Locking mechanism for a multi-purpose folding tool

摘要

According to the invention a locking mechanism for a multi-purpose folding tool comprises: a handle (22,24) including a flat, resilient leaf spring (132) at one end (86) of said handle and a slot (136) through said leaf spring (132) adjacent the free end thereof, said slot being bordered across said free end by a transverse, flat stock (140); at least one tool (76) rotatably connected to said handle (22, 24) for rotation between a closed state within said handle and an open state extending from said handle, said tool having a peripheral portion including a peripheral notch (164) positioned to snugly receive said stock (140) therein, when said tool (76) is extended, the spring bias of said leaf spring (132) maintaining said stock (140) in said notch (164) to positively lock said extended tool (76), and means (166) for releasing said stock (140) from said notch (154, 164).