Patent ID: 7762444
Filing Date: 2010-07-27
Classification: A47C,B68G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A tool for dispensing a plastic fastener, the plastic fastener comprising a cross-bar formed onto one end of a thin filament, said tool comprising: (a) a housing, (b) a hollow needle fixedly coupled to the housing, the hollow needle comprising a sharpened tip, (c) an ejection mechanism for advancing the cross-bar of the plastic fastener through the hollow needle, (d) a needle guard slidably coupled to the housing, the needle guard being adapted for slidable displacement between an extended position in which sharpened tip of the hollow needle is substantially protected by the needle guard and a retracted position in which the sharpened tip of the needle is exposed, and (e) a needle guard stop slidably coupled to the needle guard, the needle guard stop being adapted to be releasably fixed in place in either of two or more set positions, (f) wherein, with the needle guard stop fixed in place in one of the two or more set positions, the needle guard is disposed to abut against the needle guard stop when displaced to its retracted position, the needle guard stop thus limiting the extent of the retraction of the needle guard and thereby regulating the portion of the hollow needle that is exposed.