WO2009060161A1

WO2009060161A1 - Dock for plier-type stapler

Info

Publication number: WO2009060161A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/004305
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vlad Levitsky; Ian Jones; John Abrahams; Jeremy Gardner
Original assignee: Acco Uk Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-11-09
Filing date: 2007-11-09
Publication date: 2009-05-14

Abstract

A combination of a plier-type stapler (10) and a dock (14) includes a plier-type stapler (10) having a first end (18) defining a throat (22) configured to receive sheets to be stapled, a second end defining a handle end (26), a first arm (30), and a second arm (34) pivotably coupled to the first arm about a pivot (38) positioned between the first end and the second end. The dock (14) includes a base portion configured to be supported on a first support surface (74), and a second support surface (110) engaging only the first end (18) of the plier-type stapler (10) to support the stapler and space the handle end from the first support surface (74).

Description

DOCK FOR PLIER-TYPE STAPLER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to staplers, and more particularly to plier-type staplers

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional hand-held and desktop end-pivoting staplers typically include a base, a magazine pivotably coupled to an end of the base about a pivot, an actuator arm or handle pivotably coupled to the base about the pivot, an anvil coupled to the base, and a driver coupled to the actuator arm. The base in a conventional end-pivoting stapler serves a dual role - i.e., to provide a reaction force on the staple as it is ejected through a stack of sheets, and to provide a substantially flat support surface to allow the stapler to be stably positioned on a support surface, such as a desktop.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Plier-type staplers, however, are typically configured without such a base that would allow a plier-type stapler to be stably positioned on a desktop or other support surface. Rather, plier-type staplers typically include a first end defining a throat configured to receive sheets to be stapled and a second end defining a handle end to be grasped and squeezed by a user. The handle end of plier-type staplers, typically, is curved on the top and bottom surfaces to facilitate grasping and squeezing by an operator. As a result, plier-type staplers must often be positioned on a desktop or other support surface in a flat, side-laying orientation so that they do not tip over if initially placed in an upright orientation on the desktop or other support surface. [0004] The present invention provides, in one aspect, a combination of a plier-type stapler and a dock. The combination includes a plier-type stapler having a first end defining a throat configured to receive sheets to be stapled, a second end defining a handle end, a first arm, and a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm about a pivot positioned between the first end and the second end. The combination also includes a dock having a base portion configured to be supported on a first support surface, and a second support surface engaging only the first end of the plier-type stapler to support the stapler and space the handle end from the first support surface.

[0005] The present invention provides, in another aspect, a combination of a plier-type stapler and a dock. The plier-type stapler includes a first end defining a throat configured to receive sheets to be stapled and a second end defining a handle end. The dock is configured to be supported on a support surface. The dock includes a cavity sized to at least partially receive the first end of the plier-type stapler and support the stapler in an inclined orientation relative to the support surface. The dock also includes a projection in the cavity engaging the throat of the plier-type stapler.

[0006] The present invention provides, in yet another aspect, a combination of a stapler and a dock. The stapler includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end defines a throat configured to receive sheets to be stapled. The throat has a distal open end. The dock includes a cavity receiving at least a portion of the first end of the stapler. The distal open end of the throat is entirely received within the cavity.

[0007] The present invention provides, in another aspect, a dock configured to support a plier-type stapler relative to a support surface. The plier-type stapler includes a first end defining a throat for receiving sheets to be stapled and a second end defining a handle end. The dock includes a cavity sized to at least partially receive the first end of the plier-type stapler and support the stapler in an inclined orientation relative to the support surface, and a projection in the cavity configured to engage the throat of the plier-type stapler.

[0008] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 a is a side view of a combination of first construction of a plier-type stapler and a first construction of a dock.

[0010] FIG. Ib is a top view of the stapler and dock of FIG. Ia, illustrating the plier-type stapler removed from the dock.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side, partial cutaway view of the dock of FIG. Ia and a side view of the plier-type stapler of FIG. Ia removed from the dock.

[0012] FIG. 3a is a side, partial cutaway view of the dock of FIG. Ia supporting the plier- type stapler of FIG. Ia.

[0013] FIG. 3b is an enlarged view of a portion of the dock and plier-type stapler of FIG.

3a.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a side, partial cutaway view of a second construction of a dock and a side view of the plier-type stapler of FIG. Ia removed from the dock.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side, partial cutaway view of the dock of FIG. 4 supporting the plier- type stapler of FIG. Ia. [0016] FIG. 6a is a side view of a combination of a third construction of a dock and a second construction of a plier-type stapler.

[0017] FIG. 6b is a top view of the plier-type stapler and dock of FIG. 6a, illustrating the plier-type stapler removed from the dock.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side, partial cutaway view of the dock and plier-type stapler of FIG.

6a.

[0019] FIG. 8a is a side, partial cutaway view of the dock of FIG. 6a supporting the plier- type stapler of FIG. 6a.

[0020] FIG. 8b is an enlarged view of a portion of the dock and plier-type stapler of FIG.

8a.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a side, partial cutaway view of a fourth construction of a dock and the plier-type stapler of FIG. 6a removed from the dock.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a side, partial cutaway view of the dock of FIG. 9 supporting the plier- type stapler of FIG. 6a.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a side, partial cutaway view of the dock of FIG. Ia fastened to a horizontal support surface.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a front view of the dock of FIG. Ia fastened to a bracket, which is fastened to a vertical support surface.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a side view of the dock of FIG. Ia coupled to a horizontal support surface by an adhesive strip. [0026] FIG. 14 is a side view of the dock of FIG. Ia coupled to a horizontal support surface by a suction device.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a side view of a combination of a fifth construction of a dock supporting the plier-type stapler of FIG. Ia in a side-laying orientation.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a side view of a combination of a sixth construction of a dock supporting the plier-type stapler of FIG. Ia.

[0029] FIG. 17 is a side view of a combination of a seventh construction of a dock supporting the plier-type stapler of FIG. Ia.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a side view of a combination of an eighth construction of a dock supporting the plier-type stapler of FIG. Ia in a side-laying orientation.

[0031] FIG. 19 is a side view of a combination of a ninth construction of a dock supporting the plier-type stapler of FIG. Ia.

[0032] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] FIGS. la-3b illustrate a combination of a plier-type stapler 10 and a dock 14 to support the stapler 10 therein. The stapler 10 includes a first or forward end 18 defining a throat 22 and a rearward or handle end 26 opposite the forward end 18 (see also FIG. 3a). The stapler 10 includes an arm 30 pivotably coupled to another arm 34 about a pivot 38 located between the forward end 18 and the handle end 26 of the stapler 10. In the illustrated construction of the stapler 10 shown in FIG. 3a, the arm 30 is configured as a base 30 and the arm 34 is configured as a lever 34. The stapler 10 also includes a sheet support surface 42 coupled to or defined by the base 30, an anvil 46 coupled to the sheet support surface 42 (see FIG. 3b), a well 48 defined in the anvil 46 and configured to receive a portion of a staple, a magazine 50 configured to support therein a plurality of staples, and a driver (not shown) configured to eject individual staples from the magazine 50 and drive the legs of the staples into the well 48 of the anvil 46. The throat 22 of the stapler 10 is defined between the magazine 50 and the sheet support surface 42 of the base 30, and receives a stack of sheets to be stapled. The throat 22 includes a distal open end 54 defining a throat height H (see FIG. 3a).

[0034] The stapler 10 further includes a cover 58 pivotably coupled to the base 30 about a pivot 62 located adjacent the handle end 26 of the stapler 10. As shown in FIG. Ia, a user grips the handle-end 26 of the stapler 10, particularly a rearward portion of the cover 58 and a rearward portion of the lever 34, in such a manner that the user can remove the stapler 10 from the dock 14 and ergonomically use the stapler 10 without having to reposition their grip on the handle end 26 of the stapler 10. Then, in a conventional manner, the user inserts sheets to be stapled into the throat 22 and squeezes together the rearward portions of the cover 58 and the lever 34, respectively, causing the driver to eject a staple from the magazine 50 and drive the arms of the staple through the sheets and into the well 48 of the anvil 46. U.S. Patent No. 5,335,838, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses additional structure and operational components associated with a typical plier-type stapler.

[0035] With reference to FIG. Ia, the dock 14 supports the stapler 10 relative to a first support surface 74 (e.g., a desktop, countertop, tabletop, etc.) such that the handle end 26 of the stapler 10 is spaced from the support surface 74. More particularly, the handle end 26 of the stapler 10 is inclined relative to the support surface 74 to facilitate being gripped or grasped by the user in the manner discussed above. The dock 14 may be coupled to the support surface 74 in any of a number of different ways. For example, the dock 14 may be positioned on the support surface 74, which is oriented substantially horizontally in the illustrated embodiment, without being physically secured to the support surface 74 (see FIG. Ia). Alternatively, the dock 14 may be fastened to the support surface 74 to physically secure the dock 14 to the support surface 74 (see FIG. 11). As shown in FIG. 11, the dock 14 includes a plurality of bosses 78, each having an aperture 82 therethrough for receiving a conventional fastener 86 (e.g., for example, a bolt or a screw) to secure the dock 14 to the support surface 74. In an alternative construction of the dock 14, the dock 14 may include a flange or one or more tabs through which fasteners may pass to secure the dock 14 to the support surface 74. The dock 14 may also be coupled to a vertical support surface 90 utilizing a bracket 94 and the same mounting structure (e.g., the bosses 78 and fasteners 86) shown in FIG. 11 (see FIG. 12). The dock 14 may also be coupled to the substantially horizontally-disposed support surface 74 by an adhesive 98 (see FIG. 13) or a suction device (e.g., one or more suction cups 102; see FIG. 14).

[0036] With reference to FIG. 2, the dock 14 includes a cavity 106 that receives the forward end 18 of the stapler 10. The cavity 106 is partially defined by a second support surface 110, a third support surface 114 adjacent the support surface 110, and respective side surfaces 118 adjacent the support surfaces 110, 114. The support surfaces 110, 114 cooperate to support the stapler 10 in the dock 14 in the orientation shown in FIG. 3 a. Specifically, a lower surface of the base 30 is slidable on the support surface 110 during insertion of the stapler 10 into the cavity 106 and supports most of the weight of the stapler 10 when it is positioned in the cavity 106. Also, the forward end of the cover 58 is engageable or abuts the support surface 114 and supports some of the weight of the stapler 10 when it is positioned in the cavity 106.._..In_. an. alternative construction of the dock 14, the side surfaces 118 of the cavity 106 may be substantially eliminated, such that substantially the entire side of the stapler 10 is viewable when it is positioned on the dock 14. In another alternative construction, the dock 14' includes a cavity 106' configured to receive the stapler 10 in a side-lying orientation. In such an orientation, a side surface 122 of the stapler 10 may be engageable with the support surface 110', and a forward or front surface of the stapler 10 may be engageable with the support surface 114' such that the stapler 10 is maintained or supported in the side-laying orientation in the dock 14' with respect to the support surface 74 (see FIG. 15).

[0037] In yet other alternative constructions, the dock 14" includes respective support surfaces 110", 114" configured to receive the stapler 10 in a side-laying orientation and a projection 138" extending from the support surface 114" (see FIG. 18). As shown in FIG. 18, opposite side surfaces 122 of the stapler 10 are engaged by the support surface 110" and the projection 138", respectively, to maintain the stapler 10 in the dock 14". In yet other constructions of the dock 14'", the cavity 106'" is configured to receive only a portion of the base 30 of the stapler 10 (see FIG. 19). Specifically, a bottom surface of the base 30 is engageable with a support surface 110'" and a forward or front end of the base 30 is engageable with a support surface 114'". In such a construction, an upper portion of the dock 14™ that at least partially defines the cavity 106'" (i.e., a projection 138'") is received within the throat 22 of the stapler 10. In an alternative construction of the dock 14'", the cavity 106'" may be configured to receive a portion of the lever 34 of the stapler 10, rather than a portion of the stapler base 30, to support the stapler 10 in. a position in which it is spaced from the surface (e.g., a desktop) supporting the dock 14'".

[0038] With reference to FIG. 2, the dock 14 also includes a cavity 126 positioned below the stapler-receiving cavity 106, and a cavity 130 positioned behind the stapler-receiving cavity 106. Stapler accessories (e.g., stapler removers, replacement staples, etc.) or other desktop accessories (e.g., writing utensils, scissors, etc.) may be positioned in either of the cavities 126, 130. In alternative constructions, the dock 14 may include other storage cavities or storage compartments that are visible or concealed from view. With reference to FIG. 3 a, the dock 14 also includes a weight 134 coupled to the dock 14 forward of the stapler pivot 38 in the direction of the forward end 18 of the stapler 10. The weight 134 substantially anchors the dock 14 on the support surface 74, if the dock 14 is not fastened or otherwise secured to the support surface 74 as discussed above, to substantially prevent the dock 14 from tipping due to the weight of the stapler 10. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14, the weight 134 is configured as solid mass positioned forward of the cavity 106. In alternative constructions of the dock 14, the weight 134 may be coupled to the dock 14 in any of a number of different locations forward or rearward of the stapler pivot 38.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 2-3b, the dock 14 also includes a projection 138 extending into the cavity 106 from the support surface 114. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14, the projection 138 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the support surface 110, and engages the sheet support surface 42 of the base 30 of the stapler 10 when the stapler 10 is positioned in the cavity 106 (see FIG. 3b). In the illustrated construction of the dock 14, the projection 138 cooperates with the support surfaces 110, 114 of the cavity 106 to maintain the stapler 10 in the orientation in the dock 14 shown in FIG. 3 a. The forward end of the sheet support surface 42 of the stapler 10 is engageable by the projection 138 when the stapler 10 is positioned in the cavity 106 to substantially prevent the stapler 10 from inadvertently falling out of the cavity 106 onto the support surface 74, should the center of mass of the stapler 10 not coincide with the length of the support surface 110.

[0040] With reference to FIG. 3b, a distal end 142 of the projection 138 is positioned forward of a plane 146 aligned with the well 48 of the anvil 46 and passing through the sheet support surface 42 of the base 30, in which the plane 146 is substantially transverse to the sheet support surface 42. In alternative constructions of the dock 14, the distal end 142 of the projection 138 may substantially coincide with the plane 146 (see phantom representationl38' in FIG. 3b), or the distal end 142 of the projection 138 may be disposed rearward of the plane 146 (see phantom representation 138" in FIG. 3b). The projection 138 overlies at least a portion of the sheet support surface 42 along a length dimension Ll between the distal end 142 of the projection 138 and the forward end of the sheet support surface 42. With reference to FIG. 2, the stapler 10 defines a pivot dimension Pl between the forward end of the sheet support surface 42 and a plane 148 passing through the pivot 38 and substantially transverse to the sheet support surface 42, in which the pivot dimension Pl extends substantially transverse to the plane 148. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14, a ratio of the pivot dimension Pl to the length dimension Ll is about 20:1. In alternative constructions of the dock 14, the ratio of the pivot dimension Pl to the length dimension Ll may be between about 1.1 :1 and about 30:1.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 2, a base portion 150 of the dock 14 defines a base plane

154 substantially parallel with the support surface 74. The support surface 110 forms an acute included angle Al with the base plane 154, which is a measure of the inclination of the stapler 10 with respect to the support surface 74. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14, the support surface 110 forms an acute included angle Al with the base plane 154 of about Jl 9 degrees, and the support surface 114 forms an acute included angle A2 with the base plane 154- of about 60 degrees. Alternative constructions of the dock 14 may orient the support surfaces 110, 114, respectively, at different included angles Al, A2 with respect to the base plane 154 to support the stapler 10 at different inclinations (see FIGS. 4 and 5 and their accompanying discussion). Further, the inclination of the stapler 10 relative to the support surface 74 may be measured between the base plane 154 and a surface on the stapler 10 (e.g., the sheet support surface 42; see acute included angle Al' in FIGS. 16 and 17) that defines a plane that intersects the base plane 154.

[0042] With reference to FIG. 3a, respective grip surfaces 158, 162 on the cover 58 and the lever 34 that are gripped or grasped by a user are also inclined with respect to the support surface 74 when the stapler 10 is positioned in the cavity 106. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14, the grip surface 158 on the cover 58 forms an acute included angle A3 with a plane 166 substantially parallel with the base plane 154 of about 22 degrees (i.e., about 22 degrees measured in a counter-clockwise direction from the plane 166), and the grip surface 162 on the lever 34 forms an acute included angle A4 with a plane 170 substantially parallel with the base plane 154 of about -12 degrees (i.e., about 12 degrees measured in a clockwise direction from the plane 170). Alternative constructions of the dock 14 may orient the respective grip surfaces 158, 162 on the stapler 10 at different included angles A3, A4 (see FIGS. 4 and 5 and their accompanying discussion).

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3a, the support surface 110 defines a length dimension L2 between a first end 172 and a second end 173 of the support surface 110, in which the first end 172 is positioned further from the pivot 38 than the second end 1.73. The combination of the stapler 10 and the dock 14 defines a pivot dimension P2, substantially parallel to the length dimension L2, between the first end 172 of the support surface 110 and a plane 174 passing through the pivot 38 that is substantially transverse to the support surface 110. A ratio of the pivot dimension P2 to the length dimension L2 is a measure of how much of the stapler 10 is supported by the support surface 110. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14, the distal open end 54 of the throat 22 is entirely received within the cavity 106, and a ratio of the pivot dimension P2 to the length dimension L2 is about 1.5. Alternative constructions of the dock 14 may receive more or less of the stapler 10 in the cavity 106 than the dock 14 shown in FIGS. Ia- 3b (see FIGS. 4 and 5 and their accompanying discussion).

[0044] With reference to FIG. 2, the stapler 10 defines an active side area between the forward end 18 and the pivot 38 that is at least partially concealed when the stapler 10 is received within the cavity 106 in the dock 14. In the illustrated construction of the stapler 10, the active side area includes the area bounded by a line 178, the rearward extent of which coincides with the plane 148. As shown in FIG. 2, the active side area of the stapler 10 includes portions of the base 30, the lever 34, the cover 58, and the magazine 50, in addition to the empty space defined by the throat 22 of the stapler 10. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14, about 42% of the active side area of the stapler 10 is concealed (represented by diagonal lines as area ARl) within the cavity 106 in the dock 14. Alternative constructions of the dock 14 may conceal more of less of the stapler 10 than the dock 14 shown in FIGS. la-3b (see FIGS. 4 and 5 and their accompanying discussion).

[0045] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a combination of the plier-type stapler 10 of FIGS. la-3b and another construction of a dock 14a to support the stapler 10 therein, . Like, components .are.,, labeled with like reference numerals, with the letter "a" added. The dock 14a is substantially similar to the dock 14 shown in FIGS. la-3b, however, the dock 14a shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 supports the stapler 10 at a higher inclination with respect to the support surface 74 compared to the dock 14 of FIGS. la-3b. With reference to FIG. 4, the support surface 110a forms an acute included angle Al with the base plane 154a of about 45 degrees. In yet other alternative constructions of the dock 14, 14a, the support surface 110, 110a may form an acute included angle Al with the base plane 154, 154a between about 10 degrees and about 75 degrees. The support surface 114a forms an acute included angle A2 with the base plane 154a of about 32 degrees. In yet other alternative constructions of the dock 14, 14a, the support surface 114, 114a may form an acute included angle A2 with the base plane 154, 154a between about 10 degrees and about 75 degrees. [0046] With reference to FIG. 5, the higher inclination of the stapler 10 in the dock 14a also yields increased grip surface angles on the stapler 10. The grip surface 158 on the cover 58 forms an acute included angle A3 with a plane 166a substantially parallel with the base plane 154a of about 49 degrees (i.e., about 49 degrees measured in a counter-clockwise direction from the plane 166a), and the grip surface 162 on the lever 34 forms an acute included angle A4 with a plane 170a substantially parallel with the base plane 154a of about 14 degrees (i.e., about 14 degrees measured in a counter-clockwise direction from the plane 170a). In yet other alternative constructions of the dock 14, 14a, the stapler 10 may be inclined in the dock 14, 14a such that the angles A3, A4 fall between about -20 degrees and about 60 degrees.

[0047] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the support surface 11 Oa defines a length dimension L2 between a first end 172a and a second end 173a of the support surface 110a, in which the first end 172a is positioned further from the pivot 38 than the second end 173a. The combination of the stapler 10 and the dock 14a defines a pivot dimension P2, substantially parallel to the length dimension L2, between the first end 172a of the support surface 110a and a plane 174a passing through the pivot 38 that is substantially transverse to the support surface 110a. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14a, a ratio of the pivot dimension P2 to the length dimension L2 is about 2.1 : 1. In yet other alternative constructions of the dock 14a, only a portion of the distal open end 54 of the throat 22 may be received within the cavity 106a, and in yet other alternative constructions of the dock 14, 14a, the ratio of the pivot dimension P2 to the length dimension L2 may be between about 0.5:1 and about 3.5:1.

[0048] With continued reference to FIG. 4, more of the active side surface of the stapler

10 is concealed within the cavity 106a of the dock 14a than in the dock 14 of FIGS. la-3b. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14a, about 63% of the active side area of the stapler 10 is concealed (represented by diagonal lines as area AR2) within the cavity 106a in the dock 14a. In yet other alternative constructions of the dock 14, 14a, between about 20% and about 70% of the active side area of the stapler 10 may be concealed within the cavity 106, 106a in the dock 14, 14a.

[0049] With reference to FIGS. Ib and 2, the stapler 10 defines a length dimension LS, a width dimension WS, and a height dimension HS. In addition, the dock 14 defines a length dimension LD, a width dimension WD, and a height dimension HD. The cavity 106 in the dock 14 defines a width dimension WC. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, a ratio of the length dimension LS to the length dimension LD is about 1.2:1. As this ratio decreases, the

-combination of the stapler 10 and the dock 14 is likely to be more stable due to the increased length of the dock 14. In alternative constructions of the dock 14, the ratio of the length dimension LS to the length dimension LD may be between about 1 : 1 and about 1.6:1. With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, a ratio of the length dimension LS to the length dimension L2 is about 3.3:1. As this ratio decreases, more of the stapler 10 is received within the cavity 106, leading to increased stability of the combination of the stapler 10 and the dock 14. In alternative constructions of the dock 14 the ratio of the length dimension LS to the length dimension L2 may be between about 2:1 and about 6:1. Further, a ratio of the height dimension HS to the height dimension HD is about 1.3:1. In alternative constructions of the dock 14, the ratio of the height dimension HS to the height dimension HD may be between about 1:1 and about 2:1. [0050] With reference to FIG. Ib, a ratio of the width dimension WS to the width dimension WD is about 0.37, or about 1:2.7. In alternative constructions of the dock 14, the ratio of the width dimension WS to the width dimension WD may be between about 1:2 and about 1:5. With continued reference to FIG. Ib, a ratio of the width dimension WS to the width dimension WC is about 0.95, or about 1:1.1. In alternative constructions of the dock 14, the ratio of the width dimension WS to the width dimension WC may be between about 1:1 and about 1:1.8.

[0051] FIG. 6a illustrates a combination of another construction of a plier-type stapler

186 and a third construction of a dock 14b to support the stapler 186 therein. The stapler 186 includes a first or forward end 190 defining a throat 194 and a rearward or handle end 198 opposite the forward end 190 (see also FIG. 7). -The stapler 186.includes an arm.202 pivotably coupled to another arm 206 about a pivot 210 located between the forward end 190 and the handle end 198 of the stapler 186. In the illustrated construction of the stapler 186 shown in FIG. 8a, the arm 202 is configured as a housing 202 including a base portion 214 and a handle portion 218, and the arm 206 is configured as a lever 206. The stapler 186 also includes a sheet support surface 222 coupled to or defined by the base portion 214 of the housing 202, an anvil 226 coupled to the sheet support surface 222 (see FIG. 8b), a well 228 defined in the anvil 226 and configured to receive a portion of a staple, a magazine 230 configured to support therein a plurality of staples, and a driver (not shown) configured to eject individual staples from the magazine 230 and drive the legs of the staples into the well 228 of the anvil 226. The throat 194 of the stapler 186 is defined between an upper edge 232 of a slot 234 in the housing 202 and the sheet support surface 222, and receives a stack of sheets to be stapled. The throat 194 includes a distal open end 238 defining a throat height H. [0052] As shown in FIG. 6a, a user grips the handle-end 198 of the stapler 186, particularly the handle portion 218 of the housing 202 and a rearward portion of the lever 206, in such a mariner that the user can remove the stapler 186 from the dock 14b and use the stapler 186 without having to reposition their grip on the handle end 198 of the stapler 186. Then, in a conventional manner, the user inserts sheets to be stapled into the throat 194 and squeezes together the handle portion 218 of the housing 202 and the lever 206, respectively, causing the driver to eject a staple from the magazine 230 and drive the legs of the staple through the sheets and into the well 228 of the anvil 226 in a manner similar to that of the stapler 10 shown in FIGS. la-5.

[0053] The dock 14b of FIGS. 6a-8b is substantially similar to the dock 14 shown in

FIGS. la~3b, with like, components being labeled with like .reference numerals, with the letter _ "b" added. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8b, the projection 138b overlies at least a portion of the sheet support surface 222 along a length dimension Ll between the distal end 142b of the projection 138b and the forward end of the sheet support surface 222. With reference to FIG. 7, the stapler 186 defines a pivot dimension Pl between the forward end of the sheet support surface 222 and a plane 148b passing through the pivot 210 and substantially transverse to the sheet support surface 222, in which the pivot dimension Pl extends substantially transverse to the plane 148b. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14b, a ratio of the pivot dimension Pl to the length dimension Ll is about 14:1. As previously indicated, in alternative constructions of the dock 14, 14a, 14b, the ratio of the pivot dimension Pl to the length dimension Ll may be between about 1.1:1 and about 30:1. [0054] With continued reference to FIG. 7, the support surface 110b forms an acute included angle Al with the base plane 154b of about 14 degrees, and the support surface 114b forms an acute included angle A2 with the base plane 154b of about 60 degrees. Alternative constructions of the dock 14b may orient the support surfaces 110b, 114b, respectively, at different included angles Al, A2 with respect to the base plane 154b (see FIGS. 9 and 10 and their accompanying discussion).

[0055] With reference to FIG. 8a, respective grip surfaces 242, 246 on the handle portion

218 and the lever 206 that are gripped or grasped by a user are also inclined with respect to the support surface 74. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14b, the rearward end of the grip surface 242 on the handle portion 218 forms an acute included angle A3 with a plane 166b substantially parallel with the base plane 154b of about 9 degrees (i.e., about 9 degrees measured in a counter-clockwise direction from the plane 166b), and the rearward end of the grip surface 246 on the lever 206 forms an acute included angle A4 with a plane 170b substantially parallel with the base plane 154b of about 13.6 degrees (i.e., about 13.6 degrees measured in a counterclockwise direction from the plane 170b). Alternative constructions of the dock 14b may orient the respective grip surfaces 242, 246 on the stapler 186 at different included angles A3, A4 (see FIGS. 9 and 10 and their accompanying discussion).

[0056] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8a, the support surface 110b defines a length dimension L2 between a first end 172b and a second end 173b of the support surface 110b, in which the first end 172b is positioned further from the pivot 210 than the second end 173b. The combination of the stapler 186 and the dock 14b defines a pivot dimension P2, substantially parallel to the length dimension L2, between the first end 172b of the support surface 110b and a plane 174b passing through the pivot 210 that is substantially transverse to the support surface 110b. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14b, the distal open end 238 of the throat 194 is entirely received within the cavity 106b, and a ratio of the pivot dimension P2 to the length dimension L2 is about 0.69:1. Alternative constructions of the dock 14b may receive more or less of the stapler 186 in the cavity 106b than the dock 14b shown in FIGS. 6a-8b (see FIGS. 9 and 10 and their accompanying discussion).

[0057] With reference to FIG. 7, the stapler 186 defines an active side area between the forward end 190 and the pivot 210 that is at least partially concealed when the stapler 186 is received within the cavity 106b in the dock 14b. In the illustrated construction of the stapler 186, the active side area includes the area bounded by a line 178b, the rearward extent of which coincides with the plane 148b, As shown in FIG. 7, the active side area of the stapler 186 includes portions of the housing 202 and the lever 206, in addition to the empty space defined by the throat 194 of the stapler 186. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14b, about 27% of the active side area of the stapler 186 is concealed (represented by diagonal lines as area AR3) within the cavity 106b in the dock 14b, assuming that the outer extent of the side surfaces 118b define the outermost extent of the cavity 106b. Also, assuming the outermost extent of the cavity 106b extends to the curved top surface of the dock 14b, about 49% of the active side area of the stapler 186 is concealed (represented by diagonal lines as area AR4) within the cavity 106b in the dock 14b. Alternative constructions of the dock 14b may conceal more of less of the stapler 186 than the dock 14b shown in FIGS. 6a-8b.

[0058] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a combination of the plier-type stapler 186 of FIGS . 6a-

8b and a fourth construction of a dock 14c to support the stapler therein. Like components are labeled with like reference numerals, with the letter "c" added. The dock 14c is substantially similar to the dock 14b shown in FIGS. 6a-8b, however, the dock 14c shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 supports the stapler 186 at a higher inclination with respect to the support surface 74 compared to the dock 14b of FIGS. 6a-8b. With reference to FIG. 9, the support surface 110c forms an acute included angle Al with the base plane 154c of about 42 degrees. In yet other alternative constructions of the dock 14b, 14c, the support surface HOb, 110c may form an acute included angle Al with the base plane 154b, 154c between about 10 degrees and about 75 degrees. The support surface 114c forms an acute included angle A2 with the base plane 154c of about 32 degrees. In yet other alternative constructions of the dock 14b, 14c, the support surface 114b, 114c may form an acute included angle A2 with the base plane 154b, 154c between about 10 degrees and about 75 degrees.

[0059] With reference to FIG. 10, the higher inclination of the stapler 186 in the dock

14c also yields increased grip surface angles on the stapler 186. The grip surface 242 on the handle portion 218 forms an acute included angle A3 with a plane 166c substantially parallel with the base plane 154c of about 38 degrees (i.e., about 38 degrees measured in a counterclockwise direction from the plane 166c), and the grip surface 246 on the lever 206 forms an acute included angle A4 with a plane 170c substantially parallel with the base plane 154c of about 40 degrees (i.e., about 40 degrees measured in a counter-clockwise direction from the plane 170c). In yet other alternative constructions of the dock 14b, 14c, the stapler 186 may be inclined in the dock 14b, 14c such that the angles A3, A4 fall between about -20 degrees and about 60 degrees. [0060] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the support surface 110c defines a length dimension L2 between a first end 172c and a second end 173c of the support surface HOc, in which the first end 172c is positioned further from the pivot 38 than the second end 173c. The combination of the stapler 186 and the dock 14c defines a pivot dimension P2, substantially parallel to the length dimension L2, between the first end 172c of the support surface 110c and a plane 174c passing through the pivot 210 that is substantially transverse to the support surface 110c. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14c, a ratio of the pivot dimension P2 to the length dimension L2 is about 1.2:1. In yet other alternative constructions of the dock 14b, 14c, only a portion of the distal open end 238 of the throat 194 may be received within the cavity 106b, 106c, and in yet other alternative constructions of the dock 14b, 14c, the ratio of the pivot dimension P2 to the length dimension L2 may be between about 0.5:1 and about 3.5:1.

[0061] With continued reference to FIG. 9, about the same amount of the active side surface of the stapler 186 is concealed within the cavity 106c of the dock 14c compared to that of the stapler 186 and dock 14b of FIGS. 6a-8b. In the illustrated construction of the dock 14c, about 27% of the active side area of the stapler 186 is concealed (represented by diagonal lines as area AR5) within the cavity 106c in the dock 14c, assuming that the outermost extent of the side surfaces 118c define the outermost extent of the cavity 106c. Also, assuming the outermost extent of the cavity 106c extends to the curved top surface of the dock 14c, about 49% of the active side area of the stapler 186 is concealed (represented by diagonal lines as area AR6) within the cavity 106c in the dock 14c. In yet other alternative constructions of the dock 14b, 14c, between about 20% and about 70% of the active side area of the stapler 186 may be concealed within the cavity 106b, 106c in the dock 14b, 14c. [0062] With reference to FIGS. 6b and 7, the stapler 186 defines a length dimension LS, a width dimension WS, and a height dimension HS. In addition, the dock 14b defines a length dimension LD, a width dimension WD, and a height dimension HD. The cavity 106b in the dock 14b defines a width dimension WC. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, a ratio of the length dimension LS to the length dimension LD is about 1.25:1. As this ratio decreases, the combination of the stapler 186 and the dock 14b is likely to be more stable. In alternative constructions of the dock 14b, the ratio of the length dimension LS to the length dimension LD may be between about 1 : 1 and about 1.6:1. With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, a ratio of the length dimension LS to the length dimension L2 is about 5.4: 1. As this ratio decreases, more of the stapler 186 is received within the cavity 14b, leading to increased stability of the combination of the stapler 186 and the dock 14b. In alternative constructions of the dock 14b the ratio of the length dimension LS to the length dimension L2 may be between about 2:1 and about 6:1. Further, a ratio of the height dimension HS to the height dimension HD is about 1.3:1. In alternative constructions of the dock 14b, the ratio of the height dimension HS to the height dimension HD may be between about 1 : 1 and about 2:1.

[0063] With reference to FIG. 6b, a ratio of the width dimension WS to the width dimension WD is about 0.23, or about 1:4.3. In alternative constructions of the dock 14b, the ratio of the width dimension WS to the width dimension WD may be between about 1 :2 and about 1:5. With continued reference to FIG. 6b, a ratio of the width dimension WS to the width dimension WC is about 0.81, or about 1:1.2. In alternative constructions of the dock 14b, the ratio of the width dimension WS to the width dimension WC may be between about 1 : 1 and about 1:1.8. [0064] FIG. 16 illustrates yet another construction of a dock 314. The dock 314 includes a base 318 having a side surface 322, and a projection 326 coupled to the side surface 322 of the base 318. In the illustrated construction of the dock 314, the projection 326 is coupled to the side surface 322 along the length of the projection 326. More specifically, the projection 326 may be a separate component distinct from the base 318 that is connected to the base 318 in any of a number of different ways, or the projection 326 may be integrally formed as one piece with the base 318. As shown in FIG. 16, the projection 326 is configured as a wedge that substantially occupies the throat 22 of the stapler 10 when the stapler 10 is supported on the dock 314. The illustrated wedge has a slight taper corresponding to a slight taper of the throat 22. In other constructions the taper can vary or be eliminated. More specifically, an upper surface 330 of the projection 326 engages the magazine 50, and a lower surface 334 of the projection 326 engages the base 30 to secure the stapler 10 to the dock 314. In the illustrated construction of the dock 314, the inclination of the stapler 10 with respect to the support surface 74 (i.e., acute included angle Al') is measured between respective planes 338, 342 defined by a base portion 350 of the dock 314 and the sheet support surface 42 of the stapler 10.

[0065] With continued reference to FIG. 16, the projection 326 overlies at least a portion of the sheet support surface 42 along a length dimension Ll between a distal end 352 of the projection 326 and the forward end of the sheet support surface 42. The stapler 10 defines a pivot dimension Pl between the forward end of the sheet support surface 42 and a plane 354 passing through the pivot 38 and substantially transverse to the sheet support surface 42, in which the pivot dimension Pl extends substantially transverse to the plane 354. In the illustrated construction of the dock 314, a ratio of the pivot dimension Pl to the length dimension Ll is about 1.3:1. In alternative constructions of the dock 314, the ratio of the pivot dimension Pl to the length dimension Ll may be between about 1.1:1 and about 30:1.

[0066] FIG. 17 illustrates yet another construction of a dock 414. The dock 414 includes a base 418 having an end surface 422, and a projection 426 coupled to the end surface 422 of the base 418. In the illustrated construction of the dock 414, the projection 426 is coupled to the end surface 422 at the base of the projection 426. More specifically, the projection 426 may be a separate component distinct from the base 418 that is connected to the base 418 in any of a number of different ways, or the projection 426 may be integrally formed as one piece with the base 418. As shown in FIG. 17, the projection 426 is configured as a wedge that substantially occupies the throat 22 of the stapler 10 when the stapler 10 is supported on the dock 414. The illustrated wedge has a slight taper corresponding to a slight taper of the throat 22, In other constructions the taper can vary or be eliminated. More specifically, an upper surface 430 of the projection 426 engages the magazine 50, and a lower surface 434 of the projection 426 engages the base 30 to secure the stapler 10 to the dock 414. In the illustrated construction of the dock 414, the inclination of the stapler 10 with respect to the support surface 74 (i.e., acute included angle AT) is measured between respective planes 438, 442 defined by a base portion 450 of the dock 414 and the sheet support surface 42 of the stapler 10.

[0067] With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, neither of the docks 314, 414 includes a cavity for receiving the stapler 10. However, the projections 326, 426 in the respective docks 314, 414 are utilized in a similar manner as the projections 138, 138a in the respective docks 14, 14a of FIGS. la-5. Like the projections 138, 138a, the projections 326, 426 are inserted into the throat 22 of the stapler 10 to engage the stapler and to retain the stapler in an inclined orientation on the docks 314, 414 relative to the support surface 74.

[0068] Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A combination of a plier-type stapler and a dock, the combination comprising: a plier-type stapler including a first end defining a throat configured to receive sheets to be stapled; a second end defining a handle end; a first arm; and a second arm pivotably coupled to the first arm about a pivot positioned between the first end and the second end; and a dock including a base portion configured to be supported on a first support surface; and a second support surface engaging only the first end of the plier-type stapler to support the stapler and space the handle end from the first support surface.

2. The combination of claim 1, wherein the dock supports the plier-type stapler such that the handle end is inclined relative to the first support surface.

3. The combination of claim 2, wherein the base portion defines a base plane, and wherein the second support surface forms an acute included angle with the base plane of at least about 10 degrees.

4. The combination of claim 2, wherein the base portion defines a base plane, and wherein the second support surface forms an acute included angle with the base plane between about 10 degrees and about 75 degrees.

5. The combination of claim 2, wherein the dock further includes a third support surface adjacent the second support surface, and wherein the first end engages the second support surface and the third support surface.

6. The combination of claim 6, wherein the base portion defines a base plane, and wherein the third support surface forms an acute included angle with the base plane of at least about 10 degrees.

7. The combination of claim 6, wherein the base portion defines a base plane, and wherein the third support surface forms an acute included angle with the base plane between about 10 degrees and about 75 degrees.

8. The combination of claim 1, wherein the dock includes a cavity that receives the first end of the plier-type stapler, and wherein the second support surface at least partially defines the cavity.

9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the throat includes a distal open end, and wherein the distal open end of the throat is entirely received within the cavity.

10. The combination of claim 8, wherein the cavity is a first cavity, and wherein the dock further includes a second cavity.

11. The combination of claim 1 , wherein the second support surface defines a first dimension along the length of the second support surface between a first end and a second end of the second support surface, the first end being positioned further from the pivot than the second end, wherein the combination of the plier-type stapler and the dock defines a second dimension, substantially parallel to the first dimension, between the first end of the second support surface and a plane passing through the pivot and substantially transverse to the second support surface, and wherein the ratio of the second dimension to the first dimension is between about 0.5: 1 and about 3.5:1.

12. The combination of claim 1, wherein the dock includes a projection engaging the first end of the stapler.

13. The combination of claim 12, wherein the projection engages the first arm of the stapler.

14. The combination of claim 13, wherein the plier-type stapler includes an anvil coupled to the first arm, wherein the anvil includes a well configured to receive a portion of a staple, wherein the first arm includes a sheet support surface, wherein the well is substantially aligned with a plane passing through the first arm and substantially transverse to the sheet support surface, and wherein no portion of the projection extends past the plane.

15. The combination of claim 13, wherein the plier-type stapler includes an anvil coupled to the first arm, wherein the anvil includes a well configured to receive a portion of a staple, wherein the first arm includes a sheet support surface, wherein the well is substantially aligned with a plane passing through the first arm and substantially transverse to the sheet support surface, wherein the projection includes a distal end, and wherein the distal end of the projection substantially coincides with the plane.

16. The combination of claim 13, wherein the plier-type stapler includes an anvil coupled to the first arm, wherein the anvil includes a well configured to receive a portion of a staple, wherein the first arm includes a sheet support surface, wherein the well is substantially aligned with a plane passing through the first arm and substantially transverse to the sheet support surface, and wherein at least a portion of the projection extends past the plane.

17. The combination of claim 13, wherein the first arm includes a βheet support surface having a distal end, wherein the projection overlies a portion of the sheet support surface along a first dimension between the distal end of the sheet support surface and a distal end of the projection, wherein the stapler defines a second dimension between the distal end of the sheet support surface and a plane passing through the pivot and substantially transverse to the sheet support surface, wherein the second dimension extends substantially transverse to the plane, and wherein the ratio of the second dimension to the first dimension is between about 1.1:1 and about 30:1.

18. The combination of claim 1, wherein the dock includes a weight coupled thereto.

19. The combination of claim 18, wherein the weight is coupled to the dock forward of the pivot in the direction of the first end of the stapler.

20. The combination of claim 1, further comprising an attachment member configured to attach the dock to the first support surface.

21. A combination of a plier-type stapler and a dock, the combination comprising: a plier-type stapler including a first end defining a throat configured to receive sheets to be stapled; a second end defining a handle end; a dock configured to be supported on a support surface, the dock including a cavity sized to at least partially receive the first end of the plier-type stapler and support the stapler in an inclined orientation relative to the support surface; and a projection in the cavity engaging the throat of the plier-type stapler.

22. A combination of a stapler and a dock, the combination comprising: a stapler including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end defining a throat configured to receive sheets to be stapled, the throat having a distal open end; and a dock including a cavity receiving at least a portion of the first end of the stapler, wherein the distal open end of the throat is entirely received within the cavity.

23. A dock configured to support a plier-type stapler relative to a support surface, the plier-type stapler including a first end defining a throat for receiving sheets to be stapled and a second end defining a handle end, the dock comprising: a cavity sized to at least partially receive the first end of the plier-type stapler and support the stapler in an inclined orientation relative to the support surface; and a projection in the cavity configured to engage the throat of the plier-type stapler.