Easily disassembled folding knife

Abstract

A folding knife includes a handle, a blade, a pivot element, and a locking mechanism. The handle includes a first side and a second side disposed on either side of the blade. The pivot element extends from the first side and through an opening of the blade such that the blade can be pivoted about the cylindrical portion from a storage position to a use position. The locking member is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, relative rotational movement between the first side and the second side of the handle is restricted. In the unlocked position, the first side and the second side of the handle can be rotated relative to one another and the first side and the second side of the handle can be separated when the non-circular opening of the handle is aligned with the non-circular portion of the pivot element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to folding knives, and more specifically, to folding knives configured for easy disassembly. Background Technology

[0002] Folding knives can have various configurations. In some of these configurations, the blade of the folding knife can be removed to facilitate cleaning, sharpening, replacement, or storage of the blade. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,370,421 and 7,716,839 describe a knife with a removable blade. Because folding knives with removable blades are particularly advantageous in harsh conditions (e.g., where the knife may become dirty or dull, and therefore the ability to clean, sharpen, or replace the blade on the spot is important), it is beneficial to provide a folding knife with a removable blade and a structure as simple as possible. A simpler construction helps ensure that the blade remains easily removable after use in harsh conditions and that removal can be completed as quickly and reliably as possible. Therefore, a simple mechanism that allows for easy disassembly of the folding knife is desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to folding knives that are easier to disassemble than known folding knives, for example, for cleaning or replacing blades or other parts. For example, the folding knives disclosed herein can be disassembled manually, i.e., without the use of additional tools (e.g., without a screwdriver, etc.). In some cases, the easily disassembled folding knife includes a handle having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides having complementary locking elements that prevent the sides from separating from each other.

[0004] In one representative embodiment, a folding knife includes a handle, a blade, a pivoting element, and a locking mechanism. The handle includes a first side and a second side. The second side of the handle includes a non-circular opening formed in a first end and a groove formed in a second end. The blade includes an opening and is disposed between the first and second sides. The pivoting element includes a cylindrical portion and a non-circular portion and is fixedly coupled to the first side of the handle. The cylindrical portion extends through the opening in the blade, allowing the blade to pivot about the cylindrical portion from a storage position to a use position. The non-circular portion is configured to engage with the non-circular opening in the second side. The locking mechanism includes a connecting member and a retaining member. The connecting member is fixedly coupled to the first side and includes a head configured to extend into the groove in the second side. The retaining member is coupled to the connecting member and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the retaining member engages the connecting member, holding the head of the connecting member within the groove in the second side and maintaining the first and second sides in a rotationally aligned configuration. In the unlocked position, the retaining member disengages from the connecting member, allowing the first and second sides to rotate relative to each other from a rotationally aligned configuration to a rotationally offset configuration, and allowing the head of the connecting member to exit from the groove on the second side. When the first and second sides are in the rotationally aligned configuration, the non-circular opening on the second side is rotationally offset relative to the non-circular portion of the pivot element, thereby preventing the first and second sides from separating. When the first and second sides are in the rotationally offset configuration, the non-circular opening on the second side is rotationally aligned with the non-circular portion of the pivot element, thereby allowing the first and second sides to separate.

[0005] In some embodiments, the groove includes an insertion region and a track region. The width of the insertion region is greater than or equal to the width of the head of the connecting member, and the width of the track region is less than the width of the head of the connecting member.

[0006] In some embodiments, when the first side and the second side are in a rotationally aligned configuration, the head of the connecting member is positioned in the track region of the groove, and when the first side and the second side are in a rotationally offset configuration, the head of the connecting member is positioned in the insertion region of the groove.

[0007] In some embodiments, the retaining member includes a guide portion with a slot. A connecting member extends through the slot. The retaining member is slidable relative to the connecting member from a first end to a second end of the slot. The first end of the slot corresponds to a locked position, and the second end of the slot corresponds to an unlocked position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the rear portion of the second side includes a window through which the fixing member extends when the fixing member is in the locked position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the groove in the second side of the handle has an arc shape.

[0010] The various innovations disclosed herein can be used in combination or separately. This summary is provided to present options of concepts in a simplified form, which will be further described in the detailed description below. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 A side view of an exemplary folding knife is shown, which shows the first side of the knife in the use position and the blade of the knife.

[0012] Figure 2 A side view of the knife is shown, which shows the second side of the knife in the use position and the blade of the knife.

[0013] Figure 3 A side view of the knife is shown, which shows the first side of the knife in its storage position and the blade of the knife. Figure 3 The locking mechanism of the knife in the locked position is also shown.

[0014] Figure 4 A side view of the knife is shown, which shows the second side of the knife in its storage position and the blade of the knife.

[0015] Figure 5 A front view of the knife is shown, which shows the blade of the knife in its storage position.

[0016] Figure 6 A perspective view of the knife is shown, which reveals the blade of the knife in its storage location.

[0017] Figure 7 A side view of the knife is shown, which shows the first side of the knife, the locking mechanism in the unlocked position, and the side of the knife handle in a rotationally aligned configuration.

[0018] Figure 8 A side view of the knife is shown, which shows the second side of the knife, the locking mechanism in the unlocked position, and the side of the handle in a rotationally aligned configuration.

[0019] Figure 9 A top view of the knife is shown, which shows the locking mechanism in the unlocked position and the side of the handle in a rotationally aligned configuration.

[0020] Figure 10A side view of the knife is shown, which shows the first side of the knife, the locking mechanism in the unlocked position, and the side of the handle in a rotational offset configuration.

[0021] Figure 11 A side view of the knife is shown, which shows the second side of the knife, the locking mechanism in the unlocked position, and the side of the handle in a rotational offset configuration.

[0022] Figure 12 A side view of the knife in its first disassembled state is shown.

[0023] Figure 13 A side view of the knife in its second disassembled state is shown.

[0024] Figure 14 A detailed view of the first side of the handle is shown, which shows the front of the handle.

[0025] Figure 15 A detailed view of the first side of the handle is shown, which shows the front of the handle.

[0026] Figure 16 A detailed view of the second side of the handle is shown, which reveals the front of the handle.

[0027] Figure 17 It shows along Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of the knife shown in line 17-17 illustrates the rotational alignment of the non-circular head of the pivot element with the non-circular opening on the second side of the handle.

[0028] Figure 18 It shows along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the knife shown in line 18-18 illustrates the rotational offset between the non-circular head of the pivot element and the non-circular opening on the second side of the handle.

[0029] Figure 19 A detailed view of the first side of the handle is shown, which shows the rear of the handle with a locking mechanism in the unlocked position.

[0030] Figure 20 A detailed view of the first side of the handle is shown, as is the rear of the handle with a locking mechanism in the locked position.

[0031] Figure 21-22 Various perspective views of the connecting components of the knife are shown.

[0032] Figure 23-24 Various views of the knife's fixing components are shown.

[0033] Figure 25 A detailed view of the first side of the handle is shown, which shows the rear of the handle with the locking mechanism removed.

[0034] Figure 26 The rear end view of the second side of the handle is shown.

[0035] Figure 27 It shows along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the knife shown by line 27-27 illustrates the locking mechanism in the locked position.

[0036] Figure 28 It shows along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view of the knife shown by line 28-28 shows the locking mechanism in the locked position and the side of the handle in the rotational offset configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Overall considerations

[0038] For descriptive purposes, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. The disclosed methods, apparatuses, and systems should not be construed as limiting in any way. Instead, this disclosure addresses all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments individually and in various combinations and sub-combinations of each other. The methods, apparatuses, and systems are not limited to any particular aspect or feature or combination thereof, and the disclosed embodiments do not claim to have any one or more particular advantages or solve one or more particular problems.

[0039] Although some of the operations of the disclosed methods are described in a specific order for ease of presentation, it should be understood that this descriptive style encompasses rearrangement unless a specific order is required by the language. For example, in some cases, operations described sequentially (e.g., assembling or disassembling a folding knife) may be rearranged or performed simultaneously. Furthermore, for simplicity, the accompanying drawings may not show various ways in which the disclosed methods can be combined with other methods. As used herein, the terms “a,” “an,” and “at least one” cover one or more specified elements. That is, if two of a particular element are given, then one of those elements is also given, thus “an” element is given. The terms “a plurality” and “multiple” refer to two or more of the specified elements.

[0040] As used herein, the term “and / or” used between the last two elements in the list of elements refers to any one or more of the listed elements. For example, the phrase “A, B and / or C” means “A”, “B”, “C”, “A and B”, “A and C”, “B and C”, or “A, B and C”.

[0041] As used herein, the term "connection" generally refers to a physical link or connection. Two connected components can be directly connected to each other, or indirectly connected to each other through one or more intermediate elements located between the connected components.

[0042] Exemplary embodiments

[0043] This disclosure relates to a folding knife that is easier to disassemble and assemble than a typical folding knife, for example, for cleaning or replacing blades or other parts. For example, the folding knife disclosed herein can be disassembled / assembled manually, i.e., without the use of additional tools (e.g., without a screwdriver, etc.). The disclosed folding knife includes a handle having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides having complementary locking elements that selectively prevent the sides from separating from each other.

[0044] Figure 1-28 A folding knife and its components according to one embodiment are shown. The knife 100 includes two main components: a handle 102 and a blade 104. The blade 104 is pivotally coupled to the handle 102, allowing it to rotate about an axis 106 (…). Figure 18 It pivots between the open or use position and the closed or storage position. Figure 1-2 A side view of the knife 100 is shown, with the blade 104 in the open position. Figure 3-4 A side view of the knife 100 is shown, with the blade 104 in the closed position. Figure 5 A front view of the knife 100 is shown, with the blade 104 in the closed position. Figure 6 This is a rear view of the blade 100, with the blade 104 in the closed position.

[0045] The knife 100 can be easily disassembled by dividing the handle 102 into a first side 108 and a second side 110 and removing the blade 104. Figure 7-13 An exemplary disassembly method is shown. Further details regarding the knife 100, its components, and how to easily disassemble / assemble the knife without using tools are provided below.

[0046] Now for reference Figure 13 The handle 102 of the knife 100 includes a first side 108 and a second side 110. The first and second sides of the handle 102 include engaging and / or locking features that allow the sides to be selectively engaged together or disengaged from each other.

[0047] The knife 100 also includes a pivot element 112, a locking mechanism 114, and a blade retaining mechanism 116. These components may be used, for example, to releasably connect the first and second sides of the handle 102 and / or the blade together and / or to retain the blade in a use and / or storage position. The handle 102, the pivot element, and / or the locking element include mating and / or locking features that allow the sides of the handle to be selectively connected together or separated from each other.

[0048] Pivoting element 112 extends laterally from the inner surface of the first side portion 108 and serves as a pivot pin for the blade 104. Pivoting element 112 of the first side portion 108 is also configured to engage the second side portion 110, thereby securing the front ends of the first side portion and the second side portion together. Locking mechanism 114 extends laterally from the inner surface of the first side portion 108 and is configured to engage the second side portion 110, thereby securing the rear ends of the first side portion and the second side portion together. Locking mechanism 114 is movable between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration. When locking mechanism 114 is in the locking configuration (e.g., ...), Figure 3 In the case of locking mechanism in unlocked configuration (e.g., ...), the first and second sides are restricted from pivoting and / or separating laterally relative to each other. Figure 7 In the case of ), the first side and the second side can pivot and / or separate from each other, such as Figure 10-13 As shown, the blade retaining mechanism 116 is configured to selectively retain the blade 104 in the use position relative to the handle 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade retaining mechanism is a bushing lock. In other embodiments, various other types of blade retaining mechanisms may be used.

[0049] refer to Figure 15 The pivot element 112 includes a first cylindrical portion 118 (which may also be referred to as the main body), a second cylindrical portion 120 (which may also be referred to as the neck), and a non-circular portion 122 (which may also be referred to as the head). Figure 17-18 As shown, pivot element 112 is removably coupled to first side 108 via fastener 124. Pivot element may be coupled to first side in other or alternative ways, including adhesive, friction engagement and / or forming pivot element integrally as a single monolithic structure.

[0050] Refer again Figure 15 The first cylindrical portion 118 of the pivot element 112 extends laterally from the inner surface of the first side portion 108. The first cylindrical portion 118 is configured to extend into and / or pass through the pivot opening 126 of the blade 104. Figure 13 ),like Figure 17-18 As shown. In this way, the blade 104 can pivot relative to the handle 102 about the first cylindrical portion 118 from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

[0051] like Figure 15 As shown, the second cylindrical portion 120 of the pivot element 112 extends laterally from the first cylindrical portion 118. The diameter of the second cylindrical portion 120 is smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion 118. The second cylindrical portion 120 is configured such that it can extend to the non-circular opening 128 of the second side portion 110. Figure 16 It rotates relative to the non-circular opening 128 of the second side portion 110.

[0052] The non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112 extends laterally from the second cylindrical portion 120. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the non-circular portion 122 has a first width W1 and a second width W2. The first width W1 is the narrowest width of the non-circular portion 122 (i.e., the width from the first flat side to the opposite second flat side). The second width W2 is the widest width of the non-circular portion 122 (i.e., the width from the first bend to the opposite second bend). The first width W1 is smaller than the second width W2, and both the first width and the second width are smaller than the diameter of the pivot opening 126 of the first cylindrical portion 118 and the blade 104. Therefore, the non-circular portion 122 can extend through the pivot opening 126 of the blade 104.

[0053] As mentioned above and in Figure 16 As shown, the second side 110 of the handle 102 includes a non-circular opening 128. (As...) Figure 17 As shown, the non-circular opening 128 includes a first portion 130 and a second portion 132, each having a width. The width of the first portion 130 is smaller than the width of the second portion 132. The width of the first portion 130 of the non-circular opening 128 is slightly larger than the first width W1 of the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112, and slightly smaller than the second width W2 of the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112. The width of the second portion 132 of the non-circular opening 128 is slightly larger than the first width W1 and the second width W2 of the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112.

[0054] When the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112 is rotated and aligned with the first portion 130 of the non-circular opening 128 of the second side 110, the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112 can pass through the first portion 130 of the non-circular opening 128 of the second side 110 and be inserted into the second portion 132 of the non-circular opening 128. As used herein, the term "rotationally aligned" means that the non-circular opening 128 of the second side 110 is in a rotated position relative to the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112, such that the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112 can be fitted or slid through the non-circular opening 128 of the second side 110 along the direction of axis 106. Figure 17An example is shown when the non-circular portion 122 and the non-circular opening 128 are rotated and aligned. This configuration allows the front of the handle 102 to be assembled and disassembled by moving the first and second sides of the handle 102 relative to each other.

[0055] When the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112 is rotated off from the first portion 130 of the non-circular opening 128 of the second side 110, the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112 engages with the shoulder of the second side 110, which partially defines the second portion 132 of the non-circular opening 128. As used herein, the term "rotationally offset" refers to a position in which the non-circular opening 128 of the second side 110 is rotated relative to the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112, such that the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112 cannot be fitted or slid through the non-circular opening 128 of the second side 110 along the direction of axis 106. Figure 18 An example is shown when the non-circular portion 122 and the non-circular opening 128 are rotated and offset. This configuration allows the front of the handle 102 to be secured together in the assembled state.

[0056] Although the illustrated embodiment includes a square head and a square opening, various other shapes can be used, including various polygons (e.g., triangles, hexagons, octagons), ellipses, crosses, etc. In some embodiments, the non-circular opening shape of the second side does not necessarily correspond precisely to the non-circular shape of the pivot element. Specifically, the opening of the second side and the head of the pivot element can have any non-circular shape, the size and shape of which are set such that: (1) the head of the pivot element 112 is allowed to slide through the opening when the second side 110 is in a first rotational position in which the opening is rotatedly aligned with the head of the pivot element 112, and (2) the head of the pivot element 112 is restricted from sliding through the opening when the second side 110 is in a second rotational position in which the opening is rotatedly offset from the head of the pivot element 112.

[0057] A locking mechanism 114 is located at the rear of the handle 102 and is configured to further secure the two sides of the handle to each other. More specifically, the locking mechanism 114 secures the rear of the handle together and helps ensure that the two sides do not unintentionally rotate from a rotationally offset position to a rotationally aligned position relative to each other and become dislodged.

[0058] refer to Figures 19-20The locking mechanism 114 includes a connecting member 134 and a fixing member 136. The connecting member 134 is coupled to and extends laterally from the inner surface of a first side portion 108 of the handle 102. The connecting member 134 is configured to extend into a second side portion 110 of the handle 102. The fixing member 136 is movably coupled to the connecting member 134 and the first side portion 108. Specifically, the fixing member 136 can be in a locked state (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 20 ) and unlock status (e.g., Figure 7 and 19 In the locked state, the retaining member 136 is configured to engage the connecting member 134 and the second side 110 of the handle 102, and restrict relative movement between the connecting member 134 and the second side 110 of the handle 102. The engagement between the connecting member 134, the retaining member 136, and the second side 110 restricts the separation of the first and second sides of the handle 102. In the unlocked state, the retaining member 136 is configured to disengage the connecting member 134 and the second side 110 of the handle 102. This disengagement allows the first and second sides of the handle 102 to move relative to each other. For example, when the retaining member 136 is in the unlocked state, the first and second sides of the handle 102 can pivot and / or move laterally relative to each other.

[0059] Figure 21-22 A connecting member 134 of the locking mechanism 114 is shown. The connecting member 134 includes a connecting portion 138, a main body portion 140, a neck 142, and a head 144. The main body portion 140 has a larger diameter than the connecting portion 138 and the neck 143. The head 144 has a larger diameter than the neck 142. In some cases, the connecting member 134 may be referred to as a rod or pin.

[0060] Figure 23-24 A retaining member 136 of the locking mechanism 114 is shown. The retaining member 136 includes a guide 146, a gripping portion 148, and an engaging portion 150. The guide 146 includes a slot 152 and is configured to movably engage the retaining member 136 to a connecting member 134. The gripping portion 148 is configured to move the connecting member 134 relative to a first and a second side of the handle 102. The engaging portion 150 may include a collar and / or one or more tabs configured to engage a second side 110 of the handle 102.

[0061] like Figure 19 As shown, the connecting member 134 can be connected to the first side 108 of the handle 102. For example, the connecting part 138 can be inserted through the slot 152 of the fixing member 136 and can be connected to the first side 108 of the handle 102. This can be achieved in various ways. For example, as Figure 27As shown, the connecting member 134 is connected to the first side 108 of the handle 102 by fastener 154. The connecting member 134 can be connected to the first side 108 by additional and / or alternative methods, including adhesives, welding and / or friction fit.

[0062] Refer again Figure 19 A guide portion 146 of the fixing member 136 is disposed between the inner surface of the first side portion 108 and the main body portion 140 of the connecting member 134. In this manner, the fixing member 136 can move forward and backward relative to the fixing member 136 and the connecting member 134. The forward and backward movement of the fixing member 136 is limited by the end of the slot 152. The first side portion 108 and the connecting member 134 limit the lateral movement of the fixing member 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side portion 108 includes a recess 156 that engages with the edge of the guide portion 146 of the fixing member 136, thereby preventing the fixing member from rotating relative to the connecting member 134 when the fixing member 136 slides forward and backward relative to the first side portion 108 and the connecting member 134. Instead of forming a recess 156 in the first side portion 108 of the handle 102, in some embodiments, the knife 100 may also include a rear spacer that includes a notch formed therein, the notch being configured to function in a manner similar to the recess 156.

[0063] The grip portion 148 of the retaining member 136 is configured such that a user can engage the grip portion 148 with one or more fingers and / or their thumb to move the retaining member 136 relative to the handle 102 between a locked position and an unlocked position. The grip portion is also configured to interconnect a first side and a second side of the handle 102 when the retaining member 136 is in the locked position. For example, the first and second sides of the handle 102 include a notch 158 at their rear ends (see...). Figure 13 and 25 When the grip portion 148 of the retaining member 136 is disposed in the recess 158 of the handle 102, the retaining member 136 prevents the first and second sides of the handle 102 from pivoting relative to each other. In some embodiments, the recess 158 and the grip portion 148 may be configured such that when the retaining member 136 is in the locked position, the grip portion 148 nests with and / or is flush with the rear of the handle 102 (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 3 and 7 ).

[0064] like Figure 27 As shown, the joint 150 of the fixing member 136 is configured to engage the connecting member 134. More specifically, the joint 150 of the fixing member 136 extends to the window 160 formed in the rear of the handle 102. Figure 26The retaining member 136 engages the neck 142 of the connecting member 134. In this way, the retaining member 136 restricts the relative lateral movement between the first and second sides of the handle 102 because the engagement portion 150 of the retaining member 136 prevents the head 144 of the connecting member 134 from exiting the groove 162 formed in the inner surface of the second side 110 of the handle 102. Figure 13 The retaining member 136 retracts into the handle 102. In other words, the engagement 150 of the retaining member 136 secures the head 144 of the connecting member 134 against the second side 110 of the handle 102. When the retaining member 136 is in the unlocked position, the engagement 150 of the retaining member 136 disengages the head 144 of the connecting member 134, which allows the first and second sides of the handle 102 to move laterally and / or pivot relative to each other.

[0065] The engagement portion of the fixing member may include various shapes and / or configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the engagement portion may include tabs or lugs that engage the connecting member. In some embodiments, the engagement portion may include a C-shape, comprising 40-60% of the outer peripheral surface of the external connecting member 134.

[0066] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 114 may include one or more biasing elements configured to bias the retaining member to a locked and / or unlocked position. For example, this can reduce the likelihood that the retaining member 136 will be accidentally moved (e.g., when the knife is in the user's hand and / or pocket). For example, as... Figure 24 and 25 As shown, the guide portion 146 of the retaining member 136 may include one or more locking portions (e.g., a first locking portion 164 and a second locking portion 166), and the first side portion 108 of the handle 102 may include a hole 168. A biasing element (e.g., a compression spring) may be disposed in the hole, and a ball may be disposed between the biasing element and the guide portion 146 of the retaining member 136. The first locking portion 164 of the retaining member 136 may be configured to correspond to a locked position of the retaining member 136, and the second locking portion 166 of the retaining member 136 may be configured to correspond to an unlocked position of the retaining member 136. When the ball is aligned with one of the locking portions, the biasing element pushes the ball into the locking portion. The engagement between the ball and the locking portion provides some resistance to prevent the retaining member 136 from moving relative to the first side portion 108 of the handle 102. To move the retaining member 136 between the locked and unlocked positions, the force of the biasing element can be overcome by the force applied to the retaining member 136 by the user. When the retaining member 136 moves between the locked position and the unlocked position, this causes the biasing element to compress and the ball to move out of the locking part.

[0067] Instead of or in addition to the locking portion and ball, the retaining member 136 can be biased and / or selectively held in the unlocked and / or locked positions in various other ways. For example, the interior of the guide portion 146 defining the slot 152 may include a "click-fit" type feature configured to engage the connecting member 134. Alternatively, the engagement portion 150 of the retaining member 136 may include a "click-fit" type feature configured to engage the connecting member 134 when the retaining member 136 is in the locked position. In such embodiments, the engagement portion 150 of the retaining member 136 may be configured similarly to a C-clip, E-clip, and / or hairpin clip.

[0068] Refer again Figure 13 The second side 110 of the handle 102 includes a non-circular opening 128, a recess 158, a window 160, and a groove 162. The non-circular opening 128 is located at the front of the second side 110. The recess and groove 162 are located at the rear of the second side 110. The non-circular opening 128 is configured to receive a non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112. The recess 158 is configured to receive a gripping portion 148 of the fixing member 136.

[0069] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 26 A window 160 of the second side 110 extends from a notch 158 into a recess 162 and is configured to receive a joint 150 of the retaining member 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the window 160 is formed between the second side 110 of the handle 102 and the liner 170 therewith. For example, it may be advantageous to construct the second side 110 with a liner 170 when the handle is formed of a lightweight and / or less elastic material (e.g., composite material, aluminum, polymer, etc.). In this case, the liner 170 may be formed of a harder and / or more elastic material (e.g., steel, titanium, etc.), which is more suitable for contacting the pivoting element 112 and / or the connecting member 134. For example, this can prevent or reduce the likelihood of severe wear (e.g., “rolling”) on the non-circular opening 128, window 160, and / or recess 162 during assembly, disassembly, and / or use of the knife. This can help keep the knife tight and / or secured, as opposed to loose and / or sagging. In other embodiments, the liner 170 may be omitted.

[0070] refer to Figure 13The groove 162 formed in the second side portion 110 may include an insertion region 172 and a track region 174. The insertion region 172 of the groove 162 is configured such that the neck 142 and head 144 of the connecting member 134 can be inserted therein. The track region 174 of the groove 162 has a smaller width than the insertion region 172 and is configured to allow the neck 142 to slide through it. In this way, the track region 174 forms a lip that is configured to engage the head 144 of the connecting member 134 and prevent it from exiting the groove 162 unless the head 144 of the connecting member 134 is aligned with the insertion region.

[0071] The recess 162 may include an arcuate shape. For example, this allows the connecting member 134 to slide through the recess 162 when the first and second sides of the handle 102 pivot relative to each other. The recess 162 is configured such that when the connecting member 134 is positioned in the insertion region 172 of the recess 162, the non-circular opening 128 of the second side 110 and the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112 are rotate aligned. The recess 162 is also configured such that when the connecting member 134 is positioned in the track region 174 of the recess 162, the non-circular opening 128 of the second side 110 and the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112 are rotate offset.

[0072] Figure 7-13 An exemplary method of disassembling the blade 100 is shown. First, it should be noted that the blade 100 can be assembled and / or disassembled with the blade in either the open or closed position. Figure 7-9 As shown, the fixing member 136 can be in a locked position (e.g., see...). Figure 1-6 Move to the unlocked position. To do this, the user can grasp the grip 148 of the fixing member 136 and pull it out so that it protrudes from the rear end of the handle 102.

[0073] With the retaining member 136 in the unlocked position, the first and second sides of the handle 102 can pivot relative to each other about the pivoting element 112 at the front of the blade 100. When the first and second sides of the handle 102 pivot relative to each other, the connecting member 134 slides from one end of the track area of ​​the groove 162 toward the insertion area 172 of the groove 162. Figure 10-11 The first and second sides of the handle 102 are shown, pivoted such that the connecting member 134 of the first side 108 is aligned with the insertion area 172 of the groove 162. When the rear end of the blade 100 is in this position, the non-circular opening 128 of the second side 110 and the non-circular portion 122 of the pivot element 112 are rotated to align. Thus, as Figure 12As shown, the first and second sides of the handle 102 can be separated from each other. When the sides of the handle 102 are separated, the blade 104 can also be separated from the handle 102, as shown... Figure 13 As shown.

[0074] For example, the knife 100 can be assembled by reversing the disassembly process.

[0075] As shown and described, the knife 100 can be easily disassembled and assembled without the use of tools.

[0076] Instead of a blade, or in addition to a blade, one or more other folding tool parts (e.g., screwdrivers, hex wrenches, and / or other parts typically found on folding tools (e.g., multi-tools) can be used. This construction can be referred to as a "folding tool".

[0077] With respect to any example, the structural features described herein may be used alone and / or in combination with other structural features described in one or more of the other examples.

[0078] Given that the principles of this disclosure can be applied to many possible embodiments, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Rather, the scope of the claimed subject matter is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A folding knife comprising: a handle comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the second side of the handle comprises a non-circular opening formed in a first end and a recess formed in a second end; a blade comprising an opening, wherein the blade is disposed between the first side and the second side of the handle; a pivot element comprising a cylindrical portion and a non-circular portion, wherein the pivot element is fixedly coupled to the first side of the handle, the cylindrical portion extends through the opening of the blade such that the blade can be pivoted about the cylindrical portion from a storage position to a use position, and the non-circular portion is configured to mate with the non-circular opening of the second side; and a locking mechanism comprising a connecting member and a securing member, wherein the connecting member is fixedly coupled to the first side and comprises a head configured to extend into the recess of the second side, the securing member is coupled to the connecting member and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position, the securing member is engaged with the connecting member, holds the head of the connecting member within the recess of the second side, and holds the first side and the second side in a rotationally aligned configuration, and in the unlocked position, the securing member is disengaged from the connecting member, allowing the first side and the second side to rotate relative to each other from the rotationally aligned configuration to a rotationally offset configuration, and allowing the head of the connecting member to exit from the recess of the second side, wherein when the first side and the second side are in the rotationally aligned configuration, the non-circular opening of the second side is rotationally offset relative to the non-circular portion of the pivot element, thereby preventing the first side from being separated from the second side, and wherein when the first side and the second side are in the rotationally offset configuration, the non-circular opening of the second side is rotationally aligned with the non-circular portion of the pivot element, thereby allowing the first side to be separated from the second side.

2. The folding knife of claim 1, wherein, the recess comprises an insertion region and a track region, the insertion region comprises a first width that is greater than or equal to a second width of the head of the connecting member, and the track region comprises a third width that is less than the second width of the head of the connecting member.

3. The folding knife of claim 2 wherein, when the first side and the second side are in the rotationally aligned configuration, the head of the connecting member is disposed in the track region of the recess, and when the first side and the second side are in the rotationally offset configuration, the head of the connecting member is disposed in the insertion region of the recess.

4. The folding knife of any of claims 1-3, wherein, the securing member comprises a guide portion having a slot through which the connecting member extends, the securing member is slidable relative to the connecting member from a first end of the slot to a second end of the slot, wherein the first end of the slot corresponds to the locked position, and the second end of the slot corresponds to the unlocked position.

5. The folding knife of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The rear portion of the second side includes a window through which the securing member extends when the securing member is in the locked position.

6. The folding knife of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The recess in the second side of the handle includes an arcuate shape.

7. A folding knife comprising: a handle including a first side and a second side, wherein the second side of the handle includes a non-circular opening formed in a first end and a recess formed in a second end; a blade including an opening, wherein the blade is disposed between the first side and the second side of the handle; a pivot pin including a cylindrical portion and a non-circular portion, wherein the pivot pin is fixedly coupled to the first side of the handle, the cylindrical portion extends through the opening of the blade such that the blade can be pivoted about the cylindrical portion from a stored position to a use position, and the non-circular portion is configured to mate with the non-circular opening of the second side; and a locking mechanism including a connecting pin and a sliding member, wherein the connecting pin is fixedly coupled to the first side and includes a head configured to extend into the recess of the second side, the sliding member is coupled to the connecting pin and is slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position, a collar of the sliding member engages the connecting pin, retains the head of the connecting pin within the recess of the second side, and retains the first side and the second side in a rotationally aligned configuration, and in the unlocked position, the sliding member disengages the connecting pin, allowing the first side and the second side to rotate relative to each other from the rotationally aligned configuration to a rotationally offset configuration, and allowing the head of the connecting pin to exit from the recess of the second side, wherein when the first side and the second side are in the rotationally aligned configuration, the non-circular opening of the second side is rotationally offset relative to the non-circular portion of the pivot pin, thereby preventing the first side from being separated from the second side, and wherein when the first side and the second side are in the rotationally offset configuration, the non-circular opening of the second side is rotationally aligned with the non-circular portion of the pivot pin, thereby allowing the first side to be separated from the second side.

8. The folding knife of claim 7 wherein, The recess includes an insertion region and a track region, the insertion region includes a first width that is greater than or equal to a second width of the head of the connecting pin, and the track region includes a third width that is less than the second width of the head of the connecting pin.

9. The folding knife of claim 8 wherein, When the first side and the second side are in the rotationally aligned configuration, the head of the connecting pin is disposed in the track region of the recess, and when the first side and the second side are in the rotationally offset configuration, the head of the connecting pin is disposed in the insertion region of the recess.

10. The folding knife of any of claims 7-9, wherein, The sliding member further includes a guide portion having a slot through which the connecting pin extends, the sliding member being slidable relative to the connecting pin from a first end of the slot to a second end of the slot, wherein the first end of the slot corresponds to the locked position and the second end of the slot corresponds to the unlocked position.

11. The folding knife of any of claims 7-9, wherein, A rear portion of the second side portion includes a window through which the sliding member extends when the sliding member is in the locked position.

12. The folding knife of any of claims 7-9, wherein, The groove in the second side portion of the handle includes an arcuate shape.

13. A folding knife comprising: a handle including a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the second side portion of the handle includes a first opening formed in a first end portion and a groove and a notch formed in a second end portion; a blade including a second opening, wherein the blade is disposed between the first side portion and the second side portion of the handle; a first pin fixedly coupled to the first end portion of the first side portion and extending through the second opening of the blade into the first opening of the second side portion; a second pin including a body portion, a neck portion, and a head portion, wherein the second pin is fixedly coupled to the second end portion of the first side portion and the head portion is configured to extend into the groove of the second side portion; and a securing member slidably coupled to the first side portion of the handle and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the securing member includes a guide portion, a gripping portion, and an engagement portion, the guide portion is disposed between the body portion of the second pin and the first side portion of the handle when the securing member is in the locked position and the unlocked position, the gripping portion is disposed in the notch of the second side portion when the securing member is in the locked position and the gripping portion is withdrawn from the notch of the second side portion when the securing member is in the unlocked position, the engagement portion extends into the groove of the second side portion and engages the neck portion of the second pin when the securing member is in the locked position, and the engagement portion is withdrawn from the groove of the second side portion and disengages the neck portion of the second pin when the securing member is in the unlocked position, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are secured together in a rotationally aligned configuration and the blade is disposed between the first side portion and the second side portion when the securing member is in the locked position, and wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are pivotable relative to each other about the first pin to a rotationally offset configuration in which the first side portion, the second side portion, and the blade are separable from each other when the securing member is in the unlocked position.

14. The folding knife of claim 13 wherein, The second pin further includes a connecting portion disposed between the body portion and the first side portion of the handle, wherein the connecting portion includes a diameter that is less than the body portion.

15. The folding knife of claim 14 wherein, The guide portion of the securing member includes a slot configured to receive the connecting portion of the second pin. The second pin further includes a connecting portion disposed between the body portion and the first side portion of the handle, wherein the connecting portion includes a diameter that is less than the body portion.

16. The folding knife of claim 15 wherein, The connection portion of the second pin is disposed at a first end of the slot when the securing member is in the locked position and at a second end of the slot when the securing member is in the unlocked position.

17. The folding knife of any of claims 14-16, wherein, The connection portion of the second pin is coupled to the first side portion of the handle by a fastener.

18. The folding knife of any of claims 13-16, wherein, The second side portion of the handle includes a backing plate and the recess is formed in the backing plate.

19. The folding knife of any of claims 13-16, wherein, The recess includes an insertion region and a track region, the insertion region of the recess includes a first width that is equal to or greater than a second width of the head of the second pin, and the track region of the recess includes a third width that is less than the second width of the head of the second pin.

20. The folding knife of any of claims 13-16, wherein, The first pin includes a head having a non-circular shape taken in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first pin, and the opening in the second side portion of the handle includes a non-circular shape such that the head of the first pin can be inserted therein.

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