Long stapler reloads with continuous cartridge

A surgical stapling apparatus comprising:

• a shaft assembly;
• an end effector defining a longitudinal axis, the end effector secured to the shaft assembly and including:
• an anvil assembly;
• a cartridge assembly including a cartridge channel and a hinge assembly pivotally coupled together, the hinge assembly including at least one arm that extends between the shaft assembly and the cartridge channel to enable the cartridge assembly to move relative to the anvil assembly between an open position and a closed position;
• and
• a drive beam assembly that is positioned to advance distally through the anvil and cartridge assemblies to move the cartridge assembly relative to the anvil assembly.

An end effector for a surgical stapling apparatus, the end effector defining a longitudinal axis and comprising:

• an anvil assembly;
• a cartridge assembly including a cartridge channel supporting a reload;
• a drive beam assembly that is positioned to advance distally through the anvil and cartridge assemblies to move the cartridge assembly relative to the anvil assembly;
• and
• a hinge assembly that is pivotally coupled to a proximal end portion of the cartridge channel, the cartridge channel including a stopper that is positioned to engage the hinge assembly to maintain the cartridge assembly in parallel relation to the anvil assembly.

A loading unit for a surgical stapling apparatus, the loading unit comprising:

• a shaft assembly defining a longitudinal axis;
• a drive beam assembly supported in the shaft assembly;
• an anvil assembly;
• and
• a cartridge assembly pivotally coupled to the anvil assembly and to the shaft assembly by a hinge assembly, the cartridge assembly supporting a reload including a plurality of staples positioned to form against the anvil assembly, wherein in response to the drive beam assembly translating through the hinge assembly, the hinge assembly is pivotable from a first position transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly to a second position in parallel relation to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the drive beam assembly is positioned to advance distally through the anvil and cartridge assemblies to move the cartridge assembly relative to the anvil assembly.