Patent ID: 8893389

Claim:
A folding tool, comprising: a handle; an implement pivotally coupled to the handle, the implement adapted to travel between a closed position and an open position, the implement comprising a tang, wherein the tang includes a cutout defined in part by a hook-shaped arm; a locking device movable between a locked position and an unlocked position along an axis transverse to a plane defined by the implement, wherein the locking device secures the implement in the open position when the locking device is in the locked position, and wherein the locking device is positioned within the cutout in the tang when the implement is in the closed position; and a cantilever spring having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end adapted to interact with the tang of the implement, wherein the spring exerts a closing force on the hook-shaped arm of the implement when the implement is in the closed position, wherein the spring exerts an opening force on the hook-shaped arm of the implement during at least a portion of the travel of the implement between the closed position and the open position, and wherein the spring does not contact the implement when the implement is in the open position.