Doest Anyone Have Idea if Smoke TS 1 is patented?

[Raphael_WA]

During my past few month observations, I have seen several knives are using fast opening designs same as Smoke TS 1 used.

It was just a tip at the end of the blade, so when you press on the tip, it flipped by the force of your finger.

The question is whether this kind of design is patented?

Here are some pics for other brand/makers.

This is Kizer Feist, new design from Kizer. It used same design here, but different shape.

This is Grovemade, also a new design for 2018.

I am also curious if this new design will be next design popularity in 2018 for most knife makers and manufacturers.

If anyone can help me with the patent issue of Smoke TS 1, Please also send me the patent link.

I have already researched for some time, but hard to get to the point.

 

[Danke42]

You would have to doubt it is patented. That type of opening dates back to traditional Japanese folders.

If it was patented the blade would be stamped with the patent number.

 

[SpySmasher]

A Higonokami is an old Japanese friction-folder design. Wikipedia says it dates from the late 19th century.

Modern front flipper knives like the Feist and Smoke come out of the designs started by South African knifemakers like Bull, Burger and Thorburn. I have read somewhere, but can't guarantee, that the design developed as a result of South African laws that prohibited other types of one-handed opening knives.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I believe these are known as front flippers, and while I don't know if it's a patented concept I would imagine not.

I would think that technically this " protrusion " isn't really any different besides in size to the tail on a traditional friction folder or straight razor, and since they seem to operate in every other way like a standard flipper it doesn't appear to me there would be much to this that could be patented.

If you watch a lot of the show shark tank you get a good sense of just how different something has to be to get granted a patent, and this doesn't seem like it would get one.

 

[Raphael_WA]

A Higonokami is an old Japanese friction-folder design. Wikipedia says it dates from the late 19th century.

Modern front flipper knives like the Feist and Smoke come out of the designs started by South African knifemakers like Bull, Burger and Thorburn. I have read somewhere, but can't guarantee, that the design developed as a result of South African laws that prohibited other types of one-handed opening knives.

Many thanks for the explanations, I may have to do more research.

Not only SA laws forbids, but also Asian laws as well. As a result, most knives made in China and Japan with certain size and locking mechanism are prohibited.

 

[Raphael_WA]

I believe these are known as front flippers, and while I don't know if it's a patented concept I would imagine not.

I would think that technically this " protrusion " isn't really any different besides in size to the tail on a traditional friction folder or straight razor, and since they seem to operate in every other way like a standard flipper it doesn't appear to me there would be much to this that could be patented.

If you watch a lot of the show shark tank you get a good sense of just how different something has to be to get granted a patent, and this doesn't seem like it would get one.

I think I may be able to research if front flipper is registered in patents database in case if I want to make the knife and invaded someone's rights.

 

[Lapedog]

I think I may be able to research if front flipper is registered in patents database in case if I want to make the knife and invaded someone's rights.

It is 100% NOT patented. Feel free to use the design.

Look at the Kizer Wakulla, it has two types of front flipper on it. One similar to the Smoke and other that works kind of like a Bic lighter. I love these front flipper designs.

 

[vanadium]

I think I may be able to research if front flipper is registered in patents database

If you suspect that something is patented, just contact the maker and ask the question honestly. Guaranteed you will get an answer. However, as others have said, the front-flipper design is very old and nobody owns it. Just be original in your overall design, and don't worry too much. This is a small industry and community, friendly to new makers who are honest and well-intentioned. We're looking forward to seeing what you do.

 

[Mo2]

Burger knives were the first to pioneer it. Trevor Burger knives is now the company name. Don't think it's patented, but you can email him for more info.

 

[Raphael_WA]

If you suspect that something is patented, just contact the maker and ask the question honestly. Guaranteed you will get an answer. However, as others have said, the front-flipper design is very old and nobody owns it. Just be original in your overall design, and don't worry too much. This is a small industry and community, friendly to new makers who are honest and well-intentioned. We're looking forward to seeing what you do.

Thank you for your support. I will do as much as I can and post the threads once it is ready.