Spring Patents (Class 227/132)
  • Publication number: 20040164120
    Abstract: Fastening tool for driving a fastener such as a staple into a substrate a predetermined distance. The tool includes a housing and a driver reciprocally mounted in the housing and moveable with respect to the housing, the driver having a driving surface for engaging a fastener such as a staple. A magazine assembly is associated with the housing for positioning and aligning the fastener in the path of the driver so that when actuated, the driver strikes the fastener and forcibly ejects it from the magazine into the substrate to a predetermined extent so as to adjust or control the holding power of the fastener about the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Onno Boswinkel, Robert Haynes
  • Patent number: 6766935
    Abstract: A portable electric nailing gun operating from a power source. The motor accelerates a flywheel which at the appropriate energy state is coupled through a mechanism to an anvil acting directly on the nail. The motor accelerates a flywheel that is then clutched to the output anvil causing the nail to be driven. The position of the output anvil is sensed and once the nail is driven, the motor is dynamically braked reducing the excess energy in the flywheel. This method uses a highly responsive motor and power source which enables the motor to come up to speed, drive the nail and return to a low energy condition in less than 2 seconds. The electrical control circuit and brake allow precise control and improve safety. The power source is preferably a rechargeable low impedance battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Tricord Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Pedicini, John D. Witzigreuter
  • Publication number: 20040084504
    Abstract: A forward acting stapler includes a unique linkage for driving a firing lever. The linkage includes two links which are each connected to the trigger lever by a roller. The roller is movable within a spot in the trigger lever. As the handle is driven, the two links cause the triggering level to pivot. As the trigger lever pivots it lifts a plunger against a spring force. At some point, the trigger portion releases the plunger allowing the plunger to be returned by the spring force by a staple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Ilya Shor
  • Patent number: 6705503
    Abstract: A portable electric nailing gun operating from a power supply. The motor accelerates a flywheel, which at the appropriate energy state is coupled through a mechanism to an anvil acting directly on the nail. The actuation is governed by a control circuit and initiated from a trigger switch. The stored energy delivered from the motor is coupled to the output anvil drives the nail. At least one position of the output anvil is sensed and once the nail is driven, the power is disconnected from the motor. This method uses a direct acting clutch and a harmonic motion nailing mechanism to reduce wear and increase robustness of the nailer. Elastic elements are used to limit stresses during the impact periods. The electrical control circuit and sensors allow precise control and improve safety. The power supply is preferably a rechargeable low impedance battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Tricord Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Pedicini, John D. Witzigreuter
  • Patent number: 6698642
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wire retainer of a stapler that is applicable for stapling objects with different staple size, and such stapler comprises a groove bracket being disposed at the bottom edge between two side casings for accommodating the staples; a staple roller assembly being disposed on the groove bracket; a staple plate being disposed at the front edge of the side casing for shooting the staple; characterized in that: a detachable wire retainer being disposed at the front edge of the staple plate of the stapler such that the user can switch the wire retainer of different specifications, and maintain a smooth and stable stapling working surface for different stapler specifications without a need of switching the stapler. The present invention effectively improves the current existing stapler that can only fit a single specification to attain the purpose of convenient operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Tung-I Chen
  • Patent number: 6626346
    Abstract: A stapler comprising a base, and a cartridge assembly coupled to the base. The cartridge assembly includes a magazine having a magazine housing with a dispensing opening and a rail positioned in the magazine housing. The rail is movable relative to the housing between a static position toward the opening and a retracted position away from the opening. A rail retractor is adapted to engage the rail and move the rail from the static position to the retracted position to facilitate removal of a jammed staple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Acco Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Jairam, Bikram Sohi
  • Patent number: 6604666
    Abstract: A portable electric nailing gun operating from a power supply. The motor accelerates a flywheel which at the appropriate energy state is coupled through a mechanism to an anvil acting directly on the nail. The actuation is governed by a control circuit and initiated from a trigger switch. The motor accelerates a flywheel that is then clutched to the output anvil causing the nail to be driven. The position of the output anvil is sensed and once the nail is driven, the motor is dynamically braked reducing the excess energy in the flywheel. This method uses a highly responsive motor and power supply which enables the motor to come up to speed, drive the nail and return to a low energy condition in less than 2 seconds. The electrical control circuit and brake allow precise control and improve safety. The power supply is preferably a rechargeable low impedance battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Tricord Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S. Pedicini, John D. Witzigreuter
  • Publication number: 20030085252
    Abstract: An improved structure of a two dimensional positioning nailing machine is disclosed, which has a body, a positioning member and at least one positioning rule, the improved structure characterized in that the positioning member is removably attached on the body, the positioning member in an approximately reversed U shape having a first side portion, a second side portion and a head end; wherein the first side portion has an inner side and an outer side, and the second side portion has an inner side and an outer side, the outer side of the first side portion, the outer side of the second side portion and the head end having at least one positioning slot, the positioning rule capable of being inserted in the positioning slot to adjust a stroke to position distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Ammy Chou
  • Patent number: 6550661
    Abstract: Bearing pieces are formed on both sides of the rear end of a clincher arm which includes a clincher table for bending a staple at the front end thereof. A magazine member to which staples are loaded and a driver arm for driving out a staple fed from the magazine member are pivotally mounted on an axle, which is provided at the rear ends of the bearing pieces. A handle member is rotatably disposed above the driver arm. A rotation supporting shaft of the handle member is provided at a position somewhat closer to the front than the axle of the bearing pieces. A pin, which is provided at a position closer to the front than the rotation supporting shaft of the handle member, is inserted into an elongated hole formed in each side plate of the driver arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Aoki
  • Publication number: 20020121539
    Abstract: A surgical fastener system is disclosed. The system includes a surgical fastener, a surgical fastener holder sized and shaped to receive the surgical fastener at least partially therein, and a surgical fastener driver having a seat sized and shaped to frictionally receive a head of the surgical fastener therein. The fastener driver is constructed and arranged to selectively urge the fastener, and more particularly the fastener head, out of the seat. The surgical fastener driver thus includes an elongate body with the seat defined at an end thereof, and a drive piston disposed within the body. The drive piston has a first retracted position, and a second extended position in which at least a portion of the piston extends into the seat to urge the fastener out of the seat during usage. Also disclosed is a surgical fastener and a surgical fastener holder, respectively, for use with the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: Biohorizons Implant Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Todd Strong, Rickey D. Hart, R. Steven Boggan, Prasad V. Nalluri
  • Publication number: 20020108996
    Abstract: A staple gun is disclosed for one-handed operation, the staple gun being capable of dispensing insulated staples specifically designed to fasten non-metallic sheathed cable (Romex cable) to a substrate. The staple gun includes an alignment slot for the insulated staple formed by projections from a magazine and the inner surface of a front cover. A spring loaded follow block biases the staples and helps align an insulated staple so that it is positioned to be engaged by a driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Roger Dennis Cornett, David B. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6367676
    Abstract: A stapler includes a casing having a grasp hole defined therethrough and a staple receiving frame is received in the casing. A staple pushing device is engaged with the frame and a groove is defined in a periphery of the grasp hole so that a pressing rod is movably engaged with the groove. Two resilient plates each have an end fixedly connected to the casing and the pressing rod presses on the resilient plates. A staple ejection device is connected to the casing and is connected to the resilient plates. A handle is pivotally connected to the casing and disengagably connected to the staple ejection device. An outer cover is mounted to the casing and a front cover is removably connected to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventors: Samuel Opland, Lun-Hai Yeh
  • Patent number: 6145728
    Abstract: A compact simplified staple gun mechanism is disclosed. The invention provides an improvement to conventional staple guns and particularly to a forward action type staple gun. A compact high efficiency reset spring applies force in selected directions depending on the position of an actuating lever in the reset cycle. The lever and power spring engage a plunger through multiple proximate openings in the plunger while retaining a strong compact configuration. The lever and power spring are partially nested in each other and pivot about a common post of the housing. The above combined features provide a high efficiency compact staple gun tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Marks
  • Patent number: 6131788
    Abstract: A device to improve attaching wires to a substrateby with a staple gun is disclosed. An elongated nose piece extends down from the front of the tool body and locks in position to hold the tool bottom a preset distance away from the substrate. The nose piece includes a recess to provide clearance for the wire as the nose piece is pressed against the substrate. The wire guide improves the operation of stapling wires by preventing the staple from crushing the wire and by aligning the tool over the wire so that the staple points are inserted a safe distance to each side of the wire. The present invention is an improvement over the prior art staple gun wire guides since it is a permanent part of the tool. It is slidably fixed to a vertical track at the front end of the tool. It does not increase the bulk of the tool front end and cannot be misplaced. In one embodiment the wire guide is internal to the tool in sliding contact with the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Marks
  • Patent number: 6082604
    Abstract: A fastening tool having an alignment device that prevents the tool from firing unless the tool is properly aligned with respect to the object to be fastened. The tool includes a housing and a driver mounted in the housing and moveable with respect to the housing, the driver having a driving surface for engaging a fastener such as a staple. A magazine assembly and nosepiece are associated with the housing for positioning and aligning the fastener in the path of the driver so that when actuated, the driver strikes the fastener and forcibly ejects it from the magazine into the substrate on which the object to be fastened is to be secured. The magazine can be removably secured to the housing. A nose piece assembly having a semi-circular bottom cut-out is secured to the housing and includes a mechanism for ensuring that the object to be fastened is properly aligned in the cut-out before the driver can be actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Acme Staple Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Dennis
  • Patent number: 5996876
    Abstract: A stapling device has a holddown element, a staple forming member, and a staple driving means, which are guided linearly and are movable perpendicular to the upper side of a sheet stack to be stapled.A first pressure spring with a lower spring force is associated with the holddown element. A second pressure spring whose spring force is greater than that of the first pressure spring, is associated with the staple forming member. A third pressure spring is associated with the staple driving means, its spring force being greater than that of the second pressure spring. The pressure springs are arranged with identical working directions perpendicular to the upper side of the sheet stack.The first pressure spring is arranged in preloaded fashion between the holddown element and the staple forming member. The second pressure spring is arranged in preloaded fashion between the staple forming member and the staple driving means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Andreas Dickhoff, Helmut Domes, Reinhard Weltz
  • Patent number: 5988478
    Abstract: A simplified fastening tool which uses the energy stored in a spring to install fasteners by an impact blow is disclosed. A housing body is preferably cast or molded. A one-piece plastic hand lever is pivotably attached to the body where the pivoting action is by sliding in a circular arcuate channel. A staple feeding track is slidably mounted to the bottom of the housing and includes a rear end element with forwardly extending resilient latching elements to secure the track. A hand grip opening extends forward up to the plunger and the hand lever is hinged at the rear of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Steven Marks
  • Patent number: 5979736
    Abstract: A hand tool comprises a body (2), a handle member (3) pivotally mounted thereon and an operating member (4) which is displaceable relative to the body between a starting position and a turning position against the action of a force. The handle member (3) comprises an elbow lever element (10) which has a pivot pin (14) resting against a support (15) arranged in the body (2) and which is displaceable along the support perpendicular to the pivot pin (14). The elbow lever element (10) has a first arm (10') which is pivotable about the pivot pin (14) towards and away from the body (2), and a second arm (10") which is adapted to engage the operating member (4) when the first arm (10') pivots in the direction of the body (2) and to move the operating member from the starting position to the turning position against the action of said force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Isaberg Rapid AB
    Inventor: H.ang.kan Edeholt
  • Patent number: 5967397
    Abstract: The present invention is a fastener driving device for driving brads or staples into a workpiece. The device comprises a main body structure and magazine assembly for receiving a fastener package containing a plurality of fasteners connected together. The fasteners are staples or brads. The main body structure includes a drive track for receiving a lead fastener. A reciprocating driving structure moves through a fastener driving cycle including (1) a drive stroke and (2) a return stroke. The magazine assembly is constructed and arranged such that the lead fastener remains connected to the package until the driving structure engages the lead fastener and separates it during the drive stroke. The magazine assembly includes a movable interior fastener supporting structure and an exterior fastener guiding surface constructed and arranged to support a brad package. The interior fastener supporting structure is constructed and arranged to support a staple package when the device is being used to drive staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventor: William S. Fealey
  • Patent number: 5941441
    Abstract: An electric nailing gun powered by either A.C. or D.C. and utilizes T-shaped nails. A hammer motivated by a dual spring mechanism is compressed by a mechanical system comprising an electric motor driving on one end two cog wheels, a cam, and a pivoting lever to compress the dual spring mechanism. The opposite end of the motor has a rotating scooper plate which catches a knob on the hammer to compress and release the compressed hammer to drive in the T-shaped nails from a bar of nails in a magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Artemio M. Ilagan
  • Patent number: 5931364
    Abstract: A fastening tool having an alignment device that prevents the tool from firing unless the tool is properly aligned with respect to the object to be fastened. The tool includes a housing and a driver mounted in the housing and moveable with respect to the housing, the driver having a driving surface for engaging a fastener such as a staple. A magazine assembly and nosepiece are associated with the housing for positioning and aligning the fastener in the path of the driver so that when actuated, the driver strikes the fastener and forcibly ejects it from the magazine into the substrate on which the object to be fastened is to be secured. The magazine can be removably secured to the housing. A nose piece assembly having a semi-circular bottom cut-out is secured to the housing and includes structure for ensuring that the object to be fastened is properly aligned in the cut-out before the driver can be actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Acme Staple Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Dennis
  • Patent number: 5927585
    Abstract: An electric powered multiple impact fastener driving tool comprising a handle portion, a main body portion, a guide block, a magazine, and a guide and biasing assembly mounted in the guide block and affixed to the magazine enabling shifting of the magazine within the guide block between an extended fastener starting position and a retracted fastener driven position. The main body portion contains an impact assembly comprising a motor driven cam wheel with a single drop-off, a cam follower roller mounted on a reciprocable hammer, a compression spring surmounting and abutting the hammer, and a fastener driver. For each rotation of the cam wheel, the cam follower roll lifts the hammer, compressing the spring and storing energy therein. At the cam wheel drop-off, the cam follower wheel and hammer drop under the influence of the spring and the hammer impacts the driver which imparts a blow to the fastener. The cam follower wheel does not contact the cam wheel immediately after drop-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Senco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Moorman, Joseph A. Schaljo
  • Patent number: 5921456
    Abstract: A setting tool for nails comprises a hollow cylindrical grip sleeve open at both ends with a first hollow section connected by a through-opening to a second hollow section, a ram being disposed in the first hollow section and having one end with an arrangement for releasably holding a nail extending from a first end of the grip sleeve, a pin being disposed in the first hollow section between the ram and the through-opening, the pin having a first segment connected by a centering section to a second segment which extends through the through-opening, a coupling member having a blind bore of the diameter of the second segment being disposed in the second hollow section, with the blind bore facing the pin and being urged toward the pin by a compression spring disposed in the second hollow section entrapped between the coupling member and an adjustable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Axel Kirsch
    Inventors: Axel Kirsch, Walter Duerr
  • Patent number: 5904284
    Abstract: An explosively actuated fastener system comprises an open-ended outer tubular member; an open-ended tubular cap being attached to the back end of the outer tubular member having an inward circular protrusion at its back end; an open-ended barrel member connecting the muzzle to the outer tubular member; an open-ended inner tubular member with an outward circular protrusion and an inward circular protrusion being positioned at the front end; a reciprocable ejector comprising a retaining section and a firing rod that comprises a front section, a middle section and a back section; an ejector housing comprising a tube and a firing pin that extends forwardly from the tube; a forward spring being positioned within the inner tubular member; a balancing spring being positioned within the outer tubular member; a handle being attached to the back end of the inner tubular member; an open-ended sliding guide being positioned in front of the outward circular protrusion of the inner tubular member and within the outer tubul
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Joe Lin
  • Patent number: 5884829
    Abstract: A staple gun tacker for driving staples of various leg lengths is disclosed in which the staple gun housing has a front staple gun driving end and a base. The base has a staple discharge opening formed therein through which staples to be driven by the staple gun are discharged into a workpiece. A staple spacer guide is slidably mounted on the staple driving end of the housing and includes a free end which extends beyond the staple discharge opening and the base of the staple gun. Cooperating means are provided on the spacer guide and the housing to enable the spacer guide to be retracted along the housing relative to the base, thereby to control the position of the staple discharge opening relative to the workpiece into which a staple is to be driven. By controlling the position of the staple driving end of the staple gun relative to the workpiece, the depth to which a particular staple is driven in the workpiece can be controlled to avoid damage to the item being stapled to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Arrow Fastener Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolf Wingert
  • Patent number: 5881942
    Abstract: A mechanical driver is provided including a gun-shaped housing having a horizontal upper extent and a vertical lower extent integrally coupled to the upper extent and extending downwardly therefrom. The upper extent has a nozzle. A spring biased actuator rod is slidably situated within the nozzle of the upper extent of the housing. A spring assembly is included for biasing the actuator rod forwardly. A trigger assembly is provided including a trigger hingably coupled to the lower extent of the housing. The trigger is adapted to swivel between an unbiased vertical orientation and a biased rear tilted orientation, whereby the trigger is adapted to bias the actuator rod rearward and further release the same such that the actuator rod drives forwardly within the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Alan R. Bergamini
  • Patent number: 5816470
    Abstract: A fastening device 100 includes a striker 260 for driving fasteners 129, such as staples 130 and nails 131, from the device and into a workpiece 396. The device 100 includes a fastener feed track 128 and a nosepiece 140 at the forward end of the track to guide the leading fasteners 129 into a discharge space 379 for ultimate driving of the lead fastener by the striker through the discharge space and from the device. The nosepiece 140 is formed with a groove or steep slope 402 adjacent the discharge space 379 which the nails 131 to move gradually laterally into the space for proper positioning of the nails as they are being driven through the space by the striker 260. The striker 260 is formed with a notch 406 in a portion of the surface of the striker which engages the fasteners 129 to drive the fasteners from the device 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Barry E. Plato, Richard M. Tankersley
  • Patent number: 5779128
    Abstract: A nail driving apparatus comprising a tube, a rod with a mass attached to one end, a spring connecting the mass to the tube, and a sleeve encircling the exposed portion of rod between the tube and the mass. When the mass is in the forward, closed position, the spring is slightly stretched, holding the apparatus in the closed position. When the mass is drawn away from the tube, the spring is displaced, increasing the tension in the spring and, thus, aiding the user in driving a nail. An expandable sleeve protects the exposed portion of rod between the tube and the mass from being contaminated by debris. It also prevents the user's hand from being positioned at the point of contact. As the mass is drawn away from the tube, the sleeve expands to protect the entire length of exposed rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Miroslaw A. Szczerba
  • Patent number: 5765742
    Abstract: A simplified fastening tool which uses the energy stored in a spring to install fasteners by an impact blow is disclosed. A housing body is preferably cast or molded. A one-piece plastic hand lever is pivotably attached to the body where the pivoting action is by sliding in a circular arcuate channel. A staple feeding track is slidably mounted to the bottom of the housing and includes a rear end element with forwardly extending resilient latching elements to secure the track. A hand grip opening extends forward up to the plunger and the hand lever is hinged at the rear of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Joel Steven Marks
  • Patent number: 5720423
    Abstract: A fastener driving tool includes a cylinder and a drive piston reciprocally movable within the cylinder. A driver is connected to the drive piston and is operable to drive fasteners when the drive piston is moved in a driving direction. The drive piston defines a gas chamber in the cylinder for accommodating a gas. A drive mechanism is provided for moving the drive piston from a first position to a second position in a direction opposite to the driving direction for compressing the gas within the gas chamber. The drive mechanism is operable to permit movement of the drive piston in the driving direction by the pressure of the gas compressed within the gas chamber when the drive piston reaches the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Masayoshi Kondo, Akira Mizumoto, Jiro Oda
  • Patent number: 5702046
    Abstract: A staple gun having a rotating lower housing is disclosed. The staple gun has top and lower housings that include a cylindrical section. A cylindrical driver mechanism is housed in the cylindrical sections of the top and lower housings. The lower housing preferably includes a staple magazine. When using the staple gun, the lower housing, the staples in the staple magazine and the driver mechanism rotate together allowing the operation of the staple gun at a plurality of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Rokey Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen R. Rokita, John J. Davis
  • Patent number: 5699949
    Abstract: A manually powered fastening tool which stores and instantly releases the energy of a spring such that it may force a staple or other fastener into an object by an impact blow is disclosed. An actuating lever engages a plunger in an upward motion against a spring bias and in a sideways direction in a release motion. An arcing motion of the lever causes an element of the lever to rotate and slide rearward from the plunger and disengage from the plunger, thereby allowing the lever to slide sideways off an angled surface of the plunger. The plunger, once released and under spring bias, strikes a staple and drives the staple out from the tool into the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Steven Marks
  • Patent number: 5664722
    Abstract: A manually powered fastening tool which stores and instantly releases the energy of a spring such that it may force a fastener into an object by an impact blow in which the operating handle is hinged near the end of the tool body opposite the end from which the staples exit. The main spring is a single piece flat torsion spring which decreases in cross-section away from its fulcrum point to enable the entire spring to provide energy storage. The operating handle is linked to the spring through a low friction rolling element which provides varying leverage to allow a constant operating force through the operating handle motion. The staple guide track includes position and latch feature within a one piece assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Worktools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Steven Marks
  • Patent number: 5511716
    Abstract: A manually powered fastening tool that stores and instantly releases the energy of a spring such that it forces a staple or other fastener into an object by an impact blow, wherein the operating handle is hinged near the end of the tool body opposite the end from which the staples exit. A staple ejecting plunger is unstably linked to spring actuating levers such that with the removal of a light holding force, the plunger and actuating levers are de-linked. The tool housing comprises a cantilevered rear profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Worktools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Marks
  • Patent number: 5505362
    Abstract: A manually powered fastening tool that stores and instantly releases the energy of a spring such that it forces a staple or other fastener into an object by an impact blow, wherein the operating handle is hinged near the end of the tool body opposite the end from which the staples exit. A staple ejecting plunger is unstably linked to spring actuating levers such that with the removal of a light holding force, the plunger and actuating levers are de-linked. The tool housing comprises a cantilevered rear profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Worktools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe S. Marks
  • Patent number: 5503319
    Abstract: This invention relates to a transmission mechanism for an electric stapling gun and in particular to one including a cam fixedly mounted on an output axle of a gearing of the electric stapling gun and having two lobes such that an angle between the lines joining the two lobes to the center is less than 180 degrees. The transmission mechanism also has a hammer movably mounted in a groove formed in front portion of the electric gun and having a U-shaped member with an open end towards the cam, whereby when the cam is rotated, one pin of the cam will urge the U-shaped member of the hammer to compress a spring and then the other pin of the cam will urge the hammer in succession to further compress the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Wen T. Lai
  • Patent number: 5497932
    Abstract: An impact stapler (100) includes an actuator mechanism (110) comprising a firing lever (180) pivotally mounted on a stapler housing (102) and operable by an operating lever (160) for raising a striker (112) against the bias of an actuator spring (240). The firing lever (180) has a front tip (190) which is positioned to engage a tab (272) on the striker (112) when the operating lever (160) is actuated to raise the striker (112) and which is shifted laterally to disengage the front tip (190) from the tab (272) to release the striker (112) for actuation by the actuator spring (240) after the striker (112) is raised. The impact stapler (100) includes a resilient finger (292) for shifting the firing lever (180) laterally to a rest position with the front tip (190) underneath the tab (272) on the striker (112).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Brewer, Stephen A. Debelius
  • Patent number: 5427299
    Abstract: A manually powered fastening tool that stores and instantly releases the energy of a spring such that it forces a staple or other fastener into an object by an impact blow, wherein the operating handle is hinged near the end of the tool body opposite the end from which the staples exit. A staple ejecting plunger is unstably linked to spring actuating levers such that with the removal of a light holding force, the plunger and actuating levers are de-linked. The tool housing comprises a cantilevered rear profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Worktools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Marks
  • Patent number: 5407118
    Abstract: A manually powered fastening tool which stores and instantly releases the energy of a spring such that it may force a staple or other fastener into an object by an impact blow in which the operating handle is hinged near the end of the tool body opposite the end from which the staples exit. A staple ejecting plunger is unstably linked to spring actuating levers such that with the removal of a light holding force, the plunger and actuating levers are delinked. The tool housing comprises a cantilevered rear profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Worktools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Marks
  • Patent number: 5398861
    Abstract: A device for driving surgical fasteners into tissue such as the menisci of the knee. The device essentially consists of a tubular housing member through which a piston shaft passes. The piston shaft extends at a first end and terminates in a gripping knob which facilitates retraction of the piston from the housing, and contacts a fastening member at a discharge end to drive the fastener from the device. A pivotable latching member engages the gripping knob when the piston arrangement is retracted against the force of the spring, and pivots to release the piston arrangement to fire the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: David T. Green
  • Patent number: 5356063
    Abstract: A hand-operated stapler, particularly for stapling small stacks of paper or similar objects of paper, includes a base plate having two opposite ends and side parts disposed at one of the ends. A die plate is disposed at the other of the ends. A body is pivotably supported by the side parts. The body has a magazine with a center channel for receiving and guiding a strip of staples and guide ribs disposed substantially at right angles to the center channel. A push blade is guided by the guide ribs for sliding up and down to release and drive in the staples. A top part partly covers the body and acts as an operating arm. A locking and release device for the push blade is operated by the top part. The locking and release device has a pivotable latch being disposed between the top part and the body and is releasably joined to the push blade for intermittently locking the push blade in a locked position relative to a staple in the strip and for releasing the push blade in an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Erwin Muller GmbH Co.
    Inventor: Jorge G. Perez
  • Patent number: 5335838
    Abstract: In a stapling machine, an ejector blade can be moved to eject a staple through a staple ejection slot towards an anvil adapted to clinch the ends of the arms of the staple. The staple ejector blade is moved by an actuator element. A toggle is provided which maintains the actuator element in a first position until a predetermined force has been applied to the actuator element. The toggle then releases the actuator element permitting the actuator element to move the ejector blade to eject a staple through the staple ejection slot towards the anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: ACCO-Rexel Group Services Plc
    Inventors: Edward M. Harris, Michael Burlington
  • Patent number: 5335839
    Abstract: A spring actuated fastener driving tool has a lift pawl, bearings for supporting the lift pawl for pivotal movement about a first axis into and out of engagement with a power spring, and an operating handle continuously engageable with the bearings and intermittently engageable with the lift pawl. The operating handle is supported by a housing for pivotal movement about a second axis parallel to the first axis through successive driving cycles each including a loading phase during which the pawl remains engaged with the power spring as the power spring is resiliently deflected and loaded, and a release phase during which the pawl is disengaged from the power spring. The housing and the operating handle have guide surfaces which coact in sliding engagement with the bearings to accommodate movement of the bearings towards a reference plane containing the second axis during at least the loading phase of the drive cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Stanley-Bostitch, Inc.
    Inventor: William S. Fealey
  • Patent number: 5328075
    Abstract: A manually powered fastening tool which stores and instantly releases the energy of a spring such that it may force a staple type fastener into an object by an impact blow. In the present invention the squeeze handle is hinged near the end of the tool body opposite the end from which the staples exit. The user grips the tool near the staple exit end and pushes the squeeze handle toward the intended staple impact point. This novel arrangement causes the user to force the staple into the receiving object with the same hand that pushes the squeeze handle toward the tool body, while the prior art typically requires use of a second hand to hold the tool firmly upon the staple impact point. Improving from the prior art, the present design ensures that the staple exit end of the tool body will not lift away from the receiving object. The energy storage spring and handle engagement linkage are located remotely from the plunger in the present design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Worktools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Marks
  • Patent number: 5282564
    Abstract: A punch plasterer is disclosed which in one action, drives and countersinks a fastener into wood or other materials and which fills the resulting cavity above the fastener thereafter. The present invention includes a punch tool for driving the fastener and first and second resilient springs for reciprocating the punch and for dispensing a predetermined amount of plaster. A plurality of plaster sizes may be used according to the size of the fasteners utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Amaro Vigil Rio
  • Patent number: 5165587
    Abstract: A manually powered fastening tool which stores and instantly releases the energy of a spring such that it may force a staple type fastener into an object by an impact blow. In the present invention the squeeze handle is hinged near the end of the tool body opposite the end from which the staples exit. The user grips the tool near the staple exit end and pushes the squeeze handle toward the intended staple impact point. This novel arrangement causes the user to force the staple into the receiving object with the same hand that pushes the squeeze handle toward the tool body, while the prior art typically requires use of a second hand to hold the tool firmly upon the staple impact point. Improving from the prior art, the present design ensures that the staple exit end of the tool body will not lift away from the receiving object. The energy storage spring and handle engagement linkage are located remotely from the plunger in the present design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Worktools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Marks
  • Patent number: D384257
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Steven Marks, John Kevin Clay
  • Patent number: D384258
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Steven Marks, Ernesto Victor Quinteros
  • Patent number: D415668
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Sofragraf Industries
    Inventor: Fran.cedilla.ois Elie
  • Patent number: D419411
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sofragraf Industries
    Inventor: Fran.cedilla.ois Elie