Has anyone seen the new Will Moon Banshee model with his modified Axis lock that he called Spindle lock? I like the design and was thinking about getting his new model. The only problem I have with the Spindle lock is that Will Moon is currently in the process of getting a patent for his "proprietary" lock and was planning on licensing it to other manufacturers.
The Spindle lock works the same way as the Axis lock and instead of using omega springs on both side, it's using coil spring. It's similar to Benchmade Anthem however in this case it's using and a guide rod and coil spring nested in the handle scale on each side. Does this modification warranted a new patent when the lock works the same just installed differently? I personally question the ethic behind doing this..
Will's argument is that he equates his Spindle lock modification of Axis lock to Demko's Triad lock which is based on the backlock. However IMO the Triad lock has way more distinction than the back lock because the entire load bearing mechanism is changed, not to mention the "angled/hooked" lock engagement that require the lock bar pivot to have oval cutout for forward/backward movement in order for the hook to engage. This is not the case for Spindle lock which essentially works the same as Axis lock.
What im trying to ask is that, are people allowed to make slight modification of the axis lock then apply a patent for it like a proprietary lock? Won't Benchmade be able to patent their Anthem style axis lock if that's the case? I guess this is up to the patent office to decide, but this kinda turns me off, no matter how much better the modified lock is..
Edit: BTW here a video of Moon explaining the Spindle lock for reference.
The Spindle lock works the same way as the Axis lock and instead of using omega springs on both side, it's using coil spring. It's similar to Benchmade Anthem however in this case it's using and a guide rod and coil spring nested in the handle scale on each side. Does this modification warranted a new patent when the lock works the same just installed differently? I personally question the ethic behind doing this..
Will's argument is that he equates his Spindle lock modification of Axis lock to Demko's Triad lock which is based on the backlock. However IMO the Triad lock has way more distinction than the back lock because the entire load bearing mechanism is changed, not to mention the "angled/hooked" lock engagement that require the lock bar pivot to have oval cutout for forward/backward movement in order for the hook to engage. This is not the case for Spindle lock which essentially works the same as Axis lock.
What im trying to ask is that, are people allowed to make slight modification of the axis lock then apply a patent for it like a proprietary lock? Won't Benchmade be able to patent their Anthem style axis lock if that's the case? I guess this is up to the patent office to decide, but this kinda turns me off, no matter how much better the modified lock is..
Edit: BTW here a video of Moon explaining the Spindle lock for reference.