Adjustable weighting system in knife handle

Abstract

The knife includes a blade and a handle attached to the blade. The handle includes a liner and a handle scale adapted to be removably secured to the liner by screws or the like. The handle scale has an inner side facing the liner and has a shaped area for securing weights at positions selected along the length of the handle scale. In one approach, there are a plurality of individual positions where one or more weights can be secured. The weights can be, for example, metal disks. In the case of a double-edged knife such as a butterfly knife, both handles can have a similar structure for storing weights. With the knife, the end user can easily customize the weight distribution of the knife without interfering with the envelope or outer surface of the handle.

Description

Background Art

[0003] , ,

[0005] , [Figure 4] , , [Figure 3] , , [Figure 2] ,

[0004] , [Figure 1] , , ,

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications]

[0002]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of the filing date of prior U.S. Non - Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 858,981, filed Jul. 6, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0003]

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of knives, and more particularly to knives with adjustable weights. [Background]

[0003]

[0004] Knives are available in a variety of designs for various purposes. Generally, a knife can be configured with either a fixed blade or a folding blade. Fixed - blade knives are suitable for powerful cutting operations, while folding knives are more compact. However, the specifications of a knife, such as its weight and the type of materials used, are selected by the manufacturer, so customization by the end - user is usually difficult or impractical.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005]

[0004] Embodiments will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are shown by way of example and are not limited to the figures in the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an example butterfly knife having an adjustable weighting system within a handle, according to various embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the handle of the knife of FIG. 1, including a handle scale, according to various embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a view of the handle of FIG. 2 without handle scales HS1a and HS2a, according to various embodiments. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a view of the handle of FIG. 2 as seen from the front, according to various embodiments, of the free ends H1fe and H2fe. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a simplified isometric view of the handle of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the handle scale HS1-1 of FIG. 5, according to various embodiments. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of FIG. 6, and according to various embodiments, the forming region SR1a includes opposing waveform edges SE1 and waveform edge SE2 with a relatively large spacing Lp. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of FIG. 6, and according to various embodiments, the forming region SR1a includes opposing waveform edges with a relatively small spacing Lp1 < Lp. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of FIG. 6, and according to various embodiments, two forming regions SR1a1 and SR1a2 having opposing waveform edges are provided. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of FIG. 6, and according to various embodiments, the forming region SR1a has a waveform edge SE1 on one side and a straight edge 1000 with a rubber string RC on the other side. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of FIG. 6, and according to various embodiments, the forming region SR1a has posts 1100 to 1106 on which weights can be attached. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of FIG. 6, and according to various embodiments, the forming region SR1a has posts for securing weights. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of FIG. 6, and according to various embodiments, the forming region SR1a allows movement of the weight along the longitudinal axis (LA1). [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, in which, according to various embodiments, the rubber layer (RL) secures the weight. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, where the molding region SR1a is provided with a tab on one side to secure the weight according to various embodiments. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, where the molding region SR1a has a notch on one side to secure the weight, according to various embodiments. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, and according to various embodiments, four rectangular regions SR1a1-SR1a4 can each hold a weight. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows a fixed-blade knife with a single handle and a handle scale having a molded area for holding a weight, according to various embodiments.

[0006] Detailed explanation

[0007]

[0023] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which constitute part of this specification and are shown as exemplary embodiments that may be implemented. It should be understood that other embodiments may be used, and structural or logical modifications may be made without departing from the scope. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be constrained to mean limitingly, and the scope of the embodiments is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

[0008]

[0024] Various operations can be described sequentially as multiple separate operations in a manner that may be useful in understanding the embodiments. However, the order of the description should not be interpreted as meaning that these operations are order-dependent.

[0009]

[0025] Descriptions may include perspective-based descriptions such as top / bottom, back / front, etc. Such descriptions are used solely to facilitate consideration and are not intended to limit the applicability of the disclosed embodiments.

[0010]

[0026] The terms “joined” and “connected” may be used together with their derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not intended to be synonyms of each other. Rather, in certain embodiments, “connected” may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical contact with one another. “Joined” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “joined” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with one another, but are still cooperating or interacting with one another.

[0011]

[0027] For explanatory purposes, phrases in the form of "A / B" or "A and / or B" mean (A), (B), or (A and B). For explanatory purposes, phrases in the form of "at least one of A, B, and C" mean (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C). For explanatory purposes, phrases in the form of "(A)B" mean (B) or (AB), i.e., A is any element.

[0012]

[0028] In this description, the terms “embodiments” or “multiple embodiments” may be used, and these terms may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments, respectively. Furthermore, terms such as “equipment,” “includes,” and “possess” used in relation to embodiments are synonymous.

[0013]

[0029] As described at the beginning, the options for customization of the knife by the end user are limited. For example, in some cases, it may be desirable to allow the end user / customer to modify the overall weight and weight distribution of the knife. Such modifications may be useful for tasks that require repeated rapid movement of the knife, such as slicing food. Another scenario of an embodiment includes a knife that is operated for art or entertainment. For example, there is an increasing number of knife enthusiasts who are interested in manipulating or flipping a butterfly knife. The butterfly knife, also known as Balisong (BALI-SONG (registered trademark), Benchmade Knife Company, Inc., Oregon City, Oregon), fan knife, or Batangas knife, is a type of folding pocket knife native to the Philippines. It has two handles that can rotate counterclockwise around the tang. When the knife is closed, the blade is hidden in the groove of the handle. The knife can be deployed and rotated in a one-handed flipping motion. There are also other knives known that can be opened with one hand using a flipping motion, including so-called flipper knives. Additionally, in addition to folding knives, fixed-blade knives can also be operated.

[0014]

[0030] In the above and other scenarios, the dynamics of the knife are greatly affected by its weight distribution and balance. For example, in the case of a butterfly knife, increasing the weight at the free end of the handle improves the flipping speed. Therefore, the ability to customize the knife by changing the weight distribution is desirable in many scenarios.

[0015]

[0031] One possible solution is to replace the handle or backspacer to add weight to the back of the knife. This would indirectly correct the balance, as the added weight would likely have little effect on the knife's performance. Furthermore, replacing the backspacer with a heavier material can be an expensive and complex option, and the backspacer would need to be very large to achieve the desired effect. For example, replacing the backspacer with a high-density metal alloy such as tungsten alloy could be costly to manufacture due to the relatively complex shape of the backspacer. The above solutions also do not allow for easy customization and experimentation by the end user with different weights at different positions within the handle.

[0016]

[0032] The techniques described herein address the above and other issues. In one embodiment, a knife includes a blade and a handle attached to the blade. The handle includes a liner and a handle scale adapted to be secured to the liner by screws or the like. The handle scale has an inner side facing the liner and has a molded area along the length of the handle scale for securing weights at selected positions. In one approach, there are multiple individual positions or pockets that can secure one or more weights. The weights may be, for example, metal discs or other metal objects. By using discs, rectangles, or other simple shapes, the cost of the weights can be minimized.

[0017]

[0033] In one possible approach, the shaping region of the handle scale has a corrugated edge that provides multiple positions for placing a metal disc. A similarly shaped region can be provided on the handle scale on the opposite side of the handle. In the case of a two-handed knife, such as a butterfly knife, both handles can have similar structures for housing weights.

[0018]

[0034] The knife allows end users to easily customize the weight distribution of the knife without interfering with the handle envelope or external surface. Users can add or remove weights as desired to achieve the desired weight distribution.

[0019]

[0035] The above and other advantages will become clearer from the following explanation.

[0020]

[0036] Figure 1 is a side view of a butterfly knife 100 in an embodiment having an adjustable weighting system within the handle, according to various embodiments. This technology can also be applied to single-handle knives.

[0021]

[0037] The knife includes a blade 110 having a tang 120. The tang has two holes through which pivot pins H1pp and H2pp are used to securely rotatably a first handle H1 and a second handle H2, respectively. The first handle H1 extends from the blade end H1be to the free end H1fe, and the second handle H2 extends from the blade end H2be to the free end H2fe. Each handle has a length L and a midpoint MP that divides the handle into a front half FH and a rear half BH.

[0022]

[0038] Each handle may further include handle scales, also called handle shells or covers, on both sides of the handle. These are materials that cover the outer surface of the handle from which the knife is gripped. For example, a first handle has handle scales HS1-1 (shown in Figure 1) and HS1-2 (shown in Figures 2-4). A second handle has handle scales HS2-1 (shown in Figure 1) and HS2-2 (shown in Figures 2-4). In one possible approach, the handle scales are fastened to their respective liner by screws. For example, screws H1s1 and H1s2 can be used for handle scale HS1-1, and screws H2s1 and H2s2 can be used for handle scale HS2-1.

[0023]

[0039] One or more removable weights can be provided within the handle and handle scale. For example, handle scale HS1-1 provides weights W1-W3, and handle scale HS2-1 provides weights W4-W7. In this embodiment, the weights are circular, for example, metal discs. However, other shapes such as rectangles may be used. In this embodiment, different numbers of weights are used for the two handles, for example, three for H1 and four for H2.

[0024]

[0040] The handle scale HS1-1 further includes observation ports or holes, which allow the user to see whether a weight is present at the location corresponding to the observation port. In other words, the user can easily look through the ports to confirm where the weight is placed. This is particularly useful because, after trying various configurations and numbers of weights, the user may not be able to remember where the weights are placed. For example, observation ports p1-p3 allow observation of parts of weights W1-W3, respectively. Similarly, the handle scale HS2-1 includes observation ports p4-p6, which allow observation of parts of weights W4-W7. The handle scale can be made of a rigid material, such as fiberglass composite. Other materials can be used as well. The handle scale may be translucent, transparent, or completely opaque. Using a translucent or transparent handle shell allows the weight and its location to be seen even when the observation ports are not in use.

[0025]

[0041] As shown in the diagram, in one approach, the weight can be stored in the rear half of the handle but not in the front half. This is desirable because the effect of the added weight is most pronounced when it is in the rear half due to the rotation of the rear half around the pivot pin. Also, there is usually more room for the weight in the rear half of the handle because the width increases towards the free end. However, there is also the option of storing the weight in the front half.

[0026]

[0042] Figure 2 is a magnified view of a portion of the handle of the knife of Figure 1, including the handle scales, according to various embodiments. The handle scales are attached to each liner by screws. For example, in the first handle H1, the handle scale HS1-1 is attached to liner L1-1, and the handle scale HS1-2 is attached to liner L1-2. In the second handle H2, the handle scale HS2-1 is attached to liner L2-1, and the handle scale HS2-2 is attached to liner L2-2. The liners can be formed from, for example, sheet metal. The two liners of the handle are secured to each other by a pin-and-screw combination, such as the pin-and-screw combination 240 in the embodiment in the first handle, and separated by a spacer, such as the spacer SP1 in the embodiment. The pin-and-screw combination allows the knife to be disassembled, such as by replacing the back spacer. Alternatively, non-disassemblable rivets can be used. The spacers can be formed from plastic or other suitable material.

[0027]

[0043] The handle scale HS1-1 has a molded area SR1 capable of holding weights. The molded area may be on the inner surface of the handle scale facing the liner so as not to interfere with the shape of the outer surface of the handle scale held by the user. The molded area can be thought of as a recessed area. The molded area SR1 includes a corrugated edge SE1 having curved walls CW1-CW7. The seven curved walls allow one or more weights to be placed at various positions along the longitudinal axis LA1 of the handle H1. In this embodiment, three weights W1-W3 are placed. The weights are thin metal discs to minimize the width of the handle, but other shapes can also be used. To provide the maximum weight within a given capacity, the weights need to be dense. In one embodiment, they are tungsten or a tungsten alloy. In one approach, the weights are specially made for the handle and included with the knife or sold as an additional option. The user can potentially use other metal objects found around the house, such as coins, washers and batteries, or malleable materials such as clay. One example is Play-Doh® (Hasbro Inc.).

[0028]

[0044] The molding region SR1 further includes a wall SR1c facing the edge of the corrugation, and walls SR1a and SR1b facing each other along the longitudinal axis LA1.

[0029]

[0045] A portion of weight W1, W1a, can be seen at observation port p1, and the other weights can be seen at other observation ports. Observation port p1 indicates that W1 is centered at the location of observation port p1. In contrast, the handle scale HS2-1, for example, shows that portions W4a and W5a of weights W4 and W5, respectively, are visible at observation port p4. In particular, the edges of these two weights are visible. Similarly, observation port p5 reveals portions of weights W4 and W5, and observation port p6 reveals portions of weights W6 and W7. A further feature shown in the handle scale HS2-1 is the rubber band RC (see also Figure 3), which holds the weights in place to avoid rattling.

[0030]

[0046] The screws can be retracted from the outside of the handle shell. For example, screw H1s1 is located in a recess 250 so as not to protrude from the handle shell. Thus, the screw head does not interfere with the user gripping the handle. In this embodiment, the screw is a socket button head with a round profile and a hexagonal socket drive. The user can easily remove the handle shell from the liner or secure the handle shell in the liner by turning the screw with a hexagonal key such as an Allen wrench. Other configurations are also possible. For example, a socket flathead screw can be used, in which case the head is either coplanar with the outside of the handle shell or recessed from the outside.

[0031]

[0047] Figure 3 shows the handle of Figure 2 without handle scales HS1a and HS2a, according to various embodiments. This figure shows the liners L1-1 and L1-2 of the first handle H1 and the liners L2-1 and L2-2 of the second handle H2. Handle scales HS1-2 and HS2-2 are also shown. The liners may include notches, such as the circular notch 300 in this embodiment, to reduce weight.

[0032]

[0048] The rubber cord RC is also shown for the second handle. A low-cost and readily available rubber cord can be selected. Other elastic materials such as silicone, nitrile, vinyl, and neoprene can also be used. The rubber cord prevents rattling when the weight is placed in the molding area of ​​the handle scale. The weight may be in contact with the rubber cord. See also Figure 12.

[0033]

[0049] Figure 4 shows the handle of Figure 2, viewed forward from the free ends H1fe and H2fe, according to various embodiments. The molding region SR1z of the handle scale HS1-2 is indicated by a corrugated edge SEz on the opposite side of the handle H1, similar to the molding region SR1 of the handle scale HS1-1. The corresponding molding region SR2z of the handle scale HS2-2 is also shown. In this embodiment, two opposing handle scales on each handle can secure the weight, but it should be noted that other options are possible. For example, only one of the two opposing handle scales on each handle may have a molding region for securing the weight.

[0034]

[0050] Figure 5 is a simplified isometric view of the handle of Figure 1 in various embodiments. The handle is shown as a rectangle for simplification. The first handle H1 includes a first handle scale HS1-1, a first liner L1-1, a spacer SP1, a second liner L1-2, and a second handle scale HS1-2. The first handle scale HS1-1 has an outer HS1-1o (face) and an inner HS1-1i (face). The second handle scale HS1-2 has an outer HS1-2o and an inner HS1-2i. The first handle extends longitudinally along a first longitudinal axis LA1.

[0035]

[0051] The second handle H2 includes a first handle scale HS2-1, a first liner L2-1, a spacer SP2, a second liner L2-2, and a second handle scale HS2-2. The first handle scale HS2-1 has an outer HS2-1o and an inner HS2-1i. The second handle scale HS2-2 has an outer HS2-2o and an inner HS2-2i. The second handle extends in length along the second longitudinal axis LA2.

[0036]

[0052] The Cartesian coordinate system shows the x, y, and z axes, where the x-axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the y and z axes are perpendicular to the x-axis, as shown in the figure.

[0037]

[0053] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the handle scale HS1-1 of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments. The handle scale includes an inner HS1-1i and an outer HS1-1o. The shaping region SR1 is on the inside. Since other shapes can be used, in this example, the shaping region is shown as rectangular for generality. The shaping region can be a recessed region that includes a structure for securing one or more weights, as will be further described in connection with FIGS. 7-17.

[0038]

[0054] Figure 7 is a side view of an example of the handle scale HS1-1 of FIG. 6. According to various embodiments, the shaping region SR1a includes opposing wavy edges SE1 and wavy edge SE2 having a relatively large spacing Lp. Each weight is a disk having a width or diameter Ww. The wavy edges provide seven individual positions along the longitudinal axis LA1 where weights can be secured. In this example, two weights are used, but up to four weights can be accommodated. The spacing or distance between the individual positions is Lp. Each individual position can correspond, for example, to the midpoint of the curved wall at the wavy edge. The length of the shaping region SR1a is Lsr.

[0039]

[0055] Figure 8 is a side view of an example of the handle scale HS1-1 of FIG. 6. According to various embodiments, the shaping region SR1a includes opposing wavy edges having a relatively small spacing Lp1 < Lp. The wavy edges provide nine individual positions along the longitudinal axis LA1 where weights can be secured. In this example, two weights are used. The spacing or distance between the individual positions is Lp1. With this spacing, the weights can be as close as possible and may abut each other. This maximizes the number of weights that can be used for the same length of the shaping region SR1a. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, five weights can be used instead of four weights.

[0040]

[0056] This is an embodiment in which at least one of the multiple distinct positions (P1-P9) (P1) is located at a distance Lp1 less than the width Ww of the weight along the length of the first handle scale from an adjacent distinct position (P2) among the multiple distinct positions.

[0041]

[0057] Figure 9 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, which, according to various embodiments, is provided with two molded regions SR1a1 and SR1a2 having opposing corrugated edges. Molded region SR1a1 has opposing corrugated edges SE1a and SE1b, and molded region SR1a2 has opposing corrugated edges SE2a and SE2b. This approach allows for adjustment of the weight distribution in the Z and X directions of the handle, for example, by placing more weights in SR1a1 than in SR1a2. In this embodiment, SR1a1 has three weights and SR1a2 has one weight. Furthermore, the corrugated edges provide 13 individual positions for positioning the weights, with the spacing between adjacent individual positions being Lp2. The two molded regions extend parallel to each other.

[0042]

[0058] Figure 10 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, and according to various embodiments, the molded area SR1a has a straight edge 1000 having a corrugated edge SE1 on one side and a rubber cord RC on the other side. This embodiment corresponds to, for example, Figure 3. The rubber cord may be attached to the edge 1000 with adhesive, for example, to prevent it from being lost when the user removes the handle scale. Alternatively, the rubber cord can be freely replaced or removed. For example, the user may want to use a wider cord when a smaller diameter weight is used. The user may also want to use multiple rubber cords within the molded area. The cord may have a circular or other cross-sectional shape.

[0043]

[0059] Figure 11 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, where the molded area SR1a has posts 1100-1106 on which weights can be attached, according to various embodiments. In one approach, the posts may be cylindrical. In one approach, the diameter of each post is slightly smaller than the diameter of the hole in the center of each circular weight. Weights W1 and W2 are attached to or fixed to posts 1100 and 1102, respectively. Lpost is the distance between the posts, which is the distance between individual positions where weights can be secured. Rubber bands are not shown but can be used similarly.

[0044]

[0060] Figure 12 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, and according to various embodiments, the molded region SR1a has posts 1200-1207 for securing weights. In this approach, the posts contact the periphery of the disc-shaped weights to prevent or limit their movement along the longitudinal axis. In this approach, there is no need to drill a hole in the center of the weight, thus avoiding the loss of weight that would occur if a hole were drilled. A potential drawback is the limited number of individual positions for securing the weights. In this embodiment, weight W1 is secured between posts 1200 and 1201, weight W2 between posts 1202 and 1203, and weight W3 between posts 1204 and 1205. In this embodiment, rubber strings RC are also used.

[0045]

[0061] Figure 13 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, and according to various embodiments, the molding region SR1a allows for the movement of a weight along the longitudinal axis (LA1). The weight W1 can move along the length Lsr of the molding region. The weight can slide or rotate, for example, within the molding region. This approach not only provides an interesting sound but can also change the dynamic quality of the handle.

[0046]

[0062] Figure 14 is an embodiment side view of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, in which, according to various embodiments, a rubber layer (RL) secures the weights. Once the handle scale is secured to its respective liner by screws, the rubber layer presses down on weights W1 and W2, keeping them in place and thus preventing movement along the longitudinal axis. This approach advantageously allows the weights to be positioned at any location within the molding area. Thus, the position of the weights can be adjusted infinitely. The weights are not limited to being positioned at individual locations indicated by the structure within the molding area. Optionally, the rubber layer is removable to provide the configuration of Figure 13.

[0047]

[0063] Figure 15 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, where the molded area SR1a is provided with tabs on one side for securing weights, according to various embodiments. Generally, the removable weights can have different shapes. In this embodiment, the weights are rectangular, each having a notch that allows the weights to be secured in their respective tabs 1501-1507 at the edge 1500 of the formed area. For example, weights W1 and W2 have notches 1510 and 1511, respectively, that allow them to be secured in tabs 1501 and 1503, respectively.

[0048]

[0064] Figure 16 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, where the molded area SR1a has notches on one side to secure weights according to various embodiments. In this embodiment, the weights are rectangular, each having tabs so that they can be secured in the respective notches 1601-1607 of the edge 1600 of the formed area. For example, weights W1 and W2 have tabs 1610 and 1611, respectively, and these tabs allow them to be secured in notches 1601 and 1603, respectively.

[0049]

[0065] Figure 17 is a side view of an embodiment of the handle scale HS1-1 of Figure 6, in which, according to various embodiments, four rectangular regions SR1a1-SR1a4 can each hold a weight. In this embodiment, weight W1 is secured in molding region SR1a1 and weight W2 is secured in molding region SR1a2. Molding regions SR1a1 and SR1a2 extend along the longitudinal axis LA1, and molding regions SR1a3 and SR1a4 extend along the longitudinal axis LA2. Other modifications with respect to the weights and molding regions are similarly possible.

[0050]

[0066] In this embodiment, the molding regions are configured to accommodate weights of different sizes. For example, SR1a1 and SR1a2 are the first and second regions, respectively, with the first region being sized to accommodate a weight (W1) that is larger and heavier than the weight (W2) that can be accommodated by the second region.

[0051]

[0067] Figures 7-12 and 15-17 illustrate embodiments of multiple periodic retaining structures within a handle or handle shell for holding one or more removable weights. In Figures 7-10, the retaining structure is a curved wall. In Figures 11 and 12, the retaining structure is a post. In Figure 15, the retaining structure is a tab. In Figure 16, the retaining structure is a notch. In Figure 17, the retaining structure is a region or recessed region of a separate shape.

[0052]

[0068] Figures 7-17 illustrate embodiments of structures in a portion of a knife handle for holding one or more removable weights within a range of positions along the length of the handle, for example, defined by length Lsr. In one approach, the range of positions extends between the midpoint MP of the handle and the free end H1fe or free end H2fe of the handle (see Figure 1). That is, the range of positions may be limited to the rear half of the handle, where dynamic quality is most affected.

[0053]

[0069] The distances between individual locations where weights can be secured may be uniform or non-uniform.

[0054]

[0070] The molded area is shown as being inside the handle shell, but other options are possible. For example, the liner can be molded, or the molded area can be attached to the liner, in which case the handle shell is attached to cover this molded area.

[0055]

[0071] Figure 18 shows a single-handle fixed-blade knife with a handle scale having a molded area for holding a weight, according to various embodiments. In contrast to a folding knife, a single-handle fixed-blade knife typically has a central tang to which the handle shell is attached on the opposite side, and no liner is used. In this embodiment, the knife 1800 includes a blade 1805 having a sharp portion 1805a and a tang 1805b. The sharp portion and the tang may be formed from a single continuous piece of metal. In this embodiment, the knife has a full tang because the tang extends to the end of the knife. A guard 1802 surrounds the blade and separates the pointed sharp portion from the tang. A first handle shell 1820 is attached to the first side 1805b1 of the tang, and a second handle shell 1810 is attached to the second opposing side 1805b2 of the tang. The first handle shell has an inner 1820s having a molded region 1821 for holding one or more weights, and the second handle shell has an inner 1810s having a molded region 1811 for holding one or more weights. In this embodiment, the molded region is scalloped, as in the embodiments of Figures 7 and 8. As described above, any molded region or structure can be used to hold the weights in place.

[0056]

[0072] The handle shell and tongue may include holes into which screws or other fasteners are inserted to hold the shell to the tongue. For example, the first handle shell 1820 includes holes 1832 and 1833, the tongue includes holes 1822 and 1823, and the second handle shell includes holes 1812 and 1813. The fasteners can be easily removed and reinstalled so that the user can add, remove, or adjust the position of the weights.

[0057]

[0073] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a wide variety of alternative and / or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same objectives can be used in place of the illustrated and described embodiments without departing from the scope. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the embodiments can be implemented in a very broad range of ways.

[0074] This application is intended to cover any adaptation or modification of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, the embodiments are expressly intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. In knives, The blade and A handle attached to the aforementioned blade, Equipped with, The handle comprises a first liner and a first handle scale, the first handle scale having an inner surface facing the first liner and secured in the first liner, the inner surface of the first handle scale having recessed areas defining a plurality of positions within a recessed area for securing a plurality of removable weights arranged at intervals along the length of the first handle scale, the arrangement of the plurality of removable weights being selectable by the user to one or more of the plurality of positions in order to control the weight distribution of the knife.

2. The knife according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of positions is located at a distance from an adjacent position among the plurality of positions that is less than the width of the weight along the length of the first handle scale.

3. The recessed region comprises a plurality of retaining structures arranged at intervals along the length of the first handle scale. The knife according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of holding structures corresponds to each of the plurality of positions.

4. The knife according to claim 3, wherein the retaining structure comprises at least one of a tab, a post, or a notch.

5. The recessed region comprises a corrugated edge having multiple curved walls, The knife according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of curved walls corresponds to each of the plurality of positions.

6. The knife according to claim 5, wherein the edge of the wave is on one side of the recessed region, and the knife further comprises a rubber band on the opposite side of the recessed region to secure the plurality of removable weights.

7. The knife according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of weights secured in the recessed region are discs.

8. The knife according to claim 1, wherein the first handle scale comprises an outer surface facing away from the first liner and a viewing port extending from the outer surface to the inner surface, allowing it to be seen at a location corresponding to the viewing port whether one of the plurality of removable weights is secured to the first handle scale.

9. The knife according to claim 1, wherein the handle includes a second liner, a spacer between the first liner and the second liner, and a second handle scale adapted to be secured to the second liner, the second handle scale having an inner surface facing the second liner, the inner surface of the second handle scale having a second recessed region including a plurality of second positions for securing a plurality of second removable weights spaced apart along the length of the second handle scale.

10. The recessed region comprises a first region and a second region. The knife according to claim 1, wherein the first region is sized to accommodate one of the plurality of weights that is heavier than any other of the plurality of weights that can be accommodated by the second region.

11. The knife is a butterfly knife, and the knife further comprises a second handle attached to the blade. The knife according to claim 1, wherein the second handle comprises a liner and a handle scale, each of which has an inner surface facing the liner and is secured in the liner, and the inner surface of each handle scale has a recessed area having a plurality of positions for securing a plurality of removable weights spaced apart along the length of each handle scale.

12. The knife according to claim 1, wherein the knife is a single-handled knife.

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