Abstract: A hole punch includes a base and a handle assembly to actuate a punch pin. The base may include a housing enclosing a punch head, and the housing may include an opening where the handle assembly is adapted to be recessed within the opening. The handle assembly may include a first linkage and a second linkage, each pivotally coupled to the base, and a third linkage pivotally coupled to both the first and second linkages, where the third linkage is arranged to move substantially parallel to the base. The first linkage may be substantially parallel to the second linkage when the punch pin is in a rest position, and the second linkage may be configured to nest within the first linkage when the punch pin is in a deployed position.

Abstract: A device for releasably securing to a support surface, such as a cork board, bulletin board and/or cubicle wall is provided. The device has a body, at least one pin movably coupled to the body for securing the body to a support surface, and an actuator coupled to the body and arranged to move the pin between a first position and a second position. The body may have a cavity and the pin may be movable between a first position where the pin is recessed within the cavity and a second position where the pin protrudes out of the cavity for securing the body to a support surface. In one embodiment, the device is a clip for releasably holding an object, such as paper, to the support device.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a stapler that is constructed in a manner such that the handle of the stapler remains at least substantially parallel to the base as the handle is moved downward by a user to actuate a stapling operation. One illustrative embodiment is directed to a stapler movable between a rest position and a staple ejection position that comprises a base, a stapler body, a handle, and a linkage assembly coupled to each of the base and the handle. The stapler body comprises a strike plate, a magazine, and at least one engagement surface coupled to the strike plate. The handle is operable to actuate the strike plate. The linkage assembly comprises at least one linkage member having at least one actuation surface configured to exert a force on the at least one engagement surface as the at least one actuation surface moves along the at least one engagement surface.

Abstract: Described embodiments relate to a convertible cutting instrument with improved safety. In particular, some embodiments relate to a convertible cutting instrument that may be safely handled while blades of the cutting instrument are in a closed position, with no exposed cutting edges. Some further embodiments relate to a convertible cutting instrument that comprises only two cutting edges, both of which are inwardly-facing when the cutting instrument is in a dual-blade configuration. This may render the cutting instrument safer for use as a pair of scissors or shears. A conversion mechanism may be used to convert an inwardly-facing cutting edge into an outwardly facing cutting edge, so that the cutting instrument may be used as a knife.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a stapler that is constructed in a manner such that the handle of the stapler remains at least substantially parallel to the base as the handle is moved downward by a user to actuate a stapling operation. One illustrative embodiment is directed to a stapler movable between a rest position and a staple ejection position that comprises a base, a stapler body, a handle, and a linkage assembly coupled to each of the base and the handle. The stapler body comprises a strike plate, a magazine, and at least one engagement surface coupled to the strike plate. The handle is operable to actuate the strike plate. The linkage assembly comprises at least one linkage member having at least one actuation surface configured to exert a force on the at least one engagement surface as the at least one actuation surface moves along the at least one engagement surface.

Abstract: A hole punch includes a base and a handle assembly to actuate a punch pin. The base may include a housing enclosing a punch head, and the housing may include an opening where the handle assembly is adapted to be recessed within the opening. The handle assembly may include a first linkage and a second linkage, each pivotally coupled to the base, and a third linkage pivotally coupled to both the first and second linkages, where the third linkage is arranged to move substantially parallel to the base. The first linkage may be substantially parallel to the second linkage when the punch pin is in a rest position, and the second linkage may be configured to nest within the first linkage when the punch pin is in a deployed position.

Abstract: A hand-held hole punch is provided with a handle assembly including a first handle and a second handle. A first jaw is coupled to the first handle and a second jaw is coupled the second handle, where the second jaw is spaced apart from the first jaw. A punch is coupled to one of the jaws and the handle assembly is adapted to actuate the punch. In one embodiment, the handle assembly actuates the punch by movement of at least one of the first and second handles in manner that maintains a substantially parallel relationship of the second handle with the at least a portion of the first handle. In one embodiment, first and second linkages are provided and movement of one of the handles rotates the first and second linkages.