Patent ID: 7681771
Filing Date: 2010-03-23
Classification: B25C

Abstract:
1. A stapler movable between a rest position, in which no force is input to the stapler by a user, and a stapling position, the stapler having a front end adjacent a staple ejection location and a rear end, the stapler comprising: a base; a staple magazine coupled to the base and configured to hold staples; a driver blade operable to drive staples out of the staple magazine during stapling operations; an elastic member coupled to the driver blade and operable to move the driver blade during stapling operations, the elastic member utilizing potential energy to move the driver blade during stapling operations; a drive link having a first end coupled to the driver blade and a second end coupled with the elastic member; and an over-center linkage having first and second link members pivotally connected together and movable between a first position in which the driver blade is prevented from driving a staple out of the staple magazine, and a second position in which the driver blade is operable to drive a staple out of the staple magazine; wherein the first and second link members are pivotally connected about a first pivot axis, the first link member is pivotally connected to the drive link about a second pivot axis, and the second link member is pivotally connected to another portion of the stapler relative to which the drive link is movable, about a third pivot axis.