LOCKABLE TOOL WITH SLIDING SCALE RELEASE

Abstract

A lockable tool with a sliding scale release is formed with a frame and a tool coupled to the frame with a locking mechanism to lock the tool into an extended or retracted configuration. A release mechanism is attached a scale on the side of the frame. The scale is coupled to the frame. The tool is constructed such that sliding the scale along a longitudinal axis of the frame automatically unlocks the tool from the extended or retracted configurations. The tool can open and/or close automatically. The tool, such as a knife, can swing open or extend out a front opening in the frame.

Claims

1. A lockable tool, comprising: a frame having a rear proximal position, a forward distal position, a forward direction from the proximal position to the distal position, a rear direction from the distal position to the proximal position, and a length along a longitudinal axis, a width perpendicular to the length along a horizontal axis, and a height along a vertical axis perpendicular to the length and the width; the frame having a first wall extending along the longitudinal axis from the rear proximal position to the forward distal position and having a first outside surface facing in the direction of the horizontal axis; a tool having a distal tip and a proximal base, the base pivotably coupled to the frame at the forward position, the tool pivotably displaceable between a closed, retracted configuration wherein the distal tip points towards the rear direction and an open extended configuration wherein the distal tip points towards the forward direction; the frame and tool configured to form a selectively releasable locking mechanism having at least one projection and at least a first and a second notch, the projection selectively and releasably received in the first notch to lock the tool in the extended configuration and in the second notch to lock the tool in the retracted configuration, and to unlock the tool by releasing the projection from the first or second notch; a first scale slidably mounted on the frame over substantially all of the first outside surface, the first scale coupled to the locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism and first scale are coupled to each other and adapted such that sliding the first scale with respect to the frame along the longitudinal axis of a locked locking mechanism releases the projection from the first or second notch.

2. The lockable tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is a knife blade.

3. The lockable tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is a screw driver, comb, corkscrew or file.

4. The lockable tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is pivotably coupled to the frame with a shaft and is biased into the open extended configuration with a resilient member coupled to the tool and frame and adapted to urge the tool to rotate from the retracted to the extended configuration.

5. The lockable tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is a knife blade and the first and second notches are formed in the base.

6. The lockable tool of claim 5, wherein the projection is attached directly to the first scale and a resilient scale urging member biases the first scale in the forward direction.

7. The lockable tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is a knife blade pivotably coupled to the frame with a shaft and is biasable into the open extended configuration with a resilient member coupled to the tool and frame adapted to urge the tool to rotate from the retracted to the extended configuration, the first and second notches are formed in the base, the projection is attached directly to the first scale, and a resilient scale urging member biases the first scale in the forward direction, whereby sliding the first scale in the rearward direction unlocks the locking mechanism.

8. The lockable tool of claim 6, wherein the frame includes a recess, the first scale includes a post, and the scale urging member comprises a spring located in the recess, the first scale, recess and post configured, arranged and adapted such that sliding the first scale in the rearward direction compresses the spring.

9. The lockable tool of claim 8, wherein the first scale completely covers the first outside surface of the first wall from the horizontal perspective.

10. The lockable tool of claim 1, wherein a top edge and a bottom edge of the first outside surface include inwardly projecting ridges, a top edge and a bottom edge of the first scale include a concave groove, and the inwardly projecting ridges nest in the concave grooves to slidingly retain the first scale to the frame.

11. The lockable tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is a knife blade, coupled to the frame with a rotatable shaft.

12. The lockable tool of claim 11, wherein the rotatable shaft is coupled to a spring and the spring biases the knife blade into the open configuration.

13. The lockable tool of claim 12, wherein the first and second notches are formed in the shaft.

14. The lockable tool of claim 13, wherein the projection is in the form of a sear, resiliently urged into the shaft.

15. A lockable tool, comprising: a frame having a length along a longitudinal axis, a width perpendicular to the length along a horizontal axis, and a height perpendicular to the length and width along a vertical axis, the frame having a first wall extending along the longitudinal axis from a rear proximal position to a forward distal position and having a first outside surface facing in the direction of the horizontal axis; a first scale mounted at the first outside surface in a sliding arrangement along the longitudinal axis; a tool having a distal tip and a proximal base coupled to the frame and displaceable between a closed, retracted configuration wherein the distal tip points towards the rear proximal direction and an open extended configuration wherein the distal tip points towards the forward distal direction; a rotatable shaft mounted on the frame, the tool coupled to the shaft, the shaft having a stepped configuration with a major diameter and a minor diameter, smaller than the major diameter, the major diameter portion of the shaft includes a pair of symmetric V-shaped notches on opposite sides thereof and the minor diameter portion of the shaft extends through the base of the tool, to pivotally couple the tool to the frame; the V-shaped notches being part of a selectively releasable locking mechanism coupled to the first scale and adapted to selectively lock the tool in the extended configuration and in the retracted configuration and to unlock the tool when the locking mechanism is released by sliding the first scale along the longitudinal axis.

16. The lockable tool of claim 15, wherein: the first outside surface of the frame defines a groove having a top edge and a bottom edge, the top edge and bottom edge extend away from the first outside surface, and an end of the top edge and an end of the bottom edge extend towards each other, wherein a base of the groove at the first outside surface is taller in the height direction than a far portion of the groove, defined by the ends of the top edge and bottom edge.

17. The lockable tool of claim 16, wherein the first scale has a scale base positioned at the base of the groove and an outer portion located at the ends of the top edge and the bottom edge of the first outside surface, and the scale base is wider than the outer portion of the scale, wherein the ends of the top edge and the bottom edge retain the first scale to the frame in the horizontal direction.

18. The lockable tool of claim 15, wherein the tool is a knife blade.

19. The lockable tool of claim 18, wherein a resilient biasing member is coupled to the rotatable shaft to bias the tool into the open extended configuration, whereby sliding the first scale to unlock the locking mechanism causes the tool in the closed configuration to automatically open to the extended configuration.

20. A lockable tool, comprising: a frame having a length along a longitudinal axis, a width perpendicular to the length along a horizontal axis, and a height perpendicular to the length and width along a vertical axis, the frame having a first wall extending along the longitudinal axis from a rear proximal position to a forward distal position and having a first outside surface facing in the direction of the horizontal axis; a first scale mounted at the first outside surface in a sliding arrangement along the longitudinal axis; a tool having a distal tip and a proximal base coupled to the frame and displaceable between a closed, retracted configuration wherein the distal tip points towards the rear direction and an open extended configuration wherein the distal tip points towards the forward direction; releasable lock means for locking the tool in the extended or in the retracted configurations when the scale is in a locking position, and unlocking the tool when the scale is slid along the longitudinal axis from the locking position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the specific description accompanied by the following drawings, in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a lockable tool, in the form of a knife, with a north-south sliding scale release, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 2 an exploded perspective view of the sear and step shaft cam of the tool with sliding scale release of FIG. 1;

[0033] FIGS. 3a and 3b are partially assembled exploded perspective views of the tool with sliding scale release aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tool of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 4 is a side view of variations on a lockable tool with north/south sliding scale release according to different embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIGS. 5a-5d are side views of prior art knives

[0036] FIG. 6 is a partial exploded perspective view of a tool in accordance with the invention having wedge receiving notches for receiving the wedge shaped tip of a sear, formed into the base of the tool;

[0037] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a tool in accordance with the invention in which a sliding scale is biased forward and the sear is coupled to the scale;

[0038] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view in accordance with the invention of a sear having a wedge receiving notch at its tip and a camming shaft having wedge projections for engaging the notch on the sear;

[0039] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a tool having a sear with a wedge receiving notch at its tip and a knife blade having wedge shaped projections extending from the blade base, for engaging the tip of the sear in accordance with the invention;

[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, in which the tool opens out-the-front, in the closed, retracted configuration;

[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tool of FIG. 10 in an open, extended configuration;

[0042] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional end view of a tool in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional end view of a tool in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional end view of a tool in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional end view of a tool in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a lockable tool in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0047] FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a lockable tool, in the form of a knife, with a north-south sliding scale release, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure.

[0049] Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure.

[0050] Tools in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention can include a tool mounted on a frame having a length, height and width. The tools are advantageously opened (unlocked) by sliding a scale (side cover) in the north/south direction along the longitudinal lengthwise axis. The scale can have substantially the same height as the frame or be slightly taller or shorter. The scale can ride in a groove on the frame side defined by ridges at the top and bottom of the frame. This can leave the ridges exposed or the scale can wrap around the ridges to substantially cover the side of the frame from the horizontal perspective. The side of the frame can have a rib, and the top and bottom of the scale can wrap around the top and bottom edges of the rib. In both situations, the scale is coupled to the unlocking mechanism.

[0051] In another embodiment of the invention, the scale can be secured to the frame with a device extending into the frame. With a security device coupled directly to the frame, a flat engagement of the scale to the frame, that does not involve a mating between the scale and frame, is acceptable. Thus, longitudinal sliding of the scale can unlock and open the tool or unlock an open tool which can close automatically or manually.

[0052] An exploded perspective view of a tool, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, is shown generally in FIG. 1 in the form of a knife 200. Knife 200 includes a frame 2, having a U-shaped cross section and a front-side dovetail groove 12 on the front (left-hand) side and a rear-side dovetail groove 13 on the rear (right-hand) side. Knife 200 is assembled for right-handed use, wherein it is activated by moving a left side front cover (scale) 1 in the longitudinal north/south direction of an arrow 201. Note that frame 2 is symmetrical and knife 200 can be re-assembled as a mirror image for left hand use.

[0053] Handle frame 2 can be formed from a metal block, milled so that all features are symmetrical, front and back. Frame 2 can be constructed in other manners, including stamping and welding and other ways as will be apparent to those of skill in the field. Handle frame 2 is formed with two opposing walls, a front wall 2a, which faces a rear wall 2b, with a blade well cavity 11 therebetween. A front left side scale receiving groove 12 is located on the outside of front wall 2a and a rear right side scale receiving groove 13 is located on the outside of rear wall 2b. Grooves 12 and 13 are optionally formed in a dovetail fashion to help retain the covers (scales) to frame 2. Additional configurations for slidingly retaining scales 1 and 3 to frame 2 are depicted in FIGS. 12-14. Other configurations will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

[0054] Blade well cavity 11 is formed as a narrow gap between walls 2a and 2b, and is slightly wider than a blade 8. Dove tail grooves 12 and 13 extend along the north/south longitudinal axis of frame 2. Front scale 1 (left side looking down on knife 200 with the distal end facing forward and the open blade facing down) rides in groove 12. Rear scale 3 rides in groove 13. Front scale 1 and rear scale 3 are cut with dovetail edges, to slide into grooves 12 and 13 to retain scales 1 and 3 to frame 2.

[0055] Frame 2 is also formed with a pivot hole 14, which has the form of a circular thru hole, completely through frame 2. In other embodiments of the invention, the hole can be through only one of the walls or can be in the form of a recess, not a thru hole. Pivot hole 14 is sized to fit the major diameter of a step shaft 7, preferably with a precise fit. Frame 2 also has a keyseat slot 15, extending proximally from pivot hole 14. Keyseat slot 15 has two sections. The distal section of slot 15, closest to pivot hole 14, is a thru hole extension from pivot hole 14. The proximal section of slot 15 is a true keyseat and has a floor that does not extend all the way through the wall of groove 12. Thus, the proximal end of keyseat slot 15 acts as an internal shelf, and the distal end of slot 15, near pivot hole 14, is a thru hole allowing access to the far side internals for parts assembly. The wall of frame 2 having groove 13 is preferably symmetrical to that of groove 12 and should have a mirror image keyseat slot with a shelf at its proximal end for reconfiguration for left hand use.

[0056] Grooves 12 and 13 in frame 2 are identical in size. Front scale 1 has a size allowing a running and sliding fit into dovetail groove 12, so that scale 1 may move along the longitudinal axis with finger or thumb pressure in a strictly reciprocating fashion, as a release activator, as discussed below (see arrow 201 indicator markings on scale 1). The dovetail edges of rear scale 3 are cut slightly wider as a location fit or press fit, so that scale 3 can be removably tapped or pressed into place into frame groove 13, as a cover plate. Scale 3 should fit tightly enough, so as not to move with finger pressure during activation of scale 1. Thus, the dovetail edges of scales 1 and 3 should be cut differently, so that when a user's hand causes scale 1 to move proximally, the user's hand will urge scale 3 in a distal direction, which will wedge scale 3 more firmly in place in groove 13. If reconfigured for left hand use, scale 1 and scale 3 are switched to fit into grooves 13 and 12, respectively, and scale 1 will act as the release and slide in groove 13, with scale 3 motionless in groove 12.

[0057] FIG. 2 depicts a sear 4, with a wedge shaped chisel point head 19 at its distal end. Chisel point 19 is preferably formed with two flat sides extending proximally from the point tip. Chisel point 19 is preferably symmetrical. Chisel point 19 of sear 4 also includes a flat side 17 having a connection structure in the form of a screw hole 18 formed all the way or partially through sear 4, proximal from point 19. In alternate embodiments of the invention, hole 18 need not be threaded or fully through sear 4 and can have other attachment structures or a smooth bore. A guide post shaft 16 (FIG. 2) extends proximally from chisel point head 19 of sear 4. A sear spring 5, which is a compression spring, fits over guide post shaft 16 and acts as a resilient member to urge sear 4 in the distal direction.

[0058] Sear 4 and sear spring 5 are inserted into keyseat slot 15 of groove 12. Shaft 16, with spring 5 thereon rests on the shelf of keyseat slot 15. Chisel point head 19 extends in the distal direction, into pivot hole 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3b, screw 6 is then inserted into the thru hole portion of slot 15 of groove 13, then the thru hole portion of slot 15 of groove 12, then into a hole in the underside of handle scale 1 (not shown). Thus, scale 1 is connected to sear 4 by screw 6 and they can act as a unit, whereby reciprocating scale 1 along the longitudinal axis can displace sear 4 back and forth along the same axis. Compression spring 5 will keep sear 4 and scale 1 biased in the distal position. Hand pressure can compress spring 5 and move scale 1 and therefore also sear 4 in the proximal direction.

[0059] Referring again to FIG. 2, sear 4 acts as a cam follower to a step shaft 7. Step shaft 7 has a major diameter 20 and a minor diameter 24. In other embodiments of the invention, it can have a single diameter or multiple diameters. In still other embodiments (see, e.g. FIGS. 6 and 9), the camming surface can be built into the base of the tool. As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, major diameter 20 nests in pivot hole 14 and is held in place by scale 1 on the front side of groove 12 and by scale 3 on the rear side of groove 13. Before inserting step shaft 7, the proximal portion of a blade 8 is placed in the distal end of frame 2, with the edge of blade 8 facing in the same direction as cavity 11. Minor diameter 24 is inserted through a thru hole 80 in the proximal end of blade 8. Blade 8 is then joined to step shaft 7 by inserting a screw 10 through a screw hole 23 (or smooth hole) in step shaft 7 and into a screw hole 100 in the proximal end of blade 8. Blade 8 and shaft 7 now pivot as a unit about pivot hole 14.

[0060] An external end 90 of a coiled kick spring 9 is inserted into a saw cut 25 at the bottom of minor diameter 24. External end 90 of kick spring 9 presses against frame 2. In this manner, kick spring 9 is constructed and arranged to impart a rotational bias against step shaft 7, which in turn imparts rotational bias to blade 8.

[0061] With blade 8 in the open position, chisel point 19 of sear 4 will nest in a V-notch 21 (FIG. 2) of major diameter 20. To release blade 8, scale 1 is slid proximally along the longitudinal axis, to detach point 19 from notch 21. The user can then fold blade 8 closed by hand, against the bias of spring 9. Sear 4 acts as a cam follower until blade 8 is in the closed position and a closed position V-notch 22 faces point 19. Scale 1 can then be released and sear 4 (and therefore scale 1) will then move distally and sear 4 will lock into closed position notch 22. To open blade 8, scale 1 is moved proximally along the longitudinal axis; sear 4 disengages from closed position notch 22; spring 9 urges shaft 7 to rotate and cause blade 8 to swing open. Sear 4 follows major diameter 20, until it locks into open position notch 21, to lock blade 8 in the open position. Scale 1, sear 4, spring 5, shaft 7, spring 9 and blade 8 are thereby adapted to cause blade 8 to swing into in the open position when scale 1 is moved in the longitudinal proximal direction to disengage sear 4 from shaft 7.

[0062] The parts shown are made such that knife 200 can be disassembled and reassembled into a left-hand or right-hand knife by switching scale 1 and scale 3, moving sear 4 and shaft 7 to slot 15 in groove 13 and reversing sear 4 and screw 6.

[0063] Note that compression spring 5, on shaft 16 of sear 4, is coupled to front scale 1 by sear retaining screw 6. That combination constitutes a moving sub-assembly of parts within the whole of knife 200. Also, step shaft 7, with kick spring 9 inserted in cut 25 is coupled to blade 8 by screw 10. It therefore constitutes a separate moving sub-assembly of parts within the whole of knife 200.

[0064] Step shaft 7 has multiple purposes and functions. Major diameter 20 of step shaft 7 functions as a main pivot bearing for folding knife blade 8. It also acts as a structural/puzzle retaining piece which will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 3a and 3b. Major diameter 20 has two symmetrical V-Notches 21 and 22, which are 180 degrees apart, and are sized to match chisel point 19 of sear 4. Screw hole 23 is positioned 90 degrees from the alignment of V-notches 21 and 22. Hole 23 can be a smooth bore for a location pin, but is preferably drilled, threaded and countersunk to be suitable for a flathead screw, to fasten step shaft 7 to knife blade 8.

[0065] Minor diameter 24 of step shaft 7 fits into hole 80 in the proximal end of knife blade 8. Minor diameter 24 requires a length sufficient to protrude thru the thickness of knife blade 8. Minor diameter 24 has bottom saw cut 25, on which coil kick spring 9 will act, to impart rotational bias to shaft 7 and thereby, blade 8.

[0066] FIGS. 3a and 3b depict other parts of the assembly, and also illustrate the simplicity of the design, and that the manner of assembly is a mechanical puzzle. Because of the way the parts fit together, only two fasteners, such as screws, are required.

[0067] FIG. 3a shows the first steps of the preferred assembly of knife 200. First, the proximal end of blade 8 is placed into the distal end of cavity 11 of frame 2. Next, step shaft 7 is inserted thru pivot hole 14 and through hole 80 in the proximal end of blade 8. The jigsaw puzzle fit prevents blade 8 from falling away from frame 2, and allows blade 8 to swing back into cavity 11 into a closed condition and out, into an open condition, typical of a folding pocket knife. Then, step shaft 7 is rotated so that hole 23 aligns with a screw hole 100 of blade 8. Fastener screw 10 is then screwed into hole 100, thus aligning V-Notches 21 and 22 at the correct index point.

[0068] Continuing with groove 12 facing up, sear 4 and spring 5 are combined and placed into handle keyseat slot 15. Scale 1 is then inserted into front handle dovetail groove 12, in a sliding, free moving fashion. Scale 1 prevents sear 4 from falling out of key seat slot 15. No additional fasteners are needed.

[0069] FIG. 3b shows the further steps of the assembly of knife 200. Accessing through pivot hole 14 and the open portion of keyseat slot 15 in frame 2, from the side of groove 13 (FIG. 3b), scale 1 is slid until its fastener hole (not shown) is aligned with hole 18 of sear 4. Fastener screw 6 is inserted through the opening in slot 15, and into the hole inside scale 1 to attach sear 4 to the underside of scale 1. Then the inner end of coil kick spring 9 is pressed onto sawcut 25 of the end of minor diameter 24 of step shaft 7. Finally, rear scale 3 is slid into dovetail groove 13 and releasably or permanently wedged (press fit) into place. Rear scale 3 can also be glued into position or left releasable.

[0070] FIG. 4 depicts how the blades and covers of a tool in accordance with the invention can be replaced for enhanced production and marketability to amateur knife-makers. One of the benefits of tool designs in accordance with the invention, is that the internal working parts can be standardized and operate with a variety of alternative exterior tool variations. For example, the knife body itself can exhibit changes in the outward appearance and dimensions, without affecting the standard sear, step shaft, springs and screws, which can be stockpiled.

[0071] It should be understood that although the present disclosure is described as relating to knife blades, that blade element can be replaced by other tools. For example, the knife blade can be replaced by a saw, a ruler, a file, a screwdriver, a fish scaler, a comb, a cork screw, a bottle opener, a can opener, an ice pick, etc. Other replacement blades are contemplated.

[0072] Furthermore, the ease of disassembly and reassembly can make for kits that include a basic handle component with multiple blades and other tool components. Referring to FIG. 4, reference numeral 26 refers to that group of parts (blade pivot shaft, resilient member for the shaft, sear, resilient member for the sear, and two connectors), which are all the internal parts. The automatically opening mechanisms for tools in accordance with the invention can consist essentially of these parts and any other parts can be excluded. These parts can be identical throughout any knife variant. Likewise, a stockpile of handle scales 1 and 3 can be made. The scales should have the male dovetail edges, are square cut, and can run oversize, to be trimmed later.

[0073] Scale 1 shows as a reference, the chisel point sear fastened to the underside, which converts a normal cover plate scale, into a sliding release. The basic handle frame 2, can have a rectangular profile. Frame 2 has a large thru bore on one side, which also has a machined key seat stepped slot. Female dovetail tracks run between distal and proximal ends along the length axis. All of this machining enhances the mechanical puzzle effect of the assembly. All of this machining can be confined to the center or one end of the tool body, allowing subsequent modification to the periphery of the handle at a later time. It can be made oversize, to be trimmed later. Other shapes are contemplated.

[0074] The second row of parts depicted in FIG. 4, blade 8, a handle body 2′, a scale or cover plate 1′, can be construed as a basic utility knife, with a minimum of machining to be functional.

[0075] Another benefit of a design in accordance with the invention is the user serviceability of the assembly. Rather than a factory fixed assembly, a variety of blades (27, 28 and 29) can be swapped out by a user with relatively low mechanical skill. Even more Swiss army style saws, files and other devices can be produced, including a disposable razor blade holder, requiring only the two-hole pattern in the base of the folding blade. The existing stockpiles of internal parts simply “plug-and-play” with these options.

[0076] Another benefit of this design is ease of modification of the handle shape. A handle body 30 that has its profile milled for a tapered hand grip, or another variant profile 32 can be attached. Within specific limits, the handle body can be altered after the fact by a kit buyer to craft his own custom designs.

[0077] In another embodiment of the invention, a scale 31 is a potential billboard for engraving or printing is available. Buyers can purchase replacements with various semi-precious inlaid materials, or pre-printed sports logos and so forth.

[0078] A scale 33, modified to fit a custom profile, the ends can be changed, but the long sides should remain the dovetail shape to fit the sliding track in the handle body. An assembled fancy profile knife 34, with no visible fasteners can be assembled. A sliding button scale coverplate 35, which has a surface texture grip pattern milled into its top surface can also be provided.

[0079] Another benefit of this design is a concern for factory manufacturing. The same setup for a short knife can be used for a longer knife. All of the machining for the release components are on one end of the handle body. Unlike other knives that require custom back spine springs tailored to a specific length, this design permits use of the same basic group 26 for any length knife.

[0080] A standard rectangular profile handle body 36, similar to body 2, except longer, a longer blade 37, a custom contour profile 38, an assembly of a long stiletto design 39 with a traction grip pattern sliding scale release button, can all be provided.

[0081] Not shown is yet another version possible for collectors, a folding boar knife/trench knife, a folding knife with a long blade that is fitted to a short handle body. When closed, the blade end protrudes like a short sheath knife, only to spring open (by a hidden release sliding scale button) into a full length fighting knife.

[0082] The wedge shape of chisel point 19 of sear 4, by nature of its wedging action to lock (open or closed) blade 8, can produce a product that is more solid and robust in both the open and closed positions than previously marketed folding boar knives. All of this is possible by the mix and match/plug and play components, that can be marketed separately or in multi-part kit form.

[0083] The scale can be removable and interchangeable to swap out advertising company logos engraved or printed as a billboard, or to swap different grip materials. Matched sets of both a folding design of the disclosure and an out-the-front (OTF) knife with similar outward appearance and the north/south slidable scale release of the invention can be achieved.

[0084] The components of the automatic opening tool with north/south sliding scale release described herein can also be provided as a kit to an end user. The tool can be provided to a user disassembled and the user can assemble the components as desired.

[0085] FIG. 6 depicts a portion of a lockable tool 600, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, in which the wedge receiving notch features of the step shaft of tool 200 are combined with a base 650 of a blade 608. Thus, FIG. 6 depicts a blade 608 with an open position V-shaped notch 621 and a closed position V-shaped notch 622 formed into base 650 of blade 608.

[0086] An axle 620 replaces stepped shaft 20 of tool 200 and is provided to permit blade 608 to pivot, such as from force provided by a kick spring 609. Axle 620 rides in a frame (not shown) of tool 600. The frame of tool 600 can be otherwise similar to frame 2 of tool 200. An end of kick spring 609 can fit into a cut 625 in base 650 of blade 608. Spring 609 is otherwise held in the frame of tool 600. Notches 621 and 622 are sized to receive a wedge shaped head 619 of a sear 604, urged forward by a spring 605 of the frame of tool 600, which is modified accordingly.

[0087] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of an automatically opening tool 700, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, which is similar to tool 200. Rather than spring 5 directly urging sear 4 of tool 200 in the distal direction, a spring 705 is positioned in a groove 715 of a frame 702. An end of spring 705 is coupled to a post on an inside portion of a front scale 701. Spring 705 urges scale 701 in the distal direction. Scale 701 is coupled to a sear 704. Sear 704 engages symmetrically oriented V-shaped notches 721 and 722 on a step shaft 720. A kick spring 709 is coupled to and urges a blade 708 into an open configuration. Step shaft 720 is likewise coupled to blade 708 and operates similarly to tool 200.

[0088] FIG. 8 depicts a step shaft 820 and a sear 804 of a tool 800 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Sear 804 receives a projection from the step shaft 820, which is the opposite of the arrangement of tool 200. Otherwise, the configuration can be similar to tool 200. Sear 804 is urged in the distal direction, towards step shaft 820 with a compression spring 805, similar to the construction of tool 200. Rather than having a chisel point, sear 804 has a V-shaped notch 819. Step shaft 820 is similar to step shaft 20, but rather than having a pair of V-shaped notches 21 and 22, step shaft 820 includes a pair of wedge shaped projections 821 and 822. Thus, this embodiment of the invention functions similarly to tool 200, except that the relative positions of the chisel point wedge shaped tip and the V-shaped notches are switched.

[0089] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, FIG. 9 depicts a tool 900 having a north/south sliding scale activation in the form of a blade 908, which functions similarly to blade 608 and has an overall construction similar to tool 600. However, rather than including notches 621 and 622, blade 908 includes a pair of projections 921 and 922 formed into a base 950 of tool 908, to engage with a V-shaped notch 919 of a sear 904. Sear 904 is urged in the distal direction by a coil spring 905. Blade 908 pivots about an axle 920, which is similar to axle 620. Blade 908 includes a cut 925, which can engage an end of a kick spring (not shown). As with tool 200 or 600, to open or close blade 908 moving the scale of tool 900 along the longitudinal axis causes sear 904 to move longitudinally in the proximal direction to disengage either projection 921 or 922 from notch 919. If blade 908 is closed, the kick spring will urge blade 908 into the open configuration or it can be swung open manually. If blade 908 is open, it can be closed manually.

[0090] As discussed above, FIGS. 5a through 5d depicts conventional automatically opening tools. FIG. 5a depicts knife 501 that is opened by activating button 511. In another embodiment of the invention, a knife similar to knife 501 can be constructed, without opening 512 and with activation button 511 attached to an inside surface of scale cover 510. By constructing knife 501 so that scale cover 510 can slide along the longitudinal axis, the knife can be opened and closed with a north/south sliding scale configuration. Similarly, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand how the activation mechanism of knife 550 can be converted to one activated by sliding the scale along the longitudinal axis.

[0091] Activation mechanisms in accordance with the invention can also be used with out-the-front opening tools. FIG. 10 depicts an automatically opening out-the-front knife 1000. Knife 1000 includes a blade 1008 within a frame 1002. A pair of scales 1001 and 1003 of the same height as frame 1002 are mounted on the sides of frame 1002. Scales 1001 and 1003 cover frame 1002 from the horizontal perspective. Front cover 1001 can slide along the longitudinal axis in the direction of an arrow 1201. Front cover 1001 includes a peg 1100 which is coupled to activate the conventional out-the-front opening mechanism, modified to be activated by sliding scale 1001. Knife 1008 includes any of various known out-the-front opening mechanisms (not shown) on frame 1002, in which an activation switch is reciprocated along the north/south longitudinal axis. Out-the-front knives typically have an internal extension mechanism to bias the tool both from a closed configuration to an open, extended configuration. They typically also have a retraction mechanism to bias the tool from an open, extended configuration to a closed, retracted configuration. Such extension and retraction mechanisms are well known in the art. Thus, unlocking a closed tool can automatically extend it to the open configuration and unlocking an open tool can automatically retract it to a closed configuration. Both can be accomplished with sliding scale activation in accordance with the invention.

[0092] U.S. Pat. No. 7,562,455, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety, depicts and out-the-front opening knife. The knife is activated by reciprocating a button exposed on the outside of the front cover to automatically extend the blade. Activating an extended knife will automatically retract the blade. The activation mechanism of knife 1000 is activated by sliding scale 1001 along the longitudinal axis to cause peg 1100 (or a different type of structure apparent to those skilled in the art) to either cause blade 1008 to extend into the open configuration of FIG. 11 or to cause knife 1000 to retract to the closed configuration of FIG. 10.

[0093] FIG. 12 depicts the frame and scale covers of an automatically opening tool 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, similar to knife 200. Knife 1200 includes a frame 1202 with a left side front scale receiving groove 1202a and a right side rear scale receiving groove 1202b. A left scale 1201 is slidingly engaged in left groove 1202a and a right scale 1203 is removably fixed in right groove 1202b. Left and right scales 1201 and 1203 cover most, but not all of the respective left and right sides of frame 1202.

[0094] Grooves 1202a and 1202b act as female receptacles for scales 1201 and 1203. Thus, they cover most of the left and right sides of frame 1202, but do not cover the entire left and right sides. Scales 1201 and 1203 have a trapezoidal cross section, with a wider inside base portion facing frame 1202 and a cavity therein and a more narrow outside surface facing outward from the central cavity. The outer edges of groove 1202a and 1202b are angled inward, to retain scales 1201 and 1203 to frame 1202.

[0095] FIG. 13 depicts the scales and frame of an automatically opening tool in the form of a knife 1300 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Knife 1300 includes a frame 1302 having a left wall 1302a and a right wall 1302b defining a blade well cavity 1311 therebetween. A left scale 1301 is slidingly mounted on left wall 1302a. A right scale 1303 is releasably fixedly mounted on right wall 1302b. Left and right walls 1302a and 1302b each include a projecting retention rib 1350. Left and right scales 1301 and 1303 each include a retention groove 1360. Retention ribs 1350 are received in retention grooves 1360, to hold scales 1301 and 1303 to frame 1302. Retention ribs 1350 have flared edges, which extend outward (up and down) from walls 1302a and 1302b. Retention grooves 1360 are defined by the edges of scales 1301 and 1303, which are flared inwardly. Thus, scales 1301 and 1303 can substantially cover the entire sides of frame 1302.

[0096] FIG. 14 depicts the scales and frame of an automatically opening tool in the form of a knife 1400 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. A frame 1402 of knife 1400 is similar in structure to frame 1302 and includes a left wall 1402a and a right wall 1402b, defining a blade well cavity 1411 therebetween. A left scale 1401 is slidingly mounted on left wall 1402a. A right scale 1403 is releasably fixedly mounted on right wall 1402b. Left and right walls 1402a and 1402b each include a projecting retaining rib 1450. Left and right scales 1401 and 1403 each include a retention groove 1460. Retaining ribs 1450 are received in retention grooves 1460, to hold scales 1401 and 1403 to frame 1402. Retaining ribs 1450 have flared edges, which extend outward and upward down from walls 1402a and 1402b. Retention grooves 1460 are defined by edges 1461, which extend inward towards each other.

[0097] The edges of scales 1301 and 1303 are angled, to match the angled flare of retaining ribs 1350. This provides a close tolerance, but can be difficult to machine. Edges 1461 of scales 1401 and 1403 can be squared off. This can be easier to machine, but provides a looser fit. However, it can provide more sliding friction.

[0098] An automatically opening tool 1500, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Tool 1500 is similar to tool 700, shown in FIG. 7. However, the scales are not retained to the frame in a nesting engagement, as with tool 700. Automatically opening tool 1500 includes a frame 1502, with a first scale 1501 and a second scale 1503, mounted on opposite sides thereof. Scales 1501 and 1503 enclose the outward facing sides of frame 1502. A pair of top and bottom edges 1521 of first scale 1501 and a pair of top and bottom edges 1523 of second scale 1503 are not entrapped by, nor do they entrap any portions of frame 1502. Rather, the top and bottom outside edges of frame 1502 are notched; top and bottom edges 1521 and 1523 of scales 1501 and 1503 are at right angles to the sides of scales 1501 and 1503; and top and bottom edges 1521 and 1523 merely ride against frame 1502. There is no interaction between frame 1502 and edges 1521 and 1523 to retain scales 1501 and 1503 to frame 1502. Scales 1501 and 1503 ride over the sides of frame 1502 as a free cap or cover.

[0099] Automatically opening tool 1500 includes knife 708, spring 709 and notched shaft 720, as in tool 700. However, the nature and arrangement of sear 704 and spring 705 are modified, as are the slots in which they are positioned. Scale 1501 includes a rear attachment member 1551, which can be a post, hook, wire, or otherwise. Rear attachment member 1551 extends through a slot 1515 in frame 1502 and can attach to a spring, which urges scale 1501 in the distal, forward direction or to a corresponding member to secure scale 1501 in sliding engagement against frame 1502. A forward attachment member 1552 extends through a forward slot 1516 in frame 1502 and can attach to a sear 704′, which can be similar to sear 704. Alternatively, sear 704′ can be coupled to a spring, similar to sear 4 of FIG. 1. Because rear slot 1515 and forward slot 1516 are narrow, the attachment of scale 1501 through these slots retains scale 1501 in sliding engagement to frame 1502. Members 1553 and 1554 can be used to secure scale 1503 to frame 1502. As will be apparent to those familiar with the art, other arrangements with a cap-like scale that covers substantially all the sides of the frame and exposes substantially none of the frame sides is also acceptable.

[0100] FIG. 17 depicts a selectively lockable tool 1700, in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention. Tool 1700 is similar to tools 600 and 900, in that a base 1750 of a blade 1708 comprises a portion of the locking and release mechanism. Tool 1700 includes a U-shaped frame 1702, with a pair of sidewalls 1703, that can be similar to the frames of the other embodiments of the invention. Frame 1702 can be unitary or assembled from multiple pieces. Sidewalls 1703 form a tool receiving slot 1704 therebetween.

[0101] In a retracted configuration, blade 1708 is received within slot 1704 and pivotably coupled to frame 1702 with a shaft 1720. Base 1750 includes a shaft receiving through hole 1751. A complementary shaft receiving hole 1752 is formed through one or both sidewalls 1703. In one embodiment of the invention, shaft 1720 is formed as a two-piece shaft 1720a and 1720b. Portion 1720a is preferably a keyed pivot barrel, with portion 1720b as a complementary pivot screw. Together, they act to pivotably secure blade 1708 to frame 1702.

[0102] Base 1750 includes a groove 1760 formed therethrough. A stop pin 1770 is positioned through groove 1760 and is located between walls 1703 of frame 1702. Groove 1760 is partially circular, and concentric with hole 1751 through base 1750. Thus, as blade 1708 extends and retracts between the open and closed positions, stop pin 1770 rides in groove 1760. The ends of groove 1760 act to stop blade 1708 from further rotation and help properly position blade 1708 in the retracted or extended configurations.

[0103] Tool 1700 includes an optional and removable coil spring 1709, which can be located around shaft 1720. Coil spring 1709 includes a first end 1709a, which is received in a corresponding hole in frame 1702, to secure spring 1709 to frame 1702. A second end 1709b is received in a hole 1725 through base 1750. Spring 1709 can be enclosed in a pair of cap/bushings 1709c. The second half of the pair may be placed on the other side of blade 1708 (not enclosing spring 1709), in order to ensure centered alignment of blade 1708 in channel 1704. In another embodiment of the invention, spring 1709 is removed and tool 1700 is opened manually, such as with a flick of the wrist. In another embodiment of the invention, spring 1709 is removed or replaced, as desired, to switch tool 1700 between an automatically opening tool, and a manually opening tool. One or more washers (not shown) can be used to take the position of spring 1709 if said spring is not included.

[0104] At least one of the walls 1703 of frame 1702 includes a spring receiving slot 1706. A compression spring 1705 resides in slot 1706. A pin 1707, which can be in the form of a torx screw secured to an inside surface of scale 1701, rides in slot 1706. An inward end of pin 1707 extends into slot 1706 and is biased in the forward position by spring 1705. In this manner, because pin 1707 is secured to scale 1701, spring 1705 biases scale 1701 to the forward position. However, scale 1701 can be manually slid rearwards along the longitudinal axis against the force of spring 1705 to unlock tool 1700.

[0105] With blade 1708 in the locked, extended configuration, a release pin 1780 interfaces with the flat tang catch surface as part of a notch 1721, thus preventing blade 1708 from rotating into the closed configuration. Release pin 1780 is secured to the inner surface of scale 1701. For example, pin 1780 can be in the form of a shaft extending from a base 1790. Base 1790 can fit into a recess formed in the inner surface of scale 1701 and can be secured with a torx screw 1791. To close tool 1700, scale 1701 is retracted rearwards along the longitudinal axis, which moves release pin 1780 rearwards, out of a position in notch 1721, where it had locked blade 1708 in the open configuration, and blade 1708 can be rotated closed by hand. Release pin 1780 can slide forward into camming engagement against base 1750. As blade 1708 rotates further, pin 1780 will slide into a second groove/notch 1722 in base 1750, to lock blade 1708 in a closed configuration.

[0106] To unlock blade 1708, scale 1701 is slidingly retracted against the forward force of spring 1705, which retracts release pin 1780 out of notch 1722. In the manual embodiment, blade 1708 can be swung out of slot 1704, into the open configuration, wherein pin 1780 can be locked into notch 1721. In the automatic embodiment, spring 1709 biases blade 1708 into the open configuration and pin 1780 can ride against or behind base 1750 until scale 1701 is released and locks pin 1780 into notch 1721.

[0107] While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other embodiments within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0108] Where this application has listed the steps of a method or procedure in a specific order, it may be possible, or even expedient in certain circumstances, to change the order in which some steps are performed, and it is intended that the particular steps of the method or procedure claim set forth herein below not be construed as being order-specific unless such order specificity is expressly stated in the claim.

[0109] While the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have been described in reference to the environment in which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of the inventions. Modification or combinations of the above-described assemblies, other embodiments, configurations, and methods for carrying out the invention, and variations of aspects of the invention that are obvious to those of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims.