Patent ID: 8172119

Claim:
A desktop stapler movable between a rest position and a staple ejection position, the stapler comprising: a base; a stapler body comprising: a magazine configured to hold staples; a strike plate, the strike plate configured to eject a staple from the magazine when the stapler is in the staple ejection position; and at least one engagement surface coupled to the strike plate; a handle operable to actuate the strike plate; and a linkage assembly that couples the base to the handle, wherein the linkage assembly comprises: first and second front linkage members, each coupled to the base and the handle, the first and second front linkage members having at least one actuation surface configured to exert a force on the at least one engagement surface as the at least one actuation surface moves along the at least one engagement surface; and first and second rear linkage members, each coupled to the base and the handle, the first and second rear linkage members disposed between the first and second linkage members and a rear end of the stapler; wherein the linkage assembly couples the base to the handle in such a manner that the handle remains at least substantially parallel to the base as the handle is moved from the rest position to the staple ejection position; and wherein the stapler is configured so as to be stabilized in a horizontal position with the handle above the base with respect to a flat surface when the base is resting on the surface.