Patent ID: 6219923
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: B26B

Abstract:
A retractable knife comprising:a housing having a front and a rear and forming an internal cavity;a spring disposed within said cavity longitudinally between the front and rear of said housing, said spring defining a longitudinal passage therein, said spring having a first end and a second end;a blade positioned for longitudinal movement within said passage, said blade having a knife edge facing the front of said housing, and a rear end facing said rear of said housing, said blade being moveable between an extended position relative to said housing and a retracted position within said housing, said blade being biased by said spring towards said retracted position;a manually operable push rod extending through said housing, said blade movable to said extended position in response to movement of said push rod; anda release switch formed integrally on said housing and which has an integral shaft connecting said release switch to said housing, said release switch having a catch moveable relative to said housing and which is positioned to engage said push rod when said blade is in the extended position.