Adjustable counterweight system in tool handle

Abstract

A knife includes a blade and a handle attached to the blade. The handle includes a liner, and a handle tab adapted to be removably secured to the liner, such as by a screw. The handle guard has an inner side facing the liner and has a shaped region to secure a weight in a selected position along a length of the handle guard. In one method, there are a plurality of discrete locations where one or more weights may be secured. For example, the weight may be a metal disc. In the case of a dual-handle tool, such as a butterfly-shaped tool, the two handles may have a similar structure for storing a weight. The tool allows an end user to easily customize the weight distribution of the tool without interfering with the envelope surface or outer surface of the handle.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to the earlier filing date of U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 17 / 858,981, filed on July 6, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of knives, and in particular to knives having adjustable weights. Background Art

[0004] Knives are available in a variety of designs, depending on the needs of the various purposes. Generally, knives can be constructed with either fixed blades or folding blades. Fixed blade knives are more suitable for heavy cutting tasks, while folding knives are more compact. However, the specifications of the knife, such as its weight and the type of material used, are usually selected by the manufacturer, making customization by the end user difficult or impractical. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Embodiments will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0006] Figure 1 is a side view of an example butterfly knife having an adjustable weight system in the handle according to various embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 According to various embodiments, a handle guard is provided. Figure 1 A close-up view of a portion of the handle of the knife.

[0008] Figure 3 According to various embodiments, there are no handle guards HS1a and HS2a Figure 2 A view of the handle.

[0009] Figure 4 According to various embodiments, the free ends H1fe and H2fe are viewed forward. Figure 2 A view of the handle.

[0010] Figure 5 According to various embodiments Figure 1 A simplified isometric view of the handle.

[0011] Figure 6 According to various embodiments Figure 5 Isometric view of the handle guard HS1-1.

[0012] Figure 7 According to various embodiments Figure 6 0047] An example side view of a handle guard plate HS1-1, wherein the formed region SR1a includes opposing scalloped edges SE1 and SE2 having a relatively large spacing Lp.

[0013] Figure 8 According to various embodiments Figure 6 An example side view of a handle guard HS1-1, wherein the shaped region SR1a includes opposite scalloped edges having a relatively small spacing Lp1, wherein Lp1 <Lp。

[0014] Fig. 9 According to various embodiments Figure 6 0026] An example side view of a handle guard plate HS1-1, wherein two shaped regions SR1a1 and SR1a2 having opposite scalloped edges are provided.

[0015] Fig.10 According to various embodiments Figure 6 Example side view of a handle guard HS1-1, wherein the shaped region SR1a has a scalloped edge SE1 on one side and a straight edge 1000 with a rubber cord RC on the other side.

[0016] Fig.11 According to various embodiments Figure 6 0047] An example side view of a handle guard HS1-1 of FIG. 1, wherein the formed region SR1a has posts 1100 to 1106 on which weights may be mounted.

[0017] Fig.12 According to various embodiments Figure 6 Example side view of a handle guard HS1-1, wherein the formed area SR1a has a column for fixing a heavy object.

[0018] Fig.13 According to various embodiments Figure 6 Example side view of handle guard HS1-1, wherein the formed area SR1a allows the weight to move along the longitudinal axis (LA1).

[0019] Fig.14 According to various embodiments Figure 6 Example side view of handle guard HS1-1, wherein the rubber layer (RL) secures the weight.

[0020] Fig.15 According to various embodiments Figure 6 Example side view of a handle guard HS1-1, wherein the formed area SR1a includes a protrusion on one side for fixing a heavy object.

[0021] Fig.16 According to various embodiments Figure 6 Example side view of a handle guard HS1-1, wherein the formed region SR1a includes a recess on one side for securing a weight.

[0022] Fig.17 According to various embodiments Figure 6 Example side view of the handle guard HS1-1, in which four rectangular shaped areas SR1a1 to SR1a4 can fix corresponding weights.

[0023] Fig.18 A single-handled fixed blade knife including a handle guard having a shaped area for holding a heavy object is depicted according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this description and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments that may be practiced. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the embodiments is defined by the appended claims and the equivalents of the claims.

[0025] Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in sequence in a manner that may aid in understanding the embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are order dependent.

[0026] The description may use perspective-based descriptions, such as up / down, back / front, and top / bottom. Such descriptions are only used to facilitate discussion and are not intended to limit the application of the disclosed embodiments.

[0027] The terms "couple" and "connect" and their derivatives may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended to be synonymous with each other. Rather, in a particular embodiment, "connect" may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical contact with each other. "Coupling" may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, "coupling" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0028] For the purposes of the description, phrases in the form "A / B" or the form "A and / or B" mean (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the description, phrases in the form "at least one of A, B, and C" mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). For the purposes of the description, phrases in the form "(A)B" mean (B) or (AB), that is, A is an optional element.

[0029] The specification may use the term "embodiment" or "embodiments", which may each refer to one or more embodiments of the same or different embodiments. In addition, the terms "including", "comprising", "having", etc. used in relation to the embodiments are synonymous.

[0030] As mentioned at the outset, the options for customizing knives by end users are limited. For example, in some cases, it may be desirable to allow the end user / consumer to modify the overall weight and weight distribution of the knife. Such modifications may be helpful, for example, for tasks that require the knife to make repeated, rapid movements, such as chopping food. Another example scenario involves knives that are manipulated for art or entertainment. For example, a growing number of knife enthusiasts are interested in manipulating or flipping butterfly knives. Butterfly knives - also known as Balisong knives ( Benchmade Knife Company, Oregon City, Oregon), a butterfly knife or Batangas knife - is a type of folding carry knife that originated in the Philippines. The butterfly knife has two handles that can be counter-rotated about the tang. When the knife is closed, the blade is hidden in a recess in the handle. The knife can be unfolded and turned with a one-handed flipping motion. Other knives that can be opened with one hand using a flipping motion are also known, including so-called flipper knives. In addition to folding knives, fixed blade knives can also be manipulated.

[0031] In the above and other situations, the dynamics of a knife are significantly affected by its weight distribution and balance. For example, for a butterfly knife, the addition of weight at the free end of the handle can increase the flipping speed. Therefore, in many situations, it is desirable to customize the capabilities of the knife by modifying the weight distribution of the knife.

[0032] One possible solution is to add weight at the rear of the knife by replacing the handle or the rear spacer. This indirectly changes the balance because the weight can be added in an area that has little effect on the performance of the knife. In addition, replacing the rear spacer with a heavier material can be an expensive and complex option, and requires the rear spacer to be quite large to achieve the desired effect. For example, due to the relatively complex shape of the rear spacer, the manufacturing cost of replacing the rear spacer with a dense metal alloy such as tungsten alloy can be high. The above solution also does not allow the end user to easily customize and experiment with different weights in different positions in the handle.

[0033] The technology described herein solves the above-mentioned problems and other problems. In one aspect, a knife comprises a blade and a handle attached to the blade. The handle comprises a lining and a handle guard adapted to be fixed to the lining, such as by screws. The handle guard has an inner side facing the lining and having a shaped area for fixing a weight in a selected position along the length of the handle guard. In one method, there are a plurality of discrete positions or recesses in which one or more weights may be placed. For example, the weight may be a metal disc or other metal object. By using a disc-shaped, rectangular or other uncomplicated shape, the cost of the weight is minimized.

[0034] In one possible approach, the shaped area of ​​the handle guard has a scalloped edge that provides multiple locations for placing metal discs. Similar shaped areas can be provided in the handle guard on the opposite side of the handle. In the case of a two-handled knife such as a butterfly knife, the two handles can have a similar structure for storing heavy objects.

[0035] The knife allows the end user to easily customize the weight distribution of the knife without disturbing the envelope surface or outer surface of the handle. The user can add or remove weights as needed to achieve the desired weight distribution.

[0036] The above and other advantages will become more apparent in view of the following discussion.

[0037] Figure 1 is a side view of an example butterfly knife 100 having an adjustable weight system in the handle according to various embodiments. These techniques can also be applied to single-handle knives.

[0038] The knife comprises a blade 110 having a tang 120. The tang has two holes through which pivot pins H1pp and H2pp are used to rotatably fix a first handle H1 and a second handle H2, respectively. The first handle H1 extends from a blade end H1be to a free end H1fe, while the second handle H2 extends from a blade end H2be to a free end H2fe. Each handle has a length L and a midpoint MP that divides the handle into a front half FH and a rear half BH.

[0039] Each handle may also include a handle guard located on the opposite side of the handle, which is also called a handle shell or a handle cover. The handle guard is a material that covers the outer surface of the handle where the knife is gripped. For example, the first handle has a handle guard HS1-1 (at Figure 1 ) and HS1-2 (shown in Figures 2 to 4 The second handle has a handle guard HS2-1 (shown in Figure 1 ) and HS2-2 (shown in Figures 2 to 4 In one possible method, the handle guard piece can be fastened to the corresponding liner by screws. For example, screws H1s1 and H1s2 can be used for the handle guard piece HS1-1, and screws H2s1 and H2s2 can be used for the handle guard piece HS2-1.

[0040] One or more removable weights may be secured within the handles and handle guards. For example, handle guard HS1-1 secures weights W1 to W3, and handle guard HS2-1 secures weights W4 to W7. In this example, the weights are round, such as metal disks. However, other shapes, such as rectangles, may be used. In this example, different numbers of weights are used in the two handles, such as three weights in H1 and four weights in H2.

[0041] The handle guard HS1-1 also includes an observation port or observation aperture, which allows observation of whether there is a weight in the position corresponding to the observation port. That is, the user can easily observe through the port to see the position of the weight. This is helpful because the user may not be able to recall the position where the weight is placed, especially after experimenting with different configurations and different numbers of weights. For example, observation ports p1 to p3 allow observation of parts of weights W1 to W3 respectively. Similarly, the handle guard HS2-1 includes observation ports p4 to p6, which allow observation of parts of weights W4 to W7. For example, the handle guard can be made of a rigid material, such as a fiberglass composite material. Other materials can also be used. The handle guard can be translucent, transparent or completely opaque. Even when the observation port is not used, the translucent or transparent handle housing allows the user to see the weight and its position.

[0042] In one approach as shown, the weights can be stored in the back half of the handle rather than the front half. This is desirable because since the back half rotates about the pivot pin, the added weight is most effective when it is in the back half. Also, since the width of the handle increases toward the free end, there is generally more room for the weights in the back half of the handle. However, one may choose to store the weights in the front half.

[0043] Figure 2 According to various embodiments, a handle guard is provided. Figure 1 A close-up view of a portion of the handle of a tool. The handle guards are attached to the corresponding liners by screws. For example, in the first handle H1, the handle guard HS1-1 is attached to the lining L1-1, and the handle guard HS1-2 is attached to the lining L1-2. In the second handle H2, the handle guard HS2-1 is attached to the lining L2-1, and the handle guard HS2-2 is attached to the lining L2-2. For example, the lining can be formed by a metal sheet. The two liners of the handle can be fixed to each other by a combination of pins and screws, such as the example pin and screw combination 240 in the first handle, and separated by a spacer, such as the example spacer SP1. The combination of pins and screws allows the tool to be disassembled, such as to replace the rear spacer. Alternatively, rivets that do not allow disassembly can be used. The spacer can be formed by plastic or other suitable materials.

[0044] The handle guard HS1-1 has a shaped area SR1 in which a weight can be held. The shaped area can be on the inner face of the handle guard facing the liner so as not to interfere with the shape of the outer face of the handle guard held by the user. The shaped area can be considered a recessed area. The shaped area SR1 includes a scalloped edge SE1 having curved walls CW1 to CW7. The seven curved walls allow one or more weights to be placed in different positions along the longitudinal axis LA1 of the handle H1. In this example, three weights W1 to W3 are placed. The weights are thin metal discs to minimize the width of the handle, but other shapes can also be used. The weights should be dense to provide maximum weight within a given volume. An example is tungsten or tungsten alloy. In one approach, the weights are made specifically for the handle and are included with the knife or sold as an extra cost option. Users can potentially use other metal objects found around the home, such as coins, washers and batteries, or ductile materials such as clay as weights. An example is (Hasbro Corporation).

[0045] The shaped region SR1 also comprises a wall SR1 c opposite the scalloped edge, and walls SR1 a and SR1 b opposite each other along the longitudinal axis LA1 .

[0046] A portion W1a of weight W1 is visible in viewing port p1, while other weights are visible in the other viewing ports. Viewing port p1 shows that W1 is centered at the location of viewing port p1. Conversely, in handle guard HS2-1, viewing port p4, for example, shows that portion W4a of weight W4 and portion W5a of weight W5 are respectively visible. In particular, the edges of the two weights are visible. Similarly, viewing port p5 shows a portion of weight W4 and a portion of W5, and viewing port p6 shows a portion of weight W6 and a portion of W7. Another feature depicted in handle guard HS2-1 is the rubber cord RC (see also Figure 3 ), the rubber cord RC holds the weight in place to avoid rattling.

[0047] The screw can be recessed from the outer side of the handle housing. For example, the screw H1s1 is in the recess 250 so that the screw H1s1 does not protrude from the handle housing. Therefore, the head of the screw does not interfere with the user's grip on the handle. In this example, the screw is a hexagon socket round head screw with a rounded profile and a hexagon socket drive portion. The user can easily remove the handle housing from the liner or fix the handle housing to the liner by turning the screw with a hexagonal key such as an hexagonal wrench. Other configurations are also possible. For example, a hexagon socket flat head screw can be used, in which the head is flush with the outer side of the handle housing or recessed from the outer side of the handle housing.

[0048] Figure 3 According to various embodiments, there are no handle guards HS1a and HS2a Figure 2 1 and 2. The figure depicts the liners L1-1 and L1-2 of the first handle H1, and the liners L2-1 and L2-2 of the second handle H2. The handle guards HS1-2 and HS2-2 are also depicted. The liners may include cutouts such as the example cutout 300 to reduce weight, which are circular in this example.

[0049] A rubber cord RC is also depicted for the second handle. This cord may also be provided for the first handle, but it is not depicted here. The rubber cord may be chosen because of its low cost and ready availability. Other elastic materials such as silicone, nitrile, vinyl and neoprene may be used. The rubber cord prevents rattling when a weight is placed in the shaped area of ​​the handle guard. The weight may abut the rubber cord. See also Fig.12 .

[0050] Figure 4 According to various embodiments, the free ends H1fe and H2fe of the handle are viewed forward. Figure 2. The shaped area SR1z of the handle guard HS1-2 is depicted as having a scalloped edge SEz on the opposite side of the handle H1, which is similar to the shaped area SR1 of the handle guard HS1-1. The corresponding shaped area SR2z of the handle guard HS2-2 is also depicted. Note that although in this example, the two opposing handle guards of each handle can secure a weight, other options are possible. For example, only one of the two opposing handle guards of each handle may have a shaped area for securing a weight.

[0051] Figure 5 According to various embodiments Figure 1 Simplified isometric view of a handle. For simplicity, the handle is shown as a rectangle. The first handle H1 includes a first handle guard HS1-1, a first liner L1-1, a spacer SP1, a second liner L1-2 and a second handle guard HS1-2. The first handle guard HS1-1 has an outer side HS1-1o (or outer side) and an inner side HS1-1i (or inner side). The second handle guard HS1-2 has an outer side HS1-2o and an inner side HS1-2i. The first handle extends in length along a first longitudinal axis LA1.

[0052] The second handle H2 includes a first handle guard HS2-1, a first lining L2-1, a spacer SP2, a second lining L2-2 and a second handle guard HS2-2. The first handle guard HS2-1 has an outer portion HS2-1o and an inner portion HS2-1i. The second handle guard HS2-2 has an outer portion HS2-2o and an inner portion HS2-2i. The second handle extends in length along the second longitudinal axis LA2.

[0053] A Cartesian coordinate system depicts an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis, wherein, as shown, the x-axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the y-axis and the z-axis are perpendicular to the x-axis.

[0054] Figure 6 According to various embodiments Figure 5 An isometric view of the handle guard HS1-1 of FIG. The handle guard includes an inner portion HS1-1i and an outer portion HS1-1o. The shaped region SR1 is on the inner portion. Although other shapes can be used, for the sake of commonality, the shaped region is depicted as a rectangle in this example. The shaped region can be a recessed area that includes structure for securing one or more weights, such as a combination of Figures 7 to 17 Further discussion.

[0055] Figure 7 According to various embodiments Figure 6An example side view of the handle guard HS1-1, where the shaping region SR1a includes opposing fan-shaped edges SE1 and SE2 having a relatively large spacing Lp. Each weight is a disc-shaped member having a width or diameter Ww. The fan-shaped edges provide seven discrete positions along the longitudinal axis LA1 where the weights can be fixed. In this example, two weights are used, but up to four weights can be accommodated. The spacing or distance between the discrete positions is Lp. For example, each discrete position may correspond to the midpoint of a curved wall in the fan-shaped edge. The length of the shaping region SR1a is Lsr.

[0056] Figure 8 is according to various embodiments Figure 6 An example side view of the handle guard HS1-1, where the shaping region SR1a includes opposing fan-shaped edges having a relatively small spacing Lp1, where Lp1 < Lp. The fan-shaped edges provide nine discrete positions along the longitudinal axis LA1 where the weights can be fixed. In this example, two weights are used. The spacing or distance between the discrete positions is Lp1. With this spacing, the weights are as close together as possible and can abut each other. This maximizes the number of weights that can be used in the shaping region SR1a of the same length. For example, five weights can be used instead of Figure 7 the four weights in the example of

[0057] This is an example where at least one discrete position (P1) among a plurality of discrete positions (P1 to P9) is separated from an adjacent discrete position (P2) among the plurality of discrete positions by a distance Lp1, and this distance Lp1 is less than the width Ww of the weight along the length of the first handle guard.

[0058] Fig. 9 is according to various embodiments Figure 6 An example side view of the handle guard HS1-1, where two shaping regions SR1a1 and SR1a2 having opposing fan-shaped edges are provided. The shaping region SR1a1 has opposing fan-shaped edges SE1a and SE1b, and the shaping region SR1a2 has opposing fan-shaped edges SE2a and SE2b. This method allows adjustment of the weight distribution in the z-direction and x-direction of the handle, because for example, more weights can be placed in SR1a1 compared to SR1a2. In this example, SR1a1 has three weights and SR1a2 has one weight. Additionally, the fan-shaped edges provide thirteen discrete positions for placing weights, and the distance between adjacent discrete positions is Lp2. The two shaping regions extend parallel to each other.

[0059] Fig.10 is according to various embodiments Figure 6Example side view of a handle guard HS1-1 of FIG. 1, wherein the shaped region SR1a has a scalloped edge SE1 on one side and a straight edge 1000 with a rubber cord RC on the other side. For example, this embodiment is similar to Figure 3 The rubber cord can be attached to the edge 1000 with glue to prevent the rubber cord from being lost when the user removes the handle guard. Alternatively, the rubber cord can be freely replaced or removed. For example, if a smaller diameter weight is used, the user may want to use a wider cord. The user may also want to use multiple rubber cords in the shaped area. The cord can have a circular or other cross-sectional shape.

[0060] Fig.11 According to various embodiments Figure 6 1-1, wherein the shaped region SR1a has posts 1100 to 1106 on which weights can be mounted. In one approach, the posts can be cylindrical. In one approach, the diameter of each post is slightly smaller than the diameter of the hole in the middle of each circular weight. Weights W1 and W2 are mounted or secured to posts 1100 and 1102, respectively. 柱 The distance between the posts is the distance between discrete locations where a weight can be secured. Rubber cords are not shown, but could also be used.

[0061] Fig.12 According to various embodiments Figure 6 Example side view of handle guard HS1-1, wherein formed region SR1a has posts 1200 to 1207 for securing weights. In this approach, the posts contact the circumference of the disc-shaped weight to prevent or limit movement along the longitudinal axis. This approach avoids the need for a center hole in the weight, thereby avoiding the weight penalty when making the hole. A potential disadvantage is that there are fewer discrete locations for securing the weights. In this example, weight W1 is secured between posts 1200 and 1201, weight W2 is secured between posts 1202 and 1203, and weight W3 is secured between posts 1204 and 1205. In this example, a rubber cord RC is also used.

[0062] Fig.13 According to various embodiments Figure 6 Example side view of a handle guard HS1-1, wherein the shaped region SR1a allows the weight to move along the longitudinal axis (LA1). The weight W1 can move along the length Lsr of the shaped region. For example, the weight can slide or roll within the shaped region. This approach can potentially change the dynamic quality of the handle as well as provide an attractive sound.

[0063] Fig.14 According to various embodiments Figure 6 Example side view of a handle guard HS1-1 in which a rubber layer (RL) secures the weights. When the handle guard is secured to the corresponding liner by screws, the rubber layer presses on the weights W1 and W2 to hold them in place and thus prevent movement along the longitudinal axis. This approach advantageously allows the weights to be placed in any position within the forming area. Therefore, the position of the weights is infinitely adjustable. The weights are not limited to being placed in discrete positions determined by the structure in the forming area. Optionally, the rubber layer is removable to provide Fig.13 configuration.

[0064] Fig.15 According to various embodiments Figure 6 Example side view of handle guard HS1-1 of FIG. 1 , wherein shaped region SR1a includes a protrusion on one side for securing a weight. In general, removable weights can have different shapes. In this example, the weights are rectangular and each has a notch to allow the weight to be secured to a corresponding protrusion 1501 to 1507 at an edge 1500 of the shaped region. For example, weights W1 and W2 have notches 1510 and 1511, respectively, which allow weights W1 and W2 to be secured to protrusions 1501 and 1503, respectively.

[0065] Fig.16 According to various embodiments Figure 6 1-1, wherein the shaped area SR1a includes recesses on one side for securing weights. In this example, the weights are rectangular and each has a protrusion to allow the weights to be secured in corresponding recesses 1601 to 1607 at the edge 1600 of the shaped area. For example, weights W1 and W2 have protrusions 1610 and 1611, respectively, which allow weights W1 and W2 to be secured in recesses 1601 and 1603, respectively.

[0066] Fig.17 According to various embodiments Figure 6 Example side view of a handle guard HS1-1, in which four rectangular shaped areas SR1a1 to SR1a4 can fix corresponding weights. In this example, weight W1 is fixed in shaped area SR1a1, and weight W2 is fixed in shaped area SR1a2. Shaped areas SR1a1 and SR1a2 extend along the longitudinal axis LA1, and formed areas SR1a3 and SR1a4 extend along the longitudinal axis LA2. Other variations in weights and formed areas are also possible.

[0067] In this example, the shaped regions are configured to secure weights of different sizes. For example, SR1a1 and SR1a2 are first and second regions, respectively, wherein the first region is sized to secure a weight (W1) that is larger and heavier than a weight (W2) that can be secured by the second region.

[0068] Figures 7 to 12 as well as Figures 15 to 17 Depicted are examples of multiple periodic retaining structures in a handle or handle housing for retaining one or more corresponding removable weights. Figures 7 to 10 In the embodiment, the retaining structure is a curved wall. Fig.11 and Fig.12 In , the holding structure is a column. Fig.15 In the embodiment, the retaining structure is a convex portion. Fig.16 In the embodiment, the retaining structure is a notch. Fig.17 In the embodiment, the retaining structure is a separate shaped area or a recessed area.

[0069] Figures 7 to 17 An example of a structure in a portion of a knife handle for holding one or more removable weights within a range of positions along the length of the handle, for example, the range being defined by a length Lsr. In one approach, the range of positions extends between a midpoint MP of the handle and a free end H1fe or H2fe of the handle (see Figure 1 ). That is, the position range may be limited to the rear half of the handle where the dynamic mass is most affected.

[0070] The spacing between the discrete locations where the weights can be secured can be uniform or non-uniform.

[0071] Although the shaped area is depicted as being in the inner side of the handle housing, other options are possible. For example, the liner may be shaped, or the shaped area may be attached to the liner, wherein the handle housing is then attached to cover the shaped area.

[0072] Fig.18A single-handled fixed blade knife including a handle guard having a shaped area for holding a heavy object is depicted according to various embodiments. In contrast to folding knives, single-handled fixed blade knives typically have a central tang with a handle housing attached on opposite sides and do not use a liner. In this example, the knife 1800 includes a blade 1805 having a sharp portion 1805a and a tang 1805b. The sharp portion and the tang can be formed from one continuous piece of metal. In this example, the knife has a complete tang because the tang extends to the end of the knife. A guard 1802 surrounds the blade to separate the sharp portion from the tang. A first handle housing 1820 is attached to a first side 1805b1 of the tang, and a second handle housing 1810 is attached to an opposite second side 1805b2 of the tang. The first handle shell has an inner side 1820s with a shaped area 1821 for holding one or more weights, and the second handle shell has an inner side 1810s with a shaped area 1811 for holding one or more weights. In this example, the shaped area is fan-shaped, similar to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Any of the shaped areas or structures described above for holding a weight in place may be used.

[0073] The handle housing and tangs may include holes through which screws or other fasteners may be inserted to hold the housing to the tangs. For example, the first handle housing 1820 includes holes 1832 and 1833, the tang includes holes 1822 and 1823, and the second handle housing includes holes 1812 and 1813. The fasteners may be easily removed and reinstalled to allow a user to add, remove, or adjust the position of a weight.

[0074] Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments or implementations designed to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments may be implemented in a wide variety of ways.

[0075] This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, the embodiments are manifestly intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cutting tool, comprising: blade; as well as A handle attached to the blade, wherein the handle includes a first liner and a first handle guard adapted to be secured to the first liner, the first handle guard including an inner side facing the first liner, and the inner side of the first handle guard including a shaped area for securing a removable weight in a selected position along the length of the first handle guard.

2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein: The selected location is a discrete location among a plurality of discrete locations along the length of the first handle guard.

3. The tool according to claim 2, wherein: At least one of the plurality of discrete locations is separated from an adjacent discrete location of the plurality of discrete locations by a distance that is less than a width of the weight along a length of the first handle guard.

4. The tool according to claim 2, wherein: The shaped region includes a plurality of retaining structures spaced along a length of the first handle guard; and Each retaining structure of the plurality of retaining structures corresponds to a respective discrete location of the plurality of discrete locations.

5. The tool according to claim 4, wherein: The retaining structure includes at least one of a protrusion, a post, or a recess.

6. The cutting tool according to claim 2, wherein: The shaped region comprises a scalloped edge having a plurality of curved walls; and Each curved wall of the plurality of curved walls corresponds to a respective discrete location of the plurality of discrete locations.

7. The tool according to claim 6, wherein: The scalloped edge is on one side of the shaped area, and the cutter further includes a rubber cord on an opposite side of the shaped area and used to secure the weight.

8. The cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein: The shaped area is used to secure a plurality of weights in different positions along the length of the first handle guard.

9. The cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein: The weight to be secured in the selected position is a disc.

10. The cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein: The first handle guard includes an outer side facing away from the first lining and a viewing port extending from the outer side to the inner side, wherein the viewing port is used to allow viewing of whether a weight is fixed in the first handle guard at a position corresponding to the viewing port.

11. The cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein: The handle includes a second lining, a spacer between the first lining and the second lining, and a second handle guard suitable for being fixed to the second lining, the second handle guard including an inner side facing the second lining, and the inner side of the second handle guard includes a formed area for fixing a weight in a selected position along the length of the second handle guard.

12. The cutting tool of claim 1, wherein: The shaped region includes a first region and a second region; and The first region is sized to secure a weight that is heavier than a weight that can be secured by the second region.

13. The cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein: The shaped area of ​​the first handle guard includes a recessed area of ​​the first handle guard.

14. The cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein: The tool is a butterfly tool, and the tool also includes: A second handle, the second handle being attached to the blade, wherein the second handle includes a corresponding liner and a corresponding handle guard adapted to be secured to the corresponding liner, the corresponding handle guard including an inner side facing the corresponding liner, and the inner side of the corresponding handle guard including a formed area for securing a weight in a selected position among a plurality of different positions along the length of the corresponding handle guard.

15. The cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein: The knife is a single-handle knife.

16. A knife handle, comprising: lining; as well as A handle housing adapted to be secured to the liner, wherein the handle housing includes structure for retaining one or more removable weights within a range of positions along the length of the handle, and the range of positions extends between a midpoint of the handle and a free end of the handle.

17. The knife handle according to claim 16, wherein: The range of positions includes a plurality of discrete positions for securing the one or more removable weights.

18. The knife handle according to claim 16, wherein: The structure allows the one or more removable weights to be moved to any position within the range of positions.

19. A butterfly cutter comprising: blade; as well as a first handle attached to the blade; as well as A second handle attached to the blade, wherein the first handle includes structure for retaining one or more corresponding removable weights within a range of positions along the length of the first handle, and the second handle includes structure for retaining one or more corresponding removable weights within a range of positions along the length of the second handle.

20. The butterfly cutter according to claim 19, wherein: The first handle includes a plurality of periodic structures for holding the one or more corresponding removable weights.

21. The butterfly cutter according to claim 20, wherein: The first handle includes a first lining and a first handle guard adapted to be fixed to the first lining; The first handle guard includes an inner side facing the first lining; and The inner side portion of the first handle guard includes the plurality of periodic structures.

22. A single-handle fixed blade knife comprising: a blade, the blade comprising a sharp portion and a tang; a first handle guard adapted to be secured to a first side portion of the tang; as well as A second handle guard adapted to be secured to a second side portion of the tang, wherein the first handle guard includes an inner portion facing the tang, and the inner portion of the first handle guard includes a formed area for securing a removable weight in a selected position along the length of the first handle guard.

23. The single-handled fixed blade knife of claim 22, wherein: The selected location is a discrete location among a plurality of discrete locations along the length of the first handle guard.

24. The single-handled fixed blade knife of claim 23, wherein: The shaped region includes a plurality of retaining structures spaced along a length of the first handle guard; and Each retaining structure of the plurality of retaining structures corresponds to a respective discrete location of the plurality of discrete locations.

25. The single-handled fixed blade knife of claim 23, wherein: The shaped region comprises a scalloped edge having a plurality of curved walls; and Each curved wall of the plurality of curved walls corresponds to a respective discrete location of the plurality of discrete locations.

Images