the connecting member being on opposite sides of the handle portion relative to each other. 18. The folding knife of claim 17, further comprising a spring disposed on the lever and configured to advance the bottom portion of the first locking member into engagement with the first locking recess when the blade is in the open position, wherein overcoming the spring's push toward the handle portion of the button effectively disengages the first locking member and the second locking member from the first locking recess and the second locking recess. 19. The folding knife of claim 16, wherein when the blade is in the closed position, the first locking member engages the second locking recess and the second locking member engages the first locking recess. 20. A folding knife, comprising: A handle; A blade having a shank portion pivotally connected to the handle, the blade operable to pivot relative to the handle between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis extending through the shank portion, wherein the shank portion has a first locking recess and a second locking recess; and A locking mechanism includes a rod, a connecting member, a first locking member, and a second locking member, the rod extending along the pivot axis through the foot portion, the connecting member being mounted on the rod, and the first locking member and the second locking member extending laterally from the connecting member toward the foot portion; The rod is laterally movable along the pivot axis to move the first locking member and the second locking member relative to the handle portion; When the blade is in the open position, the first locking member engages the first locking recess and the second locking member engages the second locking recess to hold the blade in the open position; in: The handle portion includes an arcuate groove that extends from the first locking recess to the second locking recess; The first locking member includes a bottom portion and an end portion, the bottom portion being connected to the connecting member, the width of the end portion being smaller than that of the bottom portion, the bottom portion being configured to engage the first locking recess when the blade is in the open position, and the end portion of the first locking member being configured to reside within the arcuate groove when the blade pivots from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position. 21. A folding knife, comprising: A handle; A blade having a shank portion pivotally connected to the handle, the blade operable to pivot relative to the handle between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis extending through the shank portion, wherein the shank portion has a first locking recess and a second locking recess; and A locking mechanism includes a rod, a connecting member, a first locking member, and a second locking member, the rod extending along the pivot axis through the foot portion, the connecting member being mounted on the rod, and the first locking member and the second locking member extending laterally from the connecting member toward the foot portion; The rod is laterally movable along the pivot axis to move the first locking member and the second locking member relative to the handle portion; When the blade is in the open position, the first locking member engages the first locking recess and the second locking member engages the second locking recess to hold the blade in the open position; in: The handle includes a first liner and a second liner on the opposite side of the blade. The first liner has a first opening and a second opening. When the blade is in the open position, the first opening and the second opening are aligned with the first locking recess and the second locking recess. The second liner has an opening. When the blade is in the open position, the opening of the second liner is aligned with the first locking recess. When the blade is in the open position The first locking member extends through the first opening and the first locking recess in the first lining, and extends into the opening in the second lining; and The second locking member extends through the second opening in the first lining and into the second locking recess. 22. A folding knife, comprising: A handle includes a first liner and a second liner, the first liner having a first opening and a second opening, and the second liner having an opening; A blade having a shank portion pivotally connected to a handle between a first liner and a second liner, the blade being operable to pivot relative to the handle between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis extending through the shank portion, wherein the shank portion has a first locking recess and a second locking recess; A pivot pin extends through the shank portion and supports the blade for pivoting movement between the closed position and the open position; A locking mechanism includes a rod extending along the pivot axis through the foot portion and the pivot pin, the rod including a first end portion and a second end portion, the locking mechanism further including a connecting member and a first locking member and a second locking member, the connecting member being mounted on the first end portion of the rod, the first locking member and the second locking member extending laterally from the connecting member toward the foot portion; A button is attached to the second end portion of the rod, the button and the connecting member being on opposite sides of the handle portion relative to each other; The rod is laterally movable along the pivot axis to move the first locking member and the second locking member relative to the handle portion; Wherein the blade is in the open position The first locking member extends through the first opening in the first lining, the first locking recess, and into the opening in the second lining; and The second locking member extends through the second opening in the first liner and into the second locking recess; and A spring is arranged on the rod and configured to advance the first locking member and the second locking member into engagement with the first locking recess and the second locking recess when the blade is in the open position, wherein pushing the button toward the handle foot portion against the spring effectively disengages the first locking member and the second locking member from the first locking recess and the second locking recess.