Folding tool with a traction surface opening mechanism

Abstract

A folding knife is provided with an opening mechanism having a traction surface to aid users in rotating the blade from the closed position to the open position and to assist with opening the folding knife. More specifically, the traction surface is located on an outer surface of the tang of the blade and extends outwardly from the handle when the blade is in the closed position.

Claims

1. A folding tool comprising: a handle with two sides, a forward end, and a rear end opposite the forward end, wherein at least one side has a cutout proximate the forward end, wherein the cutout extends from an upper surface of the handle to the forward end of the handle, and wherein the cutout extends down from the upper surface a distance of between about half of a height of the forward end of the handle and about one-third of the height of the forward end of the handle and is positioned above a pivot point of the handle; a tool moveable from a first extended position to a second closed position and having a forward end, a tang on a rear end, and a longitudinal axis, wherein the tool is pivotally interconnected to the forward end of the handle at the pivot point; a traction surface located on an outer surface of the tang, wherein the traction surface is knurled, wherein a majority of the traction surface extends upwardly above the cutout in the handle and above the pivot point to facilitate engagement when the tool is in the second closed position, and wherein when a force is applied to the traction surface when the tool is in the second closed position, the tool rotates to the first extended position; and a locking mechanism moveable from a first locked position to a second released position, wherein the locking mechanism is in the first locked position when the tool is in the first extended position.

2. The folding tool of claim 1, wherein the tool is a blade having a spine and a cutting edge opposite the spine and the longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the spine.

3. The folding tool of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is a liner lock.

4. The folding tool of claim 1, wherein the traction surface comprises a knurled pattern of straight ridges.

5. The folding tool of claim 1, wherein the traction surface extends around an outer surface of the tang an angle of at least about 90 degrees as measured from the pivot point.

6. The folding tool of claim 1, wherein a second portion of the outer surface of the tang comprises a flat surface that is smooth.

7. The folding tool of claim 6, wherein a portion of the tang comprising the traction surface and the flat surface extends outwardly beyond the forward end of the handle when the tool is in the second closed position.

8. The folding tool of claim 6, wherein the flat surface engages a portion of the locking mechanism when the tool is in the first extended position.

9. The folding tool of claim 1, wherein the handle further comprises a first liner, a second liner, a first scale, and a second scale that are substantially parallel to one another, wherein there is a space between the first and second liners that forms a channel for receiving the tool when the tool is in the second closed position, and wherein a portion of the first liner proximate the forward end of the handle and a portion of the second liner proximate the forward end of the handle comprise a traction portion with alternating raised ridges and recessed portions.

10. The folding tool of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the traction surface extends outwardly from the forward end of the handle when the tool is in the second closed position.

11. The folding tool of claim 1, wherein a portion of the traction surface is substantially parallel with a bottom surface of the handle when the tool is in the first extended position.

12. The folding tool of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the tang is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool.

13. A folding knife comprising: a handle comprising: a first side with a first liner, a first scale, and a first cutout in a forward end of the handle extending from an upper surface of the handle to the forward end of the handle, wherein the first cutout forms an angle greater than about 90 degrees; and a second side with a second liner, a second scale, and a second cutout in the forward end of the handle extending from the upper surface of the handle to the forward end of the handle, wherein the second cutout forms an angle greater than about 90 degrees, and wherein there is a space between the first and second liners that forms a channel; a blade moveable from a first extended position to a second closed position and having a forward end, a tang on a rear end, a spine, a cutting edge opposite the spine, and a longitudinal axis extending from the forward end to the rear end, wherein the blade is pivotally interconnected to the forward end of the handle via a pin, and wherein the channel receives the cutting edge of the blade when the blade is in the second closed position; a traction surface extending along an arc length of at least about 60 degrees of an exposed outer surface of the tang when the blade is in the second closed position, wherein the traction surface extends outwardly from and above the first and second cutouts in the handle when the blade is in the second closed position such that the arc length of at least about 60 degrees of the traction surface is visible when the blade is in the second closed position but the traction surface does not extend beyond a perimeter of the handle when the blade is in the first extended position, wherein a second portion of the tang comprises a flat surface that is smooth and the flat surface does not extend outwardly from the first and second cutouts in the handle when the blade is in the second closed position, and upon applying a reward-oriented force to the traction surface the blade rotates around the pin to the first extended position; and a liner lock cut into the first liner, wherein the liner lock is moveable from a first locked position to a second released position, wherein the liner lock is in the first locked position when the blade is in the first extended position, and wherein the substantially flat surface of the tang engages a portion of the liner lock when the blade is in the first extended position.

14. The folding knife of claim 13, wherein the traction surface is knurled.

15. The folding knife of claim 13, wherein the traction surface comprises a knurled pattern of straight ridges.

16. The folding knife of claim 13, wherein the traction surface is recessed within the channel when the blade is in the first extended position.

17. The folding knife of claim 13, wherein the exposed outer surface is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade.

18. A method of opening a folding knife with one hand, comprising: providing the folding knife comprising: a handle with a cutout in a forward end of the handle extending from an upper surface of the handle to the forward end of the handle, wherein the cutout forms an angle greater than about 90 degrees; a blade moveable from a first extended position to a second closed position and having a forward end, a tang on a rear end, a spine, a cutting edge opposite the spine, and a longitudinal axis, wherein the blade is pivotally interconnected to a forward end of the handle; a traction surface located on a portion of an outer surface of the tang, wherein the traction surface is knurled, wherein the outer surface is positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade, the outer surface also comprising a flat surface that transitions into the traction surface at an approximately 90 degree angle, and wherein a portion of the traction surface measuring at least about 60 degrees in arc length extends upwardly above the cutout in the handle when the blade is in the second closed position to facilitate engagement; and a locking mechanism moveable from a first locked position to a second released position, wherein the locking mechanism is in the first locked position when the blade is in the first extended position and a portion of the locking mechanism engages the flat surface of the tang when the blade is the first extended position; applying a force in a rearward-oriented direction to the traction surface to facilitate rotation of the blade from the second closed position to the first extended position; and locking the blade in the first extended position with the locking mechanism.

19. The method of opening a folding knife of claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism includes a portion of a liner in the handle that engages a portion of the tang when the blade is in the first extended position.

20. The method of opening a folding knife of claim 18, wherein the traction surface comprises a knurled pattern of straight ridges.

21. The method of opening a folding knife of claim 18, further comprising using an index finger or thumb to apply the force to the traction surface to open the folding knife.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosures.

(2) FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a folding knife in an open and extended position;

(3) FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the folding knife, shown in an open position;

(4) FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the folding knife, shown in an open position;

(5) FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the folding knife, shown in an open position;

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the folding knife, shown in a partially open position;

(7) FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the folding knife, shown in a closed position;

(8) FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the folding knife, shown in a closed position;

(9) FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the folding knife, shown in a closed position;

(10) FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the folding knife, shown in a closed position;

(11) FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the folding knife, shown in a closed position; and

(12) FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a folding knife, shown in a closed position.

(13) To provide further clarity to the detailed description provided herein in the associated drawings, the following list of components and associated numbering are provided as follows:

(14) TABLE-US-00001 Component No. Component 2 Folding Knife 6 Blade 8 First Side of the Blade 10 Cutting Edge (of Blade) 12 Second Side of the Blade 14 Spine (of Blade) 18 Tip (of Blade) 22 Blade Pivot Point 26 Tang 30 Traction Surface (on Tang) 32 Flat Surface of Tang 34 Aperture 38 Rear End of Blade 42 Forward End of Knife 46 Rear End of Knife 50 Handle 54 Scales 58 Liners 60 Spacers 62 Forward End of Handle 64 Rear End of Handle 66 Bottom Surface of Handle 68 Top Surface of Handle 70 Clip 74 Channel (in Handle) 78 Liner Lock 82 Cutout in Handle (for Liner Lock) 86 Cutout in Forward End of Handle (for Traction Wheel) 90 Fastener 94 Fastener 98 Traction Portion 98A Raised Ridges of Traction Portion 98B Recessed Portions of Traction Portion

(15) It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(16) As described in detail below, various embodiments of the present invention include novel folding knife designs and configurations, comprising a textured opening mechanism and/or other features. The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the applicant's intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed.

(17) Although the following description and attached drawings show the folding tool as a folding knife, the invention can work on any folding tool that rotates from a closed position to an open position. For example, the invention can function on a scraper, nail file, scissors, screw driver, can opener, saw, etc., or any other folding tool.

(18) Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, the folding knife 2 is shown in the open and extended position. The folding knife 2 comprises a blade 6 with a cutting edge 10, a spine 14 positioned opposite the cutting edge 10, a first side 8 extending from the spine 14 to the cutting edge 10, a second side 12 extending from the spine 14 to the cutting edge 10, a tip 18 on one end (forward end 42 of the knife and blade), and a tang 26 (shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1) on the opposite end proximate the rear portion/end 38 of the blade 6. The tang 26 of the blade 6 is the portion that rotates around the pivot pin 22. Thus, the tang 26 is the portion of the blade 6 on the opposite side of the pivot pin 22 as the tip 18 of the blade 6. The tang 26 comprises a flat surface 32 that transitions into a traction surface 30. The spine 14 is positioned between the first side 8 and the second side 12 of the blade 6. The blade 6 is rotatable around a blade pivot point 22 (also called the blade rotation point, pivot pin, or pivot screw). The pivot point 22 is in the forward end 62 of the handle 50 and the rear end 38 of the blade 6. The blade 6 can have an aperture 34 proximate the handle 50. The longitudinal axis of the blade 6 is substantially parallel to the spine 14 and runs from the tip 18 to the rear end 38 of the blade 6.

(19) The knife 2 can comprise a handle 50 with opposing scales 54 covering the liners 58 (shown in FIGS. 3-4), a clip 70, and a locking mechanism, which may be a liner lock 78. Other locking mechanisms can be used in this and other embodiments without departing from the invention. The handle 50 has a forward end 62 proximate the rear end 38 of the blade 6 and a rear end 64 opposite the forward end 62. The handle 50 has a top surface 68 in line with the spine 14 of the blade 6 and a bottom surface 66 in line with the cutting edge 10 of the blade 6 when the knife 6 is in the open position.

(20) The handle 50 generally has two scales 54 and two liners 58, where each scale 54 is positioned on an outer surface of each liner 58. Preferably, the liners 58 are metal, but the liners 58 can be any known material, for example, hard plastic, composite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, wood, ceramic, etc., or combinations thereof. The scales 54 can be plastic, carbon fiber, composite material, fiberglass, metal, wood, or any other material known in the art, or combinations thereof. The liners 58 are separated by a space that forms a channel 74 in the handle 50. The channel 74 receives the blade 6 when the folding knife 2 is in a closed position (FIGS. 6-10). The channel 74 width may be determined by the length of the spacers 60 positioned between the liners 58. One side of the handle 50 can include one liner 58 and one scale 54. The other side of the handle 50 can include one liner 58 and one scale 54. The two sides of the handle 50 can be interconnected to one another via fasteners 90, 94. The fasteners 90, 94 may be rivets, screws, nails, pins, or any other similar mechanism known in the art, or combinations thereof. The fasteners 90, 94 may also interconnect each liner 58 to its corresponding scale 54. Alternatively, each liner 58 may be interconnected or secured to its corresponding scale 54 via glue, epoxy, or other adhesive substance. The spacers 60 may be hollow such that the fasteners 90, 94 are positioned within the spacers 60. In some embodiments, the fasteners 90, 94 are the spacers 60, i.e., they can be one piece. The clip 70 can be positioned on the outer surface of either scale 54, i.e., it can be positioned on the other side of the handle 50 in other embodiments.

(21) In some embodiments, the handle 50 can include a cutout 86 on one side or both sides of the handle 50 to increase access to the traction surface 30 when the knife 2 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the cutout 86 can be positioned on the forward end 62 of the handle 50 and the upper surface 68 of the handle. The cutout 86 can have a curved shape (e.g., see FIG. 1) or and angled shape (e.g., see FIG. 2). If the knife 2 has two cutouts 86 (i.e., one on each side of the handle 50), then the cutouts 86 may be the same shape or different shapes. In some embodiments, the cutouts 86 form an angle greater than about 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the cutouts 86 may form an angle less than about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the cutout 86 can extend from the upper surface 68 of the handle 50 to about halfway down the height H1 of the handle 50 (i.e., the height H2 of the cutout 86). In some embodiments, the cutout 86 can extend from the upper surface 68 of the handle 50 down about of the height H1 of the handle 50 (i.e., the height H2 of the cutout 86). In some embodiments, the cutout 86 can extend from the forward end 62 of the handle 50 rearward between about 5% and 20% of the length L1 of the handle 50 (i.e., the length L2 of the cutout 86). In some embodiments, the cutout 86 can extend from the forward end 62 of the handle 50 rearward between about 10% and 15% of the length L1 of the handle 50 (i.e., the length L2 of the cutout 86).

(22) In the embodiment shown, the knife 2 has a liner lock 78. The liner lock 78 is built into one of the liners 58 in the handle 50. However, the folding knife 2 can have any type of locking mechanism in other embodiments, for example, a frame lock, an axis lock, a ball lock, etc., and combinations thereof. Additionally, and depending on the type of locking mechanism, the handle 50 may have a cutout 82 to permit access to the locking mechanism. For example, a folding knife with a liner lock typically has a cutout 82 in the handle to allow the user to have access to the liner lock 78.

(23) FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the folding knife 2, shown in an open position. The channel 74 in the handle 50 and the liner lock 78 are visible in this view. The cutouts 86 in the scales 54 and liners 58 are proximate the front 62 of the handle 50. Additionally, the functionality of the liner lock 78 is also shown. When the knife 2 is in the open position, the bottom surface of the liner lock 78 is positioned on and touches the flat surface 32 of the tang. A portion of the top surface of the liner lock 78 is positioned below and may touch the bottom of the spacer 60 proximate the front 62 of the handle 50. The combination of these pieces can prevent the blade 6 from inadvertently rotating to the closed position and/or over rotating beyond the open position.

(24) FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the folding knife 2, shown in an open position. Here, the tang 26 of the blade 6 with the traction surface 30 is visible. The traction surface 30 is positioned on an outer surface of the tang 26. The outer surface is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the blade 6 and substantially perpendicular to the two side surfaces of the blade 6 (i.e., the first side 8 and the second side 12 of the blade 6). The outer surface of the tang 26 is in line with the spine 14 of the blade 6 and extends from the spine 14 to the cutting edge 10. The bottom surfaces of the liners 58 also have traction portions 98 (which may be called serrated portions herein) to add traction and assist with gripping when the blade 6 is in the open and extended position. The traction portions 98 can include raised ridges 98A alternating with recessed portions 98B. The raised ridges 98A may have smooth outer surfaces that are flat or rounded. The raised ridges 98A may have texture, for example, a knurled pattern. The recessed portions 98B may be curved and smooth in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the traction surface 30 of the tang 26 is in line with the bottom surface 66 of the handle 50 and the raised ridges 98A of the traction portions 98 such that when the knife 2 is in the open position, the user's finger (e.g., index finger or other finger) can be positioned on the traction surface 30 of the tang 26 and the raised ridges 98A of the traction portions 98. This provides the user with a better grip on the knife 2 and more control over the knife 2. In some embodiments, the traction surface 30 is recessed within the channel 74 when the blade 6 is in the first extended position.

(25) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the folding knife 2, shown in a partially open position. Here, the tang 26 of the blade 6 and the traction surface 30 are visible. The tang 26 has a flat surface 32 for engaging the liner lock 78. Additionally, the flat surface 32 can be used by the user to rotate the blade 6 from the closed position to the open and extended position. In the embodiment shown, the traction surface 30 includes a plurality of alternating raised ridges and grooves. The ridges are parallel to one another and extend from one side 8 of the blade 6 to the other side 12 of the blade 6. The grooves are parallel to one another and extend from one side 8 of the blade 6 to the other side 12 of the blade 6. The ridges and grooves are positioned along the outer surface of a portion of the tang 26. This pattern can be created using a knurling process or any other known method. In other embodiments, the traction surface 30 may be a crisscross pattern similar to a traditional knurled pattern or any other pattern to create a surface with increased friction.

(26) FIGS. 6 and 7 show the folding knife 2 in the closed position. FIG. 6 is a front elevation view and shows the concealed portion of the blade 6 in phantom lines. FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the folding knife 2. When the knife 2 is in the closed position, a portion of the tang 26 is visible and accessible proximate the forward end 62 and upper surface 68 of the handle 50. The handle 50 may even have a cutout 86 proximate the forward end 62 and upper surface 68 such that more of the tang 26 of the blade 6 is visible and accessible when the knife 2 is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the flat surface 32 of the tang 26 is concealed by the handle 50 when the knife 2 is in the closed position. When the knife 2 is in the closed position, the traction surface 30 on the tang 26 is visible and accessible because the traction surface 30 is located on an outer surface of the tang 26 of the blade 6 and extends outwardly from the handle 50 when the blade 6 is in the closed position. Thus, the user can apply a force on the traction surface 30 to rotate the blade 6 from the closed position to the open position. The handle 50 may also have a second cutout 82 to permit easy access to the liner lock 78 (shown in FIG. 7). The traction surface 30 makes it easier for the user to rotate the tang 26 and, thus, rotate the blade 6 from the closed position to the open position, preferably with a thumb or an index finger. In FIG. 6, the user rotates the tang 26 of the blade 6 in the clockwise direction to open the knife 2; whereas in FIG. 7 the user rotates the tang 26 of the blade 6 in the counter-clockwise direction to open the knife 2.

(27) FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the folding knife 2, shown in a closed position. Here, the channel 74 and liners 58 are visible. Further, the tang 26 with the traction surface 30 is clearly shown. To open the blade 6, the user pushes on the traction surface 30 of the tang 26 and rotates the tang 26 in the counter-clockwise direction.

(28) FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the folding knife 2, shown in a closed position. Here, the spine 14 of the blade 6 is visible, along with the scales 54 and the liners 58. Only a small portion of the tang 26 is visible in this view. The bottom surfaces of the liners have traction portions 98 to add traction and assist with gripping when the knife 2 is in the open position and the blade 6 is extended. The traction portions 98 can include alternating raised ridges 98A and recessed portions 98B. When the knife 2 is in the closed position, the spine 14 of the blade 6 may interfere with the functionality and use of the traction portions 98.

(29) FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the folding knife 2, shown in a closed position. In this view, the cutting edge 10 of the blade 6 is visible, along with the tang 26 and the traction surface 30. The blade 6 is positioned in the channel 74 of the handle 50. The spacers 60 may also prevent over-rotation of the blade 6 through the channel 74.

(30) FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a folding knife, shown in a closed position. The difference between this embodiment and the embodiment(s) shown in the other figures is that the forward end 62 of the handle 50 has a slightly different shape. Specifically, the forward end 62 is more vertical below the cutout 86. Other embodiments (for example, as shown in FIG. 7) have an angled forward end 62 of the handle 50 below the cutout 86. Thus, when the knife 2 is in the closed position, a portion of the tang 26 is visible and accessible proximate the forward end 62 and upper surface 68 of the handle 50. The handle 50 may even have a cutout 86 proximate the forward end 62 and upper surface 68 such that more of the tang 26 of the blade 6 is visible and accessible when the knife 2 is in the closed position. Moreover, a portion of the tang with the traction surface 30 and flat surface 32 extends beyond the handle (i.e., beyond the scale and/or liner) such that the user can grip a portion of the flat surface 32 to assist in opening the knife 2. As shown in FIG. 11, where the traction surface 30 transitions to the flat surface 32 of the tang 26 creates a corner that the user can use to assist with opening the knife 2. When the knife 2 is in the closed position, the traction surface 30 on the tang 26 is visible and accessible because the traction surface 30 is located on an outer surface of the tang 26 of the blade 6 and extends outwardly from the handle 50 when the blade 6 is in the closed position. Thus, the user can apply a force on the traction surface 30 and/or flat surface 32 to rotate the blade 6 from the closed position to the open position. The handle 50 may also have a second cutout 82 to permit easy access to the liner lock 78. The traction surface 30 and/or flat surface 32 makes it easier for the user to rotate the tang 26 and, thus, rotate the blade 6 from the closed position to the open position, preferably with a thumb or index finger. In FIG. 11, the user rotates the tang 26 of the blade 6 in the counterclockwise direction to open the knife 2.

(31) The blade 6 is typically metal, but can be any known material such as ceramic, fiberglass, plastic, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the stop mechanism can be a stop pin in the handle and the stop pin extends across the cavity in the handle. In various embodiments, the stop mechanism can be the liner lock positioned between the tang of the blade and the pivot pin when the knife is in the open and extended position. The stop mechanism is typically the same material as the blade and, thus, is also metal. However, the stop mechanism can be any other material known and used in the art. Additionally, the stop mechanism can be a material that is different from the blade. For example, the blade may be one type of metal and the stop mechanism may be a different type of metal or a hard plastic, etc.

(32) The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for illustration and description purposes. However, the description is not intended to limit the invention to only the forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

(33) Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings and skill and knowledge of the relevant art are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described herein above are further intended to explain best modes of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such a manner, or include other embodiments with various modifications as required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.