Indicating "staples low" in a paper stapler
OwnerGerald E. Lindeninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A paper stapler is provided with a pin that protrudes from the front end of the magazine when the stapler is low on staples. The pin is distinctively colored (e.g., red), to visually alert the user to the fact that the magazine will soon need to be loaded with a fresh supply of staples. Alternatively, when the stapler is low on staples, the top surface of the top housing of the stapler is deformed, when a button-like element that is otherwise flush with the top surface begins to extend above the top surface. This provides the user with a tactile cue that the stapler is low on staples. Both tactile and visual cues can be provided to the user indicative of the fact that there is a relatively low number of staples remaining in the magazine.
Claims19
Paper stapler, comprising:
- a magazine having a front end;
- a follower in the magazine for urging staples towards the front of the magazine;
- a blade for ejecting staples from the front of the magazine;
- means, on the follower, for indicating to a user that the stapler is low on staples;
- wherein the means for indicating comprises:
- a pin disposed on a top surface of the follower;
- further comprising:
- a notch in the blade aligned with the pin,
- wherein:
- as the staples are ejected by the blade, a number of staples remaining in the stapler decrements;
- and
- the pin projects through the notch in the blade when the number of staples remaining in the stapler reaches a predetermined number.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.