Combined stapling and punching device

Abstract

An apparatus for punching and stapling a sheet material, the apparatus comprising a base plate, at least one side support, a punch assembly comprising a rocker, at least one punch, and a lever. The apparatus further comprises a staple assembly comprising a cartridge mounted to the base plate and pivotable between an unstapled position and a stapled position, and a cartridge biasing member. The hole is positioned between a front of the base plate and the cartridge biasing member, and the at least one punch is positioned between the cartridge biasing member and a back of the base plate. The lever engages a top of an elongated slot of the at least one side support when the rocker is in the upper position, and the enlarged circular hole is adapted to receive at least a portion of the lever to hold the rocker in the lower position when the rocker is in the lower position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to stationery, and more particularly, to stationery that combines multiple features into a single device. BACKGROUND

[0002] People often use different types of stationery. Examples of such stationery are staplers and hole punches. In many cases, a user will use a stapler to staple together a plurality of sheets of material, and then use a hole punch to allow the sheets of material to be organized neatly together. The stapler and hole punch are almost always two separate devices.

[0003] Combinations of staplers and hole punches that can be operated jointly or individually are known. U.S. Patent 4,640,451 to Steiner et al. shows one example of a combination stapler and hole punch. In the Steiner et al. patent, only one set of sheets of material can be stapled and / or punched at any one time. This is because the hole punch and stapler are on the same side. Furthermore, in the Steiner et al. patent, it is possible to inadvertently form a hole in the sheets of material when one only intended to staple the sheets of material.

[0004] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a combination stapler and hole punch device in which at least two separate sets of sheets of material can be stapled and punched simultaneously using the same device. SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, an apparatus for punching holes in a sheet material and stapling the sheet material is provided, the apparatus comprising a base having a front and a back opposite the front; at least one side support extending from the base, each side support defining an elongated slot having an enlarged circular hole at a bottom of the elongated slot; a punch assembly comprising a rocker mounted on the base and pivotable about at least one rod between an upper position and a lower position, at least one punch for punching holes in the sheet material, and a lever operatively connected to a corresponding one of the at least one punch. The apparatus further comprises a stapling assembly comprising a cartridge adapted to store staples, the cartridge being mounted on the base and pivotable between an unstapling position and a stapling position, wherein the cartridge defines a hole for ejection of the staples from the cartridge; and a cartridge biasing member positioned between the base and the cartridge, the cartridge biasing member biasing the cartridge toward the unstapling position. The hole is positioned between the front of the base and the cartridge biasing member, and the at least one punch is positioned between the cartridge biasing member and the back of the base. When the rocker is at the upper position, the lever engages a top of the elongated slot of the at least one side support, and when the rocker is in the lower position, the enlarged circular hole is adapted to receive at least a portion of the lever to retain the rocker in the lower position.

[0006] In some embodiments, the lever has a first section and a second section, the first section having a diameter greater than a diameter of the second section, such that when the rocker is in the lower position, the second section can be received in the enlarged circular hole.

[0007] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a biasing member surrounding at least a portion of the first section, the biasing member configured to bias the lever away from the at least one side support when the rocker is not in the lower position.

[0008] In some embodiments, the punch assembly comprises an operation switch mounted on the rocker and slidable in a direction perpendicular to the front-back direction from a punch position to a cartridge engagement position. When the operation switch is in the cartridge engagement position, pivoting of the rocker toward the lower position biases the cartridge to the stapling position, and when the operation switch is in the punch position, pivoting of the rocker toward the lower position does not bias the cartridge to the stapling position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a flange attached to the operation switch. When the operation switch is in the cartridge engagement position, pivoting of the rocker causes the flange to engage the cartridge.

[0010] In some embodiments, a flange biasing member can be attached to the flange.

[0011] In some embodiments, the flange biasing member is a rectangular coil spring.

[0012] In some embodiments, the device has a slot in the rocker and at least one tab attached to the bottom of the rocker. The operating switch is positioned between the slot and the at least one tab.

[0013] In some embodiments, the device has a protrusion on the operating switch, wherein the protrusion extends beyond the rocker.

[0014] In some embodiments, the at least one side bracket has at least one punch hole, and the at least one punch is extendable through the at least one punch hole.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rod is arranged perpendicular to the punch and extends into the elongated slot, wherein the elongated slot defines a range of motion of the rod from the upper position to the lower position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the base defines an opening adapted to at least partially receive the stapling assembly, an anvil seat is positioned at the opening, and a slot at the front portion is connected to the opening and is adapted to allow the sheet material to be stapled at the anvil seat.

[0017] In some embodiments, the words "stapler" and "puncher" are present at least near the operating switch.

[0018] In some embodiments, the base has a slot adapted to receive the flange, and the base receives the flange when the operating switch is in the punching position and the rocker is in the lower position.

[0019] In some embodiments, the base defines at least a portion of at least one compartment, and the at least one punch is extendable into the at least one compartment when the rocker is in the lower position.

[0020] In some embodiments, the stapling assembly further comprises a pivot rod, and the cartridge is pivotable about the pivot rod.

[0021] In some embodiments, the device comprises an anvil seat on the base.

[0022] In some embodiments, the substrate defines an opening adapted to at least partially receive the binding assembly, the anvil seat is positioned at the opening, and the slot at the front portion is connected to the opening and is adapted to allow the sheet material to be bound at the anvil seat.

[0023] In some embodiments, a cover is attached to the substrate.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cover includes a pair of rails extending across the cover in a direction perpendicular to the front and back portions of the substrate, the pair of rails defining a groove adapted to receive a slider.

[0025] In some embodiments, the slider has a foot at one end of the slider that a user can use as a handle to slide the slider along the pair of rails.

[0026] In some embodiments, the slider has one or more markings along a length of the slider for indicating one or more sheet material sizes.

[0027] In some embodiments, the rocker is pivotable about a first axis, and the cartridge is pivotable about a second axis different from the first axis.

[0028] In some embodiments, the rocker has a front side and a back side, and the first axis is closer to the back side than to the front side, and the cartridge has a front end and a back end, and the second axis is closer to the back end than to the front end.

[0029] In some embodiments, the back side and back end are closer to the back portion of the substrate than to the front portion of the substrate.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is a device for punching holes in a sheet material and stapling the sheet material. The device includes a base having a front portion and a back portion opposite the front portion; at least one side support extending from the base, each side support defining an elongated slot having an enlarged circular hole at a bottom of the elongated slot. The device also includes a punching assembly including a rocker mounted on the base and pivotable about a first axis at a bar between an upper position and a lower position, at least one punch for punching holes in the sheet material, and a lever operatively connected to and disposed perpendicular to a corresponding one of the at least one punch. The device further includes a stapling assembly having a cartridge adapted to store staples, the cartridge mounted on the base and pivotable about a second axis different from the first axis at a pivot bar between an unstapling position and a stapling position. The cartridge defines a hole for ejection of the staples from the cartridge, and the punch is closer to the front portion than the first and second axes. When the rocker is at the upper position, the lever engages a top of the elongated slot of the at least one side support, and when the rocker is in the lower position, the enlarged circular hole is adapted to receive at least a portion of the lever to retain the rocker in the lower position. The base defines an opening adapted to at least partially receive the stapling assembly, an anvil is positioned at the opening, and a slot at the front portion is connected to the opening and adapted to allow the sheet material to be stapled at the anvil.

[0031] From the foregoing disclosure and the detailed description of various embodiments provided below, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention provides significant advancements in stationery technology. Of particular importance in this regard is the potential provided by the present invention for ways in which a user is provided with the convenience of using a combination stapling and punching device. Additional features and advantages of the various embodiments will be better understood from the detailed description provided below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] In the drawings illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure by way of example only,

[0033] Figure 1 is an exploded isometric view of a combination stapling and punching device according to one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the combination stapling and punching device of Figure 1 ; and

[0035] Figure 3 is a side view of the combination stapling and punching device alongFigure 2 The sectional view taken from line 3-3 in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0036] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and present slightly simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features of the combined apparatus disclosed herein (including, for example, the specific dimensions of binding components) will be determined in part by the particular intended application and environment of use. Some features of the illustrated embodiments have been enlarged or modified relative to other features to aid in clarity of understanding. In particular, for example, thin features may be thickened for clarity of illustration. Unless otherwise stated, all references to orientation and position refer to the orientation illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 An exploded isometric view of a combined binding and punching device 10 is shown. This device advantageously allows a user to perform operations simultaneously on separate sheet materials. The combined binding and punching device 10 includes a punching assembly 12, a substrate 14, at least one optional side support 16, and a binding assembly 18. The substrate 14 has a front portion 90 and a rear portion 88 opposite the front portion. The punching assembly 12 includes a rocker arm 20 operatively connected to the substrate 14 and pivotable between an upper and lower position. The rocker arm 20 is also operatively connected to the side support 16 via a short rod 22. The rocker arm 20 shown here is made of a panel 24, with two extensions 26 on each side of the panel 24. Two sets of holes 28 are present on each extension 26. These holes 28 are arranged such that one hole is closer to the front portion 90 and the other hole is closer to the rear portion 88. The diameter of the hole closer to the front portion 90 may be larger than the diameter of the hole closer to the rear portion 88. The rod 22 extends through a set of holes 28 on the extension 26, preferably a set of holes closer to the rear of the substrate, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the rocker arm has a front side and a rear side. Another rod 22 extends through a corresponding set of holes 28 at another extension 26.

[0038] A rod biasing member (e.g., spring 30) is wound around each rod 22. This rod biasing member 30 can be a helical spring with an extended leg. The rod biasing member 30 biases the rocker arm 20 towards an upward position. The pivot axis formed by the rods 22 is a first pivot axis. The first pivot axis is closer to the rear side of the rocker arm than to the front side. The rod 32 extends at least partially through a set of holes 28 on the extension 26, preferably closer to the front of the substrate, such as... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. Rod 32 may have a first segment and a second segment. (As illustrated...) Figure 3As shown in the middle, the first section can have a larger diameter than the second section. The diameter of the first section is larger than the diameter of the hole 28 so that the first section of the rod 32 cannot extend through the hole 28. The punch 34 is used to punch holes in the sheet material. The second section of the rod 32 extends through the punch 34. A corresponding rod 32 extends through another corresponding set of holes 28 and punch 34. When the rocker 20 is at the upper position, the rod 32 is biased toward the side bracket 16 and engages the side bracket 16. The side bracket 16 acts as a stop for the rod 32, thereby defining the upper position of the rocker 20.

[0039] A slot 86 can be provided on the side of the side bracket 16. Each slot 86 can be an elongated slot having an enlarged generally circular hole at the bottom of the slot. The slot allows the rod 32 to move relative to the side bracket 16 when the rocker 20 is moved from the upper position to the lower position, and vice versa. When the rocker 20 is moved to the upper position, the rod 32 engages the top of the elongated slot 86, thereby preventing the rocker 20 from moving further upward. When the rocker 20 is moved to the lower position, the rod 32 engages the enlarged circular hole opposite the top, thereby preventing the rocker 20 from moving further downward. When in the lower position, the user can push the rod 32 toward the enlarged circular hole of the slot 86. The first section of the rod 32 having the larger diameter can then extend through the enlarged hole of the slot 86. Because the first section of the rod 32 has a diameter larger than the width of the elongated slot 86, upward movement of the rocker 24 (i.e., toward the upper position) is prevented. In this manner, the device 10 can be held in the lower position. This allows the overall shape and factor of the device 10 to be reduced and compact, and thus can be fitted into a small packet to be carried by the user.

[0040] Optionally, the rod 32 can be provided with a rod biasing member 93, such as a spring. The rod biasing member 93 can be partially or entirely wrapped around the first section of the rod 32 and have a diameter larger than the diameter of the hole 28. The rod biasing member 93 can be configured to bias the rod 32 away from the side bracket 16 when the rocker 24 is not in the lower position.

[0041] There is an operating switch 36 in the face plate 24 of the rocker 20, which is shown positioned in the side of the face plate 24. The operating switch 36 can have a member 48 having a semicircular protrusion 38 projecting laterally from the side of the operating switch 36. The member 48 is preferably made of stainless steel. The protrusion 38 can be used as a pick and can extend through the side of the face plate 24 beyond the face plate 24 of the rocker 20 through a slot 40.

[0042] A flange 42 on the bottom side of the member 48 extends downward perpendicular to the member. The flange 42 is preferably offset from the center of the member. A flange offset member 44 (optionally a coil spring) is wrapped around the flange 42. The coil spring 44 is preferably a rectangular coil spring. There is a ridge 46 at the top of the member 48 that helps to facilitate the sliding of the operating switch 36. Alternatively, there is a series of ridges on the top side of the member 48 to further facilitate the sliding of the operating switch 36. The half-circular protrusion 38 and the flange 42 are welded to the member 48. The half-circular protrusion 38 and the flange 42 can also be glued to the member 48. The half-circular protrusion 38 and the flange 42 can also be formed from a single piece or unitary structure. The operating switch 36 can be made entirely of plastic, metal, or any other material as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0043] There is an opening 50 in the face plate of the rocker 20 through which the operating switch 36 extends and a tab 52 positioned on the bottom side of the face plate 24. The operating switch 36 can rest on the tab 52. The operating switch 36 is slidable between a stapler position and a puncher position. For the benefit of the user of the device, there can optionally be the words "stapler" and / or "puncher" or the like marked on the rocker 20 or the operating switch 36 or otherwise generally marked in the vicinity of the operating switch. These words can also be engraved on the rocker 20 or the operating switch 36. These words are used as a visual aid to inform the user whether they are using the stapling function or the punching function of the device 10.

[0044] The side brackets 16 are positioned on either side of the base plate 14 and are welded or otherwise attached to the base plate 14. Optionally, the side brackets 16 and the base plate 14 can be formed from a single piece or unitary structure. There are two holes 54 in each side bracket 16 to help hold the side bracket 16 in place to the base plate 14 during welding. There is a third hole 56 in each side bracket 16, each third hole 56 adapted to receive a punch member 34 of the punch assembly. The holes 56 are aligned with corresponding holes 57 in the base plate so as to allow the punch members to extend through the base plate 14 when the rocker 20 is in the lower position. There is an overhang 58 that extends from the side bracket 16 that receives the punch member 34.

[0045] Figure 2An isometric view of the device 10 is shown. Advantageously, stapling occurs near the front 90 of the base plate 14 and punching occurs near the back 88. The operating switch 36 is movable from a punching position to a cartridge engagement position. When the operating switch 36 is in the cartridge engagement position, pivoting of the rocker 20 toward the lower position biases the cartridge 74 to the stapling position. When the operating switch 36 is in the punching position, pivoting of the rocker 24 toward the lower position does not bias the cartridge 74 to the stapling position. Thus, in the stapling position, both stapling and punching can occur. When in the punching position, only punching can occur since the flange 42 does not engage the cartridge.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1 , the base plate 14 defines an opening 60 at the top of the base plate that leads to a cavity having a floor 92. The stapling assembly 18 protrudes from and is at least partially received by the opening 60. An anvil 62 is mounted to the floor 92 and is adapted to receive staples from the cartridge, close the legs of the staples, thereby securing the sheet material together. There is a slot 64 at the top of the base plate 14 positioned at one side of the opening 60. The slot 64 is adapted to receive the flange 42 when the operating switch 36 is in the punching position. A slot 66 is formed at one side of the base plate 14 to allow the sheet material to enter the cavity and be stapled. The slot 66 is adapted to receive more than one sheet of material and is sized wide enough to ensure that the sheet material is not stapled too close or too far from the corner. Optionally, the base plate 14 can define a compartment 68 that traps debris, such as sheet material that is punched out. The debris is prevented from falling off the base plate 14 by a cover 84 (see Figure 2 and 3 ) that fits over the base plate 14. The cover 84 can be made of plastic or any other material.

[0047] Where a compartment is defined by the base plate, a second hole 76 can be provided and the pivot rod 72 extends between the two second holes 76. The stapling assembly 18 is mounted to the pivot rod 72, which in turn is operatively mounted to the base plate 14 and defines a second axis of pivotable movement. The stapling assembly 18 includes a cartridge 74 having a front end and a back end such that the second axis is closer to the back end than to the front end. Further, the back side of the rocker and the back end of the cartridge are closer to the back 88 of the base plate than to the front 90 of the base plate.

[0048] A stapler catch 89 is positioned within the cartridge 74. The stapler catch 89 has two ends. An extension 91 is at one end of the stapler catch 89. The cartridge 74 further includes a protrusion 83. The protrusion 83 can be formed from a one-piece or unitary structure. A spring 87 is attached between the extension 91 and the protrusion 83 (see Figure 3The staple is placed inside the box and ejected into the sheet material near the front end. A stapler latch 89 can be used to secure the staple and help guide its movement toward the front end of the binding assembly 18. A pivot rod 72 passes through a hole 76 at one end of the box 74. As described above, the box 74 is pivotable about the pivot rod 72. A hole 78 opposite the pivot rod 72 allows the staple to be ejected. Optionally, a center line 80 is provided along the center mark of the box 74, which helps the user align the sheet material for binding or punching. Optionally, a center line 81 is provided along the center mark of the stapler latch 89, which helps the user align the sheet material for binding or punching.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the rocker arm 20 is pivotable about a first axis, and the box is pivotable about a second axis. Advantageously, the second axis is different from the first axis, thereby allowing the punching assembly and the binding assembly to operate at least partially independently. A box biasing member 82 (e.g., a spring) is positioned between the substrate 14 and the box 74. The spring 82 may be glued to the box 74. The spring 82 biases the box 74 from a non-binding position to a binding position and vice versa. Other embodiments of the box biasing member will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the benefits of this disclosure.

[0050] When the rocker arm 20 moves from the upper position to the lower position (e.g., by applying pressure to the rocker arm 20) and the operating switch is in the punched position, the flange 42 passes through the slit 64 on the substrate 14 without engaging the binding assembly 18. Simultaneously, two punches 34 pass through the holes 57 in the substrate 14. When a sheet material is placed between the hole 56 and the punches 34 and the rocker arm 20 moves to the lower position, the punches 34 cut the sheet material and create two holes. When the rocker arm 20 moves back from the lower position to the upper position (e.g., when the pressure is released and the bar bias spring 30 biases the rocker arm 20 to the upper position), the punches 34 move away from the substrate 14.

[0051] When the operating switch 36 is moved to the box engagement position, the flange 42 aligns with the binding assembly 18. When the rocker arm 20 moves from the upper position to the lower position, the flange 42 engages the binding assembly 18, and the box 74 is biased from the non-binding position to the binding position. If a nail is present in the box 74, when the rocker arm 20 moves to the lower position, in response to the engagement of the nail in the box by the flange 42, at least one nail is ejected from the box 74 through the hole 78. The nail contacts the anvil 62, and the nail legs close upon contact. Simultaneously, when the box 74 moves from the non-binding position to the binding position, the punch 34 passes through the hole 57 and extends beyond the substrate 14. This allows the user to punch holes in one set of sheet material and bind another set of sheet material simultaneously.

[0052] refer to Figure 2and 3 A cover 84 can be fitted over the bottom of the base 14. The cover 84 can include a pair of rails (not shown) that extend across the cover 84 in a direction perpendicular to the front 90 and the back 88 of the base 14. The pair of rails can be positioned closer to the back 88 of the base 14. The pair of rails define a groove (not shown) adapted to receive a slide 94. The slide 94 has a foot (see FIG. 6) at one end. The user can use the foot as a handle to slide the slide along the pair of rails. The slide 94 can be provided with one or more markings along the length of the slide. The markings can be etched on either face of the slide and provide the user with an indication of various sheet material sizes (e.g., A4, A5, A6, etc.). Figure 2 and 3 ) The user can use the foot as a handle to slide the slide along the pair of rails. The slide 94 can be provided with one or more markings along the length of the slide. The markings can be etched on either face of the slide and provide the user with an indication of various sheet material sizes (e.g., A4, A5, A6, etc.).

[0053] The cover 84 can also be provided with a pair of rails defining a groove adapted to hold and receive the slide 94. As an example, a user wishing to punch holes in an "A4" sized sheet of material would pull the foot of the slide 94 until the marking for "A4" is approximately aligned with the side edge of the cover 84. At this point, there would be a frictional resistance at which the user would realize that the alignment has been completed. The user can then insert the "A4" sized sheet of material into the device 10 and align the edges of the sheet of material against the foot of the slide 94. In this way, the user can punch holes in various sized sheets of material without having to manually find the center of the sheet of material (which often involves folding the sheet of material in half).

[0054] As shown in the figures, the aperture 78 of the cartridge 74 is positioned closer to the front 90 than the cartridge biasing member 82. The first pivot axis is positioned closer to the back 88 than the cartridge biasing member 82. Advantages of the device include time savings because two sheets of material can be manipulated at the same time. In addition, the device eliminates the need for the user to use two separate devices. This reduces the frustration when the user needs to use one of the devices and that device is not immediately available. It also reduces the overall space and weight required, making the combination stapling and punching device very portable.

[0055] From the foregoing detailed description of certain embodiments of the application, it can be evident that various modifications, additions and subtractions, as well as other alternative embodiments, can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the application. The described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative only and the true scope and spirit of the application is indicated by the appended claims, when interpreted in accordance with the principles of fair, legal and equitable interpretation.

Claims

1. An apparatus for punching and stapling sheet material, said apparatus comprising, in combination: a base plate having a front portion and a rear portion opposite said front portion; at least one side support extending from said base plate, each side support defining an elongated slot having an enlarged circular aperture at a bottom of said elongated slot; a punching assembly comprising: a rocker mounted on said base plate and pivotable about at least one rod between an upper position and a lower position, at least one punch for punching said sheet material, and a lever operatively connected to a corresponding one of said at least one punch; a stapling assembly comprising a cartridge adapted to store staples, said cartridge being mounted on said base plate and pivotable between an unstapling position and a stapling position, wherein said cartridge defines an aperture for ejection of said staples from said cartridge; and a cartridge biasing member positioned between said base plate and said cartridge, said cartridge biasing member biasing said cartridge toward said unstapling position; wherein said aperture is positioned between the front portion of said base plate and said cartridge biasing member, and said at least one punch is positioned between said cartridge biasing member and the rear portion of said base plate; and wherein when said rocker is in said upper position, said lever engages a top of the elongated slot of said at least one side support, and when said rocker is in said lower position, said enlarged circular aperture is adapted to receive at least a portion of said lever to retain said rocker in said lower position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, said lever has a first section and a second section, said first section having a diameter greater than a diameter of said second section, such that when said rocker is in said lower position, said second section can be received in said enlarged circular aperture.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a biasing member surrounding at least a portion of said first section, said biasing member configured to bias said lever away from said at least one side support when said rocker is not in said lower position.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, said punching assembly further comprises an operating switch mounted on said rocker and slidable in a direction perpendicular to a front-rear direction from a punching position to a cartridge engagement position, wherein, when said operating switch is in said cartridge engagement position, pivoting of said rocker toward said lower position biases said cartridge to said stapling position, and when said operating switch is in said punching position, pivoting of said rocker toward said lower position does not bias said cartridge to said stapling position.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a flange attached to said operating switch, wherein when said operating switch is in said cartridge engagement position, pivoting of said rocker causes said flange to engage said cartridge.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a flange biasing member attached to said flange.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, said flange biasing member is a rectangular coil spring.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a slot in the rocker and at least one tab attached to a bottom of the rocker, wherein the operating switch is positioned between the slot in the rocker and the at least one tab.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a protrusion on the operating switch, wherein the protrusion extends beyond the rocker.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The at least one side bracket has at least one punch aperture, and the at least one punch is extendable through the at least one punch aperture.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The lever is arranged perpendicular to the punch and extends into the elongated slot, wherein the elongated slot defines a range of motion of the lever from the upper position to the lower position.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The base defines an opening adapted to at least partially receive the stapling assembly, an anvil is positioned at the opening, and the slot at the front portion is connected to the opening and is adapted to allow sheet material to be stapled at the anvil.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The words "stapler" and "puncher" are present at least near the operating switch.

14. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The base has a slot adapted to receive the flange, and the base receives the flange when the operating switch is in the punching position and the rocker is in the lower position.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The base defines at least a portion of at least one compartment, and the at least one punch is extendable into the at least one compartment when the rocker is in the lower position.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The stapling assembly further comprises a pivot rod, and the cartridge is pivotable about the pivot rod.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising an anvil on the base.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein, The base defines an opening adapted to at least partially receive the stapling assembly, the anvil is positioned at the opening, and the slot at the front portion is connected to the opening and is adapted to allow sheet material to be stapled at the anvil.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-18, wherein, A cover is attached to the base.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein, The cover comprises a pair of rails extending across the cover in a direction perpendicular to the front and back portions of the base, the pair of rails defining a groove adapted to receive a slider.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein, The slider has a foot at one end of the slider, a user can use the foot as a handle to slide the slider along the pair of rails.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein, The slider has one or more markings on a length of the slider for indicating one or more sheet material sizes.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-22, wherein, The rocker is pivotable about a first axis, and the cartridge is pivotable about a second axis different from the first axis.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein, The rocker has a front side and a back side, and the first axis is closer to the back side than to the front side, and the cartridge has a front end and a back end, and the second axis is closer to the back end than to the front end.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein, The back side of the rocker and the back end of the cartridge are closer to the back portion of the base than to the front portion of the base.

26. An apparatus for punching and stapling sheet material, the apparatus comprising: a base having a front portion and a back portion opposite the front portion; a lever pivotable about a first axis, and a cartridge pivotable about a second axis different from the first axis; at least one side bracket extending from the base plate, each side bracket defining an elongated slot having an enlarged circular aperture at a bottom of the elongated slot; a punching assembly comprising: a rocker mounted on the base plate and pivotable about a first axis about a pivot rod between an upper position and a lower position; at least one punch for punching holes in the sheet material; and a rod operatively connected to and disposed perpendicular to a corresponding one of the at least one punch; a stapling assembly comprising: a magazine adapted to store staples, the magazine being mounted on the base plate and pivotable about a second axis about a pivot rod between an un-stapling position and a stapling position, the second axis being different from the first axis; wherein the magazine defines an aperture for ejection of the staples from the magazine, and the punch is closer to the front than to the first and second axes; wherein when the rocker is in the upper position, the rod engages a top of the elongated slot of the at least one side bracket, and when the rocker is in the lower position, the enlarged circular aperture is adapted to receive at least a portion of the rod to retain the rocker in the lower position; and the base plate defines an opening adapted to at least partially receive the stapling assembly, a staple anvil is positioned at the opening, and a slot at the front is connected to the opening and is adapted to allow the sheet material to be stapled at the staple anvil.

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