Assisted opening multitool method and apparatus

An assisted opening multitool handle comprising:

• a. a handle housing having a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis, the handle housing having first and second longitudinal regions, the handle housing having an interior surface defining a channel region,
• b. a tool member pivotally attached to the handle housing and operatively configured to be positioned in a closed orientation within the channel region and configured to rotate in an opening direction to an open orientation,
• c. an assisted opening system comprising a spring system operatively attached to the tool member where the spring system provides rotational resistance of the tool member for a first portion of rotation of the tool member from the closed orientation to the open orientation, and the spring system provides positive torque for a second portion of rotation between the closed orientation and the open orientation where the second portion of rotation is after the first portion of rotation from the closed orientation to the open orientation of the tool member with respect to the handle housing, wherein the assisted opening system comprises a release lever comprising an interface portion positioned on a lateral region of the handle housing, wherein the release lever comprises a cam engagement portion to engage a tool cam surface of the tool member, the tool cam surface comprising a resistance cam surface portion where contact between the cam engagement portion of the release lever and the resistance cam surface portion provides a torque upon the tool member in the closing direction when the tool member is positioned at the first portion of rotation with respect to the handle housing, and wherein the tool cam surface comprises a cam opening portion having a substantially constant radius at the second portion of rotation of the tool member at the point of engagement of the cam engagement portion of the release lever and the cam opening portion of the tool cam surface.

An assisted opening multitool handle comprising:

• a. a handle housing having first and second lateral regions, the handle housing having an interior surface defining a channel region, the channel region extending substantially about a longitudinal direction;
• b. first and second tool members pivotally attached at opposing lateral portions of the handle housing, the first and second tool members having a closed orientation and a open orientation;
• and
• c. an assisted opening system having a spring member in engagement with the first tool member where the spring member provides a closing torque rotational resistance of the first tool member for a first portion of rotation of the tool member from the closed orientation to the open orientation, and the spring system provides positive torque for a second portion of rotation between the closed orientation and the open orientation where the second portion of rotation is after the first portion of rotation from the closed orientation to the open orientation of the first tool member with respect to the handle housing and the first and second tool members being optionally opened from either the first or second lateral regions of the handle housing.