Patent ID: 8191752

Claim:
A disposable loading unit, comprising: a drive beam having a proximal engagement portion disposed adjacent a proximal end thereof, the drive beam defining a first longitudinal axis; a tool assembly including an anvil defining a first contact surface, and a cartridge assembly defining a second contact surface, wherein the first and second contact surfaces are at least partially formed from metal, the tool assembly being disposed distally of the drive beam and defining a second longitudinal axis; and a closure apparatus being formed from metal disposed adjacent a distal end of the drive beam, the closure apparatus including a first portion configured and dimensioned to engage the first contact surface of the tool assembly, and a second portion configured and dimensioned to engage the second contact surface of the tool assembly, whereby distal movement of the drive beam moves the closure apparatus distally into engagement with the first and second contact surfaces to approximate the anvil and the cartridge assembly, wherein the first and second portions of the closure apparatus each include a plastic overmold to minimize friction between the first and second portions of the closure apparatus and the first and second contact surfaces of the tool assembly.