CA2298419A1 - Ergonomic stapler - Google Patents

Abstract

A stapler having ergonomic refinements and being capable of use either in a recumbent position or when gripped in the hand is disclosed. The stapler has surface portions arranged at both ends which support the stapler stabily in an upright position and allow for the stapler to be easily grasped. When supported on one end the limbs of the stapler are oriented at an angle between 75° and 85° for convenient gripping.
When supported on the other end the stapler is substantially vertically oriented. Further surface portions, arranged at both ends of one limb perpendicular to the aforementioned surface portions, support the stapler in the recumbent position with one limb positioned above the other. Each limb has a convexly curved outer surface arranged lengthwise to comfortably accommodate the hand. One of the convexly curved surfaces is bulged outwardly near the center of the limb, thereby adapting the surface to fit the palm of the hand and allow the full strength of the hand to be developed for effecting stapling.

Description

, CA 02298419 2000-02-11 ERGONOMIC STAPLER
Field of the Invention This invention relates to manually operated staplers and especially to staplers having ergonomic design features to provide improved ease of use and versatility.
Background of the Invention Staplers are a common tool used regularly in the home and office for conveniently binding sheet material together or for attaching sheet material to other objects. Manually operated staplers are favored in most cases largely due to their dependability and low cost.
The fundamental components of a manually operated stapler are well known and need little in the way of explanation. Such staplers typically comprise a magazine which holds a multiplicity of staples, the magazine having an opening for dispensing the staples.
A blade movably mounted within the magazine for reciprocal motion engages a staple positioned above the opening and forces the staple out through the opening.
The stapler has an anvil spaced relative to the opening for clinching the staple forced through the opening.

. CA 02298419 2000-02-11 The blade, magazine and anvil are usually attached to a jointed outer structure which provides a base for supporting the stapler (the base typically housing the anvil) and an external surface engagable with the palm of a hand enclosing the magazine and allowing the required force to be applied to move the magazine toward the anvil and move the blade through the magazine.
Many staplers are designed to rest on their base in a recumbent or horizontal position on a support surface such as a table or a desk with the magazine spaced above the anvil. A biasing spring arranged between the base and the magazine keeps the two components separated. Paper or other sheet material to be stapled is typically positioned between the magazine, and the anvil and the magazine is forced downwardly against the anvil with the palm of the hand using arm strength. The magazine clamps the paper against the anvil and further force applied to the stapler forces the blade through the opening which pushes the staple through the paper and against the anvil, the staple being clinched thereagainst.
While this is one way of using a stapler, it is also known to grasp the stapler in the hand between the palm and the fingers and staple the sheets by compressing the magazine against the anvil using the strength of the hand alone by drawing the fingers towards the palm in a squeezing grip.
While this hand grip method of stapling is convenient and useful, typical recumbent staplers are not designed specifically for such use. They are, first of all, in a recumbent position making it awkward to properly grasp the stapler when seated at the desk or table on which the stapler rests. While it is possible to position many recumbent staplers in an upright position, making them easier to grasp in the hand, they are not designed to reside in this position and tend to be unstable. Finally, the outer structure of a recumbent stapler is designed to accommodate only the palm of the hand applied from above and not the fingers and palm as required to squeeze the stapler.
There is clearly a need for a stapler which can be used with equal facility either as a recumbent stapler or as a hand held stapler to accommodate all possible modes of use comfortably and efficiently.
Summary and Objects of the Invention A stapler according to the invention using wire staples for stapling sheet material preferably comprises a first elongated limb having first and second ends and a magazine for holding the staples.
The magazine has an opening arranged proximal to the second end of the limb for dispensing the staples. The stapler also has a second elongated limb also with first and second ends. The second limb is arranged in a substantially parallel, spaced apart relation lengthwise of the first limb. The second limb preferably comprises an anvil spaced relative to the dispensing opening in the magazine for clinching the staples.
The stapler preferably has a hinge disposed at the first ends of the first and second limbs, the hinge connecting the first ends together for pivotal motion of the limbs relative to one another. The first ends of the first and second limbs also include end surface portions configured to support the stapler stabily in an upright position on a support surface. The end surface portions also orient the first and second limbs at a predetermined angle relative to the support surface when the end surface portions are placed in contact with the support surface. The angular orientation of the limbs provides an ergonomic advantage when grasping the stapler for hand use as the angle is chosen so that the stapler is readily graspable without significant rotation of the hand about the wrist, allowing the stapler to fall naturally to hand. Acute angles (as measured from the support surface) are preferred, with an angle between about 75°
to about 85° being optimal.
Preferably, in the stapler according to the invention, the second ends of the first and second limbs also include end surface portions. These end surface portions also are configured to support the stapler stabily in an upright position when they are placed in contact with the support surface.
Preferably, the limbs are supported substantially perpendicularly to the support surface when the stapler is positioned on the surface end portions located at the second ends of the limbs.
Further ergonomic refinements of the stapler according to the invention preferably include a convexly curved surface disposed lengthwise on one of the limbs. The convexly curved surface faces outwardly from the limb and is adapted to rest comfortably against the palm of a hand when the stapler is manually gripped. To prevent slipping of the staple when squeezed, it is advantageous that the convexly curved surface comprise a material having a relatively high coefficient of friction.
To adapt the stapler more fully to use as a hand 5 stapler, a second convexly curved surface is disposed lengthwise on the other of the limbs. This second convexly curved surface also faces outwardly and is adapted for comfortable manual gripping by the fingers of the hand when the stapler is manually gripped.
Together the convexly curved surfaces allow the full strength of the hand to be developed to efficiently operate the stapler.
The stapler according to the invention is not only capable of ready use as a hand stapler, but functions equally well as a recumbent stapler. To permit the recumbent mode of use, one of the limbs has additional surface portions located in a plane which is oriented substantially parallel to the magazine. These additional surface portions are preferably positioned adjacent to each end of the limb and cooperate to stabily support the stapler in a substantially horizontal position with the limbs positioned one above another when the additional surface portions are placed in contact with the support surface. Thus, the stapler can be recumbently positioned on a support surface and papers can be stapled by hand using arm strength to effect the stapling function, as is well known.
It is further foreseen that the stapler according to the invention will be used in the "tacking mode" of operation where staples are not clinched against the anvil but driven into a surface to attach sheet material to the surface. The hinge connecting the limb first ends together is designed to allow the limbs to pivot apart from one another through an angle of 180°
which permits the staple dispensing opening in the magazine to be readily positioned adjacent to the surface into which the staples are to be driven. It is preferred that the convexly curved surface comprising the relatively high friction coefficient material be positioned on the limb having the magazine. This configuration will provide an advantage for use of the stapler in both the recumbent and tacking modes as the palm of the hand is usually used to effect stapling and the high friction material will effectively prevent slippage of the palm on the limb.
It is an object of the invention to provide a stapler which can be used with equal facility in either the recumbent or the hand grip stapling modes.
It is another object of the invention to provide a stapler which has ergonomic refinements allowing for comfortable use.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a stapler which will stand upright on either end in a stable fashion.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a stapler which, when standing upright, is oriented at an angle convenient to the human hand.
It is another object of the invention to provide a stapler which allows the full strength of the human hand to be brought to bear readily when operating the stapler.
These and other objects will become apparent from a consideration of the following drawings and detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of an ergonomic stapler according to the invention shown in an upright position on a support surface;
Figure 2 is a top end view of the stapler shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a bottom end view of the stapler shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a rear elevational view of the stapler shown in Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the stapler shown in Figure 1 in another upright position on a support surface; and Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the stapler shown in Figure 1 but in a recumbent position on a support surface, a portion of the staple magazine 16 being cut away to illustrate the interior thereof.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Figure 1 shows an ergonomic stapler 10 according to the invention comprising first and second elongated limbs 12 and 14 arranged in a substantially parallel, spaced apart relation lengthwise of each other. Each limb 12 and 14 has a first end labeled 12a and 14a respectively as well as a second end labeled 12b and 14b respectively.
First limb 12 has a magazine 16 for holding a multiplicity of staples 17, as shown in the partial sectional view of Figure 6. The magazine has an opening 18 located proximal to the second end 12b for dispensing the staples, also shown in Figure 6. Second limb 14, seen best in perspective in Figure 1, comprises an anvil 20 spaced relative to the opening 18 for clinching the staples when they are forced out of the magazine during stapling as explained briefly in the Background of the Invention section and which is well understood in the art. As seen in Figure 2, limbs 12 and 14 are hingedly attached to each other by a hinge 22 located at the first ends 12a and 14a. Hinge 22 connects the two limbs together and allows pivotal motion of the limbs relative to each other. The limbs are biased apart by a biasing means, preferably in the form of a spring 24 also shown in Figure 2, which is positioned between the magazine 16 and the lower limb 14.
As best seen in Figures 1-3, means for supporting stapler 10 in upright positions are provided at each end (12a, 14a, 12b, 14b) of limbs 12 and 14.
Preferably, the supporting means comprise surface portion 26 on end 12a, surface portion 28 on end 14a, surface portion 30 on end 12b and surface portion 32 on end 14b. The surface portions at each end cooperate to support the stapler in the upright positions, as best , CA 02298419 2000-02-11 seen in Figures 1 and 5, when the surface portions are placed in contact with a support surface 34.
As shown in Figure 1, when surface portions 30 and 32 are placed in contact with the support surface 34, they cooperate to stabily support stapler 10 in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the support surface. Stability of the position is assured by providing a substantial contact foot print of the surface portions 30 and 32 on the support surface 34 and designing the stapler to keep the center of gravity well within a perimeter circumscribing the foot print, and most preferably, at or near the centroid of the foot print, when the position of the center of gravity is projected vertically onto the support surface 34.
As seen in Figure 5, when surface portions 26 and 28 are placed in contact with support surface 34, they cooperate to stabily support stapler 10 in an upright position wherein the limbs 12 and 14 are oriented at an acute angle 36 as measured from the support surface.
Angle 36 provides an ergonomic advantage allowing the stapler to fall comfortably to hand from the upright position without the need for rotating the hand at the wrist about a horizontal axis. Angles 36 between about 75° and 85° are found to be especially accommodating to the hand providing for comfortable grasping of the stapler in the upright position.
Additional ergonomic features also are evident in Figures 1 and 5 in the form of convexly curved gripping surfaces 38 and 40. Convexly curved gripping surface 38 is disposed lengthwise along limb 12 and faces outwardly from it. The surface is preferably bulged in the center and receding toward the ends to comfortably fit in the palm of the hand when the stapler is used in the hand grip mode. It is advantageous to form convexly curved gripping surface 38 substantially from 5 a material such as rubber which has a relatively high coefficient of friction and helps prevent slippage of the surface against the palm of the hand when the stapler is squeezed during manual operation.
Convexly curved gripping surface 40 is arranged 10 lengthwise along limb 14 and preferably comprises a rounded surface facing outwardly from the limb. Such a surface comfortably accommodates the fingers of the hand when the stapler is used in the hand grip mode for stapling, thus, providing a sure grip for reliable operation.
By bulging convexly curved gripping surface 38 near the center of limb 12, and providing the other convexly curved gripping surface 40 facing outwardly on the opposite limb 14, the maximum width of the stapler can be optimized in both size and position on the stapler and, thus, allow the hand to efficiently develop its full strength for effecting stapling in the hand grip mode. For a stapler approximately six inch long, a maximum width (measured across from convex surface to convex surface) of about 2.5 inches positioned at about 3.5 inches from the hinge end of the stapler has been found to provide an ergonomically efficient design.
Further refinements which encourage the user to grip the stapler in an ergonomically correct position are best illustrated in Figure 5. Each gripping surface 38 and 40 has a respective distal surface portion 38a and 40a arranged adjacent to the distal ends 12b and 14b of the limbs. Distal surface portions 38a and 40a preferably slope relatively inwardly in the direction of the distal ends, thereby narrowing the stapler at the distal ends 12b and 14b. The sloping distal surface portions encourage the stapler to be gripped nearer the stapler's distal end, thus, affording the user maximum leverage when pivoting limbs 12 and 14 about hinge 22 to effect stapling. In contrast to the stapler according to the invention, many conventional staplers diverge at the distal end, which encourages a grip closer to the hinge, resulting in less leverage and higher forces needed for stapling.
Sloping distal end portions 38a and 40a provide an ergonomic advantage which allows more comfortable stapling requiring less force by utilizing the natural mechanical advantage available at the distal end of the stapler.
To prevent the fingers from sliding off of the distal end 14b of limb 14, a projection 48 is positioned there. Projection 48 extends outwardly at an angle to limb 14 and acts as a stop against which a finger can rest to securely position the stapler in the hand of the user. Projection 48 also serves as a standoff for supporting the stapler horizontally on a surface as described below.
The limb 12 also has a refinement for discouraging slipping of the palm from the distal end 12b, the refinement comprising an end surface portion 39 illustrated in Figure 5. End surface portion 39 is disposed between the distal end 12b and distal surface portion 38a of limb 12, is preferably contiguous with the distal surface portion but has no slope in the direction of the distal end thus providing a landing accommodating the palm of the user when the stapler is gripped.
While the stapler is readily usable in the hand grip mode, it also can be used as a recumbent stapler in a substantially horizontal position. Figure 6 shows the stapler 10 in a recumbent position on support surface 34. Preferably, additional surface portions 42 and 44 are arranged contiguous to the first and second ends (14a, 14b) of limb 14 and provide means for supporting the stapler in the recumbent position.
Surface portions 42 and 44 are arranged in a plane (illustrated by surface 34) oriented substantially parallel to the magazine 16 in order to stabily support the stapler 10 with the magazine in a substantially horizontal orientation. Preferably, surface portions 42 and 44 are positioned at a predetermined distance away from convexly curved surface 40 on standoffs 46 and 48 thereby creating a gap 50 between the support surface 34 and convexly curved surface 40. This gap allows the stapler to be more easily grasped when in the recumbent position for use in the hand grip mode.
As with more traditional staplers, the limbs 12 and 14 are arranged one above the other preferably with limb 12 (housing magazine 16) arranged on top. The stapler can be readily used in the recumbent position because the surface portions 42 and 44 provide a stable base, and the convex surface 38 on limb 12 provides a comfortable surface against which to push to effect the stapling operation.

Convex surface 38 also allows the stapler to be used effectively in the tacking mode (not shown) where limb 14 is pivoted about hinge 22 through 180°, thus, extending limb 14 substantially straight out from limb 12 and allowing opening 18 in magazine 16 to be readily positioned against a surface for driving a staple into the surface for tacking sheet material thereto. As with the recumbent mode, convex surface 38 provides a comfortable surface against which to push to effect stapling.
The stapler according to the invention provides significant ergonomic refinements which take into account, in a practical manner, the various ways in which people use staplers in their daily work. The stapler design provides for ready grasping or use in either the hand grip or recumbent modes of operation and allows the full strength of the hand to be developed easily for maximum efficiency and comfort.

Claims (24)

1. A stapler using wire staples for stapling sheet material, said stapler comprising:
a first elongated limb having first and second ends and a magazine for holding the staples, said magazine having an opening arranged proximal to said second end for dispensing the staples;
a second elongated limb having first and second ends, said second limb extending lengthwise of and spaced apart in relation to said first limb, said second limb comprising an anvil spaced relative to said dispensing opening for clinching the staples;
a hinge connecting said first ends together for pivotal motion of said limbs relative to one another; and said first ends including first end surface portions configured to support said stapler in an upright position and orient said first and second limbs at a predetermined angle relative to a support surface when said first end surface portions are placed in contact with said support surface.

2. A stapler according to Claim 1, wherein said second ends include second end surface portions configured to support said stapler in an upright position when said second end surface portions are placed in contact with said support surface.

3. A stapler according to Claim 1, wherein:
one of said limbs having third surface portions located in a plane oriented substantially parallel to said magazine; and said third surface portions cooperating to support said stapler in a substantially horizontal position with said limbs positioned one above another when said third surface portions are placed in contact with said support surface.

4. A stapler according to Claim 3, wherein said one of said limbs comprises said second limb.

5. A stapler according to Claim 1, further comprising a convexly curved surface disposed lengthwise on one of said limbs, said convexly curved surface facing outwardly from said limb and being adapted to rest against the palm of a hand when said stapler is manually gripped.

6. A stapler according to Claim 5, wherein said convexly curved surface comprises a material having a relatively high coefficient of friction.

7. A stapler according to Claim 5, wherein said convexly curved surface is disposed on the side of said first limb opposite said magazine.

8. A stapler according to Claim 5, further comprising a second convexly curved surface disposed lengthwise on the other of said limbs and facing outwardly therefrom, said second convexly curved surface adapted for manual gripping by the fingers of a hand when said stapler is manually gripped.

9. A stapler according to Claim 8, wherein said second convexly curved surface is disposed on said second limb.

10. A stapler according to Claim 1, wherein said predetermined angle is between about 75° to about 85°.

11. A stapler positionable on a surface, said stapler comprising:
first and second elongated limbs each having first and second ends, said limbs being arranged side by side, said first ends being hingedly attached to each other;
means for biasing said second ends apart;
first means for supporting said stapler in a first substantially upright position orienting said limbs at an acute angle relative to said surface, said first supporting means being positioned on said first one of said ends of each limb; and second means for supporting said stapler in a second substantially upright position orienting said limbs substantially perpendicularly to said surface, said second supporting means being positioned on each of said limbs at said second other of said ends.

12. A stapler according to Claim 11, further comprising a third means for supporting said stapler in a substantially recumbent position on said surface with said limbs being arranged one above another, said third supporting means being contiguous to said first and said second ends of one of said limbs.

13. A stapler according to Claim 11, wherein said first supporting means is arranged at said first ends of said limbs.

14. A stapler according to Claim 11, wherein said first supporting means comprises first and second surface portions, said first surface portion being arranged on said one end of said first limb, said second surface portion being arranged on said one end of said second limb, said first and second surface portions contacting said surface and supporting said stapler in said first substantially upright position when said first and second surface portions are in contact with said surface.

15. A stapler according to Claim 14, wherein said second supporting means comprises third and fourth surface portions, said third surface portion being arranged on said other end of said first limb, said fourth surface portion being arranged on said other end of said second limb, said third and fourth surface portions contacting said surface and supporting said stapler in said second substantially upright position when said third and fourth surface portions are in contact with said surface.

16. A stapler according to Claim 12, wherein said third supporting means comprises a first surface portion disposed on one of said limbs adjacent to said first end, and a second surface portion disposed on said one limb adjacent to said second end, said first and second surface portions contacting said surface to support said stapler in said recumbent position.

17. A stapler according to Claim 11, further comprising a convexly curved surface disposed lengthwise along said first limb, said convexly curved surface facing outwardly from said limb and being adapted to rest against the palm of a hand when said stapler is manually gripped.

18. A stapler according to Claim 17, further comprising a second convexly curved surface disposed lengthwise of said second limb and facing outwardly therefrom, said second convexly curved surface adapted for manual gripping by the fingers of a hand when said stapler is manually operated.

19. A stapler according to Claim 16, further comprising first and second standoffs positioned respectively at each end of said one limb and interposed between said one limb and said first and second surface portions respectively for mounting said surface portions at a predetermined distance outwardly from said one limb.

20. A stapler according to Claim 17, wherein said convexly curved surface has a shape which is bulged outwardly from said limb at a position proximal to the center of said limb.

21. A stapler, comprising:
a pair of elongated limbs arranged side by side, said limbs being hingedly connected at one end and having spaced apart distal ends thereby defining a gap for insertion of sheets to be stapled between said limbs, each of said limbs having a respective exteriorly disposed and oppositely facing gripping surface extending lengthwise thereon, said gripping surfaces each having distal surface portions arranged adjacent to said distal ends of said limbs, said distal surface portions sloping relatively inwardly in the direction of the distal end thereby narrowing said stapler at the distal end, providing said distal surface portions gripping positions located distally from said hinge for comfortable grasping of said stapler limbs between a palm and fingers for exerting maximum leverage when pivoting said limbs toward each other about said hinge to effect stapling.

22. A stapler according to Claim 21, wherein one of said gripping surfaces is convexly curved lengthwise of said limb.

23. A stapler according to Claim 21, further comprising a projection positioned at said distal end of one of said limbs, said distal surface portion being positioned between said projection and said hinge, said projection extending outwardly at an angle to said one limb thereby providing a stop against which a finger may rest to position said stapler in a hand when grasped between the palm and fingers of the hand.

24. A stapler according to Claim 21, further comprising an end surface portion arranged on one of said limbs between said distal end and said distal surface portion, said end surface portion being contiguous with said distal surface portion and having no slope in the direction of the distal end thereby providing a landing accommodating a palm when said stapler is grasped between the palm and fingers for stapling.