A desktop stapler includes an automatic opening staple track whereby when the stapler is opened by pivoting the body about the base, the track is de-latched by ribs of the base, and the track slides out from a chamber within the body. The stapler includes a track alignment system that holds the front of the body precisely over the anvil by use of forward and rear torque arm contact areas between the base and track. The stapler also features a striker bottom edge that is shaped to follow the curved shape of the anvil so that the striker may enter the anvil recess without impacting the anvil. A staple chamber in the stapler has staple exit ribs that allow only one staple at a time to be ejected from the staple chamber.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/519,027, filed Nov. 10, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
A desktop stapler uses a spring to store energy to install staples by impact blow. The force required to fasten papers together is reduced. A very compact mechanism is used, including a dual coil power spring with a nested lever. A multi-function base provides a sloped front all the way down to a desktop surface to guide paper sheets atop the base, easy access for lifting the stapler off a desk while in its horizontal or vertical resting positions, and integrated soft grip under surface. The base surrounds the rear of the stapler body to provide a smooth exterior so that the device is natural to use both horizontally and vertically. A simple re-set spring provides a smooth re-set action as the handle is raised. A staple track includes enlargement features to fit a larger staple pusher spring.
A miniature spring-actuated stapler includes a tapered, flat power spring to store energy and eject staples. The power spring pivots at a rear of the stapler housing and includes three co-extensive arms terminating near the striker. As the L-shaped handle of the stapler is pressed, it acts on the center arm of the power spring to deflect it downward while the outer arms deflect upward. The arms are integral at a rear end and the outer arms are linked to the striker at the front. A tapered, flat reset spring disposed generally parallel to the power spring is used to reset the internal action. The housing includes open top and rear areas with the handle providing the enclosure thereof. A base assembly is slidably attached at a bottom of the stapler with an open position exposing a staple-loading chamber.
