JP3639990B2

JP3639990B2 - Folding tool

Info

Publication number: JP3639990B2
Application number: JP2000543284A
Authority: JP
Inventors: ウィリアムジェイマクヘンリー、; ジェイソンエルウィリアムズ、; スティーヴンジェイイングラム、
Original assignee: メンターグループリミテッドライアビリティーカンパニー
Priority date: 1998-04-14
Filing date: 1998-04-14
Publication date: 2005-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2018-04-14
Also published as: CN1106247C; CN1328021C; CN1600506A; JP2002511325A; DE69821034T2; AU7117198A; DE69821034D1; CN1292744A; HK1037344A1

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、一般に折り畳み工具に関し、特に、開き位置でロックをすることができるブレード又は工具を含む折り畳み工具に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
多くの目的に適する折り畳みナイフ及び工具は、この技術分野においてよく知られている。例えば、ドールズの米国特許第１，０３０，０５８号、シーリーの第１，１８９，００５号、シュレードの第２，１８８，７６２号、ミオーリの第３，８６８，７７４号、ピールマンの第４，２３３，７３７号、ソービー他の第４，２４０，２０１号、コーダーの第４，２７４，２００号、コリンズの第４，４５１，９８２号、ピットマンの第４，５０２，２２１号、リッカードの第４，６７０，９８４号、エルスナーの第４，８３７，９３２号、ウォーカーの第４，８９６，４２４号、ニーリーの第５，０６０，３７９号、ロジャーズの第５，４２５，１７５号、ミラーの第５，４６１，７８６号は、利用できる先行技術の代表的なものである。
【０００３】
前記特許のいくつかに開示されているように、開き位置で工具のブレードをロックする機構には様々なものがある。例えば、ソービー他、ミラー及びシーリーの特許はそれぞれ、「ロック・バック」機構の変形を開示している。この構造は、ブレードを開き位置でロックするために、ナイフの脊柱部に位置する突起に係合されたブレードのタングに切欠きを形成することを必要とする。この種の機構の欠点は、過度な摩耗がロック機構の故障の原因となり、そのためにナイフの使用が安全でなくなることである。
【０００４】
ニーリー及びコリンズの特許はそれぞれ、別種のロック機構を開示している。これらの特許に開示されるように、ブレードは、その開き位置から回転するのを阻止するようにある部材によって係合されるタングを有する。例えば、コリンズの特許では、ブレードをその開き位置でロックするように、滑動可能なボルトがタングの方へ偏倚されている。コリンズのナイフ構造の欠陥は、ボルトがブレードと概して平行であり、機構が強度を柄の脊柱部に依存していることである。ニーリーのナイフは、コリンズのものと同様な欠点を持ち、ナイフの正常な切断動作中にブレードを軸線方向に柄から放れるように引くことにより、ブレードのロックがうっかり外れるかも知れないという可能性がある。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
そこで、必要とされるのは、折り畳み工具のブレードを開き又は延長された位置に保持し、しかも手頃な価格で製造できる、これまで入手可能であったものより強いロック機構である。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、細長い溝を形成する細長い柄と、１端で前記柄に枢動可能に取り付けられた少なくとも１個のナイフ又は他の工具のブレード又は他の工具構成要素とを含む折り畳み工具を提供することにより、先行技術の上記欠陥を克服する。各工具ブレード又は構成要素は、それが柄の溝内に受け入れられる閉じ位置と、前記ブレード又は要素が柄から隔たるように伸びて露出される開き位置との間で移動可能である。各工具ブレードは、その開き位置にあるとき柄から隔たるように伸びる作動部と、前記ブレードがその開き位置にあるとき柄の溝内に位置するロック面を含むタング部とを有する。ブレード止めピンは、概して柄とブレードの長さ方向を横断する方向に伸び、その両端部を、柄の両側に形成され相互に対向して整列した細長い開口の中に配置している。前記ブレード止めピンは、その止めピンがブレードをその開き位置にロックすべくブレードのタング部のロック面及び細長い開口の内面とに係合する第１位置と、ブレードがその開き位置から移動するのを許すべく、ピンがタングのロック面部から離れる第２位置との間で、細長い開口に沿って柄に関して可動である。ブレード止めピンは、その第１位置の方へ偏倚しているが、第１位置から第２位置へ手動で移動できる。
【０００７】
本発明の一実施例においては、ロック組立体は、止めピンをその第１位置から第２位置へ手動で移動させるように備えられている。
【０００８】
本発明の一実施例においては、ブレード止めピンは、柄の一方の側壁内に形成された空洞に収容されたスプリングによって、第１位置の方へ偏倚されている。
【０００９】
本発明の一実施例においては、柄の脊柱部は、ブレード止めピンの両端部が位置する細長い開口に隣接して位置し、ブレード止めピンの外面のそれぞれの部分は、工具ブレードのタングのロック面と脊柱部の表面に静止している。
【００１０】
本発明の一実施例においては、柄の一端に担持された複数のブレード又は構成要素のうちの選択された１つをそのようにロックすることを提案する。
【００１１】
本発明の上記及び他の目的、特徴、利点は、添付の図面を参照して、下記の発明の詳細な説明を考慮することにより、さらに容易に理解されるであろう。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
図面、特に図１及び２を参照するに、折り畳みナイフ１０は、本発明を実施するブレード・ロック機構を含む。折り畳みナイフ１０は、細長い柄１２と、両端部の一方を柄に枢動可能に取り付けたブレード１４とを含む。図１は、ブレード１４が柄１２内に受け入れられる閉じ位置にある状態の折り畳みナイフ１０を示す。図２は、ブレード１４が開き位置又は使用位置にある状態の折り畳みナイフ１０を示す。本発明の折り畳みナイフ１０のブレード１４は、開き位置でしっかりとロックされ閉じ位置への不用意なブレードの移動を防止することができ、この機能のためナイフをより安全に使用することができる。
【００１３】
図１−３を参照するに、折り畳みナイフ１０の柄１２は、全体として１６、１８として表示される一対の平行な対向する側壁と、前記側壁部の間でそれらの上部の長い縁部に沿って位置する脊柱部２０とを含む数個の構成要素を含む。図３に示すように、側壁部１６は、外板２２と、その外板２２と並んで内方に配置された内部の裏板２４とを有する。同様に、他方の側壁部１８は、外板２６と、その外板２６と並んで内方に配置された内部の裏板２８とを有する。
【００１４】
柄１２を組み立てると、脊柱部２０は、各側壁部１６、１８の裏板２４、２８の間に配置され、側壁部の上縁マージンに沿って伸びる。脊柱部に設けられた外方に突出する戻り止め３０が、裏板に形成された対応する穴３２に受け入れられ、両側壁部相互と脊柱部とを整列させる。ねじ３４、３５等の好適なファスナーが、側壁１６、１８と脊柱部２０とを一緒に保持するために使用される。金属、その他プラスチック類、木材等の好適な材料も使用できるが、側壁部１６、１８の外板２２、２６が、それぞれ（ウェスチングハウス・エレクトリック・アンド・マニュファクチャリング・カンパニー製）Ｍｉｃａｒｔａ（商標）等の強化硬質合成プラスチック材で製造されるのが好ましい。柄の構成材は、ブレードをその開き位置でロックするときに作用する力に耐える充分な強度が必要であるから、側壁部１６、１８の裏板２４、２８及び脊柱部２０は、スチール又はチタンで製造されるのが好ましい。
【００１５】
側壁部１６、１８及び脊柱部２０は、ブレードがその閉じ位置に移動したときブレード１４を受け入れるための受け入れ溝３６（図４を参照）を規定する。なおも図１−３を参照するに、ブレード１４は、上部の切れない縁部又は脊部４０と、下部の鋭利な縁部４２と、ブレードを柄１２に枢動可能に取り付けるタング部４４とを有する細長い作動部３８を含む。ブレードの作動部３８は、ブレード１４がその開き位置にあるとき柄１２から離れるように伸び、ブレードが開き位置又は閉じ位置のいずれかにあるとき、タング部４４が溝３６内に位置するように配置される。すなわち、タング部４４は、常に柄１２の裏板２４と２８との間に位置する。
【００１６】
さらに具体的には、作動部３８は、周知の方法で構成され、下部の鋭利な縁部４２が柄１２内に受け入れられるように、タング部４４により柄に枢動可能に取り付けられている。タング部４４は、ブレード部３８と一体に形成され、半円形の周縁部４６を有し、ブレード１４を柄１２に取り付けるため、円形の開口４８がタングに形成されている。タング部４４の周縁部４６の一端は、外方に伸びる第１肩部５０と合体している。周縁部４６の他端は、内方に伸びる第２肩部５２と合体している。第１及び第２の肩部５０、５２は、それぞれの接合箇所でその周縁部４６にほぼ垂直であるが、図４のように、第２肩部５２は、第１肩部５０よりも大きい曲率半径で周縁部４６と合体していることが注目される。
【００１７】
図３に示すように、硬質スチール製の環状シャフト５４が、裏板２２と２８との間に、各側部に一個ずつの環状のシム５６でブレード１４を柄１２に取り付けている。シャフト５４は、ブレード１４のタング部４４に形成された開口４８に圧入され、シャフトが側壁１６、１８を横断する方向に伸びるブレードの枢軸を形成するように、裏板２２、２８に形成された円形の開口５７に回転可能に、かつぴったりと嵌合されている。環状のシム５６は、図３に示すように、シャフト５４の両端部の上に受け入れられている。シャフト５４は、外板２２、２６を保持し折り畳みナイフ１０を組み立てたまま維持するねじファスナー３４を噛み合うように受け入れるべく加工されたねじ山付きの軸方向の貫通穴５８を有する。
【００１８】
図３〜５を参照するに、ブレード１４をその開き位置でロックするための、一般に６０で示される滑動式ロック組立体がある。滑動式ロック組立体６０は、柄１２の側壁部１６、１８の面と全体的に平行な面に沿って伸びる平面状の滑動式胴本体部材６２を含む。胴本体部材６２には、図３に矢印６５で示すように、柄１２の長さ方向と概して平行な軸線に沿って滑動可能に胴本体部材６２を移動させる柄として有用な、外方に突出するラッチ作動アーム部材又はノブ６４が取り付けられている。胴本体部材６２は、側壁部１６の外板２２と裏板２４との間で、外板２２の内方に面する側に形成された空洞（図示せず）に配置されている。胴本体部６２は、滑動式胴本体部材６２の移動を案内するため、裏板２４に適するように取り付けられたガイド部材６８（例えば、小ねじ）を受け入れるように形成されたフォ−ク又はスロット６６を有する。ノブ６４は、折り畳みナイフ１０の使用者にとって利用しやすいように、側壁１６の外板２２を貫通して形成された細長い開口７０を経て外方に伸びる。
【００１９】
滑動式ロック組立体６０は、さらに、胴本体部材６２に一端が（例えば、溶接されて）取り付けられた円筒形のブレード止めピン７２を含む。ピン７２は、円筒形の外面７３と、胴本体部材及び柄１２を概して横断する方向に伸びる中心軸線とを有する。折り畳みナイフ１０を組み立てると、ピン７２は、側壁部１６、１８のそれぞれの裏板２４、２８に形成された、整列した細長い開口７４を経て伸び、ピン７２の自由端は、側壁部材１８の板２６の内側の面に形成された大きい空洞７６の中へ伸びる。脊柱部２０の内側に面する表面７７は、図７ａに見られるように、細長い開口７４と整列もしくはほぼ整列することが好ましい。図４に示すように、滑動式ロック組立体６０のピン７２は、ブレード１４のタング部４４に隣接している。
【００２０】
図６、７に注目すると、滑動式ロック組立体６０は、矢印６５で示すように、円筒形の外面７３が、ブレードをその開き位置でロックすべく、ブレード１４のタング部４４と係合する図６の第１位置と、ブレードがその開き位置から閉じ位置の方へ移動するのを許すべく、ピン７２がタング部４４から離れる図７に示す第２位置との間で、柄１２の長さ方向に平行なに移動可能である。さらに具体的には、滑動式ロック組立体６０が、ブレード１４を開き位置でロックする第１位置にあるとき、ピン７２は、タング部４４と、第１肩部５０と、脊柱部２０とで規定された凹所に配置される。図７ａで最もよくわかるように、全体的に平坦なロック面８９は、タング４４の周縁４６の一部をなし、遷移部８８と交わって、好ましくは半円形を呈する。ロック面８９は、周縁部４６の半円形の部分で形成された弦に沿って内方に伸びる。図６ａに示す角度７５は、タング４４のロック面８９と細長い穴７４を形成する上部の内面との間で規定される。角度７５は、７度から１４度の間で、好ましくは１０度であり、したがって、充分に小さいので、ピン７２がスプリング７８の力に勝る充分な力で、タング４４のロック面部８９のカム動作によって、その第１位置から長手方向に離れるように駆り立てられない。ブレード１４をその開き位置から移動させようとすると、ピン７２がブレードのタング部４４の周縁部４６のロック面部８９と係合し、タング部の枢動を妨害するため、シャフト５４によって規定される枢軸の周りのブレード１４の枢動を防止する。
【００２１】
さらに、滑動式ロック組立体６０のピン７２は、ブレード１４がその開き位置へ移動されピンによってそこでロックされる回数が多ければ多い程、ピンはタング部４４の周縁部４６と、（整列に応じて）脊柱部２０の、裏板２２、２８に細長い開口７４を形成する、内面７７との間にますます押し込まれることが観察される。
【００２２】
滑動式ロック組立体６０のピン７２をその第１位置に偏倚させるように、スプリング７８が備えられている。図５に示すように、スプリング７８の一端部８０は、側壁部１８の裏板２８に備えられた戻り止め８２（例えば、小ねじ）と係合する。スプリング７８の他端部８４は、ピン７２の自由端と係合する。さらに具体的には、スプリング７８の端部８４を受け入れスプリングがピン７２との係合を維持するように、外周溝８６が、ピン７２の自由端部に形成されている。スプリング７８は、滑動式ロック組立体６０をその第１位置に偏倚させる充分な強さを持つとともに、延長されたブレード１４から離れる方向にノブ６４に力を与えると、ロック組立体６０がその第２位置へ容易に移動するに充分弾力的な弾性材料で製造されることが好ましい。
【００２３】
タング４４の周縁部４６は、ブレード１４がその開き位置と閉じ位置との間で移動する際に、ピン７２が支えられて動くことができるカムを形成することが観察されるべきである。さらに、図４を参照するに、ブレード１４が閉じ位置にあるとき、ピン７２はタング部４４の周縁部４６と第２肩部５２との間に配置され、ブレード１４がその閉じ位置から離れるように動くとともに、第２肩部は滑動式ロック組立体６０を、ピン７２も含めて、その第２位置へ移動させ、ブレード１４が開くのを可能にする。また、ブレード１４のタング部４４は、ブレードがその閉じ位置でロックされ、手動で滑動式ロック組立体６０をその第２位置まで移動させるときだけ、移動が可能であるような形状にされることができる。
【００２４】
ブレード１４のタング部の別の重要な特徴は、ピン７２が支えられて動くカムを形成する周縁部４６の形状が、ナイフ１０のブレード１４を開閉するときに「補助」することである。さらに具体的には、図４及び５に示すように、ナイフ１０のブレード１４が閉じている間、ピン７２は、周縁部と第２肩部５２との接合点の角を回るまで、周縁部４６に沿って動くような配置がされている。第２肩部との接合点で回った後、スプリング７８がピン７２を肩部５２の方へ偏倚させてブレード１４をその閉じ位置の方へ駆り立てるので、ピン７２はブレード１４が閉じるのを実際に補助する。図６、６ａ、７、７ａを考慮するに、ブレード１４を開くと、周縁部４６の曲率における８８の遷移部は、タング４４の周縁部４６のブレード・ロック面部８９が周縁部の円弧状部から内方へある角度で伸びるため、ブレードを開く際に補助するように、タング部４４に作用する、スプリングで偏倚されたピン７２の利用をも可能にする。
【００２５】
図８は、本発明の別の実施例のブレード９０を示す。ブレード９０は、上部の縁部９４を有するブレード部９２を含む点で、ブレード１４に似ている。しかし、タング９８もまた傾斜１００を含む。傾斜１００の目的は、ロック組立体６０がブレード９０を閉じ位置から開くのを補助するのを許すことである。図４を参照するに、ノブ６４がロック組立体６０の第２位置の方（矢印３５の方向）へ移動するとき、ピン７２が傾斜１００に対して突出し、カム動作によってナイフが一部開く。これは、ナイフを一方の手で開くことができるようにするために望ましい。
【００２６】
図９〜１３を参照するに、本発明の全体的にＵ字形のチャンネル型の柄１１２を含む選択的な実施例である複数ブレード付き工具１１０は、柄１１２の一端１２４でブレードの枢軸１２２に並べて取り付けられた複数の工具ブレード１１４、１１６、１１８を備えた、曲げた板状の鋼鉄製であることが望ましい。ブレード１１４、１１６、１１８の各々は、図９、１０、１１に示す小ねじブレード１１４のそれのような延長された開き位置と、図１２に示す小ねじブレード１１４のそれのような閉じ位置との間で個々に移動するように選択可能である。
【００２７】
柄１１２は、外部のマージン１４４を有する、横断方向に伸びる脊部１２６と、互いに平行に伸び脊部１２６に対して垂直である１対の平行な側壁部１２８、１３０とを含み、広い溝１３２を形成する。ブレードの枢軸１２２は、両端１３４の各々をリベットで止めるか溶着することによって、側壁のそれぞれに形成された穴１３６にしっかりと、動かないように取り付けられている。ブレード１１４、１１６、１１８の各々は、図９に示す、柄１１２を超えて外方にのびる小ねじブレード１１４の部分のような作動部１３８と、タング部１４０とを含む。各工具ブレード１１４、１１６、１１８は、ブレード枢軸１３２の周りにぴったりと嵌るが回転可能なタング１４０を含む。各タング１４０は、使用に適したブレードの位置を確定するため、各工具ブレードが開き位置にあるとき、柄１１２の端部１２４の脊部の外部マージン１４４に静止して支持される接合肩４２をも含む。
【００２８】
前述のナイフ１０の場合のように、１対の同様な細長い開口１５０が相互に整列し、柄の側壁１２８、１３０を経て伸びている。この細長い開口１５０は、柄１１２の脊部１２６付近に位置する平坦な表面１５１により、部分的に形成されている。長手方向軸線１５３を有するブレード止めピン１５２は、その対向する両端を２つの側壁１２８、１３０の外側に隣接して配置され、細長い両開口１５０を経て柄１１２の横方向に伸びる。リベットの頭部、又はねじでピン１５２と係合する小さい円盤状のキャップのようなそれぞれのリテーナー１５４、１５６が、ブレード止めピン１５２のそれぞれの端部に配置され、両リテーナーは、工具１１０を使用する人により、解放ボタンとして都合よく握られブレード止めピン１５２を、矢印１５８で示すように側壁１２８、１３０を経て柄１１２及び細長い開口１５０に対して長手方向に移動させる。ブレード止めピン１５２は、その軸線１５３に平行な外面１６０を含む。単純化のため、外面１６０を含むブレード止めピン１５２の中心部又は胴本体部は円筒形であるが、ブレード止めピン１５２が細長い開口１５０にぴったりと、しかも滑動可能に嵌る限り、他の形状であってもよい。
【００２９】
各ブレード１１４、１１６、１１８のタング１４０は、各工具ブレードがその開き位置にあるとき細長い開口１５０の一部を形成する内面に対して小さい角度１６４で方向付けられたロック面１６２を含む。折り畳みナイフ１０の場合のように、角度１６４は７度から１４度の間で、好ましくは１０度である。ロック面１６２は、全体的に平坦で、ブレード止めピン１５２の外面１６０がその開き位置（図９）と閉じ位置（図１２）との間で、小ねじ１１４等のブレードの動きの間それに沿って滑動カムのように作用する凸状の円弧形周縁面１６６と合体している。ブレード止めピン１５２は、図９及び１０に第１位置で示され、その位置でその外面１６０は、タング１４０のロック面１６２と係合するか非常に近接し、タング１４０上に形成された肩部１６８に接近する。一方、ブレード止めピンは、側壁１２８、１３０を経て細長い開口１５０の内面１５１に支持されている。
【００３０】
ロック面１６２からタング１４０の対向する側面は、ブレード１１４が閉じているとき通常はブレード止めピン１５２の外面１６０に係合されている、閉じたブレードの保持面１７０がある。設計または製造の許容事項として、開いたブレード又は閉じたブレードのうちいずれかの外面１６０とロック面１６２又は保持面１７０との間には、非常に小さい隙間があり、僅かな動きを許す。各ブレード１１４、１１６、１１８は、側壁１２８と１３０との間に形成された溝１３２内でブレードの適切な閉じ位置を確定するため、柄の脊部１２６の内面に静止するように、ストップ１４２に対向してタング１４０に配置された肩部１７１をも含む。
【００３１】
２つのスプリング１７２が、柄１１２の各側面に１個ずつ取り付けられ、ブレード止めピン１５２をその第１位置に駆動し、しかも開き位置と閉じ位置との間で工具ブレード１１４、１１６、１１８のうち選択された１つを動かしたいとき、工具の使用者がブレード止めピンを引っ込めることを許す。各スプリング１７２は、その両端のそれぞれにループ１７４を有し、全体的に牛尾形である。各スプリング１７２は、それぞれのループ１７４を経て側壁内に伸びるねじ又はリベット等のファスナー１７６で、柄の各側壁１２８又は１３０に取り付けられ、また各スプリング１７２の両端部のループ１７４は、リテーナー１５４又は１５６と柄１１２の各側壁との間のそれぞれの端部付近でブレード止めピン１５２の周りに伸びている。
【００３２】
柄１１２の対向する端部１７８で、ペンチ１丁のタング又は柄のスタッブ１８０が、ブレード１１４、１１６、１１８の場合のように、柄１１２に取り付けられている。柄のスタッブ１８０は、タング１４０と同じ輪郭を有するため、図９に示すように、ペンチの使用には、柄１１２に対して伸ばされた又は開いた位置で同様にロックすることができる。ペンチの顎を取り囲むように互いの方へ柄を折り畳むことができるように、又は、ペンチ使用のため柄がロック機構によって各ペンチの顎の開き位置に伸ばされ保持されるように、第２の柄（図示せず）を他のペンチの顎のタングに同様に取り付けてもよい。
【００３３】
図１４〜１７に示す折り畳みナイフ１８２は、本発明のさらなる実施例で、細長い柄１８４を含む。柄１８４は、好ましくは鋼鉄又はチタン製の、互いに似た１対の裏板１８６を含み、それぞれの裏板は外側１８８を有する。金属又は適したプラスチック製の脊柱部１９０は、裏板１８６の間に、ブレード１９４を受け入れる溝１９２を形成する空間をおいて配置される。ブレード１９４は、好ましくは各裏板１８６に形成された穴１９７に嵌合しブレード１９４の中心穴１９９を経て回転可能に伸びる平坦な側面を有する管状のボルト型の枢軸１９６により、柄１８４の一端１９５に枢動可能に連結される。ブレード１９４は、切れない脊部２００と鋭い縁部２０２とを有する作動部１９８を含む。ブレード１９４はまた、タング２０４と、脊部２００がタング２０４と相互連結する接合肩部２０６とを有する。
【００３４】
ストップ・ピン２０８が、裏板１８６の間を横方向に伸びて、柄の同じ端部１９５で裏板１８６に形成された穴にきつく嵌るように裏板としっかり連結され、接合肩部２０６は、ブレード１９４が使用のためその開いて伸びる位置にあるとき、ストップ・ピン２０８に快適に静止している。
【００３５】
タング２０４は、上記のナイフ１０のタング部４４のロック面８９と概して同じ位置にある全体的に平坦な横方向のロック面２１０を含む。タング２０４はまた、タング４４に関して上に記載されたようにカム面として作動することができる円弧状の周縁部２１２を含む。また、鋭い縁部２０２により近い作動部１９８の側に、弧状の周縁部２１２に連結してそこから内方に向かう肩部２１４がある。
【００３６】
ナイフ１０の細長い開口７４に対応する１対の細長い開口２１６が、裏板１８６に形成され、互いに対向して位置している。止めピン２１８が、細長い穴２１６の両方を経て伸び、細長い柄１８４に対して横方向に伸びている。止めピン２１８は、外面２２１を有する止めピン２１８の全体的に円筒形の胴本体部と一体に形成されることによって、又は適したねじ等により止めピン２１８の本体部と係合されることによって、リテーナー２２０の両端をしっかりと適所に固定する。
【００３７】
各リテーナー２２０は、基部表面２２２が好ましくは外側面１８８から０．００３乃至０．００８インチの距離で隔てられた状態で、それぞれの基部表面が裏板１８６の各一方の外側面１８８に向かって内方に面している。リテーナー２２０は、例えば、止めピン２１８を裏板１８６の外側面１８８にほぼ垂直に向けておくために、約０．０６インチの距離２２３だけ本体を中心に半径方向外方に伸びている。リテーナー２２０は、ナイフ使用者の親指と人差し指がしっかりと容易に当てられる把持面２２４を含むような形状にされることが好ましい。
【００３８】
リテーナー２２０の各々は、環状の溝２２６を含む。１対のスプリング２２８、２２９が、相互に鏡像のように対向し、全体的に馬蹄形で、それぞれが横方向内方に向く端部２３０又は２３１と、小さい端ループ部２３２とを有する。それぞれの横方向端部２３０、２３１は、裏板１８６のそれぞれのスプリング受け入れ穴２３４にに嵌合され、また端ループ２３２はリテーナー２２０の周りに嵌合して溝２２６に受け入れられる。適所にあるときは、スプリング２２８は止めピン２１８を柄１８４の端部の方へ駆動するように、したがって、タング２０４のロック面２１０に対して止めピン２１８の第１又はロックする位置の方へ、スプリング１７２が上記のタング１４０のロック面１６６に関してブレード止めピン１５２をその第１位置、又はロック位置の方へ駆動するのと同じ方法で内方に曲げられる。
【００３９】
金属または木材、プラスチック等のデコラ材製の１対の外板２３６、２３８が、ねじ２４０、２４２等のファスナーで柄１８４の後端部によって、裏板１８６の外側１８８に沿って適所に保持されている。外板２３６、２３８は、柄の第１端部１９５で裏板１８６に対して密接に外板２３６、２３８を保持する枢軸１９６の頭部２４３によっても係合され、かつ、ブレード１９４が裏板１８６の間の溝１９２でゆるむのを防ぐためタング２０４の側面に裏板１８６を押しつけるに充分な張力を備えるように調整される。裏板１８６をるさら穴の肩部２３９を含む。
【００４０】
外板２３６、２３は、鏡像のように相対し、両外板は、これもまた鏡像のように相対するそれぞれのスプリングの空洞２４４を形成する。スプリングの空洞２４４は、止めピン２１８が動くときに、スプリングが裏板１８６に対して曲がって動くための空隙を備える。
【００４１】
アクセス用開口２４６が、リテーナー２２０を取り巻くように外板２３６、２３８のそれぞれを経て形成され、リテーナー２２０はしたがってこの開口２４６内に円錐形に形成される。アクセス用開口２４６は、細長い開口２１６において止めピン２１８に利用できる動作の範囲を提供するに充分大きいため、止めピン２１８は親指と人差し指で把持面２２４を把持することにより、スプリング２２８の力に抗して動く事ができ、止めピン２１８をその第１位置から離れるように移動させ、ブレード１９４のその開き位置から閉じ位置までの移動を許す。
【００４２】
ブレード１９４が、接合肩部を図１５に示すストップ・ピン２０８に静止させた状態でその開き位置にあるとき、ロック面２１０と、止めピン２１８の外面２２１がロック面２１０の上に静止する際に止めピン２１８が静止する細長い穴２１６の内面の内面２４９との間に好ましくは約１０度の角度２４８がある。このようにして、止めピン２１８は狭いＶ字形の空間内にスプリング２２８によって駆動され、接合肩部２０６をストップ・ピン２０８に対して快適に駆動すべく、枢軸１９６の周りにブレード１９４を回転するように駆動する。角度２４８は、開き位置にあるブレードの脊部２００に対する圧力が、カムの動作でロック面２１０と内面２４９との間の係合から止めピン２１８を移動させることができない程度に充分小さいので、止めピン２１８はブレード１９４をその開き位置にしっかりと保持する。
【００４３】
図でわかるように、ブレード１９４が閉じ位置にあるとき、スプリング２２８は止めピン２１８を肩部２１４に対して駆動する。ブレード１９４がその完全に閉じた位置からわずかに動かされると、ブレード１９４の肩２１４は止めピン２１８の外面２２１に押しつけられ、ピンをその第１位置から離れるように移動させる。ブレード１９４が矢印２５０で示す同じ方向にさらに移動すると、止めピン２１８は円弧状の周縁部２１２又はタング２０４のカム面に接触し、それはブレード１９４がその完全に開いた位置に接近するまで続き、完全に開いたとき、ブレード１９４をその開き位置にロックするように、スプリング２２８は止めピン２１８をロック面２１０の上に駆動する。
【００４４】
明細書の前項に使用された用語及び表現は、説明のためであって、制限のためではなく、そのような用語及び表現の使用には、示された特徴またはその部分の等価物を排除する意図はなく、本発明の範囲は請求項によってのみ規定され、限定される。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】ナイフのブレードがナイフの柄の内部に受け入れられる閉じ位置にある状態を示す、本発明を実施した折り畳みナイフの斜視図。
【図２】ナイフのブレードが開き操作位置にある状態を示す図１に示すナイフの斜視図。
【図３】図２に示すナイフの分解斜視図。
【図４】図１−３に示すナイフの一方の側面から見た部分切断立面図。
【図５】図１−４に示すナイフの他方の側面から見た部分切断立面図。
【図６】ブレードが開き位置にある状態を示す、図４における同じ側面からのナイフの部分切断立面図。
【図６ａ】図６に示すナイフの拡大部分切断立面図。
【図７】ナイフのブレードが閉じ位置の方へ移動した状態の、図６と同様なナイフの部分切断立面図。
【図７ａ】図７に示すナイフのロック機構の拡大詳細図。
【図８】本発明の他の実施例であるナイフに合体するブレードの側面図。
【図９】本発明の実施態様であるブレード・ロックを合体した多目的工具の柄、ペンチの顎、及びブレードの斜視図。
【図１０】図９に示すブレード枢軸及び工具のロック機構の部分拡大斜視図。
【図１１】図９及び１０に示す柄の一部と、ブレードとロック機構の部分切断立面図。
【図１２】ブレードが閉じ位置にあるときの図９、１０、１１に示す柄の一部、ブレード、及びロック機構の部分切断立面図。
【図１３】数枚の工具ブレードと、図９、１０、１１、１２に示すロック機構と共に、図９に示す工具の柄の開放、正面及び側面から見た平面図。
【図１４】本発明の他の実施例である折り畳みナイフの分解斜視図。
【図１５】ブレードが開き位置でロックされた図１４に示すナイフの部分切断側面図。
【図１６】ブレードが開き位置でロックされた図１４の折り畳みナイフの部分切断拡大側面図。
【図１７】ナイフのブレードが閉じ位置からごくわずかに外方に位置する、図１６と同様な図。
【符号の説明】
１０折り畳みナイフ
１２柄
１４ブレード
１６、１８側壁部
２０脊柱部
２２、２６外板
２４、２８裏板
３０戻り止め
３４、３５ねじ
３６溝
３８作動部
４０脊部
４２鋭い縁部
４４タング部
５０、５２肩部
５４シャフト
５６シム
５７、７４開口
６０滑動式ロック組立体
７２ピン[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a folding tool, and more particularly to a folding tool including a blade or tool that can be locked in an open position.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Folding knives and tools suitable for many purposes are well known in the art. For example, Dolls U.S. Pat. No. 1,030,058, Sealy 1,189,005, Schreed 2,188,762, Miori 3,868,774, and Peelman 4,233. , 737, Soby et al. 4,240,201, Coder 4,274,200, Collins 4,451,982, Pitman 4,502,221, Rickard 4, 670,984, Elsner 4,837,932, Walker 4,896,424, Neely 5,060,379, Rogers 5,425,175, Miller 5, No. 461,786 is representative of the available prior art.
[0003]
As disclosed in some of the patents, there are a variety of mechanisms for locking the tool blade in the open position. For example, the Sobie et al., Miller and Sealy patents each disclose variations of the “lock back” mechanism. This construction requires forming a notch in the blade tongue engaged with a protrusion located in the spine of the knife in order to lock the blade in the open position. The disadvantage of this type of mechanism is that excessive wear causes the locking mechanism to fail, which makes the use of the knife unsafe.
[0004]
The Neely and Collins patents each disclose a different type of locking mechanism. As disclosed in these patents, the blade has a tongue that is engaged by a member to prevent rotation from its open position. For example, in the Collins patent, a slidable bolt is biased toward the tongue to lock the blade in its open position. A defect in Collins' knife structure is that the bolts are generally parallel to the blades, and the mechanism relies on the spine of the handle for strength. Neely's knives have the same drawbacks as Collins's, and the blade lock may be inadvertently pulled by pulling the blade away from the handle axially during the knife's normal cutting operation There is.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
What is needed, therefore, is a stronger locking mechanism than previously available that can hold the folding tool blade in an open or extended position and can be manufactured at an affordable price.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a folding tool comprising an elongated handle forming an elongated groove and at least one knife or other tool blade or other tool component pivotally attached to the handle at one end. By overcoming the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art. Each tool blade or component is movable between a closed position where it is received in the handle groove and an open position where the blade or element extends and is exposed away from the handle. Each tool blade has an actuating portion that extends away from the handle when in the open position and a tongue that includes a locking surface located in the groove of the handle when the blade is in the open position. The blade locking pin generally extends in a direction transverse to the length of the handle and the blade, and its ends are disposed in elongated openings formed on both sides of the handle and aligned opposite each other. The blade stop pin has a first position where the stop pin engages the locking surface of the tongue of the blade and the inner surface of the elongated opening to lock the blade in its open position, and the blade moves from its open position. The pin is movable with respect to the handle along an elongated opening between a second position away from the locking surface of the tongue. The blade stop pin is biased towards its first position, but can be manually moved from the first position to the second position.
[0007]
In one embodiment of the present invention, the lock assembly is provided to manually move the stop pin from its first position to its second position.
[0008]
In one embodiment of the present invention, the blade stop pin is biased toward the first position by a spring housed in a cavity formed in one side wall of the handle.
[0009]
In one embodiment of the present invention, the handle spine is positioned adjacent to an elongated opening in which both ends of the blade stop pin are located, and each portion of the outer surface of the blade stop pin is a locking lock on the tool blade tongue. It is stationary on the surface of the face and spine.
[0010]
In one embodiment of the present invention, it is proposed to so lock a selected one of a plurality of blades or components carried on one end of the handle.
[0011]
The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood by considering the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to the figures, and in particular with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the folding knife 10 includes a blade locking mechanism embodying the present invention. The folding knife 10 includes an elongated handle 12 and a blade 14 pivotally attached to one of the ends. FIG. 1 shows the folding knife 10 in a closed position where the blade 14 is received in the handle 12. FIG. 2 shows the folding knife 10 with the blade 14 in the open or use position. The blade 14 of the folding knife 10 of the present invention is securely locked in the open position and prevents inadvertent movement of the blade to the closed position, and this function allows the knife to be used more safely.
[0013]
1-3, the handle 12 of the folding knife 10 has a pair of parallel opposing side walls, indicated generally as 16, 18 and along the long edge of their upper portion between the side wall portions. And several components including the spine portion 20 located at the same position. As shown in FIG. 3, the side wall portion 16 includes an outer plate 22 and an inner back plate 24 arranged inward along with the outer plate 22. Similarly, the other side wall 18 includes an outer plate 26 and an inner back plate 28 arranged inward along with the outer plate 26.
[0014]
When the handle 12 is assembled, the spine 20 is disposed between the back plates 24, 28 of each side wall 16, 18 and extends along the upper edge margin of the side wall. An outwardly projecting detent 30 on the spine is received in a corresponding hole 32 formed in the back plate to align the side walls with each other. Suitable fasteners, such as screws 34, 35, are used to hold the side walls 16, 18 and the spine 20 together. Although suitable materials such as metal, other plastics, and wood can be used, the outer plates 22 and 26 of the side wall portions 16 and 18 are respectively made by Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company (trademark) It is preferable to manufacture with a reinforced hard synthetic plastic material. Since the handle components need to be strong enough to withstand the forces acting when locking the blade in its open position, the back plates 24, 28 and the spine 20 of the side walls 16, 18 are made of steel or titanium. It is preferable to manufacture with.
[0015]
The side walls 16, 18 and the spine 20 define a receiving groove 36 (see FIG. 4) for receiving the blade 14 when the blade is moved to its closed position. Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, the blade 14 includes an upper unbroken edge or spine 40, a lower sharp edge 42, and a tongue 44 that pivotally attaches the blade to the handle 12. An elongated actuation portion 38 having The blade actuating portion 38 extends away from the handle 12 when the blade 14 is in its open position, so that the tongue portion 44 is located in the groove 36 when the blade is in either the open or closed position. Be placed. That is, the tongue portion 44 is always located between the back plates 24 and 28 of the handle 12.
[0016]
More specifically, the actuating portion 38 is constructed in a known manner and is pivotally attached to the handle by a tongue portion 44 so that the lower sharp edge 42 is received within the handle 12. The tongue portion 44 is formed integrally with the blade portion 38, has a semicircular peripheral edge portion 46, and a circular opening 48 is formed in the tongue to attach the blade 14 to the handle 12. One end of the peripheral edge portion 46 of the tongue portion 44 is united with the first shoulder portion 50 extending outward. The other end of the peripheral edge 46 is united with a second shoulder 52 extending inward. The first and second shoulders 50 and 52 are substantially perpendicular to the peripheral edge 46 at each joint, but the second shoulder 52 is larger than the first shoulder 50 as shown in FIG. It is noted that it is combined with the peripheral edge 46 at the radius of curvature.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 3, an annular shaft 54 made of hard steel has the blade 14 attached to the handle 12 between the back plates 22 and 28 with one annular shim 56 on each side. The shaft 54 is press-fitted into an opening 48 formed in the tongue 44 of the blade 14 and is formed in the back plates 22, 28 so that the shaft forms the pivot axis of the blade extending in a direction transverse to the side walls 16, 18. The circular opening 57 is rotatably and closely fitted. An annular shim 56 is received on both ends of the shaft 54 as shown in FIG. The shaft 54 has a threaded axial through-hole 58 that is machined to engage the screw fastener 34 that holds the skins 22, 26 and maintains the folding knife 10 assembled.
[0018]
3-5, there is a sliding lock assembly, generally indicated at 60, for locking the blade 14 in its open position. The sliding lock assembly 60 includes a planar sliding barrel body member 62 that extends along a plane generally parallel to the plane of the sidewalls 16, 18 of the handle 12. As shown by an arrow 65 in FIG. 3, the trunk body member 62 projects outwardly, which is useful as a handle for slidably moving the trunk body member 62 along an axis generally parallel to the length direction of the handle 12. A latch actuating arm member or knob 64 is attached. The trunk body member 62 is disposed between the outer plate 22 and the back plate 24 of the side wall portion 16 in a cavity (not shown) formed on the inward side of the outer plate 22. The barrel body 62 is a fork or slot formed to receive a guide member 68 (e.g., a machine screw) that is suitably fitted to the back plate 24 to guide the movement of the slidable barrel body member 62. 66. The knob 64 extends outwardly through an elongated opening 70 formed through the outer plate 22 of the side wall 16 for ease of use by the user of the folding knife 10.
[0019]
The sliding lock assembly 60 further includes a cylindrical blade locking pin 72 attached at one end (eg, welded) to the barrel body member 62. Pin 72 has a cylindrical outer surface 73 and a central axis extending in a direction generally transverse to the barrel body member and handle 12. When the folding knife 10 is assembled, the pins 72 extend through aligned elongated openings 74 formed in the respective back plates 24, 28 of the side walls 16, 18, and the free ends of the pins 72 are the plates of the side wall members 18. 26 extends into a large cavity 76 formed in the inner surface of the. The inwardly facing surface 77 of the spine 20 is preferably aligned or substantially aligned with the elongated aperture 74 as seen in FIG. 7a. As shown in FIG. 4, the pin 72 of the sliding lock assembly 60 is adjacent to the tongue 44 of the blade 14.
[0020]
Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, the sliding lock assembly 60 has a cylindrical outer surface 73 that engages the tongue 44 of the blade 14 to lock the blade in its open position, as indicated by arrow 65. The length of the handle 12 between the first position of FIG. 6 and the second position shown in FIG. 7 where the pin 72 is away from the tongue 44 to allow the blade to move from its open position toward the closed position. It can move parallel to the vertical direction. More specifically, when the sliding lock assembly 60 is in a first position that locks the blade 14 in the open position, the pin 72 is at the tongue 44, the first shoulder 50, and the spine 20. Located in the specified recess. As best seen in FIG. 7a, the generally flat locking surface 89 forms part of the periphery 46 of the tongue 44 and intersects the transition 88, preferably in the form of a semicircle. The lock surface 89 extends inward along a chord formed by a semicircular portion of the peripheral edge 46. The angle 75 shown in FIG. 6 a is defined between the locking surface 89 of the tongue 44 and the upper inner surface forming the elongated hole 74. The angle 75 is between 7 and 14 degrees, preferably 10 degrees, and is therefore small enough that the cam motion of the locking face 89 of the tongue 44 with sufficient force that the pin 72 exceeds the force of the spring 78. Is not driven away from the first position in the longitudinal direction. When attempting to move the blade 14 from its open position, the pin 72 is defined by the shaft 54 to engage the locking surface 89 of the peripheral edge 46 of the blade tongue 44 and impede pivoting of the tongue. Prevent pivoting of the blade 14 about the pivot axis.
[0021]
Furthermore, the more the pin 72 of the sliding lock assembly 60 is moved to its open position and locked there by the pin, the more the pin is aligned with the peripheral edge 46 of the tongue 44 (depending on the alignment). It is observed that the spine 20 is increasingly pushed between the inner surface 77, which forms an elongated opening 74 in the back plates 22, 28.
[0022]
A spring 78 is provided to bias the pin 72 of the sliding lock assembly 60 to its first position. As shown in FIG. 5, one end 80 of the spring 78 engages with a detent 82 (for example, a machine screw) provided on the back plate 28 of the side wall 18. The other end 84 of the spring 78 engages with the free end of the pin 72. More specifically, an outer peripheral groove 86 is formed at the free end of the pin 72 so that the end 84 of the spring 78 is received and the spring maintains engagement with the pin 72. The spring 78 is strong enough to bias the sliding lock assembly 60 to its first position, and when the force is applied to the knob 64 away from the extended blade 14, the lock assembly 60 is in its first position. It is preferably made of an elastic material that is elastic enough to easily move to the two positions.
[0023]
It should be observed that the peripheral edge 46 of the tongue 44 forms a cam in which the pin 72 can be supported and moved as the blade 14 moves between its open and closed positions. Further, referring to FIG. 4, when the blade 14 is in the closed position, the pin 72 is disposed between the peripheral edge 46 of the tongue portion 44 and the second shoulder portion 52 so that the blade 14 moves away from the closed position. And the second shoulder moves the sliding lock assembly 60, including the pin 72, to its second position, allowing the blade 14 to open. Also, the tongue portion 44 of the blade 14 is shaped such that it can only be moved when the blade is locked in its closed position and the sliding lock assembly 60 is manually moved to its second position. Can do.
[0024]
Another important feature of the tongue portion of the blade 14 is that the shape of the peripheral edge 46, which forms the cam on which the pin 72 is supported and moved, "assists" when opening and closing the blade 14 of the knife 10. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, while the blade 14 of the knife 10 is closed, the pin 72 continues to the periphery until it turns the corner of the junction between the periphery and the second shoulder 52. It is arranged to move along 46. After rotating at the junction with the second shoulder, the spring 78 biases the pin 72 toward the shoulder 52 and drives the blade 14 toward its closed position, so that the pin 72 actually closes the blade 14. To assist. 6, 6 a, 7, 7 a, when the blade 14 is opened, a transition portion of 88 in the curvature of the peripheral portion 46 is an arc-shaped portion in which the blade lock surface portion 89 of the peripheral portion 46 of the tongue 44 is the peripheral portion. It also allows the use of a spring-biased pin 72 that acts on the tongue 44 to assist in opening the blade because it extends at an angle from the inside.
[0025]
FIG. 8 shows a blade 90 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The blade 90 is similar to the blade 14 in that it includes a blade portion 92 having an upper edge 94. However, the tongue 98 also includes a slope 100. The purpose of the ramp 100 is to allow the lock assembly 60 to assist in opening the blade 90 from the closed position. Referring to FIG. 4, when the knob 64 moves toward the second position of the lock assembly 60 (in the direction of arrow 35), the pin 72 protrudes with respect to the slope 100 and the cam action partially opens the knife. This is desirable so that the knife can be opened with one hand.
[0026]
Referring to FIGS. 9-13, a multi-bladed tool 110, which is an alternative embodiment of the present invention that includes a generally U-shaped channel-shaped handle 112, is attached to the blade pivot 122 at one end 124 of the handle 112. It is preferably made of bent plate steel with a plurality of tool blades 114, 116, 118 mounted side by side. Each of the blades 114, 116, 118 has an extended open position, such as that of the machine screw blade 114 shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and a closed position, such as that of the machine screw blade 114 shown in FIG. Can be selected to move individually between.
[0027]
The handle 112 includes a transversely extending spine 126 having an external margin 144 and a pair of parallel sidewalls 128, 130 extending parallel to each other and perpendicular to the spine 126, with a wide groove 132. Form. The blade pivot 122 is securely mounted in a hole 136 formed in each of the sidewalls by riveting or welding each end 134. Each of the blades 114, 116, 118 includes an actuating portion 138, such as a portion of a machine screw blade 114 extending outwardly beyond the handle 112, as shown in FIG. Each tool blade 114, 116, 118 includes a tongue 140 that fits snugly around the blade pivot 132 but is rotatable. Each tongue 140 establishes a blade position suitable for use, and a joint shoulder 42 that is stationaryly supported on the external margin 144 of the spine at the end 124 of the handle 112 when each tool blade is in the open position. Is also included.
[0028]
As with the knife 10 described above, a pair of similar elongated openings 150 are aligned with each other and extend through the handle sidewalls 128,130. The elongated opening 150 is partially formed by a flat surface 151 located near the spine 126 of the handle 112. A blade stop pin 152 having a longitudinal axis 153 is disposed at opposite ends adjacent to the outside of the two side walls 128, 130 and extends laterally through the handle 112 through both elongated openings 150. Retainers 154, 156, such as rivet heads or small disk-like caps that engage the pins 152 with screws, are disposed at respective ends of the blade stop pins 152, with both retainers holding the tool 110. Conveniently grasped by the user as a release button, the blade stop pin 152 is moved longitudinally relative to the handle 112 and the elongated opening 150 through the side walls 128, 130 as indicated by arrows 158. The blade stop pin 152 includes an outer surface 160 that is parallel to its axis 153. For simplicity, the center or body portion of the blade stop pin 152, including the outer surface 160, is cylindrical, but in other shapes as long as the blade stop pin 152 fits snugly and slidably into the elongated opening 150. There may be.
[0029]
The tongue 140 of each blade 114, 116, 118 includes a locking surface 162 that is oriented at a small angle 164 with respect to the inner surface that forms part of the elongated opening 150 when each tool blade is in its open position. As in the case of the folding knife 10, the angle 164 is between 7 and 14 degrees, preferably 10 degrees. The locking surface 162 is generally flat and the outer surface 160 of the blade locking pin 152 is between its open position (FIG. 9) and closed position (FIG. 12), along with it during the movement of the blade, such as the machine screw 114. And a convex arcuate peripheral surface 166 acting like a sliding cam. The blade stop pin 152 is shown in a first position in FIGS. 9 and 10, in which its outer surface 160 engages or is very close to the locking surface 162 of the tongue 140 and a shoulder formed on the tongue 140. Approach part 168. On the other hand, the blade fixing pin is supported on the inner surface 151 of the elongated opening 150 through the side walls 128 and 130.
[0030]
The opposite side of the tongue 140 from the locking surface 162 is a closed blade retention surface 170 that is normally engaged with the outer surface 160 of the blade stop pin 152 when the blade 114 is closed. As a design or manufacturing allowance, there is a very small gap between the outer surface 160 of either the open blade or the closed blade and the locking surface 162 or the holding surface 170 to allow slight movement. Each blade 114, 116, 118 is stopped 142 so that it rests on the inner surface of the handle spine 126 in order to establish a proper closing position of the blade in a groove 132 formed between the side walls 128 and 130. And also includes a shoulder 171 disposed on the tongue 140 so as to face the same.
[0031]
Two springs 172 are attached, one on each side of the handle 112, to drive the blade stop pin 152 to its first position, and between the open and closed positions of the tool blades 114, 116, 118 Allows the tool user to retract the blade stop pin when he wants to move the selected one. Each spring 172 has a loop 174 at each of its ends and is generally cow-tailed. Each spring 172 is attached to each side wall 128 or 130 of the handle with a fastener 176, such as a screw or rivet, that extends into the side wall through a respective loop 174, and the loops 174 at the ends of each spring 172 include retainers 154 or Extending around blade stop pin 152 near its respective end between 156 and each side wall of handle 112.
[0032]
At the opposite end 178 of the handle 112, a single pliers tongue or handle stub 180 is attached to the handle 112, as in the case of the blades 114, 116, 118. Since the handle stub 180 has the same contour as the tongue 140, the use of pliers can be similarly locked in the extended or open position relative to the handle 112, as shown in FIG. A second so that the handles can be folded towards each other so as to surround the pliers jaws, or so that the handle is extended and held in the open position of each pliers jaws for use with pliers. A handle (not shown) may be similarly attached to the tongue of another pliers jaw.
[0033]
The folding knife 182 shown in FIGS. 14-17 is a further embodiment of the present invention and includes an elongated handle 184. The handle 184 includes a pair of similar back plates 186, preferably made of steel or titanium, each back plate having an outer side 188. A spine 190 made of metal or a suitable plastic is placed between the back plate 186 with a space forming a groove 192 that receives the blade 194. The blade 194 preferably fits into a hole 197 formed in each back plate 186 and has one end of the handle 184 by a tubular bolt-shaped pivot 196 having a flat side surface that extends rotatably through the central hole 199 of the blade 194. 195 is pivotally connected. Blade 194 includes an actuating portion 198 having an unbroken spine 200 and a sharp edge 202. The blade 194 also has a tongue 204 and a joint shoulder 206 where the spine 200 interconnects with the tongue 204.
[0034]
A stop pin 208 extends laterally between the back plates 186 and is firmly connected to the back plate so that it fits tightly into the hole formed in the back plate 186 at the same end 195 of the handle, the joining shoulder 206 being When the blade 194 is in its open and extended position for use, it rests comfortably on the stop pin 208.
[0035]
The tongue 204 includes a generally flat lateral locking surface 210 that is generally in the same position as the locking surface 89 of the tongue 44 of the knife 10 described above. The tongue 204 also includes an arcuate periphery 212 that can act as a cam surface as described above with respect to the tongue 44. Also, on the side of the actuating portion 198 that is closer to the sharp edge 202, there is a shoulder 214 that is connected to the arcuate peripheral edge 212 and goes inward therefrom.
[0036]
A pair of elongated openings 216 corresponding to the elongated openings 74 of the knife 10 are formed in the back plate 186 and located opposite each other. A stop pin 218 extends through both of the elongated holes 216 and extends transversely to the elongated handle 184. The locking pin 218 is formed integrally with the generally cylindrical barrel body portion of the locking pin 218 having the outer surface 221 or by being engaged with the body portion of the locking pin 218 by a suitable screw or the like. Secure both ends of the retainer 220 in place.
[0037]
Each retainer 220 has a respective base surface toward one outer surface 188 of the backplate 186 with the base surface 222 preferably spaced from the outer surface 188 by a distance of 0.003 to 0.008 inches. Facing inward. The retainer 220 extends radially outward about the body by a distance 223 of about 0.06 inches, for example, to keep the stop pin 218 substantially perpendicular to the outer side 188 of the backplate 186. The retainer 220 is preferably shaped to include a gripping surface 224 to which the knife user's thumb and index finger are firmly and easily applied.
[0038]
Each retainer 220 includes an annular groove 226. A pair of springs 228, 229 face each other like a mirror image and are generally horseshoe-shaped, each having an end 230 or 231 facing laterally inward, and a small end loop 232. Each lateral end 230, 231 is fitted into a respective spring receiving hole 234 in the back plate 186, and an end loop 232 is fitted around the retainer 220 and received in the groove 226. When in place, the spring 228 drives the stop pin 218 toward the end of the handle 184 and thus toward the first or locked position of the stop pin 218 relative to the locking surface 210 of the tongue 204. The spring 172 is bent inward in the same manner as driving the blade retaining pin 152 toward its first position, or lock position, with respect to the locking surface 166 of the tongue 140 described above.
[0039]
A pair of outer plates 236, 238 made of metal or wood, plastic or other decora material are held in place along the outer side 188 of the back plate 186 by the rear end of the handle 184 with fasteners such as screws 240, 242. ing. The outer plates 236, 238 are also engaged by the head 243 of the pivot 196 that holds the outer plates 236, 238 closely against the back plate 186 at the first end 195 of the handle, and the blade 194 is back plate In order to prevent loosening in the groove 192 between 186, the tension is adjusted to provide sufficient tension to press the back plate 186 against the side of the tongue 204. It includes a countersunk shoulder 239 through the back plate 186.
[0040]
The outer plates 236, 23 are opposite in a mirror image, and both outer plates form respective spring cavities 244 that are also opposite in a mirror image. The spring cavity 244 includes a gap for the spring to bend and move relative to the back plate 186 as the stop pin 218 moves.
[0041]
An access opening 246 is formed through each of the skins 236, 238 so as to surround the retainer 220, and the retainer 220 is thus formed conically in the opening 246. Because the access opening 246 is large enough to provide a range of motion available to the stop pin 218 in the elongated opening 216, the stop pin 218 resists the force of the spring 228 by gripping the gripping surface 224 with the thumb and index finger. The stop pin 218 is moved away from its first position, allowing the blade 194 to move from its open position to its closed position.
[0042]
When the blade 194 is in its open position with the joint shoulder resting on the stop pin 208 shown in FIG. 15, the lock surface 210 and the outer surface 221 of the stop pin 218 are resting on the lock surface 210. There is preferably an angle 248 of about 10 degrees between the inner surface 249 of the inner surface of the elongated hole 216 in which the stop pin 218 rests. In this way, the stop pin 218 is driven by the spring 228 into a narrow V-shaped space and rotates the blade 194 about the pivot 196 to comfortably drive the joint shoulder 206 relative to the stop pin 208. To drive. Angle 248 is stopped because the pressure on the spine 200 of the blade in the open position is small enough that cam action cannot move stop pin 218 out of engagement between lock surface 210 and inner surface 249. Pin 218 holds blade 194 firmly in its open position.
[0043]
As can be seen, the spring 228 drives the stop pin 218 relative to the shoulder 214 when the blade 194 is in the closed position. When the blade 194 is moved slightly from its fully closed position, the shoulder 214 of the blade 194 is pressed against the outer surface 221 of the stop pin 218 and moves the pin away from its first position. As blade 194 moves further in the same direction as indicated by arrow 250, stop pin 218 contacts the arcuate periphery 212 or cam surface of tongue 204, which continues until blade 194 approaches its fully open position, The spring 228 drives the stop pin 218 over the locking surface 210 to lock the blade 194 in its open position when fully open.
[0044]
The terms and expressions used in the preceding section of the specification are for explanation and not for limitation, and the use of such terms and expressions excludes equivalents of the indicated features or parts thereof. There is no intention, and the scope of the present invention is defined and limited only by the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a folding knife embodying the present invention showing the knife blade in a closed position that is received within the knife handle.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the knife shown in FIG. 1 showing a state in which the blade of the knife is in an opening operation position.
3 is an exploded perspective view of the knife shown in FIG. 2. FIG.
4 is a partially cut elevation view seen from one side of the knife shown in FIG. 1-3. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a partially cut elevation view seen from the other side of the knife shown in FIGS. 1-4.
6 is a partially cut elevation view of the knife from the same side in FIG. 4 showing the blade in the open position.
6a is an enlarged partial cut elevation view of the knife shown in FIG. 6. FIG.
7 is a partially cut elevational view of a knife similar to that of FIG. 6 with the blade of the knife moved toward the closed position.
7a is an enlarged detail view of the knife locking mechanism shown in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a side view of a blade united with a knife according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a multipurpose tool handle, a pliers jaw, and a blade incorporating a blade lock according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a partially enlarged perspective view of a blade pivot and a tool locking mechanism shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a partially cut elevation view of a part of the handle shown in FIGS.
12 is a partially cut elevation view of a portion of the handle, blade, and locking mechanism shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 when the blade is in the closed position. FIG.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of the tool handle shown in FIG. 9 as viewed from the front, side, and side, together with several tool blades and the locking mechanism shown in FIGS.
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a folding knife according to another embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a partial cut side view of the knife shown in FIG. 14 with the blade locked in the open position.
16 is a partially cut-away enlarged side view of the folding knife of FIG. 14 with the blade locked in the open position.
17 is a view similar to FIG. 16, with the blade of the knife positioned very slightly outward from the closed position.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Folding knife
12 patterns
14 blades
16, 18 Side wall
20 Spine
22, 26 Outer plate
24, 28 Back plate
30 Detent
34, 35 screws
36 groove
38 Actuator
40 spine
42 Sharp edges
44 tongue
50, 52 shoulder
54 Shaft
56 Sim
57, 74 opening
60 Sliding lock assembly
72 pins

Claims

A folding tool,
(A) a pair of elongated side walls having a pair of opposed ends and spaced apart from each other to form a groove for receiving a blade, each having a pair of elongated openings disposed opposite each other; A handle having side walls to be formed;
(B) a blade pivotally attached to the handle proximate to one of the ends, the blade pivot extending in a transverse direction of the side wall between a closed position and an open position of the blade; A movable blade around,
(C) a blade locking pin having a pair of opposed ends extending in the transverse direction of the handle, each extending through each elongated opening in the sidewall;
d) a spring disposed between the handle and the retaining pin;
The blade has an elongated actuating portion and a tongue, the elongated actuating portion being received in the groove when the blade is in its closed position and away from the handle when the blade is in its open position. Elongate, the tongue is located between the side walls when the blade is in the open position, and the tongue has a peripheral edge including a locking surface;
The blade retaining pin has an outer surface partially located between the side walls, and the blade retaining pin is configured such that the outer surface is in the open position when the blade is in the open position and the blade is fixed in the open position. In a longitudinal direction of the opening between a first position engaging the lock surface portion of the tank and a second position allowing the stop pin to move away from the lock surface portion of the tongue and allowing the blade to move from its open position. Is movable,
The folding tool, wherein the spring moves the stop pin toward the first position along a passage formed by an elongated opening provided in the side wall.

The folding tool according to claim 1, wherein the handle includes a pair of back plates, and the elongated opening is formed by the back plate and passes through the back plate.

The handle includes a pair of outer plates, one of which is located outwardly alongside each back plate, each of the outer plates forming a cavity adjacent to one of the elongated openings, each of the elongated openings being The folding tool according to claim 2, wherein the groove communicates with each cavity.

The folding tool according to claim 3, wherein the spring is located in the cavity formed between one of the back plates and one of the outer plates located alongside one of the back plates.

A lock assembly body member secured to the retaining pin, the member extending side by side with the one of the back plates and movable along one of the back plates, between the first position and the second position; The folding tool according to claim 2, wherein the blade stop pin is moved by the movement of the blade.

The stop pin includes a retainer positioned at each of the opposing ends, and each retainer extends radially outward around the stop pin and includes a base surface positioned outward alongside each back plate. The folding tool according to claim 2, wherein the retaining pin is maintained in a transverse direction of the handle.

Each spring includes a pair of springs, each spring having a first end interconnected with each back plate and another end engaged with each of the retainers, thereby allowing the retaining pin to move to the first pin. The folding tool according to claim 6, wherein the folding tool is moved to one position.

The handle includes a pair of outer plates, one positioned outwardly alongside each back plate, each outer plate forming a cavity located adjacent to one of the elongated openings, and each outer plate is The folding tool according to claim 2, wherein an opening aligned with one of the elongated openings is formed to expose one end of the retaining pin.

9. The spring according to claim 8, wherein the spring is located between one of the outer plates and one of the back plates positioned alongside one of the outer plates, and is located in the cavity formed by one of the outer plates. The folding tool described.

2. The folding tool according to claim 1, wherein the retaining pin extends in a longitudinal direction of the handle and is carried by a lock assembly main body member that is movably located in one of the side walls.

The folding tool according to claim 10, further comprising a latch operating arm attached to the lock assembly body member and projecting outward through an opening formed in one of the side walls.

The folding of claim 1, comprising a spine portion disposed between the side walls, facing a locking surface portion of the tongue and including an inner surface spaced from the peripheral portion of the tongue when the blade is in the open position. tool.

The inner surface of the spinal column is aligned with the two elongated openings, and each portion of the outer surface of the retaining pin corresponds to the inner surface of the spinal column and the locking surface of the tongue when the retaining pin is in its first position. 13. A folding tool according to claim 12, which engages both the part.

A peripheral edge of the tongue includes an inclined surface, the blade stop pin engages with the inclined surface, and the blade is opened from the closed position when the stop pin moves from the first position to the second position. The folding tool according to claim 1, wherein the folding tool is moved to a position.

A blade pivot and a plurality of blades pivotally attached to a handle proximate to the end, each blade separately movable about the blade pivot and having a respective locking surface The folding tool according to claim 1, comprising a tongue.

A pair of the springs attached to each of the side walls and acting on the blade stop pin proximate each end, the handle forming a back of the handle and each forming one of the elongated openings. 16. A folding tool according to claim 15, comprising a generally U-shaped channel member including a pair of parallel side walls.

The folding tool according to claim 16, wherein the retaining pin has a retainer located at each of the opposing ends and adjacent to the outer surface of each of the side walls.

One of the plurality of blade tangs includes a retainer surface, and the blade retaining pin is proximate to the retainer surface when one of the blades is in a closed position and the blade retaining pin is in the first position. 16. The folding tool of claim 15, wherein the folding tool is positioned and one of the blades is maintained in the closed position until the blade stop pin moves to the second position.

The peripheral edge of the tongue forms a cam, and the stop pin is moved relative to the cam by the spring when the blade moves between the open and closed positions. Folding tool.

The folding tool according to claim 1, comprising a pair of handles and a pair of blades, the pair of blades being a pivotally connected pliers jaw.

A folding tool comprising: (a) a handle having a main body portion formed with an elongated groove;
(B) a blade pivotally attached to the main body at one end of the main body;
(C) a pin having a cylindrical outer surface and a long axis extending transversely to the handle and the blade;
(D) an elastic member that biases the pin to its first position;
(E) manually moving the pin from its first position to its second position;
The blade is movable between a closed position received in the groove and an open position that extends away from the handle, and the blade extends away from the handle when the blade is in the open position. An actuating portion, and a tongue portion that is a tongue portion that is received in the groove when the blade is in its open position and has a peripheral edge portion that forms a cam;
The pin has a first position where the outer surface of the pin engages the tongue portion of the blade to lock the blade in the open position, and the pin moves to the closed position to allow the blade to move to the closed position. A second position spaced from the tongue portion of the blade, and the outer surface of the pin when the pin is in the second position during movement of the blade to the open position. A folding tool that rides on a cam.

A folding tool having an elongated body, an instrument, and a locking mechanism, the body including two opposing side walls and a spine connecting the side walls, the side walls and the spine being partially adjacent to each other. Forming a groove, wherein the instrument is pivotally attached to the body, the instrument being at least partially received in the groove and the instrument partially from the groove for use. The locking mechanism can hold the instrument in the second position, the locking mechanism extends laterally relative to the body and extends the two side walls. A transverse member, said transverse member being in an elongated recess in each side wall, wherein when said device is in a second position and a force is applied to said device to move to said first position, said transverse member is An elongated recess in the side wall and Interruption between the serial device to prevent movement of the first position of the instrument, the folding tool.

The folding tool according to claim 22, wherein each side wall includes an outer plate and a back plate, and the recess is an opening provided in the back plate.

The recess is elongated and has a lower margin and an upper margin, the upper margin is disposed outside the lower margin, the inner surface of the spine portion faces the groove of the body, and the inner surface of the spine portion is a force When the device moves the instrument from the second position to the first position, the locking mechanism aligns with the upper margin such that it interrupts between the upper margin of the recess, the inner surface of the spine and the instrument. Item 23. The folding tool according to Item 22.

The locking mechanism includes a sliding body member partially received in a portion of the recess, the active body member sliding along the recess so that the locking mechanism locks the instrument in the second position. 23. The folding tool according to claim 22, wherein the folding tool is movable from a locked position to a retracted position where the instrument is movable from the second position to the first position.

The folding tool according to claim 25, further comprising a biasing member that moves the locking mechanism to the locked position.

The folding tool according to claim 22, wherein the transverse member is a pin extending into a recess in each side wall.

The transverse member includes an instrument engaging portion and a side wall engaging portion that form a unitary structure, and when the force moves the instrument from the second position to the first position, the instrument is held by the instrument engaging portion. 23. The folding tool according to claim 22, wherein the side wall engaging portion is retained in a side wall recess, thereby preventing movement of the instrument to the first position.

The lateral member includes an instrument engaging portion and a side wall engaging portion that form a unitary structure, the recess has a lower margin and an upper margin arranged outside the lower margin, and the locking mechanism includes: 23. The folding tool according to claim 22, wherein when the instrument is moved from the second position to the first position, the folding tool cuts between the upper margin of the recess and the instrument.

A folding tool,
A handle having opposing first and second sidewalls spaced apart to form an elongated slot;
An instrument having an actuating part, and a tongue part that has a peripheral part forming a cam and a shoulder at a joint part of the cam and the actuating part, and is pivotally attached to one end of the handle;
A device locking member, wherein the device locking member disengages the cam from a first position where the device locking member engages the cam and the shoulder to lock the device in the open position; An instrument locking member movable between a second position and
An at least one elastic spring for moving the instrument locking member to the first position, the elastic spring having a first end engaged with the instrument locking member and a second end attached to a sidewall; Including
A folding tool wherein the instrument is movable between a closed position at least partially received within an elongated slot and an open position where the instrument extends away from the handle.

31. A folding tool according to claim 30, comprising a pair of resilient springs each having a first end engaged with the instrument locking member and a second end attached to a sidewall.

The folding tool according to claim 30, wherein the at least one elastic spring comprises a U-shaped member.

The folding tool according to claim 32, wherein the first end of the U-shaped member includes a loop that engages the instrument locking member.

An outer body plate attached to each side wall, each outer body plate having a cavity formed in the outer body plate, and each of the elastic spring members being held in one of the cavities. Item 32. The folding tool according to Item 31.