Knife and tacking device

A knife and tacking device comprising:

• a tacking means for driving an impact driven fastener into a surface in response to an impact of the tacking means against a surface, wherein the tacking means comprises an elongated upper channel member;
• an elongated lower channel member pivotally mounted to the elongated upper channel member at a rearward end thereof, the elongated lower channel member being positioned so as to be pivotally received within a bottom face the elongated upper channel member;
• and a dispensing means mounted within the elongated lower channel member for dispensing an impact driven fastener in response to a pivoting movement of the elongated lower channel member into the elongated upper channel member, whereby impacting the elongated lower channel member against a surface drives the lower channel member into the upper channel member thus effecting the dispensing of an impact fastener;
• a cutting blade means secured to the tacking means for cutting an object in response to a manual manipulation of the tacking means, wherein the cutting blade means is mounted to the elongated upper channel member so as to project beyond a forward end thereof and comprises a planer mounting plate secured to an upper surface of the elongated upper channel member, the planer mounting plate continuing into a planar blade plate extending beyond a forward end of the upper channel member;
• wherein the planar blade plate is shaped so as to define an outer arcuate edge projecting from a first side of the planar mounting plate and continuing through an arc of greater than 90 degrees such that the planar blade plate projects at least partially laterally of the upper channel member, the planar blade plate being further shaped so as to define an inner arcuate edge extending from a second side of the planar mounting plate and continuing through an arc of greater than 90 degrees to couple with the outer arcuate edge to define a piercing tip;
• wherein the outer edge is blunt, with the inner arcuate edge and the piercing tip being sharp;
• a handle cover extending about a rearward end of the elongated upper channel member and the lower channel member for gripping purposes and further affording a compartment to contain the fasteners which take the form of staples, the handle cover including a locking mechanism for allowing selective access to the staples within the compartment;
• and
• a tab coupled to the mounting plate which extends along an entire length of the handle cover, the tab extending from the handle cover with an aperture formed therein, wherein the tab extends beyond the locking mechanism for preventing the inadvertent manipulation thereof.