Folding knife and folding knife kit

Abstract

The utility model discloses a folding knife and a folding knife kit. The folding knife comprises a knife handle. The shank includes first and second bearing bores open toward an exterior of the shank, and a slot having opposing inner surfaces. A blade can be at least partially disposed within the slot of the shank and between the first and second bearing bores. The first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot are selectively insertable into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole, respectively, from the outside of the shank. The first bearing bore and the second bearing bore each include a thrust bearing surface, at least one of which is configured to determine a lateral position of the insert between the inner surfaces of the slots.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 582,415, filed on September 13, 2023, entitled “Modular Folding Knife,” and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 822,651, filed on September 3, 2024, entitled “Folding Knife, Folding Knife Kits, Knife Kits, and Methods,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The utility model relates to a folding knife and a folding knife kit. Background Art

[0004] Most conventional folding knife designs utilize a laminated or sandwich construction, where the blade is sandwiched within a handle of one or more layers located on either side of the blade. The inner surfaces of the blade and handle may have corresponding thrust surfaces that engage with each other. In other cases, a thrust bearing or thrust washer is positioned between the blade and the inner surface of the handle. In either case, the lateral position of the blade within the handle is referenced to the inner surface of the handle. The blade also includes a hole through which a pin is inserted and about which the blade can rotate. In order for the blade to fold / rotate smoothly, both the pivot (radial) and thrust bearing surfaces must be made of suitable bearing materials and must be precisely manufactured to ensure smooth blade operation.

[0005] In conventional folding knife construction, a washer or bearing fits between the side of the blade and the inner surface of the handle, with the pivot fastener mounted through this assembly. This makes changing the action (i.e., speed or smoothness of opening) difficult and requires extensive disassembly. Changing the functionality (i.e., from manual opening to automatic opening) is generally not feasible or requires modification, extensive disassembly, and / or replacement of multiple parts. Assembly of this type of folding knife is also complicated because the blade and washer or bearing need to fit within a slot in the handle, and all components (handle, blade, and washer) need to be aligned to facilitate insertion of the pivot pin. Utility Model Content

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or operate only in the environment described above. Instead, the above background information is provided only to illustrate an exemplary technical field in which certain embodiments described herein may be implemented.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a folding knife is provided, comprising: a handle comprising a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward the outside of the handle, and a groove having relative inner surfaces; a blade capable of being at least partially arranged within the groove of the handle and between the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole; and a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot capable of being selectively inserted into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole, respectively, from the outside of the handle, the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot both comprising a thrust bearing surface, at least one thrust bearing surface being configured to determine the lateral position of the blade between the inner surfaces of the groove.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a folding knife is provided, comprising: a handle having a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward the outside of the handle; a blade capable of being at least partially arranged within the handle and between the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole; and a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot capable of being selectively inserted into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole, respectively, from the outside of the handle, the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot both comprising a thrust bearing surface, at least one of the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot comprising a radial bearing surface, and the blade being configured to rotate around the radial bearing surface.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a folding knife kit is provided, comprising: a handle having a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward the outside of the handle; a blade capable of being at least partially arranged within the handle and between the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole; a first bearing pivot capable of being inserted into and removed from the outside of the handle, the first bearing pivot comprising a thrust bearing surface; a second bearing pivot capable of being inserted into and removed from the outside of the handle, the second bearing pivot comprising a thrust bearing surface; and a third bearing pivot and a biasing member capable of replacing the second bearing pivot and being inserted into and removed from the outside of the handle, the third bearing pivot comprising a thrust bearing surface, the biasing member being capable of being keyed to the blade and the third bearing pivot to bias the blade to an open position.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a folding knife kit is provided, comprising: a handle having a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward the outside of the handle; a blade capable of being at least partially arranged within the handle and between the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole; a first bearing pivot capable of being inserted into and removed from the outside of the handle, the first bearing pivot comprising a thrust bearing surface; a second bearing pivot capable of being inserted into and removed from the outside of the handle, the second bearing pivot comprising a thrust bearing surface; and a third bearing pivot and a biasing member capable of replacing the second bearing pivot and being inserted into and removed from the outside of the handle, the third bearing pivot comprising a thrust bearing surface, the biasing member being capable of being keyed to the blade and the third bearing pivot to bias the blade to an open position.

[0011] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a folding knife kit is provided, comprising: a knife handle having a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward the outside of the knife handle; a blade capable of being at least partially disposed within the knife handle and between the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole; a first bearing pivot assembly comprising a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot capable of being inserted into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole, respectively, the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot both comprising a thrust bearing surface, at least one of the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot comprising a radial bearing surface, the blade being configured to rotate about the radial bearing surface; and a second bearing pivot assembly comprising a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot capable of being inserted into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole, respectively. A pivot assembly comprising a third bearing pivot, a fourth bearing pivot and a biasing member, wherein the third bearing pivot and the fourth bearing pivot are insertable into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole, respectively, each of the third bearing pivot and the fourth bearing pivot comprises a thrust bearing surface, at least one of the third bearing pivot and the fourth bearing pivot comprises a radial bearing surface, the blade is configured to rotate about the radial bearing surface, the biasing member is connectable between the blade and one of the third bearing pivot and the fourth bearing pivot, the biasing member being configured to automatically deploy the blade from a closed position to an open position.

[0012] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a folding knife is provided, which can be selectively converted between a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot to selectively change the action and / or function of the knife, the knife comprising: a handle, the handle having a bearing hole open toward the outside of the handle and configured to selectively alternately receive the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot from the outside of the handle, the handle comprising a slot; and a blade placeable in the slot of the handle, the blade being configured to selectively move around an axis between an open position extending from the handle and a closed position at least partially located within the handle, wherein the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot are both configured to extend into the bearing hole around the axis and toward the side of the blade. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings are illustrative and non-restrictive. Although the present disclosure has been generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these specific embodiments. The content shown in the drawings is not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0014] Figure 1A An exploded view of a folding knife according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 1B Shown Figure 1A A cross-section of the folding knife is shown after assembly.

[0016] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A perspective view of a modular folding knife is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2C Shown Figure 2A and Figure 2B A cross-section of a modular folding knife is shown, illustrating the manual function configuration.

[0018] Figure 3A Shown Figure 2A and Figure 2B A perspective view of the modular folding knife is shown, illustrating the automatic function configuration.

[0019] Figure 3B Shown Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the modular folding knife is shown.

[0020] Figure 3C and 3D Shown Figure 3A and 3B Various aspects of the automatic functional construction are shown.

[0021] Figure 4A and 4B A locking mechanism of a folding knife according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 5 A locking mechanism of a folding knife according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 6 A blade retention feature or soft locking mechanism of a folding knife according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A handle of a folding knife according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 8 Another handle of a folding knife according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figures 9A to 9E Various alignment and sharpening features of a folding knife according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The modular folding knife design disclosed herein allows for easy assembly and maintenance from the outside of the handle. The blade, bearings (or washers), locking mechanism, and spring mechanism can all be assembled from the outside of the handle. The pivot, bearing, and spring mechanisms can be easily adjusted or replaced to provide different actions or functions without having to disassemble the handle assembly. The various pivots, bearings, and spring mechanisms disclosed herein may also be referred to individually or collectively as action assemblies, action components, functional assemblies, and functional components. The designs disclosed herein also include features for reducing the cost and complexity of manufacturing and assembling one-piece handle (monolithic) knife designs.

[0028] Generally speaking, the modular folding knife disclosed herein includes externally assembled pivot hardware, with bearings or bearing surfaces integrated into the pivot hardware. This reduces part count, improves performance, and facilitates easier assembly and maintenance. Advantages of this design include reduced production and assembly costs, improved action and blade alignment, easier assembly / disassembly / maintenance, and a more robust design with fewer components that can affect blade position and action.

[0029] In some embodiments, a knife according to the present disclosure includes a handle and a folding blade having a blade positioning feature. A pair of bearing pivots can be adjusted via fasteners to provide a desired clearance with opposing sides of the blade. The pair of bearing pivots retains the blade within the handle. The bearing pivots include thrust bearing surfaces that contact opposing sides of the blade, or bearing rings disposed between the blade and the thrust bearing surfaces on the bearing pivots. The bearing rings can be further described as thrust bearings. Suitable thrust bearing types may include steel or ceramic ball bearings, roller or needle bearings, nylon or bronze washers, and the like. At least one bearing pivot also includes a radial bearing surface for establishing a pivot axis for the blade. A flange or other engaging surface is formed on the bearing pivot to position the bearing pivot relative to the handle. The relative positioning between the bearing pivot and the handle also affects the positioning of the blade relative to the handle. The engaging surface on at least one bearing pivot can also retain a locking button. The locking button can be spring-biased to engage an opening and closing locking feature (such as a detent) in the blade. A detent pin can provide enhanced retention when the blade is in the open position. The pocket clip and the opposing pocket clip holder can be positioned in opposing recesses of the knife handle and secured to each other by fasteners. The pocket clip and the holder can be interchanged so that the pocket clip can be positioned on either side of the knife handle.

[0030] To manually deploy or retract the blade, the user can grasp the handle with one hand, momentarily depress the locking button, and then move the blade between the open or closed positions. When the blade is in the desired position, the locking button is spring-biased to engage the blade locking feature. The user can then move the blade with their other hand (two-handed opening) or quickly move the handle while depressing the locking button to "pop" the blade open or closed (one-handed opening). One-handed manual opening can be achieved by moving the handle to generate power on the blade, or by allowing gravity to pull the blade open when the handle is adjusted accordingly. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the action can be easily changed because the modular bearing pivots can be adjusted (e.g., the degree of compression they exert on the blade) or interchanged (a ball bearing pivot for gravity or a fixed thrust bearing for momentary or two-handed opening).

[0031] The function can also be modified to automatically deploy the blade. One bearing pivot can be replaced with an automatic bearing pivot, which incorporates a torsion spring that engages the blade and biases it toward the open position. In this case, the user can hold the handle with one hand and momentarily depress the locking button to deploy the blade. The torsion spring forces the blade open and into contact with the stop pin. At this point, the locking mechanism's compression spring pushes the locking button, engaging the blade locking feature and locking the blade in the open position.

[0032] Now let's see Figure 1A and 1B, which shows an exploded view and a cross-sectional view of a modular cutting tool 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting tool 100 includes a handle 102, a first bearing pivot 104, a second bearing pivot 106, and a blade 108. It should be noted that although the cutting tool 100 may include other elements (such as locking elements, etc.), for simplicity, they are not incorporated. Figure 1A and Figure 1B These elements are shown or described.

[0033] The first bearing pivot 104 and the second bearing pivot 106 may be individually referred to as "action components" or "functional components" or may be collectively referred to as "action components" or "functional components". In the illustrated embodiment, the first bearing pivot 104 and the second bearing pivot 106 are formed as manual function components. In some embodiments, the manual function requires the user to manually move the blade 108 from the closed or folded state to the open state (e.g., Figure 1A This may require the user to hold the handle 102 with one hand and move the blade 108 with the other hand to open the knife 100. The bearing pivot can be further described as a pivot module, which includes an assembly module of components / functions, and can include various motions and / or functional components included in the pivot module.

[0034] As can be seen in the figure, the blade 108 includes a shank 110 and a distal portion 112. The distal portion 112 has a cutting edge 114. The shank 110 includes a bearing bore 116 extending through opposite sides. The bearing bore 116 has an inner dimension defined by radial bearing surfaces 118.

[0035] The handle 102 includes a slot 120 sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the handle core 110 therein. The handle 102 also includes a first bearing hole 122 located on a first side of the handle 102 and a second bearing hole 124 located on a second side of the handle 102. The first bearing hole 122 and the second bearing hole 124 have openings that lead to the exterior of the handle 102 and the slot 120.

[0036] First bearing hole 122 includes a stepped hole structure having surfaces 126 and 128 of different radial dimensions. A shoulder 130 is formed between surfaces 126 and 128. Similar to first bearing hole 122, second bearing hole 124 includes a stepped hole structure having surfaces 132 and 134 of different radial dimensions and a shoulder 136 formed therebetween.

[0037] The exterior of the first bearing pivot 104 includes a stepped structure having surfaces 138, 140 and a shoulder 142. The surfaces 138, 140 and shoulder 142 are sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to fit within and / or engage with surfaces 126, 128 and shoulder 130. Similarly, the exterior of the second bearing pivot 106 includes a stepped structure having surfaces 144, 146 and a shoulder 148. The surfaces 144, 146 and shoulder 148 are sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to fit within and / or engage with surfaces 132, 134 and shoulder 136.

[0038] The bearing pivots 104, 106 also include one or more bearing surfaces. For example, the first bearing pivot 104 includes a radial bearing surface 150. The outer dimensions of the radial bearing surface 150 correspond to the inner dimensions of the bearing hole 116 in the blade 108. In other words, the radial bearing surface 150 is sized to fit within the bearing hole 116 and allow the blade 108 to rotate thereabout without creating significant play therebetween.

[0039] First bearing pivot 104 also includes a thrust bearing surface 152. In the illustrated embodiment, thrust bearing surface 152 is formed as a shoulder between surface 138 and radial bearing surface 150. Similarly, second bearing pivot 106 includes a thrust bearing surface 154. As shown, thrust bearing surface 154 may be a shoulder formed adjacent to surface 144.

[0040] like Figure 1B As shown, the first and second bearing pivots 104, 106 are configured to extend through the bearing apertures 122, 124 and into the slot 120. The thrust bearing surfaces 152, 154 are configured to directly engage opposing sides of the tang 110 of the blade 108. Thus, the tang 110 can be sandwiched between the thrust bearing surfaces 152, 154 of the first and second bearing pivots 104, 106.

[0041] The bearing pivots 104 and 106 may also include connecting features to facilitate connection therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing pivot 104 includes a threaded hole 156, and the bearing pivot 106 includes a threaded protrusion 158. The threaded protrusion 158 can be threaded into the threaded hole 156 to secure the bearing pivots 104 and 106 with the blade 108 between the thrust bearing surfaces 152 and 154. To facilitate the threaded engagement, one or both of the bearing pivots 104 and 106 may include an outwardly facing drive feature 160. The drive feature 160 may be a groove or protrusion configured to be engaged by a tool to facilitate relative rotation between the bearing pivots 104 and 106.

[0042] To assemble the tool 100, the handle 110 of the insert 108 is inserted into the slot 120 such that the bearing aperture 116 of the handle 110 is aligned with the first and second bearing apertures 122, 124. The first and second bearing pivots 104, 106 are inserted into the first and second bearing apertures 122, 124, respectively, and secured together. Upon insertion of the first bearing pivot 104, the radial bearing surface 150 engages the bearing aperture 116 of the handle 110. Furthermore, the thrust bearing surfaces 152, 154 on the bearing pivots 104, 106 engage the opposing sides of the insert 108. The shoulders 142, 148 of the bearing pivots 104, 106 also engage the shoulders 130, 136 in the first and second bearing apertures 122, 124, thereby limiting the depth to which the bearing pivots 104, 106 can be inserted into the first and second bearing apertures 122, 124.

[0043] It is important to note that when the knife 100 is assembled, the opposing sides of the shank 110 may not engage the inner surface of the slot 120. Therefore, the lateral position of the blade 108 within the slot 120 may not be determined by the inner surface of the slot 120. Instead, the lateral position of the blade 108 within the slot 120 may be determined by the position of the thrust bearing surfaces 152, 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the positions of the thrust bearing surfaces 152, 154 are referenced to, or determined by, the outer surface of the shank 102. For example, the engagement between the surfaces 130 / 142, 136 / 148 may determine the lateral position of the bearing pivots 104, 106, which in turn determines the lateral position of the thrust bearing surfaces 152, 154 and the blade 108. Thus, the lateral position of the blade 108 may be referenced to one or more outwardly facing surfaces of the shank 102.

[0044] The bearing pivots 104, 106 can be made of a suitable bearing material. The pivots 104, 106 can serve as fasteners (e.g., securing the components of the tool 100 together), bearing surfaces, and primary load-bearing members. The thrust and radial bearing surfaces 150, 152, 154 are located on the bearing pivots 104, 106, so the tool handle 102 does not require precision internal machining operations (e.g., the tool handle 102 does not require internal locating or bearing surfaces). In addition to reducing the number of parts, this construction allows the tool handle 102 to be made of a variety of materials, including soft metals, plastics, and even wood.

[0045] The construction of knife 100 allows for ease of assembly. For example, all components of knife 100 are assembled from the outside of handle 102, rather than stacking one component on top of another or inserting multiple components into a common handle slot. Moving components of knife 100 can be disassembled, cleaned, repaired, or replaced without disassembling handle 102. External bearing pivots 104, 106 also provide increased strength by distributing forces over a larger area of ​​handle 102, thereby achieving a non-metallic handle structure without the need for additional steel linings to reinforce the structure.

[0046] Although the bearing pivots 104, 106 are shown and described as having radial bearing surface 150 as an integral part of the bearing pivot 104, this is merely an example. In other embodiments, the radial bearing surface 150 may be formed as a portion of the bearing pivot 106. In other embodiments, the radial bearing surface 150 may be divided between the bearing pivots 104, 106 such that the radial bearing surface 118 is fully formed only when the bearing pivots 104, 106 are secured together.

[0047] The manner in which the bearing pivots 104, 106 described and shown above can be connected together is also merely an example. In other embodiments, the threaded hole and the threaded protrusion can be switched between the bearing pivots. In other embodiments, the threaded protrusion can be separate from the bearing pivot. For example, one of the bearing pivots may include a through hole that is configured to receive a fastener (such as a screw) therethrough. The fastener can pass through the hole and threadedly engage with the threaded hole on the other bearing pivot, thereby securing the bearing pivots together. The bearing hole shown in the figure is cylindrical with a circular portion extending through the body. Other holes may include a combination of flat and / or curved edges extending through the body. The corresponding bearing pivot may have a surface that engages the side of the bearing hole.

[0048] Now let's see Figures 2A to 2C , which shows a cutting tool 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A and 2B Shown are perspective views from opposite sides of the tool 200, Figure 2C The tool 200 is similar or identical in many respects to the tool 100. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the tool 200 may have the same or similar features as the tool 100.

[0049] Generally speaking, knife 200 includes a handle 202 , a bearing pivot 204 , a bearing pivot 206 , a ball bearing ring 208 , a ball bearing ring 210 , a locking mechanism 212 , a blade 214 , and a pocket clip 216 .

[0050] The bag clip 216 can be secured to the knife handle 202 by a fastener 218. The fastener 218 can extend through a hole in the bag clip 216 and into an aperture in the knife handle 202. Users have different preferences as to which side of the knife handle 202 they prefer to attach the bag clip 216 to. To allow the bag clip 216 to be attached to either side of the knife handle 202, the aperture can extend completely through the knife handle 202 and be open on both sides. A bag clip holder or cover 220 can be used to cover the aperture on the side of the knife handle 202 to which the bag clip 216 is not attached. In some embodiments, the cover 220 can include a connection feature (e.g., a threaded groove) that can engage with the fastener 218. Thus, the fastener 218 can secure the bag clip 216 and the cover 220 to the knife handle 202.

[0051] from Figure 2C As can be seen in FIG, bearing pivots 204, 206 differ slightly from bearing pivots 104, 106. One major difference is that bearing pivots 204, 206 include bearing surfaces 222, 224, respectively, that do not directly engage opposite sides of blade 214. Instead, bearing surfaces 222, 224 are offset or spaced apart from opposite sides of blade 214. Ball bearing rings 208, 210 are positioned between bearing surfaces 222, 224 and opposite sides of blade 214.

[0052] One or both sides of the blade 214 may include grooves for receiving associated ball bearing rings. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, one side of the blade includes grooves 225. As shown, the ball bearing ring 210 may be at least partially located in the grooves 225.

[0053] The ball bearing rings 208, 210 can allow for easier movement between the blade 214 and the handle 202. For example, in the illustrated configuration, a user can open the knife 200 with one hand (e.g., with a flick of the wrist and / or with the help of gravity). Thus, a knife having the illustrated pivot configuration (e.g., bearing pivots 204, 206 and ball bearing rings 208, 210) can be considered a "gravity-operated" or "one-handed-operated" knife.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing pivots 204, 206 are connected together by a single fastener 226. As shown, the fastener 226 can extend through a hole 228 in the bearing pivot 204 and into a threaded hole 230 in the bearing pivot 206 to secure the bearing pivots 204, 206 together.

[0055] The knife 200 also includes a compliant member 232, such as an O-ring. In the illustrated embodiment, the compliant member 232 is positioned between the bearing pivot 204 and the handle 202. The compliant member 232 can compensate for varying tolerances between the handle 202, the bearing pivots 204 and 206, the ball bearing rings 208 and 210, and / or the blade 214. For example, during the manufacturing process or later in use, these components may not be precisely formed or maintained to their exact dimensions. Consequently, when the knife 200 is assembled, some lateral play may exist between these components. To compensate for or eliminate this play, the compliant member 232 can be included. Because the compliant member 232 is compliant and compressible, it can compensate for varying degrees of play between the components. Thus, the compliant member 232 can compensate for tolerances between the handle and blade, the bearing ring, and / or the bearing pivot, allowing for fine-tuning of the play and tension between the bearing pivot and the blade without affecting the fit / play of the handle (e.g., the space between the inner surface of the handle slot and the blade).

[0056] While the compliant member 232 is shown as being located between the bearing pivot 204 and the handle 202, this is merely an example. In other embodiments, the compliant member 232 may be located between the bearing pivot 206 and the handle 202. In other embodiments, the compliant member 232 may be disposed between adjacent surfaces of the bearing pivots 204, 206.

[0057] Now let's see Figure 3A and Figure 3B , wherein tool 200a is shown. Tool 200a is the same as tool 200, but some of the pivots or actions / functional components are replaced with different pivots or actions / functional components. Specifically, Figure 2A 、 2C and Figure 3A 、 3B As can be seen from the comparison of the bearing pivot 206 and the bearing pivot 234, the bearing pivot 206 has been replaced. In addition, the ball bearing ring 210 has been removed, and a biasing member 236 (e.g., a tension spring) has been added. The bearing pivot 234 is similar to the bearing pivot 206 in many respects. For example, the bearing pivot 234 includes a handle-engaging surface 235 and a thrust bearing surface 224a that engages the blade 214.

[0058] As discussed in more detail below, the biasing member 236 can be keyed to the blade 214 and the bearing pivot 234. The bearing pivot 234 can also be keyed to the handle 202. Due to the keying between the aforementioned components, the biasing member 236 can be configured to bias or urge the blade 214 toward an open position relative to the handle 202. Thus, for example, when the locking mechanism 212 is disengaged, the biasing member 236 will cause the blade 214 to rotate relative to the handle 202 to a closed position. Figure 3AThus, the tool 200a can be considered to have an "automatic function" configuration.

[0059] Figure 3C An exemplary manner of coupling the biasing member 236 to the blade 214 and the bearing pivot 234, and coupling the bearing pivot 234 to the handle 202, is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member 236 is a tension spring. The spring may have a first end or tail 238 and a second end or tail 240. The first tail 238 may be disposed within a retaining feature 242 of the blade 214. The retaining feature 242 may be a recess, slot, hole, hook, or other feature in the blade 214 that is configured to selectively receive and retain the first tail 238, thereby coupling movement of the blade 214 to the first tail 238.

[0060] Similarly, the second tail portion 240 can be disposed within a retaining feature 242 (e.g., a recess, slot, hole, hook, or other feature) in the bearing pivot 234 to limit or prevent relative movement therebetween. Similarly, the bearing pivot 234 includes a keying feature 246 (e.g., a groove, notch, keyway, etc.) that can be keyed to a corresponding keying feature (e.g., a key, protrusion, etc.) in the handle 202 to limit or prevent relative movement therebetween. Similar keying features can also be included on any bearing pivot disclosed herein.

[0061] Although Figure 3C The blade 214 is shown with a single retaining feature 242 and the bearing pivot 234 with a single keying feature 246, but this is merely an example. In other embodiments, the blade 214 and / or the bearing pivot 234 may include multiple retaining features 242 and / or keying features 246. Including multiple retaining features 242 and / or keying features 246 allows for selective adjustment of the biasing force of the biasing member 236. For example, the first tail 238 and the second tail 240 can be inserted into different combinations of retaining features 242 and / or keying features 246. To this end, the biasing member 236 may need to be wound to different levels to adjust the biasing force generated by the biasing member 236. Similarly, the handle may include multiple keying features. By rotating the bearing pivot 234 to align the keying feature 246 with a specific keying feature on the handle, the tension of the biasing member 236 can be adjusted.

[0062] like Figure 3A 、 3B3D , the bearing pivot 234 can include one or more drive features 248. The drive features 248 can be configured to engage a tool 250 having corresponding drive features 252. The tool 250 can be used to insert the bearing pivot 234 into the second bearing aperture 253 and rotate it. The bearing pivot 234 can be rotated to adjust the load on the biasing member 236 (e.g., to loosen or tighten the spring coil) and / or to align the keying feature 246 with a corresponding keying feature on the handle 202.

[0063] After the bearing pivot 234 is installed, the tool 250 can be used to secure the fastener 226. For example, the tool 250 can include a second drive feature 254 configured to engage and rotate the fastener 226 into engagement with the bearing pivot 234.

[0064] In addition to providing a biasing force to urge the blade 214 toward the open position, the biasing member 236 can also provide pressure between the blade 214 and the bearing pivot 234. This pressure can urge the blade 214 laterally against the ball bearing ring 208 (or the thrust bearing surface on the opposing bearing pivot), thereby securing the blade 214 laterally within the handle 202.

[0065] Now let's see Figure 4A and Figure 4B , which shows an example of an exemplary locking mechanism that can be used with any of the knives disclosed herein. Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of a knife 260 is shown. The knife 260 includes a handle 262, a blade 264, a first bearing pivot 266, a second bearing pivot 268, a first ball bearing ring 270, a second ball bearing ring 272, and a locking mechanism 274.

[0066] The locking mechanism 274 includes a locking pin 276 and a biasing member 278. The locking pin 276 and the biasing member 278 are configured to be received in a locking slot 280 of the handle 262. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking pin 276 includes a recess 282 at an end thereof that is configured to partially receive the biasing member 278 therein. The biasing member 278 is configured to extend out of the recess 282 and engage a surface within the handle 262 to bias the locking pin 276 into a locked position (e.g., away from the surface and partially outside the handle 262).

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking pin 276 is generally cylindrical. However, other shapes are also contemplated. Figure 4AAs shown, when the locking pin 276 is in the locked position (e.g., not depressed, the biasing member 278 is deployed, etc.), a portion of the outer surface of the locking pin 276 can mate with or otherwise engage one of the two locking portions 284, 286 in the blade 264. When the locking pin 276 engages with either of the locking portions 284, 286, the engagement prevents the blade 264 from rotating relative to the handle 262. When the blade 264 is in the open position, the locking pin 276 can engage with the locking portion 284 to maintain the blade 264 in the open position. Similarly, when the blade 264 is in the closed position, the locking pin 276 can engage with the locking portion 286 to maintain the blade 264 in the closed position.

[0068] To move the blade 264 between the open and closed positions relative to the handle 262, the locking pin 276 can be pressed further into the handle 262. Pressing the locking pin 276 further into the handle 262 overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member 278. Furthermore, pressing the locking pin 276 further into the handle 262 disengages the outer surface of the locking pin 276 from the locking portions 284 and 286 and aligns the notch 288 on the outer surface of the locking pin 276 with the blade 264. The alignment of the notch 288 with the blade 264 provides sufficient clearance between the locking pin 276 and the blade 264 to allow the blade 264 to rotate relative to the handle 262. Once the blade 264 is rotated to the desired position (e.g., open or closed), the outer surface of the locking pin 276 can be aligned with one of the locking portions 284, 286, and the biasing member 278 can push the locking pin 276 back to the locked position, thereby engaging the outer surface of the locking pin 276 with one of the locking portions 284, 286.

[0069] The locking pin 276 also includes a retaining notch 290. The retaining notch 290 may include a shoulder 292. The shoulder 292 may engage a surface 294 on the bearing pivot 268. The engagement between the shoulder 292 and the bearing pivot 268 secures the locking pin 276 within the locking slot 280. The locking pin 276 and biasing member 278 may be removed from the handle 262 by removing the bearing pivot 268 and then removing the locking pin 276 and biasing member 278 from the locking slot 280. Thus, the locking mechanism 274 may be installed and removed from the exterior of the handle 262.

[0070] The retaining notch 290 may also include a surface 296 that engages an outer surface 298 of the bearing pivot 268. The surfaces 296, 298 may have matching or complementary profiles configured to prevent the locking pin 276 from rotating about its axis. If the locking pin 276 is allowed to rotate about its axis, the notch 288 may no longer face the blade 264. Therefore, even if the locking pin 276 is depressed, the blade 264 may not have sufficient clearance to rotate.

[0071] As shown in this embodiment, the groove 282, notch 288, and retaining notch 290 can be offset from one another along the longitudinal axis of the locking pin 276. In this configuration, a relatively small or short coil spring can be used as the biasing member 278.

[0072] Figure 4B The blade 264 is shown to include a stop 300 formed therein. The stop 300 is configured to engage a stop pin 302 (also in the Figure 2A 、 2B 3A). This engagement prevents the blade 264 from excessively rotating relative to the handle when moved to the open position. In some embodiments, the stop pin 302 can be positioned within a corresponding recess in the handle, or within a corresponding recess in each bearing pivot. In other embodiments, the stop pin 302 can be one or more surfaces formed on the handle or one or both bearing pivots.

[0073] Now let's see Figure 5 , which shows another exemplary embodiment of a locking mechanism 310 that can be used with the knives disclosed herein. Similar to the locking mechanism 274, the locking mechanism 310 includes a locking pin 312 and a biasing member 314. Also similar to the locking mechanism 274, the locking pin 312 includes a groove 316 for receiving a portion of the biasing member 314, a notch 318, and a retaining notch 320.

[0074] Compared to the locking mechanism 274, the groove 316 and biasing member 314 are significantly longer. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the groove 316 extends across a majority of the length of the locking pin 312. The biasing member 314 is correspondingly longer. Furthermore, the groove 316 overlaps a portion of the notch 318 and the retaining notch 320 along the longitudinal axis of the locking pin 312. In other embodiments, the groove 316 may overlap the notch 318 but not the retaining notch 320. In still other embodiments, the groove 316 may overlap a portion of the notch 318. This configuration allows for the use of a larger and / or longer biasing member, thereby achieving a stronger biasing and locking force.

[0075] In some embodiments, a set screw may be provided within the recess 316 to adjust the effective length of the recess 316. Adjusting the length of the recess 316 may increase or decrease the amount of compression of the biasing member 314, thereby correspondingly increasing or decreasing the biasing force applied between the locking pin 312 and the blade 264.

[0076] Figures 4A to 5The locking mechanism shown can be considered a "hard locking mechanism." A hard locking mechanism is a mechanism that requires the user to engage the locking mechanism (e.g., depress a locking pin, rotate a lever, etc.) to disengage the lock and allow the blade to rotate relative to the handle. In some embodiments, a hard locking mechanism may be undesirable. In some embodiments, the engaging surfaces of the locking portions 284 and / or 286 of the blade 264 are parallel to, or form a small angle with, the corresponding engaging surfaces of the locking pins 276 or 312. This angle can be between 0-20 degrees. The locking portion can be formed over the entire thickness of the blade 264, or nearly the entire thickness. These embodiments are considered hard locking and require the user to engage the locking pins 276 or 312 to release the lock.

[0077] In other embodiments, a "soft lock" may be desired. In these cases, the required force applied to the blade will overcome the force of the biasing member 278 or 314, allowing the locking pin 276 or 312 to retract from the locking portion 284 or 286 and unlock the blade without the user having to contact the locking pin 276 or 312. In these embodiments, the engagement surfaces of the locking portions 284 and / or 286 of the blade 264 can form a larger angle relative to the corresponding engagement surfaces of the locking pin 276 or 312. This angle can be between 20 and 45 degrees. The locking portion can also be formed over only a portion of the thickness of the blade. In these embodiments, the shallower engagement depth and larger angle between the engagement surfaces provide a soft lock. The required force applied to the blade will generate a force component parallel to the locking pin axis that exceeds the force of the biasing member 278 or 314.

[0078] Figure 6 Another exemplary embodiment of a locking mechanism 330 (also known as a blade retention feature) is shown that can be used to retain a blade 332 in an open or closed state. The locking mechanism 330 can be considered a "soft locking mechanism" because it allows the blade to pivot relative to the handle without requiring the user to engage a component of the locking mechanism 330 to disengage the locking mechanism 330.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 330 includes locking portions 334, 336 formed on one side of the blade 332. The locking mechanism 330 may also include an engagement feature 338 that engages with the locking portions 334, 336 depending on the position of the blade 332. For example, when the blade 332 is in the open position, the engagement feature 338 may engage with the locking portion 334, and when the blade 332 is in the closed position, the engagement feature 338 may engage with the locking portion 336. The engagement between the engagement feature 338 and the locking portions 334, 336 may maintain the blade 332 in the open or closed position unless a force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the blade 332 to rotate the blade 332 to another position.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, engagement feature 338 includes a ball 340 and a spring 342. All or a portion of spring 342, and optionally a portion of ball 340, can be received within a recess of bearing pivot 344. In many aspects, bearing pivot 344 can be similar or identical to other bearing pivots disclosed herein, and other bearing pivots disclosed herein can include recesses for receiving engagement features, such as engagement feature 338.

[0081] During use, the blade 332 can be in a closed position relative to the handle. The engagement feature 338 can engage with the locking portion 336 to maintain the blade 332 in the closed position. When the user wishes to extend the blade 332, the user can pull on the blade 332 to rotate it relative to the handle. When the force applied to pull the blade 332 exceeds a predetermined level, the force of the spring 342 is overcome. As a result, the spring 342 compresses and pulls the ball bearing 340 out of the locking portion 336, allowing the blade 332 to move relative to the handle. When the blade 332 is rotated to the open position, the engagement feature 338 can align with the locking portion 334, and the spring 342 can push the ball bearing 340 into engagement with the locking portion 334, securing the blade 332 in the open position.

[0082] The knife according to the present disclosure can have a variety of different handle structures. In the previous embodiments, the handle is shown as having a single-piece structure. In this case, the handle can be cast as a single component or machined from a single workpiece. Such a handle can be made of metal, plastic, wood or a composite material. In other embodiments, the handle can be composed of multiple parts, such as Figures 7A to 8 shown.

[0083] Figure 7A and 7B The embodiment of FIG. 3 shows a handle 350 including a spine member 352 and a molding 354. The spine member 352 can be formed from metal or other strong and rigid material to provide structural integrity to the handle 350. The molding 354 can be made from plastic, resin, or other material that can be injection molded or cast. The spine member 352 can include one or more holes 356 extending therethrough. When the handle 350 is formed, the molding 354 can be poured or injection molded at least partially around the spine member 352. Some of the material forming the molding 354 can flow through the holes 356, thereby forming a bridge 358. As the molding 354 solidifies, the bridge 358 can secure the molding 354 to the spine member 352.

[0084] It can be seen that the molded part 354 can form a significant portion of the outer surface of the handle 350. In the illustrated embodiment, the molded part 354 includes bearing holes located on opposite sides thereof. Figure 7A The bearing aperture may be similar or identical to other bearing apertures disclosed herein.

[0085] In some embodiments, a portion of the spine 352 can be exposed, forming part of the outer surface of the handle 350. In the illustrated embodiment, the spine 352 is exposed and visible along the top and ends of the handle 350. This can provide a desirable aesthetic for the handle 350. It can also serve a functional purpose. For example, the spine 352 can include a serrated area 360. This also allows the exposed portion of the spine 352 to be used to strike an object without damaging the molding 354. Additionally, the exposed portion of the spine 352 can include a lanyard hole 362 for accommodating a lanyard, bottle opener, or other functional feature attached thereto.

[0086] The spine member 352 may also include features for supporting higher load-bearing components of the knife. For example, the spine member 352 may include a saddle 364 configured to engage and support a locking pin 366. Similarly, the spine member 352 may include a saddle 368 configured to engage and support a stop pin 370. Similarly, the spine member 352 may include a saddle 369 configured to engage a fastener used to secure the bag clip to the knife handle 350. The saddles 364, 368, 369 may be contoured edges or surfaces, or they may be grooves or holes in the spine member 352.

[0087] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a knife handle 380 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the knife handle 380 includes opposing outer skins 382, ​​384. Each outer skin 382, ​​384 can be formed from one or more layers, including a lining. The outer skins 382, ​​384 can be connected together using one or more fasteners 386. In addition, in some embodiments, a spacer 388 can be included between portions of the outer skins 382, ​​384.

[0088] Now let's see Figures 9A-9E , which shows exemplary alignment and sharpening features and components. The alignment and sharpening features and components can be combined or used with any of the knives disclosed herein or other knives.

[0089] Figure 9A Shown is a blade 400. Blade 400 can be similar or identical in many respects to other blades disclosed herein. As shown, blade 400 includes positioning or alignment features 402 on its surface. Although not shown, blade 400 can include corresponding alignment features on its opposite sides.

[0090] The alignment feature 402 can be positioned at a predetermined location on the blade 400. The predetermined location can be relative to the blade edge, at a distance from the blade edge, and / or symmetrical about the center plane of the blade. In this embodiment, the alignment feature 402 is shown as being located on the tang 404 of the blade 400, but this is merely an example. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment feature 402 is in the form of a triangular protrusion. Other shapes are also contemplated.

[0091] Figure 9B A blade 410 is shown with a positioning or alignment feature 412. The blade 410 is similar to the blade 400. However, the alignment feature 412 takes the form of a groove in the blade 410 rather than a protrusion.

[0092] Figure 9C A sharpening guide 420 is shown that can be used with a blade having alignment features 412. The sharpening guide 420 can have one or more positioning or alignment features that correspond to the positioning or alignment features on the blade. The sharpening guide 420 can include at least one guide surface for providing a desired edge angle when the guide surface and the blade edge contact the sharpening surface.

[0093] The sharpening guide 420 includes a first half 422 and a second half 424 connected together by a hinge 426. A biasing member 428 may be disposed between inner surfaces of the first half 422 and the second half 424 and located on a first side of the hinge 426. The biasing member 428 may push the first half 422 and the second half 424 apart on the first side of the hinge 426. This causes the portions of the first half 422 and the second half 424 located on the second side of the hinge 426 to be pushed closer to each other.

[0094] The inner surface of one or both of the first half 422 and the second half 424 may have an alignment feature 430. The alignment feature 430 may have a shape similar to or identical to the alignment feature 412 on the blade. However, the alignment feature 430 may have a profile that matches the profile of the alignment feature 412. For example, the alignment feature 430 may be a protrusion rather than a recess like the alignment feature 412. Thus, when the sharpening guide 420 is mounted on the blade, the alignment feature 430 may extend into the alignment feature 412.

[0095] To install the sharpening guide 420 on the blade, the portions of the first and second halves 422, 424 located on the first side of the hinge 426 are pressed together. When the portions of the first and second halves 422, 424 located on the first side of the hinge 426 are pressed together, the portions of the first and second halves 422, 424 located on the second side of the hinge 426 are separated from each other due to the arrangement of the hinge 426. When the portions of the first and second halves 422, 424 located on the second side of the hinge 426 are separated, the blade 410 can be inserted therein. The alignment features 412, 430 can be aligned with each other. The pressure on the portions of the first and second halves 422, 424 located on the first side of the hinge 426 can be removed to allow the alignment features 412, 430 to mate with each other.

[0096] The pairing of the alignment features 412, 430 allows the guide surfaces 432, 434 on the sharpening guide 420 to be positioned and oriented relative to the cutting edge CE of the blade 410. The guide surfaces 432, 434 can be formed on the outer surfaces of the first half 422 and the second half 424, respectively. The guide surfaces 432, 434 can be oriented to match or be parallel to the (desired) bevel on the cutting edge CE of the blade 410.

[0097] To perform a sharpening operation on the blade 410, as Figure 9D As described and shown, the sharpening guide 420 is installed on the blade 410. Thereafter, as Figure 9E As shown, the sharpening guide 420 can be positioned on the grindstone S with one of the guide surfaces 432, 434 lying flat on the grindstone S. Due to the relative positioning and orientation between the sharpening guide 420 and the blade 410 (due to the engagement of the alignment features 412, 430), lying one of the guide surfaces 432, 434 flat on the grindstone S also positions one of the bevels of the blade edge CE on the grindstone S. The sharpening guide 420 and the blade 410 can then be moved on the grindstone S to sharpen the blade edge CE. Once one side of the blade 410 has been sharpened, the sharpening guide 420 and the blade 410 can be flipped over and the other side of the blade 410 can be sharpened (e.g., using the other guide surface 432, 434 as a reference for movement of the blade edge CE on the grindstone S).

[0098] The following are some other exemplary embodiments of the present invention. These are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. In addition, any exemplary embodiment may be combined with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0099] Example 1. A folding knife kit comprising: a handle having a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward the outside of the handle; a blade capable of being at least partially arranged within the handle and between the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole; a first bearing pivot capable of being inserted into and removed from the outside of the handle, the first bearing pivot including a thrust bearing surface; a second bearing pivot capable of being inserted into and removed from the outside of the handle, the second bearing pivot including a thrust bearing surface; and a third bearing pivot and a biasing member capable of being inserted into and removed from the outside of the handle in place of the second bearing pivot, the third bearing pivot including a thrust bearing surface, the biasing member capable of being keyed to the blade and the third bearing pivot to bias the blade to an open position.

[0100] Embodiment 2. A folding knife kit according to embodiment 1, wherein at least one of the first bearing pivot and / or the second bearing pivot or the third bearing pivot includes a radial bearing surface, and the blade is configured to rotate about the radial bearing surface.

[0101] Embodiment 3. The folding knife assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the first bearing pivot is selectively connectable to the second bearing pivot and the third bearing pivot in an alternating manner.

[0102] Example 4. A folding knife assembly according to Example 3, wherein the first bearing pivot includes a first connecting feature, and each of the second bearing pivot and the third bearing pivot includes a corresponding second connecting feature, and the second connecting feature is constructed to be selectively connected to the first connecting feature.

[0103] Embodiment 5. The folding knife assembly of embodiment 3, wherein the first bearing pivot is selectively and alternately connected to the second bearing pivot and the third bearing pivot by fasteners.

[0104] Embodiment 6. The folding knife kit of Embodiment 1, wherein the thrust bearing surface of the first bearing pivot is configured to directly engage a surface of the blade.

[0105] Embodiment 7. The folding knife kit of embodiment 1, further comprising a bearing ring positionable between a thrust bearing surface of the first bearing pivot and a side surface of the blade.

[0106] Embodiment 8. The folding knife kit of Embodiment 1, wherein the thrust bearing surface of the second bearing pivot is configured to directly engage a surface of the blade.

[0107] Embodiment 9. A folding knife kit according to embodiment 1, wherein a bearing ring is provided between the thrust bearing surface of the first bearing pivot and the side of the blade; and the thrust bearing surface of the third bearing pivot is configured to directly engage the side of the blade.

[0108] Embodiment 10. The folding knife kit of embodiment 9, wherein the second bearing pivot and the third bearing pivot are selectively interchangeable without removing the first bearing pivot or the blade from the handle.

[0109] 11. A folding knife that can be selectively converted between manual function and automatic function, comprising: a handle having a bearing hole open to the outside of the handle, the bearing hole being configured to selectively and alternately receive a first functional component and a second functional component from the outside of the handle, the first functional component being configured to provide the manual function for the folding knife, and the second functional component being configured to provide the automatic function for the folding knife.

[0110] Embodiment 12. The folding knife of Embodiment 11, wherein the bearing aperture of the handle is configured to receive a biasing member therein when the second functional component is received within the bearing aperture.

[0111] Embodiment 13. The folding knife of embodiment 11, wherein the handle is formed as a one-piece structure.

[0112] Embodiment 14. The folding knife of Embodiment 13, wherein the handle comprises a spine member and a molding cast or molded around at least a portion of the spine member.

[0113] Example 15. A method for selectively converting a folding knife between a manual function and an automatic function, comprising: removing a first bearing pivot from a bearing hole of a knife handle, the first bearing pivot being removed from an opening in the bearing hole, the opening in the bearing hole being open toward the outside of the knife handle; inserting a biasing member into the bearing hole, the biasing member being inserted into the bearing hole from the outside of the knife handle and through the opening in the bearing hole; and inserting the first bearing pivot or the second bearing pivot into the bearing hole, the first bearing pivot or the second bearing pivot being inserted into the bearing hole from the outside of the knife handle and through the opening in the bearing hole.

[0114] Embodiment 16. The method of embodiment 15, further comprising: disconnecting the first bearing pivot from the third bearing pivot before or as part of removing the first bearing pivot.

[0115] Example 17. The method according to Example 16 further includes: after inserting the first bearing pivot or the second bearing pivot into the bearing hole, or as part of inserting the first bearing pivot or the second bearing pivot into the bearing hole, connecting the first bearing pivot or the second bearing pivot to the third bearing pivot.

[0116] Embodiment 18. The method of embodiment 15, further comprising removing a bearing ring from the bearing bore after removing the first bearing pivot from the bearing bore.

[0117] Embodiment 19. The method of embodiment 15, further comprising: keying the biasing member to the first bearing pivot or the second bearing pivot and the blade.

[0118] Embodiment 20. The method of embodiment 15, further comprising removing the first bearing pivot or the second bearing pivot and the biasing member from the bearing bore through an opening, and inserting the first bearing pivot into the bearing bore through the opening.

[0119] Example 21. A folding knife, comprising: a handle having a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward the outside of the handle; a blade capable of being at least partially arranged within the handle and between the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole; and a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot capable of being selectively inserted into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole, respectively, from the outside of the handle, the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot both including a thrust bearing surface, at least one of the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot including a radial bearing surface, and the blade being configured to rotate around the radial bearing surface.

[0120] Embodiment 22. The folding knife of Embodiment 21, wherein the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot include complementary threaded surfaces configured to selectively connect the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot together.

[0121] Embodiment 23. The folding knife of Embodiment 21, wherein the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot are configured to be selectively connected together by a fastener.

[0122] Embodiment 24. The folding knife of embodiment 21, further comprising a biasing member positionable between the blade and at least one of the first and second bearing pivots.

[0123] Embodiment 25. The folding knife of embodiment 21, further comprising a ball bearing ring positionable between the blade and at least one of the first and second bearing pivots.

[0124] Embodiment 26. The folding knife of Embodiment 21, wherein the thrust bearing surface directly engages an opposing side of the blade.

[0125] Example 27. The folding knife of Example 21, further comprising a locking mechanism having a locking pin selectively retained within the handle by one of the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot.

[0126] Example 28. The folding knife of Example 27, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a biasing member configured to urge the locking pin to the locked position.

[0127] Embodiment 29. The folding knife of Embodiment 28, wherein the locking pin includes a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the biasing member therein.

[0128] Embodiment 30. The folding knife of Embodiment 29, wherein the locking pin further comprises a notch configured to allow the blade to rotate when the locking pin is moved to an unlocked or disengaged position.

[0129] Embodiment 31. The folding knife of embodiment 30, wherein the groove and notch are offset from one another along the longitudinal axis of the locking pin.

[0130] Embodiment 32. The folding knife of embodiment 30, wherein the groove and notch at least partially overlap one another along the longitudinal axis of the locking pin.

[0131] Embodiment 33. The folding knife of Embodiment 27, wherein the locking pin includes a retaining notch configured to engage with one of the first and second bearing pivots to retain the locking pin in the handle.

[0132] Embodiment 34. The folding knife of Embodiment 27, wherein the locking pin is keyed to one of the first and second bearing pivots to limit or prevent rotation of the locking pin.

[0133] Embodiment 35. The folding knife of Embodiment 21, wherein the handle comprises a spine member and a molding cast or molded around at least a portion of the spine member.

[0134] Example 36. A folding knife according to Example 21, wherein the blade includes one or more positioning features, which are arranged at a predetermined position at a certain distance from the cutting edge of the blade and / or at a certain distance along the cutting edge of the blade and / or at a certain orientation relative to the cutting edge of the blade, and the one or more positioning features are constructed to have a sharpening guide connected thereto, so that the sharpening guide maintains the blade in a predetermined orientation.

[0135] Embodiment 37. The folding knife of Embodiment 21, wherein the lateral position of the blade within the handle is determined by the position of one of the thrust bearing surfaces of the first bearing pivot or the second bearing pivot.

[0136] Embodiment 38. The folding knife of Embodiment 37, wherein the position of one of the thrust bearing surfaces is determined by engagement between an outwardly facing surface on the handle and a surface on the bearing pivot.

[0137] Embodiment 39. The folding knife of Embodiment 21, wherein the lateral position of the blade relative to the handle is not referenced to or determined by an inner surface of the handle.

[0138] Embodiment 40. A folding knife kit comprising: a handle having a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward an exterior of the handle; a blade capable of being at least partially disposed within the handle and between the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole; a first bearing pivot assembly comprising a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot capable of being inserted into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole, respectively, the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot each comprising a thrust bearing surface, at least one of the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot comprising a radial bearing surface, the blade being configured to rotate about the radial bearing surface; and a second bearing pivot assembly, The invention comprises a third bearing pivot, a fourth bearing pivot and a biasing member, wherein the third bearing pivot and the fourth bearing pivot can be inserted into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole respectively, each of the third bearing pivot and the fourth bearing pivot includes a thrust bearing surface, at least one of the third bearing pivot and the fourth bearing pivot includes a radial bearing surface, the blade is configured to rotate around the radial bearing surface, the biasing member can be connected between the blade and one of the third bearing pivot and the fourth bearing pivot, and the biasing member is configured to automatically expand the blade from a closed position to an open position.

[0139] Embodiment 41. The folding knife kit of embodiment 40, wherein the first bearing pivot and the third bearing pivot are the same bearing pivot.

[0140] Example 42. The folding knife kit of Example 40, further comprising one or more bearing rings.

[0141] Example 43. A folding knife kit according to Example 42, wherein the one or more bearing rings include a first bearing ring that can be set between the thrust bearing surface of the first bearing pivot and the first surface of the blade, and a second bearing ring that can be set between the thrust bearing surface of the second bearing pivot and the second surface of the blade.

[0142] Embodiment 44. The folding knife kit of Embodiment 40, wherein the thrust bearing surfaces of the first and second bearing pivots are configured to directly engage opposing sides of the blade.

[0143] Embodiment 45. The folding knife kit of embodiment 40, wherein the second bearing pivot assembly further comprises a biasing member.

[0144] Embodiment 46. The folding knife kit of embodiment 45, wherein the biasing member is located between a fourth bearing pivot and the blade.

[0145] Embodiment 47. A tool kit comprising: a tool including a blade having one or more alignment features; and a sharpening guide including one or more guide alignment features corresponding to one or more alignment features and one or more guide surfaces on the blade.

[0146] Example 48. A tool kit according to Example 47, wherein the one or more alignment features on the blade are set at a predetermined position at a certain distance from the cutting edge of the blade and / or a certain distance along the cutting edge of the blade and / or a certain orientation relative to the cutting edge of the blade.

[0147] Example 49. A tool kit according to Example 47, wherein the engagement of one or more alignment features of the sharpening guide with one or more alignment features on the blade is constructed so that the sharpening guide maintains the blade in a predetermined orientation relative to one or more guide surfaces.

[0148] Embodiment 50. The tool kit of Embodiment 47, wherein the sharpening guide comprises a first half and a second half hinged together.

[0149] Example 51. A folding knife comprising: a handle comprising a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward the outside of the handle, and a groove having opposing inner surfaces; a blade capable of being at least partially arranged within the groove of the handle and between the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole; and a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot capable of being selectively inserted into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole, respectively, from the outside of the handle, the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot both comprising thrust bearing surfaces, at least one thrust bearing surface being configured to determine the lateral position of the blade between the inner surfaces of the groove.

[0150] Embodiment 52. The folding knife of embodiment 51, wherein the lateral position of the blade within the slot is not determined by the inner surface of the slot.

[0151] Embodiment 53. The folding knife of embodiment 51, further comprising a compliant member positionable between the handle and the first bearing pivot or the second bearing pivot.

[0152] Embodiment 54. The folding knife of Embodiment 53, wherein the compliant member is configured to compensate for differences in tolerances between the handle and the first and second bearing pivots.

[0153] Embodiment 55. The folding knife of Embodiment 53, wherein the compliant member is configured to deform to allow for selective adjustment of the pivoting motion of the blade.

[0154] Embodiment 56. The folding knife of Embodiment 51, wherein the at least one thrust bearing surface is configured to extend into a groove in the handle to engage a surface of the blade.

[0155] Embodiment 57. The folding knife of Embodiment 56, wherein the thrust bearing surfaces of the first and second bearing pivots are each configured to extend into a slot in the handle to engage opposing sides of the blade.

[0156] Embodiment 58. The folding knife of embodiment 51, further comprising a bearing ring positionable between the thrust bearing surface of the first bearing pivot and the first side of the blade.

[0157] Embodiment 59. The folding knife of embodiment 58, further comprising a bearing ring positionable between the thrust bearing surface of the second bearing pivot and the second side of the blade.

[0158] Embodiment 60. The folding knife of Embodiment 51, wherein the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot include complementary threaded surfaces configured to selectively connect the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot together.

[0159] Embodiment 61. The folding knife of Embodiment 51, wherein the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot are selectively connected together by a fastener.

[0160] Example 62. A folding knife capable of selectively shifting between a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot to selectively change the movement and / or function of the knife, the knife comprising: a handle having a bearing hole open toward the outside of the handle and constructed to selectively alternately receive the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot from the outside of the handle, the handle comprising a slot; and a blade positionable in the slot of the handle, the blade being constructed to selectively move about an axis between an open position extending from the handle and a closed position at least partially located within the handle, wherein the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot are both constructed to extend into the bearing hole about the axis and toward the side of the blade.

[0161] Example 63. A folding knife according to Example 62, wherein the first bearing pivot includes a thrust bearing surface configured to directly engage the side of the blade to provide a first action, and the second bearing pivot is configured to engage with a bearing ring disposed between the second bearing pivot and the side of the blade to provide a second action.

[0162] Example 64. A folding knife according to Example 63, wherein the bearing hole is a first bearing hole located on the first side of the handle, and the handle also includes a second bearing hole open to the outside of the second side of the handle, and the second bearing hole is configured to selectively and alternately receive a third bearing pivot and a fourth bearing pivot therein.

[0163] Example 65. A folding knife according to Example 64, wherein the third bearing pivot is constructed to directly engage the second side of the blade and the fourth bearing pivot is constructed to engage the second bearing ring between the fourth bearing pivot and the second side of the blade.

[0164] Example 66. A folding knife according to Example 62, wherein the first bearing pivot includes a thrust bearing surface, the second bearing pivot is part of a functional component, the functional component includes a second bearing pivot and a biasing member, the biasing member is constructed to engage the second bearing pivot and the blade to bias the blade toward the open position about the axis, the first bearing pivot provides a manual function, and the functional component provides an automatic function.

[0165] Embodiment 67. The folding knife of Embodiment 66, wherein the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot are the same bearing pivot.

[0166] in conclusion

[0167] Although certain embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to specific configurations, parameters, components, elements, etc., these descriptions are only illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0168] Furthermore, it should be understood that for any given element or component in the described embodiments, any possible alternatives listed for that element or component can generally be used alone or in any combination unless otherwise implied or explicitly stated.

[0169] In addition, unless otherwise indicated, numbers used in this specification and claims expressing quantities, components, distances, or other measurements should be understood as being modified by the term "about" or its equivalent. When the terms "approximately," "approximately," "substantially," or similar terms are used in conjunction with an amount, value, or condition, they are understood to mean that the amount, value, or condition deviates from the stated amount, value, or condition by less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01%. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0170] Any headings and sub-headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the description or claims.

[0171] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", "an" and "the" do not exclude plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, an embodiment referring to a singular referent (e.g., "a widget") may also include two or more such referents.

[0172] It will also be understood that the embodiments described herein may also include the properties and / or features (e.g., components, parts, members, elements, parts, and / or portions) described in one or more separate embodiments, and are not necessarily strictly limited to the features explicitly described for that particular embodiment. Thus, the various features of a given embodiment may be combined with and / or incorporated into other embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosure of certain features associated with a particular embodiment of the present invention should not be understood as limiting the application or inclusion of the features to that particular embodiment. On the contrary, it will be understood that other embodiments may also be applied to specific embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A folding knife comprising: a shank including a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward an exterior of the shank, and a groove having opposing inner surfaces; a blade capable of being disposed at least partially within the slot of the shank and between the first bearing aperture and the second bearing aperture; It is characterized in that the folding knife also includes a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot, and the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot can be selectively inserted into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole respectively from the outside of the knife handle, and the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot both include thrust bearing surfaces, and at least one thrust bearing surface is constructed to determine the lateral position of the blade between the inner surfaces of the groove.

2. The folding knife according to claim 1, wherein: The lateral position of the blade within the slot is not determined by the inner surface of the slot.

3. The folding knife according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a compliant member positionable between the shank and the first bearing pivot or the second bearing pivot.

4. The folding knife according to claim 3, wherein: The compliant member is configured to compensate for differences in tolerances of the tool holder and the first and second bearing pivots.

5. The folding knife according to claim 3, wherein: The compliant member is configured to deform to allow selective adjustment of the pivoting action of the blade.

6. The folding knife according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one thrust bearing surface is configured to extend into the groove of the shank to engage a surface of the blade.

7. The folding knife according to claim 6, wherein: The thrust bearing surfaces of the first and second bearing pivots are each configured to extend into a slot in the shank to engage opposing sides of the blade.

8. The folding knife according to claim 1, wherein: Also included is a bearing ring positionable between the thrust bearing surface of the first bearing pivot and the first side of the blade, and / or a bearing ring positionable between the thrust bearing surface of the second bearing pivot and the second side of the blade.

9. The folding knife according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second bearing pivots include complementary threaded surfaces configured to selectively connect the first and second bearing pivots together.

10. The folding knife according to claim 1, wherein: The first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot are selectively connected together by a fastener.

11. A folding knife comprising: a knife handle having a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward the outside of the knife handle; a blade capable of being disposed at least partially within the shank and between the first and second bearing apertures; It is characterized in that the folding knife also includes a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot, the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot can be selectively inserted into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole respectively from the outside of the knife handle, the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot both include a thrust bearing surface, at least one of the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot includes a radial bearing surface, and the blade is configured to rotate around the radial bearing surface.

12. The folding knife according to claim 11, wherein: The first and second bearing pivots include complementary threaded surfaces configured to selectively connect the first and second bearing pivots together.

13. The folding knife according to claim 11, wherein: The first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot are configured to be selectively connected together by a fastener.

14. The folding knife according to claim 11, wherein: Also included is a biasing member or ball bearing ring positionable between the blade and at least one of the first and second bearing pivots.

15. The folding knife according to claim 11, wherein: The thrust bearing surfaces directly engage opposing sides of the blade.

16. The folding knife according to claim 11, wherein: Also included is a locking mechanism having a locking pin selectively retained within the knife handle by one of the first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot.

17. The folding knife according to claim 16, wherein: The locking mechanism also includes a biasing member configured to urge the locking pin to a locked position.

18. The folding knife according to claim 17, wherein: The locking pin includes a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the biasing member therein.

19. The folding knife according to claim 18, wherein: The locking pin also includes a notch configured to allow the blade to rotate when the locking pin is moved to an unlocked or disengaged position.

20. The folding knife of claim 19, wherein: The groove and notch are offset from one another or at least partially overlap one another along the longitudinal axis of the locking pin.

21. The folding knife of claim 16, wherein: The locking pin includes a retaining notch configured to engage one of the first and second bearing pivots to retain the locking pin in the shank.

22. The folding knife of claim 16, wherein: The locking pin is keyed to one of the first and second bearing pivots to limit or prevent rotation of the locking pin.

23. The folding knife of claim 11, wherein: The handle includes a spine member and a molding cast or molded around at least a portion of the spine member.

24. The folding knife of claim 11, wherein: The blade includes one or more locating features disposed at predetermined positions at a distance from and / or along the blade's edge and / or at a certain orientation relative to the blade's edge, the one or more locating features being configured to have a sharpening guide coupled thereto such that the sharpening guide maintains the blade in the predetermined orientation.

25. The folding knife of claim 11, wherein: The lateral position of the blade within the handle is determined by the position of one of the thrust bearing surfaces of the first bearing pivot or the second bearing pivot.

26. The folding knife of claim 25, wherein: The position of one of the thrust bearing surfaces is determined by the engagement between an outwardly facing surface on the shank and a surface on the bearing pivot.

27. The folding knife of claim 11, wherein: The lateral position of the blade relative to the handle is not referenced to or determined by the inner surface of the handle.

28. A folding knife kit comprising: a knife handle having a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward the outside of the knife handle; a blade capable of being disposed at least partially within the shank and between the first and second bearing apertures; Characterized in that the folding knife kit further comprises: a first bearing pivot that can be inserted into and removed from the first bearing hole from the exterior of the shank, the first bearing pivot including a thrust bearing surface; a second bearing pivot that is insertable into and removable from the second bearing aperture from the exterior of the shank, the second bearing pivot including a thrust bearing surface; and A third bearing pivot and a biasing member can be inserted into and removed from the second bearing hole from the outside of the knife handle in place of the second bearing pivot, the third bearing pivot including a thrust bearing surface, the biasing member can be keyed to the blade and the third bearing pivot to bias the blade to the open position.

29. The folding knife kit of claim 28, wherein: The first bearing pivot and / or at least one of the second bearing pivot or the third bearing pivot comprises a radial bearing surface about which the blade is configured to rotate.

30. The folding knife kit of claim 28, wherein: The first bearing pivot is selectively connectable to the second bearing pivot and the third bearing pivot in alternating fashion.

31. The folding knife kit of claim 30, wherein: The first bearing pivot includes a first connection feature, and each of the second and third bearing pivots includes a corresponding second connection feature configured to selectively connect to the first connection feature.

32. The folding knife kit of claim 30, wherein: The first bearing pivot is selectively and alternately connected to the second bearing pivot and the third bearing pivot by fasteners.

33. The folding knife kit of claim 28, wherein: The thrust bearing surface of the first bearing pivot is configured to directly engage a surface of the blade.

34. The folding knife kit of claim 28, wherein: Also included is a bearing ring positionable between a thrust bearing surface of the first bearing pivot and a side surface of the blade.

35. The folding knife kit of claim 28, wherein: The thrust bearing surface of the second bearing pivot is configured to directly engage a surface of the blade.

36. The folding knife kit of claim 28, wherein: a bearing ring disposed between a thrust bearing surface of the first bearing pivot and a side surface of the blade; and The thrust bearing surface of the third bearing pivot is configured to directly engage a side surface of the blade.

37. The folding knife kit of claim 36, wherein: The second and third bearing pivots are selectively interchangeable without removing the first bearing pivot or the blade from the handle.

38. A folding knife kit comprising: A knife handle having a first bearing hole and a second bearing hole open toward the outside of the knife handle; a blade capable of being at least partially disposed within the handle and between the first and second bearing apertures; Characterized in that the folding knife kit further comprises: a first bearing pivot assembly comprising a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot insertable into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole, respectively, the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot each comprising a thrust bearing surface, at least one of the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot comprising a radial bearing surface, the blade being configured to rotate about the radial bearing surface; and A second bearing pivot assembly includes a third bearing pivot, a fourth bearing pivot and a biasing member, wherein the third bearing pivot and the fourth bearing pivot can be inserted into the first bearing hole and the second bearing hole respectively, each of the third bearing pivot and the fourth bearing pivot includes a thrust bearing surface, at least one of the third bearing pivot and the fourth bearing pivot includes a radial bearing surface, the blade is configured to rotate around the radial bearing surface, the biasing member can be connected between the blade and one of the third bearing pivot and the fourth bearing pivot, and the biasing member is configured to automatically expand the blade from a closed position to an open position.

39. The folding knife kit of claim 38, wherein: The first bearing pivot and the third bearing pivot are the same bearing pivot.

40. The folding knife kit of claim 38, wherein: Also included is one or more bearing rings.

41. The folding knife kit of claim 40, wherein: The one or more bearing rings include a first bearing ring positionable between a thrust bearing surface of the first bearing pivot and a first surface of the blade, and a second bearing ring positionable between a thrust bearing surface of the second bearing pivot and a second surface of the blade.

42. The folding knife kit of claim 38, wherein: The thrust bearing surfaces of the first and second bearing pivots are configured to directly engage opposing sides of the blade.

43. The folding knife kit of claim 38, wherein: The second bearing pivot assembly also includes a biasing member.

44. The folding knife kit of claim 43, wherein: The biasing member is located between the fourth bearing pivot and the blade.

45. A folding knife selectively shiftable between a first bearing pivot and a second bearing pivot to selectively alter the motion and / or function of the knife, the knife comprising: a knife handle having a bearing hole open toward an exterior of the knife handle, the knife handle including a slot; as well as a blade positionable within the slot of the handle, the blade being configured to be selectively movable about an axis between an open position extending from the handle and a closed position at least partially within the handle, It is characterized in that the bearing hole is configured to selectively and alternately receive the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot from the outside of the knife handle, wherein the first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot are both configured to extend into the bearing hole around the axis and toward the side of the blade.

46. ​​The folding knife of claim 45, wherein: The first bearing pivot includes a thrust bearing surface configured to directly engage a side of the blade to provide a first motion, and the second bearing pivot is configured to engage a bearing ring disposed between the second bearing pivot and the side of the blade to provide a second motion.

47. The folding knife of claim 46, wherein: The bearing hole is a first bearing hole located on the first side of the knife handle, and the knife handle also includes a second bearing hole open to the outside of the second side of the knife handle, and the second bearing hole is configured to selectively and alternately receive a third bearing pivot and a fourth bearing pivot therein.

48. The folding knife of claim 47, wherein: The third bearing pivot is configured to directly engage the second side of the blade, and the fourth bearing pivot is configured to engage the second bearing ring between the fourth bearing pivot and the second side of the blade.

49. The folding knife of claim 48, wherein: The second bearing pivot is part of a functional assembly including a second bearing pivot and a biasing member configured to engage the second bearing pivot and the blade to bias the blade about the axis toward the open position, the first bearing pivot providing a manual function and the functional assembly providing an automatic function.

50. The folding knife of claim 49, wherein: The first bearing pivot and the second bearing pivot are the same bearing pivot.

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