NZ539489A - Stapler and staple - Google Patents

Abstract

A stapler optionally including a base having an anvil adjacent one end, the anvil, if included, can have more than one staple receiving aperture or recess therein, the stapler further including; a staple magazine for receiving a strip of display staples and a block in which is a strip of conventional U-shaped wire staples having legs side-by-side and a constant cross-section in both the legs and bridge are mounted; a movable handle connected to the staple magazine or the base; a drive blade substantially rigidly fixed to the handle for forcing a conventional staple from the block in the staple magazine when the handle is moved; a drive head associated with the handle adjacent to or in association with the drive blade, the drive head being either held in a locked position relative to the handle for forcing display staples from the staple magazine when the handle is moved or in a release position allowing movement of the drive head relative to the handle to avoid forcing display staples from the magazine, and a locking means for holding the drive head in the locked position, the stapler being adapted to apply conventional staples with the locking means in the release position and display staples when in the locked position.

Description

539489 Patents Form No. 5 Patents Act 1953 No. 539489 Date: 18 April 2005 Complete Specification STAPLER AND STAPLE I, Sutee SIRIMARTPORNCHAI of 220 Russley Road, Christchurch, New Zealand, a New Zealand citizen do hereby declare the invention, for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 1 STAPLER AND STAPLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a user friendly stapler, and more specifically, to a stapler in which both conventional staples and display staples (as defined herein) can be loaded at the same time so that either can be dispensed as selected by the user and a specially shaped display staple for use in the stapler.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION A conventional U-shaped wire staple comprises a bridge with two legs, the legs being pressed through the sheets to be stapled together or in some circumstances the legs are pressed into a board to fix an article to the board, such as to a fibre board or cork notice board. The bridge remains exposed on the facing side and while it may be coloured to decorative effect, it has few other possibilities for providing aesthetic appeal or for displaying useful information given the narrow width of the bridge. In home and office use printed matter often includes decorative material such as printed graphic images, drawings or written material such as logos. It would be advantageous, therefore, to provide a staple of improved aesthetic appeal with display means for displaying some further decoration or to provide useful indicia.

One such staple is that described in US Patent no. 5414991. This specification describes a paper staple in which the outer surface of the bridging web has indicia printed thereon.

Staplers for use with specialized staples are known and examples are the staplers described in US Patent nos. 4202481, 4878608 and 6840422. These specialized staplers are only designed to be used with the particular specialized staples described in the respective specification.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a stapler capable of fixing staples with display means, while also being adapted to fasten conventional U-shaped wire staples.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert and the applicant reserves the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning, ie that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term "comprised" or "comprising" is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful alternative choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a stapler optionally including a base having an anvil adjacent one end, the anvil, if included, can have more than one staple receiving aperture or recess therein, the stapler further including; a staple magazine for receiving a strip of display staples and a block in which is a strip of conventional U-shaped wire staples having legs side-by-side and a constant cross-section in both the legs and bridge are mounted; a movable handle connected to the staple magazine or the base; a drive blade substantially rigidly fixed to the handle for forcing a conventional staple from the block in the staple magazine when the handle is moved; a drive head associated with the handle adjacent to or in association with the drive blade, the drive head being either held in a locked position relative to the handle for forcing display staples from the staple magazine when the handle is moved or in a release position allowing movement of the drive head relative to the handle to avoid forcing display staples from the magazine, and a locking means for holding the drive head in the locked position, the stapler being adapted to apply conventional staples with the locking means in the release position and display staples when in the locked position.

The locking means can be a slider usable for moving the block in the magazine to alter the dispensing mode of the stapler.

The conventional staples in the block within the magazine are biased to a forward position by a first staple pusher and the display staples which are positioned over the block in the magazine are biased to a forward position by a second staple pusher.

The block in the magazine can be connected to the slider by a cable or the like so that movement of the slider moves the block to switch the stapler from one mode of operation dispensing conventional staples to the other mode of operation for dispensing display staples. iponz 4 18 OCT 2005 The magazine and handle can be mounted to be pivotable relative to the base or configured so that movement of the handle relative to the magazine or base dispenses the conventional or display staples mounted in the magazine.

The handle can be biased, by a spring or the like, to return to its initial position where the base is spaced from the magazine and handle after the stapler has been used to apply a conventional or display staple.

The magazine can also be biased, by a spring or the like, to return to its initial position where the base is spaced from the magazine and handle after the stapler has been used to apply a conventional or display staple.

The anvil can include two or more staple receiving apertures or recesses therein, the first staple receiving aperture or recess being aligned with drive blade for use when inserting conventional staples and the other staple receiving apertures or recesses being aligned with the drive head and are for use in inserting display staples as described below.

The magazine can be dimensioned so that display staples sit inside its internal walls on top of the block with the legs of the display staples in juxtaposition with the internal walls of the magazine.

The magazine can be dimensioned so the block with conventional staples mounted therein sits between the legs of a series of display staples mounted inside the internal walls of the magazine.

The block is movable in the magazine between a forward position when conventional staples are being dispensed and a rearward position when display staples are bei.ng dispensed.

The block can be user moved from its forward to rearward position by the cable which is connected to the slider. |pONZ « 18 OCT 20® The slider can be connected to a knob on the handle. When the knob and slider are in their rearward position the block is biased to its forward position for dispensing conventional staples and the drive head is free to move relative to the handle and is in its release position. When the knob and slider are moved to their forward position the cable connecting the slider to the block moves the block to its rearward position and this compresses its biasing means and moves the conventional staples away from the stopper and in this position the slider blocks the drive head in its locked position so it cannot move relative to the handle and in this position a display staple is dispensed when the handle is moved.

In another aspect the present invention includes a display staple adapted for use with the stapler as hereinbefore described, the display staple having a bridge section with legs on opposing sides thereof adapted to be pressed through sheets to be fastened, the width of at least a part of the bridge section being greater than width of the legs. The display staples are preferably provided side-by-side in a strip and the legs of each display staple are either spaced apart longitudinally along the strip and in the center of each display staple or each corner of the display staple can have a leg extending downwardly therefrom.

The display staple can be manufactured from a variety of materials for example metal or metal alloy materials, rigid and deformable plastics materials or combinations of such materials. For example, the display staple can be magnetized so that it can be attached to a metal surface such as a refrigerator.

The edges of each bridge section in the strip can be abutting or, alternatively each bridge section can be mounted in a frangible member, the edges of each frangible member abutting to form the strip.

The increased width of the bridge section provides space for a display such as an image or text which can be embossed in relief on or into the 6 iponz ,1 8 OCT surface of the bridge section. An image or shape can also be provided in relief or sculpture on or in the bridge section. Alternatively if the display staple is magnetized an image or display section can be attached thereto using magnetic forces. It is to be appreciated the image or display section can be magnetized and the display staple be constructed from a metal material attracted to the magnetized image or display section.

Preferably the drive head in its release position is configured for sliding in a shaped recess in an inner section of the handle. The drive head can be held in its locked position relative to the handle and inner section by the slider, movement of which is controlled by a knob which moves the slider relative to the handle and in its locked and extended position in the drive head can apply display staples when the handle is moved.

In still another aspect the invention provides the stapler as hereinbefore described additionally includes a base with the anvil adjacent one end, the anvil having two or more staple receiving apertures therein, the drive blade forcing conventional staples against a first of the staple receiving apertures in the anvil, the drive head being positioned in the handle adjacent the drive blade so that when the drive head is held in the locked position relative to the handle it is used for forcing the display staples against aligned staple receiving recesses in the anvil when the handle is moved, the locking means being a slider for blocking the drive head in the locked position.

In the another aspect of the invention the magazine and handle can be biased, by a spring or the like, to return to its initial position where the base is spaced from the magazine and handle after the stapler has been used to apply a conventional or display staple.

The staple magazine preferably includes a block adapted to be received between the legs of the display staples and having an end which, when the block is in its forward position, abuts a stopper positioned at a forward end of the magazine. The stopper has an aperture sized to 7 iponz .1 e OCT axs receive the bridge of a conventional staple and through which a conventional staple is pushed by the drive blade. The block, when moved to its rearward position, creates a space through which the drive head can push a display staple when the drive head is used to fasten a display staple.

Preferably the magazine includes two separate springs and associated pushers for biasing the conventional staples and display staples toward their respective forward positions.

The slider is biased by a spring which is on a cable connecting the slider and the block.

In use conventional staples fit inside the block in the magazine with their legs adjacent and nearly in contact with the inside walls of the block. In this case the space for the legs is sized to receive the bridge of the conventional staples and preferably has a width of about 1 mm.

In use display staples fit in the magazine with their legs abutting the inside edges of the sides of the magazine which is wider in width and taller in height than would be required for conventional staples.

The aperture for the conventional staples in the stopper is sized to receive the bridge of the conventional staples and preferably has a width of more than 1 mm.

The block is movable so that when conventional staples are being dispensed the block is in its forward position which means the drive head is in its release position where it is free to move relative to the handle. In this its release position downward movement of the handle allows the drive head to rise in the shaped recess in the handle to avoid forcing display staples from the magazine.

When the block is moved to its rearward position by movement of the slider the drive head is locked relative to the handle by the slider so that movement of the handle forces display staples from the staple magazine.

One aspect of the invention provides a staple able to provide a useful or attractive display and stapler which is effective and efficient in operational use, of a design which minimizes manufacturing costs and maximizes performance by allowing it to be used, not only for applying display staples according to the invention, but also for applying conventional staples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective pictorial view of a stapler according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a pictorial view of the stapler shown in Figure 1 with the parts exploded apart; Figure 3 is a perspective pictorial view of a first example strip of display staples according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a pictorial view of a second example strip of display staples according to the present invention; Figure 5 is a perspective pictorial view of the stapler shown in Figures 1 and 2 with the handle removed; Figure 6 is a perspective pictorial view of the stapler shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5 with an inner section of the handle and part of the magazine removed; Figure 7 is a perspective pictorial view of a staple magazine for the stapler shown in Figure 5 with the parts thereof exploded apart; Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of the stapler with the handle and its inner section removed and showing the interior of the magazine loaded with conventional staples and a strip of display staples; Figure 9 is a perspective view similar to that shown in Figure 8 but with the display staples shown explode from their loaded position in the magazine;Figure1 holding a strip of display staples of the type shown in Figures 3 and 4; Figure 10 is a vertical section through the stapler shown in Figure 1 with the handle in its raised position and the knob, block and slider in position for dispensing conventional staples; Figure 11 is a similar section to that shown in Figure 10 with the handle in its lowered position dispensing display staples; and Figure 12 is a similar section to that shown in Figures 10 and 11 with the handle in its lowered position dispensing conventional staples.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLE Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 4-12 a stapler according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention broadly includes: an elongate base 1 having an anvil 2 at or adjacent its front end, a staple magazine 3 for holding a strip of display staples (as described herein below); a block 17 for holding a strip of conventional staples, the block 17 being positioned in the staple magazine 3; a handle 4 carrying a drive head 6 for driving successive display staples out of the staple magazine 3 against the anvil 2; and a drive blade 5 used for driving successive conventional staples against the anvil 2. The anvil 2 has, in the example, four staple receiving apertures 7, 8, 9 and 10 therein.

In Figures 3 and 4 are shown two different examples of display staples according to the invention. The display staples (arrows 11, 12 respectively in Figure 3 and Figure 4) each have a bridge section 13 integrally formed with legs 14 on opposing sides thereof. The width of at least a part of the bridge section 13 is greater than width of the legs 14 such that when the staples 11, 12 are provided side-by-side in a strip of staples (as shown), the legs of each staple are spaced apart longitudinally along the strip of staples. The edges of each bridge section 13 in the staples abut to form the strip of staples and may be connected by a score line, adhesive or the like. The increased width of the bridge section 13 provides space for a display such as an image, text, logo or trade mark. Each adjacent bridge section 13, in the example shown in Figure 3, is linked by a frangible member 15. Each of the adjacent frangible members 15 abut to form the strip of staples. The bridge section 13 in Figure 3 provides an image in relief extending above or below the frangible member 15, which is detached therefrom during application. In Figure 4 the bridge sections 13 can be planar so that in formation of the strip of staples the strip forms a planar surface which can be printed or formed with text, a logo or trade mark. The application of the text, logo or trade mark can be done in a separate operation after the strip of staples is formed, for example a retailer of the strips of staples can apply, on demand, any appropriate indicia immediately prior to sale of the strip of staples. The strip of staples can be manufactured from a single material or a combination of materials. For example a sticker or a plastic planar member can be supplied for a retailer to fix to the strip of staples, for example by using an adhesive. In practice the stickers can be printed separately, for example by a copy centre for attachment by a purchaser to the blank display staples. The user can therefore customize its own display staples.

The display staple 11 shown in Figure 3 has on each side thereof a centrally located leg 14 which in use contacts the recesses 9 in the anvil 2.

The display staple 12 shown in Figure 4 has a leg 14 at or adjacent each corner of the bridge section 13. This means each of the display staples 12 has four legs 14. The legs 14 in this case contact the opposed 11 recesses 8 and 10 of the anvil 2.

The display staple can be magnetized if desired. If the display staple is magnetized an image or display section can be attached thereto using magnetic forces. It is to be appreciated the image or display section can be magnetized and the display staple be constructed from a metal material attracted to the magnetized image or display section or vice versa. Alternatively a magnetized display staple holding together a group of papers can be used to suspend the papers by magnetism to a metal fitting such as a refrigerator door.

The example of stapler shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4-12 will now be described in detail. In the drawings similar parts will be referenced by the same reference numerals in the different Figures. The handle 4 and magazine 3 are connected by a transverse pivot 16 which extends through holes 29 in the base 1, magazine 3 and inner section 28 such that closing the handle 4 forces staples against the appropriate recesses in the anvil 2 in known manner. It is to be appreciated that although not shown the handle could alternatively be mounted to pivot relative to the magazine 3. The anvil 2 is fixed adjacent one end of the base 1 and has as shown sets of spaced apart staple receiving apertures 7, 8, 9 and 10.

The staple magazine 3 (best shown in Figures 2 and 7) includes a block 17 (Figures 2 and 7) which can be fitted between upstanding sides 18 of the magazine 3 or as shown the block 17 can include wings 39 so that it fits in and slides in hole 40 formed in the bottom of the magazine 3 with the wings 39 below the bottom of the magazine 3 as can be seen in Figure 1. The upstanding sides 18 form a channel for receiving the block 17. The block 17 has fitted therein (Figure 9) a strip of conventional staples with the legs of the staples inside the block 17. The end face 19 of the block 17 when in its forward position abuts an aperture 41 in stopper 42 (Figures 2, 6 and 8) sized to receive the bridge of the conventional staple and through which the conventional staple is pushed by the drive blade 5. In this case the legs of the conventional staple are aligned to come into contact with the forward or front staple receiving recess 7 when the handle 4 is moved. The block 17 can slide longitudinally in the magazine 3 so the end face 19 moves from a forward position (shown in Figures 8 and 12) where the drive blade 5 is used to fasten a conventional U-shaped wire staple to a second or rearward position shown in Figures 9 and 11, which provides a larger aperture for using the drive head 6 to fasten a display staple 11, 12. In this case the legs of the display staple 11 are aligned to come into contact with the set of staple receiving recesses 9 and in the case of staple 12 the legs are aligned to come into contact with the sets of staple receiving recesses 8 and 10.

The conventional staples in the block 17 are biased forward by a spring 43 and staple pusher 20.

The strips of display staples 11, 12 are biased toward the aperture by a spring 23 which acts on staple pusher 21 which contacts the rearmost display staple loaded in the magazine 3. It is to be appreciated that instead of using a compression spring any known type of biasing means can be used for example a leaf spring could be used as a replacement. In this manner the stapler can receive a conventional strip of U-shaped wire staples (Figures 8 and 9) having legs side-by-side, as well as the display staples 11,12 (Figure 5) loaded therein.

The magazine 3 can be biased, for example by a spring 24, to return to its initial position where the base 1 is spaced from the magazine 3. The handle 4 can also be biased by a spring 44 to its raised position after the stapler has been used to apply a conventional or display staple. The spring 44 in the example is fixed to the handle 4 by screws which extend through holes 45 in the spring 44.

An example of drive head 6 for display staples will now be described with reference to Figures 2, 5, 6, 7 and 10 to 12. The drive head is generally indicated by arrow 6 in the example shown in Figure 2 and is fixed adjacent the drive blade 5. The drive head 6 is adapted to slide within a shaped recess 25 in an inner section 28 of the handle 4 with a lower anvil-abutting face 26 presented toward the staple receiving recesses 8, 9 and 10 in the anvil 2. The drive head 6 has a rectangular base section shaped to be received in a rectangular opening 27 (Figures 5 and 7) in the inner section 28 of the handle 4. The drive head 6 is adapted to slide in the opening 27 from an extended position shown in Figures 2, 5, 7, 10 and 11 to a retracted position (Figure 12).

The inner section 28 and the handle 4 in the example are joined together by screws 46 (Figures 2, 5, 7 and 10 - 12). The forward screw 46 also fixes a mounting section of the drive blade 5 to the handle 4 so that the drive blade 5 moves with the handle 4.

The drive head includes a mechanism (described below) which provides means for the user to selectively block the drive head 6 in its locked extended position or to release the drive head 6, allowing it to retract in operation to the released position. The drive head lock mechanism can includes a control knob 30 (Figures 1, 5-7 and 10-12) fitted to the handle 4 and adapted to slide along an upper surface 31 of the handle in a recess 32 formed in the surface 31.

The locking mechanism in the example is provided by using a slider 33 mounted within the handle and adapted to be moved by the control knob 30. The slider 33 has arms 34 (Figure 6) which extend through slots 35 in the inner section 28 of the handle 4. When extended through the slots 35 the lower edges of the arms 34 contact the top of the drive head 6 so that in this position movement of the handle moves both the drive blade and the drive head 6. The movement of the knob 30 and slide 33 is linked by a cable or the like 36 to move the block 17. The end of the cable or the like 36 can be fixed to the block 17 by a pin 48 in holes 49 (Figures 2, 6, 7A and 9). A compression spring 37 can be mounted on the cable 36 and this is compressed when the slider 33 is moved from its rearward to forward positions. The slider 33 and knob 30 are fixed together by screws, rivets or the like 47 (Figures 10 to 12).

In use, the drive head 6 in a first and extended position (Figure 11) is locked in this position because the lower edge of the arms 34 contact with the top of the drive head 6. The drive head 6 in the locked position allows the stapler to be used for fixing display staples 11, 12 and in this position the spring 37 is compressed between the pin 48 in the block 17 and an abutment 38 formed in the magazine 3.

When the control knob 30 is moved backward the spring 37 (Figure 12) returns the block 17 to its forward position so that conventional staples can be dispensed.

When the control knob 30 is in the rearward position the stapler can be used for fixing conventional staples.

When using the stapler, the user must also ensure that the block 17 is moved to its forward position if it is to fasten conventional staples, and to its rearward position to fasten display staples 11, 12 by moving the control knob 30 and slider 33.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the attached claims.

Claims (38)

Claims

1. A stapler optionally including a base having an anvil adjacent one end, the anvil, if included, can have more than one staple receiving aperture or recess therein, the stapler further including; a staple magazine for receiving a strip of display staples and a block in which is a strip of conventional U-shaped wire staples having legs side-by-side and a constant cross-section in both the legs and bridge are mounted; a movable handle connected to the staple magazine or the base; a drive blade substantially rigidly fixed to the handle for forcing a conventional staple from the block in the staple magazine when the handle is moved; a drive head associated with the handle adjacent to or in association with the drive blade, the drive head being either held in a locked position relative to the handle for forcing display staples from the staple magazine when the handle is moved or in a release position allowing movement of the drive head relative to the handle to avoid forcing display staples from the magazine, and a locking means for holding the drive head in the locked position, the stapler being adapted to apply conventional staples with the locking means in the release position and display staples when in the locked position.

2. A stapler as claimed in claim 1 wherein the locking means is a slider usable for moving the block in the magazine to alter the dispensing mode of the stapler.

3. A stapler as claimed in claim 2 wherein movement of the slider is controlled by a knob on the handle.

4. A stapler as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein conventional staples in the block within the magazine are biased to a forward position by a first staple pusher and the display staples which are positioned over the block in the magazine are biased to a forward position by a second staple pusher.

5. A stapler as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the block in the magazine is connected to the slider by a cable or the like so that movement of the slider moves the block to switch 16 iponz J 8 OCT aKB the stapler from one mode of operation dispensing conventional staples to the other mode of operation for dispensing a display staple.

6. A stapler as claimed in claim 5 wherein an inner section of the handle supports the slider and drive head relative to the handle.

7. A stapler as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the drive head is configured for sliding in a shaped recess within the inner section of the handle.

8. A stapler as claimed in claim 7 wherein the drive head is locked relative to the inner section of the handle by the slider movement of which is controlled by the knob which moves along the top or upper surface of the handle between a forward position and a rearward position.

9. A stapler as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the magazine and handle are mounted to be pivotable relative to the base or configured so that movement of the handle relative to the magazine or base dispenses the conventional or display staples mounted in the magazine.

10. A stapler as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the handle is biased, by a spring or the like, to return to its initial position where the base is spaced from the magazine and handle after the stapler has been used to apply a conventional or display staple.

11. A stapler as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the magazine is biased, by a spring or the like, to return to its initial position where the base is spaced from the magazine and handle after the stapler has been used to apply a conventional or display staple.

12.A stapler as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the anvil includes two or more staple receiving apertures or recesses therein, the first staple receiving aperture or recess being aligned with the first staple pusher for use when inserting conventional staples and the other staple receiving apertures or recesses being aligned with the drive head and are for use in iponz 17 .18 OCT 2005. inserting display staples.

13. A stapler as claimed in claim 12 wherein the magazine is dimensioned so that display staples sit inside its internal walls on top of the block with the legs of the display staples in juxtaposition with the internal walls of the magazine.

14. A stapler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the magazine is dimensioned so the block with conventional staples sits between the legs of a series of display staples mounted inside the internal walls of the magazine.

15.A stapler as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the block is movable in the magazine between a forward position when conventional staples are being dispensed and a rearward position when display staples are being dispensed and wherein the block can be locked in its forward and/or rearward position.

16.A stapler as claimed in claim 15 wherein the movement of the knob and slide is adapted to move the block and the strip of conventional staples between its forward position where the conventional staples are dispensed and its second and rearward position where the slider locks the drive head relative to the handle and therefore allows a display staple to be dispensed.

17. A display staple adapted for use in the stapler as claimed in claim 1, the display staple having a bridge section with legs on opposing sides thereof adapted to be pressed through sheets to be fastened, the width of at least a part of the bridge section being greater than width of the legs.

18. A display staple as claimed in claim 17 wherein the display staples are provided side-by-side in a strip and the legs of each display staple are either spaced apart longitudinally along the strip and in the center of each display staple or each corner of the display staple can have a leg extending downwardly therefrom.

19.A display staple as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the display staple is manufactured from a variety of materials such as metal or metal alloy materials, rigid and deformable plastics materials or combinations of such materials. iponz 18 .18 OCT a®

20. A display staple as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein the display staple can be magnetized and an image or display section can be attached thereto using magnetic forces.

21. A display staple as claimed in claim 20 wherein the image or display section can be magnetized and the display staple can be constructed from a metal or the like material attracted to the magnetized image or display section.

22. A display staple as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 21 wherein the edges of each bridge section in the strip of display staples can be abutting or, alternatively each bridge section can be mounted in a frangible member, the edges of each frangible member abutting to form the strip of display staples.

23. A display staple as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 22 wherein the increased width of the bridge section provides space for a display such as an image or text which can be embossed in relief on or into the surface of the bridge section.

24.A display staple as claimed in claim 23 wherein the image or shape can also be provided in relief or sculpture on or in the bridge section.

25. A stapler as claimed in claim 1 which includes a base with the anvil adjacent one end, the anvil having two or more staple receiving apertures therein, the drive blade forcing conventional staples against a first of the staple receiving apertures in the anvil, the drive head being positioned in the handle adjacent the drive blade so that when the drive head is held in the locked position relative to the handle it is used for forcing the display staples against aligned staple receiving recesses in the anvil when the handle is moved, the locking means being a slider for blocking the drive head in the locked position.

26. A stapler as claimed in claim 25 wherein the magazine and handle is biased, by a spring or the like, to return to its initial position where the base is spaced from the magazine and handle after the stapler has been used to apply a conventional or display staple.

27. A stapler as claimed in claim 26 wherein the block is adapted to ,9 iponz \ 8 OCT 2005 be received between the legs of the display staples and abuts a stopper having an aperture sized to receive the bridge of the conventional and through which a conventional staple is pushed by the drive blade.

28. A stapler as claimed in claim 27 wherein an enlarged aperture is created adjacent the stopper when the block is moved to its rearward position, the enlarged aperture being sized so that a bridge of a display staple can be driven therethrough by the drive head to fasten a display staple.

29.A stapler as claimed in claim 28 wherein the magazine includes separate springs and associated staple pushers for biasing the conventional staples and display staples toward their respective forward positions.

30.A stapler as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29 wherein conventional staples fit in the block with their legs adjacent and nearly in contact with the inside walls of the block.

31. A stapler as claimed in claim 30 wherein the space for the legs is sized to receive the bridge of the conventional staples and preferably has a width of about 1 mm.

32. A stapler as claimed in claim 30 or claim 31 wherein the display staples fit in the magazine with their legs abutting the inside edges of the sides of the magazine which is wider in width and taller in height than that required for conventional staples.

33.A stapler as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 32 wherein the block is movable so that when conventional staples are being dispensed the block is in its forward position which means the drive head is in its release position where it slides in the aperture and the bottom of the drive head rests on top of the first of the display staples.

34. A stapler as claimed in claim 33 wherein downward movement of the handle causes the drive head to rise in the shaped recess in the handle to avoid forcing display staples from the magazine.

35. A stapler as claimed in claim 34 wherein the slider when the block is in its rearward position locks the drive head relative to the 20 iponz 1t OCT M handle so that movement of the handle forces display staples from the staple magazine.

36.A stapler and display staple combination which includes the stapler as claimed in claim 25 and a display staple including a bridge section with legs on opposing sides thereof adapted to be pressed through sheets to be fastened, the width of at least a part of the bridge section being greater than width of the legs.

37. A stapler as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 4 to 12 of the accompanying drawings.

38. A display staple as claimed in claim 17 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to either Figure 3 or Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings. Sutee SIRIMARTPORNCHAI By His Attorney IPONZ 8 OCT m 21