Patent ID: 8348129

Claim:
A surgical stapler, comprising: a first handle portion comprising: a staple cartridge channel configured to receive a staple cartridge; and a latch rotatably coupled to said staple cartridge channel; a second handle portion comprising: a frame; an anvil; and a latch projection, wherein said first handle portion further comprises a recess configured to receive said latch projection, wherein said latch is configured to engage said latch projection and position said latch projection within said recess to move said first handle portion and said second handle portion toward one another, and wherein said latch projection comprises: a shaft portion extending from said frame; an enlarged portion extending from said shaft portion; and a rotatable bearing comprising a bearing aperture, wherein said shaft portion extends through said bearing aperture, wherein said rotatable bearing is rotatable about said shaft portion, wherein said rotatable bearing is positioned intermediate said frame and said enlarged portion, and wherein said latch is configured to contact said rotatable bearing when said latch engages said latch projection; and wherein said latch comprises a latch projection slot configured to receive said latch projection, wherein said latch projection slot comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall, wherein said first sidewall is positioned opposite said second sidewall, wherein said first sidewall is configured to apply a closing force to said bearing in order to move said first handle portion and said second handle portion toward one another, and wherein said second sidewall is configured to apply an opening force to said bearing in order to move said first handle portion and said second handle portion away from one another.