Lock for folding tool

A tool comprising:

• a handle portion comprising a first handle piece and a second handle piece, the first handle piece defining an abutment;
• a folding tool portion, wherein the folding tool portion is configured to be rotatable about a folding tool axis in a first direction from a folded, stowed position at least partially between the first handle piece and the second handle piece to a deployed position substantially outside of the handle portion, wherein the folding tool portion comprises a cam portion disposed about the folding tool axis, wherein the cam portion defines a locking surface;
• a locking element, wherein the locking element is configured to be captured between the locking surface of the folding tool portion and the abutment in response to the folding tool portion moving to the deployed position, wherein in the deployed position further rotation in the first direction about the folding tool axis is precluded by the folding tool portion engaging the abutment, wherein the locking element is spring biased by a spring in a direction parallel to the folding tool axis, wherein the locking element defines at least one of an arcuate surface or a wedge surface for engaging the locking surface of the folding tool portion;
• and
• a button defining a central button axis extending therethrough parallel to the folding tool axis, wherein the locking element defines a central locking element axis parallel to the folding tool axis, wherein the central button axis and the central locking element axis are offset from one another, wherein the button is at least one of attached to the locking element or integrally formed with the locking element, and wherein the button is configured to drive the locking element against spring bias to disengage the locking element from the locking surface.

A tool comprising:

• a handle portion comprising a first handle piece defining a first aperture and a second handle piece defining a second aperture;
• a folding tool portion, wherein the folding tool portion is configured to be rotatable about a folding tool axis between a folded, stowed position at least partially between the first handle piece and the second handle piece, and a deployed position substantially outside of the handle portion, wherein the folding tool portion comprises a cam portion disposed about the folding tool axis, wherein the cam portion defines a locking surface;
• a locking element, wherein the locking element is received within the first aperture wherein the locking element is movable along a locking axis parallel to the folding tool axis between an engaged position in which the locking element is engaged with the locking surface of the folding tool portion in the deployed position, and a disengaged position where the locking element does not contact the locking surface;
• and
• a button, wherein the button is received within the second aperture and is accessible through the second handle piece, wherein the button is at least one of attached to or integrally formed with the locking element, and wherein the button is movable along an axis parallel to the locking axis against a spring bias to move the locking element to the disengaged position,
• wherein the button defines a central button axis extending therethrough parallel to the folding tool axis, wherein the locking element defines a central locking element axis parallel to the folding tool axis, and wherein the central button axis and the central locking element axis are offset from one another.