Every automatic knife faces the same design dilemma: how to move fast without losing control. If it opens too weakly, it fails to deploy. If it fires too hard, it risks misfiring or breaking the lock under stress. Reliability, not sharpness, is what separates good engineering from risky design.
Patent US9498889B1, currently cited in a case between Elk Creek Corporation and Microtech Knives Inc., takes that reliability problem head on. It introduces a compact double action, out the front mechanism powered by springs and controlled through a single sliding button. The innovation lies in its internal lock system, which keeps the blade steady in both open and closed positions, ensuring smoother motion and stronger lock up in a compact form.
To understand how this fits into the wider evolution of knife engineering, we used the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool to trace similar mechanical solutions. From rotating locks to sliding pins and spring-driven shuttles, the surrounding patents show a clear trend toward precision, control, and durability in everyday mechanisms that demand trust under pressure.
Breaking Down Patent US9498889B1
US9498889B1 covers a double-action, out-the-front automatic knife. The design focuses on smooth, powered blade movement in both directions, open and closed, using a single sliding button. It also improves blade stability, making it feel more solid and secure when locked in position.
Source: Google Patents
Key Engineering Features of Patent US9498889B1
1. Single Sliding Button – The knife features a single button that moves forward or backward to open or close the blade.
2. Double-Action Mechanism – The same button movement powers both extension and retraction using internal springs.
3. Spring-Driven Thrust Mechanism – A shuttle plate and thrust blocks compress and release springs to drive blade motion.
4. Integrated Locking Mechanism – The lock is built into the blade’s tang and uses a ball, lock bar, and rocker bar to hold the blade in place.
5. Dual Lock Positions – The blade locks securely in both open and closed positions with the same internal mechanism.
6. Control Hooks for Locking and Unlocking – The knife includes multiple hooks that interact with the lock and button to trigger precise locking actions.
7. Stop Pin and Stop Plate Design – A stop pin engages two angled surfaces inside the handle to limit blade movement in two planes, reducing wobble.
This patent offers a precise and durable mechanism for powering and locking a blade in both directions. US9498889B1 is a strong example of engineering aimed at performance, control, and compact design.
Related Read: See how US9918522B2 simplifies belt buckle reliability, much like US9498889B1 improves blade lock precision in automatic knives.
Patents Addressing Similar Design Challenges as US9498889B1
To understand the technology behind US9498889B1, we used the Global Patent Search tool to uncover similar patents. These references highlight new methods for securing out-the-front knife blades, with a strong focus on improving blade stability, reducing misfires, and enhancing locking performance.
1. US2012255179A1
This U.S. patent US2012255179A1, published in 2012, introduces a locking mechanism for OTF knives. It addresses the common issues of blade wobble, unreliable lockup, and misfires by using a rotatable locking member that interacts with front and rear slot features.
The invention allows the blade to lock securely in both extended and retracted positions while enabling smooth transitions driven by spring-loaded mechanics.
Below, we have added snapshots from the GPS tool displaying the relevant information from similar patents.
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- A rotating locking member integrated with the blade tang
- Locking features at both the front and rear of the internal guide slots
- Spring arms that apply torque to the locking member for secure engagement
- Blade movement that is controlled by a slide bar and a spring-loaded impulse mechanism
- Levers that rotate the locking member during blade transition
- Dual locking protrusions (top and bottom ridges) to secure the blade in two planes
- Multiple spring biasing configurations, including coil springs and arm springs
- Blade motion is achieved through stored spring energy triggered by slide movement
Technical Overlap with US9498889B1
Both patents address the challenge of stable dual-position blade locking in out-the-front knives. US2012255179A1 uses a rotating locking disk, while US9498889B1 employs a lock bar and rocker bar system.
Each confines the locking mechanism within the tang and relies on spring energy for controlled motion. Despite different mechanics, both deliver the same outcome, that is firm, repeatable lock engagement with minimal blade movement.
2. US4322885A
This U.S. patent US4322885A, published in 1982, introduces a mechanical locking system for retractable knives. The design focuses on securely fixing the blade at various indexed positions using a locking projection and dual tooth trains.
The knife enables controlled, incremental blade extension and ensures a rigid, non-wobbly lock even under forceful cutting conditions.
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- A locking projection that meshes with a notched track in the knife handle
- A V-shaped spring detent to add resistance and locking stability from the opposite side
- Dual-tooth train design to stabilize the blade from both edges
- A slider unit with integrated lock components and manual manipulation features
- A cam mechanism that engages or disengages the lock using a stud and groove system
- Blade extension in small increments, allowing partial projection for precision use
- Enhanced locking strength to prevent blade rattling during high-force applications
- Positive blade engagement without increasing resistance during normal operation
Technical Overlap with Patent US9498889B1
Both patents work toward keeping a retractable blade steady and secure while it moves within the handle. US4322885A uses a notched track and spring detent for step-by-step blade positioning, while US9498889B1 relies on a lock bar and stop pin for firm locking in two fixed states. Secure engagement and stepwise control make both inventions strong solutions for dependable knife performance.
3. US2014338198A1
This U.S. patent US2014338198A1, published in 2014, introduces an enhanced lockback system for folding knives. The design focuses on using a locking axle and compound spring configuration to secure the blade in open or closed positions.
The key improvement is the addition of a locking foot that prevents accidental disengagement of the lockback bar, even under pressure.
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- A lockback bar system restrained by a dedicated locking foot safety
- A locking axle that secures the foot of the lockback bar near the pivot pin
- Compound spring design with multiple leaf springs and a floating spring
- Engagement between the tang surface and the lockback bar to resist blade rotation
- Assisted opening using cam surfaces on the blade tang
- A mechanism that eliminates torque on the blade during the opening phase
- Recessed channels for guiding and locking the locking axle in place
- Consistent or decreasing radius surfaces for smooth locking transitions
Technical Overlap with US9498889B1
Both patents focus on preventing accidental unlocking and maintaining blade stability under load. US2014338198A1 achieves this through a lockback bar reinforced by a locking axle and compound spring setup, while US9498889B1 uses a lock bar and stop plate to hold the blade steady in both open and closed positions.
Each system distributes locking stress across multiple components, minimizing torque on the blade and improving operational reliability.
4. US5737841A
This U.S. patent US5737841A, published in 1998, introduces a sliding lock mechanism for securing a knife blade. The system uses a transverse pin and spring assembly to lock the blade in the open position. The locking force is distributed across multiple structural elements, increasing durability and resistance to wear over time.
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- A sliding lock assembly with a cylindrical transverse locking pin
- Engagement of the pin with the tang, shoulder, and spine for enhanced locking strength
- Spring-loaded pin mechanism that biases the lock into the secure position
- A manually operated sliding knob for releasing the locking pin
- A cam-shaped tang edge that enables assisted opening and closing
- Pin engagement is designed to “wear in” rather than degrade with repeated use
- Dual locking positions, open and closed, enabled by the same pin assembly
- Simplified mechanical design with fewer components for easier assembly and maintenance
US5737841A – Technical Overlap with US9498889B1
Both patents address the challenge of achieving strong, repeatable blade locking through internal mechanical interfaces. US5737841A secures the blade using a transverse locking pin and spring-loaded assembly, while US9498889B1 employs a stop pin and angled stop plate to achieve similar dual-position stability.
Both systems distribute locking stress across multiple contact points, reducing wear and ensuring reliable engagement over repeated use. Despite differences in structure, both reflect a shared focus on durability, precision, and consistent locking performance within compact knife assemblies.
5. US4703560A
This U.S. patent US4703560A, published in 1987, introduces a locking knife apparatus with a rotational and translational locking mechanism. It employs a pivot-based assembly that enables both secure blade positioning and user-controlled movement.
The mechanism uses interlocking tabs and notches, along with a threaded bolt, to fix the blade in either open or closed states.
What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape
- A threaded pivot bolt is used to lock the blade in position
- A pivot slot that enables combined rotation and translation of the blade
- Interlocking tabs and notches between the blade and support unit
- A blade support mechanism that resists unintended movement
- Manual tightening and loosening to control blade positioning
- Dual locking states, securely open or securely closed
- Reversible steps for transitioning between locked states
- Compatibility with folding knife assemblies using track-based pivot control
Technical Overlap with US9498889B1
Both patents focus on solving blade stability through mechanical locking rather than spring tension alone. US4703560A secures the blade using interlocking tabs, notches, and a threaded pivot bolt, while US9498889B1 relies on stop pins and angled plates to achieve stable dual locking.
Moreover, this reference showcases an early approach to secure blade control using track and bolt mechanisms. It also reflects the ongoing evolution of mechanical knife designs focused on dual-directional locking precision.
Similar space-efficiency principles can also be seen in other domains, such as US9867466B2 and similar foldable chair patents, where the structure is optimized for minimal footprint and secure, foldable use.
Using Global Patent Search to Explore Patents Like US9498889B1
When developing innovative knife locking systems, it is important to analyze how similar patents approach the same technical challenge. The Global Patent Search tool makes this easier by surfacing patents that explore blade locking, OTF mechanisms, and compact mechanical assemblies.
Conducting a prior art search reduces the risk of direct infringement and supports stronger positioning before or after a patent grant. Here’s how you can use the GPS tool to dive deeper into the technology landscape:
- Enter the patent number: Start your search by entering US9498889B1 into the Global Patent Search tool. You can also try keywords like “blade locking,” “OTF knife,” or “dual-action knife.”
- Review curated snippets: GPS shows focused snippets instead of full claims. These snippets quickly reveal how each patent handles locking, guiding, or stabilizing the blade.
- Find similar patents: The tool uncovers technologies that tackle the same problems, whether through spring-loaded mechanisms, pivot locks, or interlocking components.
- Compare mechanical strategies: Instead of only matching features, GPS lets you explore how different designs solve similar challenges using varied structural or material approaches.
- Explore across applications: GPS connects ideas from related industries, such as outdoor tools, tactical gear, and folding knives, helping you recognize patterns in blade retention and locking systems.
Global Patent Search empowers engineers, legal teams, and innovators to uncover technical patterns across industries. It is a valuable resource for identifying competitive solutions, avoiding redundancy, and tracking emerging ideas. Whether you are filing, refining, or defending a patent, GPS streamlines the process, making it faster, clearer, and more strategic.
Want to speed up your patent search process? Learn how to navigate Global Patent Search faster and find relevant patents in less time.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The related patent references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive related patent analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
