Stapling device and method of stapling

Abstract

The stapling apparatus may include a staple head movable in a first staple direction from a head retracted position to a head extended position. The stapling apparatus may further include an indexing device including an index bias member and an indexing member. The indexing member may be at least partially disposed within the indexing region and biased by the index bias member toward the member extended position relative to the indexing region. The indexing member may define a rung travel path and may further include an indexing tab including a ramp surface disposed to tapering the rung travel path in the first indexing direction. The indexing tab may further include a shoulder positioned beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface in the first indexing direction. In a further embodiment, the staple chain positioning device may include a push member movable in the extended direction.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 942,363, filed December 2, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. [Technical field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a stapling apparatus and method of stapling, and more particularly to a stapling apparatus configured to linearly feed a staple chain and a method of linearly feeding a staple chain with a stapling apparatus. [Background technology]

[0003] Stapling devices are known to utilize a rotating wheel that engages the staple chain and a feed pawl and ratchet system that advances the staple chain through the stapling device. Such systems can sometimes experience failure of the feed mechanism when feeding the staple chain through the stapling device. Accordingly, improvements may be made to existing systems to reduce the occurrence of such failures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some embodiments described in the detailed description.

[0005] According to some embodiments, the stapling apparatus may include a staple head movable in a first staple direction from a head retracted position to a head extended position. The stapling apparatus may further include an indexing apparatus including an index bias member and an indexing member. The indexing member may be at least partially disposed within the indexing region and biased with the index bias member toward the member extended position relative to the indexing region. The indexing member may be movable in a first indexing direction from the member extended position to the member retracted position relative to the indexing region. The first indexing direction may include a directional component including the first staple direction. The indexing member may define a rung travel path and may further include an indexing tab including a ramp surface arranged to taper the rung travel path in the first indexing direction. The indexing tab may further include a shoulder positioned beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface in the first indexing direction.

[0006] According to some embodiments, an indexing device for indexing a staple chain may include a support member, an indexing bias member, and an indexing member disposed at least partially within the indexing region and biased by the indexing bias member toward a member extended position relative to the indexing region. The indexing member may be movable in a first indexing direction from the member extended position to a member retracted position relative to the indexing region. The indexing member may define a rung travel path and may further include an indexing tab including a ramp surface disposed to taper the rung travel path in the first indexing direction. The indexing tab may further include a shoulder positioned beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface in the first indexing direction.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the staple chain positioning device may include a push member movable in an expansion direction and a slide member configured to slide in a sliding direction perpendicular to the expansion direction. An interface between the slide member and the push member may cause movement of the push member in the expansion direction in response to movement of the slide member in the sliding direction. The interface may include an interface protrusion disposed in the interface slot. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stapling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembly of a stapling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the assembly of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged, exploded, front perspective view of the components of the assembly of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded rear perspective view of the components of the assembly of FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a front perspective view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 2 with the staple head of the assembly in a head retracted position and with the indexing device and staple chain positioning device cover members omitted; FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a front perspective view of a portion of the assembly of FIG. 6 with the staple head of the assembly in a head extended position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of an indexing device of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of the embodiment of the indexing device of FIG. 8 with the cover member omitted. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the indexing device taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8 with the pivot members in an engaged position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the indexing device of FIG. 10 with the pivot members in a disengaged position. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a rear view of a cover member of an indexing member in accordance with an arrangement of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 13 is a bottom view of the cover member of the indexing member taken along line 13-13 of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a staple chain having a first width being fed into a staple chain slot of an indexing device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows another staple chain having a second width being fed into the staple chain slot of the indexing device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of an indexing device where the cover member of the indexing device is omitted, the indexing member is in a stored position, and the indexing device is configured with the indexing member having a first stroke length. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 illustrates the embodiment of the indexing device of FIG. 16 with the indexing member in an extended position. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of an indexing device where the cover member of the indexing device is omitted, the indexing member is in an extended position, and the indexing device is configured with the indexing member having a second stroke length that is longer than the first stroke length. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 illustrates the embodiment of the indexing device of FIG. 18 with the indexing member in an extended position. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a single rung of staples separated from the staple chain. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a double rung staple separated from a single staple chain. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of the staple chain positioning device and indexing device embodiment of FIG. 2 with the indexing device cover member omitted. [Figure 23] 23 is a cross-sectional view of the staple chain positioning and indexing device taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows a single rung staple with the rung in a first position relative to a pair of rail segments. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 shows the single rung staple of FIG. 24 with a document fastened thereto. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows a single rung staple with the rung in a second position relative to the pair of rail segments. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows the single rung staple of FIG. 26 with a document fastened thereto. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 shows a single rung staple with the rung located substantially at the midpoint of a pair of rail segments. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 shows the single rung staple of FIG. 28 with a document fastened thereto. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a stapling device 101 incorporating features of the present disclosure. A staple chain 103 may be wound on a storage spool 105 that is rotatably attached to the stapling device 101. Ends 107 of the staple chain 103 may be fed into slots 109 of the stapling device 101 and interfaced to the device for fastening documents together with staples separated from the staple chain, as described below. Documents to be fastened together are inserted into receiving areas 115 of the stapling device 101, after which the stapling device 101 may detach the staples from the staple chain 103 to secure the documents together. See, for example, FIG. 28. In some embodiments, the staples 2801 separated from the staple chain 103 may be comprised of rungs 2805 that extend between a first rail segment 2803a and a second rail segment 2803b. As shown in FIG. 29, in some embodiments, a first document 2901 can be secured to a second document 2903 by a staple 2801, with rungs 2805 extending through openings in the documents 2901, 2903 and rail segments 2803a, 2803b anchoring both ends of the rungs 2805 to prevent the documents 2901, 2903 from accidentally coming apart from one another.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the stapling apparatus 101 can include a closure 111 pivotally attached to a housing 113. The interior area defined by the closure 111 and the housing 113 can include an assembly 201 of the stapling apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, features of a front 203 of the assembly 201 can be exposed by pivoting the closure 111 from a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) to an open position (not shown). For purposes of this application, the stapling apparatus 101 can be considered the entire apparatus shown in FIG. 1 or any component or combination of components of the assembly 201 illustrated in FIGS. 2-19 and 22-23. In some embodiments, the staple chain is considered part of the stapling apparatus. In further embodiments, the staple chain is not considered part of the stapling apparatus.

[0013] 2-3 and 6-7 show a staple head 205, which may optionally be considered part of the stapling apparatus. For example, in some embodiments, the stapling apparatus 101 is considered to include the staple head 205, but the staple head 205 may not be considered part of the stapling apparatus 101 in further embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 6, the staple head 205 may be positioned at a head retracted position. With reference to FIGS. 6-7, the staple head 205 may be moved in a first staple direction 601 from the head retracted position shown in FIG. 6 to the head extended position shown in FIG. 7. Additionally, the staple head 205 may be moved in a second staple direction 701, which is opposite the first staple direction 601, from the head extended position shown in FIG. 7 to the head retracted position shown in FIG. 6. In the head extended position shown in FIG. 7, the needles 704a, 704b of the staple head 205 penetrate the documents 2901, 2903 (see FIG. 29) for placement of the staples 2801, while the stapled documents may be removed from the vicinity of the stapling device 101 after the staple head moves to the head retracted position shown in FIG. 6. For purposes of this application, unless otherwise noted, the staple head 205 is considered to be all parts of the assembly 201 that move from the head retracted position (shown in FIG. 6) to the head extended position (shown in FIG. 7), including, for example, the guide rails 603, 605, the needles 704a, 704b and other components that move together as a single unit between the head retracted position and the head extended position. The staple head 205 does not include the support member 409 of the indexing device 207, described below, if one is provided.

[0014] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the stapling apparatus 101 may include an indexing device 207. In some embodiments, the indexing device 207 may include one or more of the components shown in the bottom row in the exploded views in brackets in FIGS. 3-5. The indexing device 207 may, in some embodiments, include an indexing member that is a one-piece member. In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the indexing member 403 may optionally include one or a combination of the components bracketed in FIG. 4.

[0015] In some embodiments, the indexing member 403 may be positioned at least partially within the indexing region 401. As shown in FIG. 4, the indexing region 401 may include a recess in the support member 409 of the indexing apparatus 207. The support member 409 may be fixed to move with the staple head 205. For example, the opening 411 of the support member 409 may receive a fastener, such as the bolt 209 illustrated in FIG. 2, to fixedly secure the support member 409 to the staple head 205. Because the support member 409 may be fixedly attached to the staple head 205, the staple head 205 and the support member 409 may move together as a single unit in the first staple direction 601 and the second staple direction 701 of the staple head 205. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the indexing region may be defined at least partially or entirely by the staple head 205. In this manner, the indexing region 401 may move with the staple head 205 (eg, as part of the staple head 205 and / or as part of the indexing device 207).

[0016] As shown in Figure 4, in some embodiments, the indexing device 207 can include a cover member 413. As shown in Figure 2, the cover member 413 can be secured to the support member 409, and the cover member 413 can at least partially define the indexing area 401. For example, as shown in Figure 10, the indexing area 401 can be defined between the support member 409 and the cover member 413.

[0017] In some embodiments, the indexing member 403 can be movable in a first indexing direction 703 from a member extended position (see FIG. 7) to a member retracted position (see FIG. 6) relative to the indexing region 401. The indexing member 403 can also be movable in a second indexing direction 705 from a member retracted position (see FIG. 6) to a member extended position (see FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 10, the first indexing direction 703 can include a directional component that includes the first staple direction 601 of the staple head 205. For example, the path of movement 1001 of the indexing member 403 in the first indexing direction 703 can extend obliquely relative to the path of movement 1003 of the staple head 205 in the first staple direction 601. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the resulting first indexing direction 703 can be substantially the same as the resulting first staple direction 601. For example, in some embodiments not shown, the movement path 1001 of the indexing member 403 in the first indexing direction 703 can be parallel to the movement path 1003 of the staple head 205 in the first stapling direction 601.

[0018] In some embodiments, the indexing member 403 may be biased with an indexing biasing member 415 toward a member extended position (see FIG. 7) relative to the indexing region 401. A force 602 may be applied to the indexing member 403 to move the indexing member 403 in a first indexing direction 703 against the force applied by the indexing biasing member 415 to the member retracted position shown in FIG. 6. However, once the force 602 is removed, the indexing biasing member 415 may bias the indexing member 403 back within the indexing region 401 along a second indexing direction 705 from the member retracted position (see FIG. 6) to the member extended position (see FIG. 7). In some embodiments, as shown, the indexing biasing member 415 may include an extension spring as shown. In further embodiments, the indexing biasing member 415 may be comprised of another type of spring, such as a leaf spring, a compression spring, or a length of resilient material.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 10, the indexing member 403 can define a rung travel path 1005. For example, in some embodiments, the rung travel path 1005 can be defined between the indexing member 403 and an inner surface 1007 of the cover member 413. In some embodiments, the indexing member 403 can further include an indexing tab. In some embodiments, a single indexing tab can be provided, while in further embodiments, multiple indexing tabs can be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, multiple indexing tabs 405a-d and 407a-d can be provided, while the multiple indexing tabs can include a pair of indexing tabs or three or more indexing tabs in further embodiments.

[0020] Although not required, the plurality of indexing tabs may include one or more rows of indexing tabs. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, the plurality of indexing tabs may include an illustrated first row 1603a of four indexing tabs 405a-d, although in further embodiments, more or less than four indexing tabs may be provided in the first row. In some embodiments, each indexing tab of the plurality of indexing tabs 405a-d in the first row 1603a of indexing tabs may be identical to other indexing tabs of the plurality of indexing tabs, although in further embodiments, different indexing tab configurations may be provided. In some embodiments, as further shown, the plurality of indexing tabs may include an illustrated second row 1603b of four indexing tabs 407a-d, although in further embodiments, more or less than four indexing tabs may be provided in the second row. In some embodiments, each indexing tab of the plurality of indexing tabs 407a-d in the second row 1603b of indexing tabs may be identical to the other indexing tabs of the plurality of indexing tabs, although different indexing tab configurations may be provided in further embodiments. In some embodiments, each row 1603a, 1603b may extend transversely to the first indexing direction 703. In some embodiments, each row 1603a, 1603b may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first indexing direction 703.

[0021] 16, in some embodiments, the plurality of indexing tabs may include a plurality of two or more indexing tabs arranged in a column of indexing tabs extending in a first indexing direction. In some embodiments, a first column 1601a of indexing tabs extending in a first indexing direction 703 may be provided. The first column 1601a of indexing tabs may include a corresponding first pair 405a, 407a of indexing tabs, although the first column 1601a of indexing tabs may include more than two indexing tabs in further embodiments. In some embodiments, the plurality of indexing tabs may include a second column 1601b of indexing tabs extending in the first indexing direction 703. The second column 1601b of indexing tabs may include another corresponding first pair 405b, 407b of indexing tabs, although the second column 1601b of indexing tabs may include more than two indexing tabs in further embodiments. In some embodiments, the plurality of indexing tabs may include a third column 1601c of indexing tabs extending in the first indexing direction 703. The third column 1601c of indexing tabs may include another corresponding first pair 405c, 407c of indexing tabs, although the third column 1601c of indexing tabs may include more than two indexing tabs in further embodiments. In some embodiments, the plurality of indexing tabs may include a fourth column 1601d of indexing tabs extending in the first indexing direction 703. The fourth column 1601d of indexing tabs may include another corresponding first pair 405d, 407d of indexing tabs, although the fourth column 1601d of indexing tabs may include more than two indexing tabs in further embodiments. Although four columns of indexing tabs are illustrated, more or fewer columns of indexing tabs may be provided in further embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 8, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 1009, described below, in the first indexing direction 703. The cross-sectional view shows a cross-section of a corresponding first pair 405b, 407b of the second row 1601b of indexing tabs. As shown, each indexing tab may include a ramp surface 1011 positioned to taper the rung travel path 1005 in the first indexing direction 703 and a shoulder 1013 positioned past at least a portion of the ramp surface 1011 in the first indexing direction 703. FIG. 8 illustrates the indexing device 207 with a cover member 413, while FIG. 9 illustrates the indexing device 207 without the cover member 413 for clarity. As shown in FIG. 8, the cover member 413 may include a staple chain slot 801 that passes through the cover member 413 and into the indexing region 401. The staple chain slot 801 is wide enough to accommodate the width of the staple chain defined between the outer edges of the opposing rails 803a, 803b. The rungs 805 of the staple chain 103 may be equally spaced in series along the length of the staple chain 103. Each rung 805 includes a first end attached to a first rail 803a of the opposing rails and a second end attached to a second rail 803b of the opposing rails. As shown in FIG. 10, the staple chain 103 may be fed into the staple chain slot 801 along a direction 1015 and then fed through the rung travel path 1005 in the first indexing direction 703.

[0023] When the indexing member 403 is moved in the first indexing direction 703 from the extended position shown in FIG. 7 to the retracted position shown in FIG. 6, the rung 805 that encounters the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab may slide over and pass through it and then be received within the shoulder 1013. The shoulder 1013 may then act as a stop to inhibit movement of the rung 805 back over the shoulder and back to the ramp surface 1011. Additionally, because the shoulder 1013 acts as a stop, the staple chain 103 may be fed through the staple chain slot 801 when the staple head 205 is moved in the first stapling direction 601 while the indexing member 403 is extended in the second indexing direction 705 toward the member extended position. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the cover member may further include a rung tab 807 to prevent the indexing member from pushing the staple chain 103 back through the staple chain slot 801. 10, the rung tab 807 may include a ramp 1017 that allows passage of the rung 805 of the staple chain 103 over the rung tab 807 when feeding the portion of the staple chain 103 into the staple chain slot 801. The rung tab 807 may further include a shoulder 1019 that inhibits passage of the rung 805 of the staple chain 103 back over the rung tab 807 to inhibit movement of the portion of the staple chain 103 out of the staple chain slot 801.

[0024] The configuration of the indexing member 403 may abut a portion of the staple chain 103 to provide a steady and reliable feeding of the staple chain 103 by the stapling apparatus 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, an outer edge 901a of one or more outer indexing tabs, such as an outer edge 901a of the indexing tabs 405a, 407a of the first row 1601a of the indexing tabs, may abut or extend closely to an inner edge 903a of the first rail 803a of the staple chain 103. As further shown in FIG. 9, an outer edge 901b of one or more outer indexing tabs, such as an outer edge 901b of the indexing tabs 405d, 407d of the fourth row 1601d of the indexing tabs, may abut or extend closely to an inner edge 903b of the second rail 803b of the staple chain 103. As a result, the staple chain 103 may be securely captured by the outer surface of the outer indexing tabs to provide proper lateral alignment of the staple chain 103 as it is fed into the stapling apparatus 101. Additionally, providing two rows of indexing tabs may provide for simultaneous gripping of two adjacent rungs 805 to avoid inadvertent disengagement of the staple chain 103 from the indexing member 403 while feeding the staple chain through the rung travel path 1005 with the indexing member 403, further improving the stability of the connection between the indexing member 403 and the staple chain 103. Additionally, it is believed that providing multiple rows 1601a-d and rows 1603a-b of indexing tabs may not only help prevent tilting of the staple chain 103 within the rung travel path 1005, but may also provide support for rungs 805 that may deform or bend, increasing stability, particularly if the rungs are flexible and not otherwise supported at multiple locations along their width.

[0025] In further embodiments, the configuration of the cover member 413 may contact a portion of the staple chain 103 to further enhance a stable and reliable feeding of the staple chain 103 by the stapling apparatus 101. For example, FIG. 12 is a rear view of the cover member 413 of FIG. 8 having the staple chain 103, with the remaining portion of the indexing member 403 removed for purposes of illustration. As shown, the inner surface 1007 of the cover member 413 may have a recess 1201 defined therein that may cooperate with the recess in the support member 409 to define the indexing region 401. Additionally, the inner surface 1007 may include a plurality of grooves, such as a first pair of grooves 1203a, 1203b. With the understanding that the grooves 1203a, 1203b are formed in the inner surface 1007 as can be seen in FIG. 10, it will be understood that the grooves extend in a first indexing direction 703 and face the indexing region 401. The grooves 1203a, 1203b correspondingly receive the protrusions of the rails 803a, 803b. Providing the grooves 1203a, 1203b to receive the corresponding rails 803a, 803b can aid in aligning the rails and maintain the rails along a predetermined path, thereby reducing malfunctions in feeding the staple chain 103 with the stapling apparatus 101.

[0026] The configuration of the embodiments of the stapling apparatus 101 may further provide a reliable and consistent supply of staple chains having different widths. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 8, 14 and 15, the rung tabs 807 may include a plurality of rung tabs 807 arranged in a row 1401 (see Fig. 14) extending transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) to the first indexing direction 703. In some embodiments, the plurality of rung tabs 807 may include three rung tabs. In such embodiments, the rails 803a, 803b of the wider staple chain 103 may pass through a slot defined between the opposing outer surfaces of the staple chain slot 801 and the outer two rung tabs 807, as shown in Fig. 14. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 15, the rails 803a, 803b of the narrower staple chain 103 may pass through a slot defined between the outer two rung tabs 807 and the middle rung tab 807.

[0027] 12, to further accommodate staple chains having different widths, the plurality of grooves on the inner surface 1007 may further include a second pair of grooves 1205a, 1205b, etc. extending in the first indexing direction 703 and facing the indexing region 401. The second pair of grooves 1205a, 1205b may correspond and receive protruding portions of rails 803a, 803b of the narrower rail shown in FIG. 15 and help align and retain the rails along a predetermined path.

[0028] In some embodiments, the indexing device 207 can be designed to selectively release the staple chain 103 from the stapling device 101, for example, to change the width of the staple chain. Once the staple chain 103 is released, the storage spool 105 (see FIG. 1) can be removed and another storage spool having a desired width can be loaded into the stapling device 101. Turning to reference to FIGS. 10-11, in some embodiments, the indexing tabs 405b, 407b can be movable relative to the body 1021 from an engaged position (see FIG. 10) in which the ramp surface 1011 tapers the rung travel path 1005, to a disengaged position (see FIG. 11) in which the taper of the rung travel path 1005 is eliminated or otherwise reduced. As can be seen by FIG. 11, once the taper of the rung travel path 1005 is reduced, the rungs 805 can be caused to pass over the indexing tabs 405b, 407b as the staple chain 103 is pulled out of the staple chain slot 801. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the body 1021 can be integral with the indexing tabs 405b, 407b, where the mixing tabs can include a flexible portion that can flex relative to the body 1021 to move the indexing tabs 405b, 407b relative to the body 1021 to achieve the disengaged position shown in FIG. 11. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 10, the indexing tabs can include a pivot member 417 that is movable relative to the body 1021 such that a portion of the indexing tab (e.g., a ramped surface) extends through an opening 419 (see FIG. 4) in the body 1021. As shown, in some embodiments, the body 1021 can optionally include four openings 419, each capable of accommodating one or a row of ramped faces of an indexing tab. With reference to Figure 5, the pivot member 417 can include a pivot pin 501 including a pivot protrusion that can fit within a pivot recess 503 such that the pivot member 417 is rotatably mounted relative to the body 1021 of the indexing member 403 about a rotation axis 1009 (see Figure 10).The indexing member 403 may further include a tab biasing member for biasing the indexing tab toward the engaged position shown in Figure 10. As shown in Figures 4-5, in some embodiments, the tab biasing member may include a torsion spring 421.

[0029] In some embodiments, the indexing member 403 may include a configuration that allows for selection between a single-lung staple 2001 (see FIG. 20) or a double-lung staple 2101 (see FIG. 21). As shown in FIG. 20, the single-lung staple 2001 may include a single rung 2805 connected between the rail segments 2803a, 2803b. The double-lung staple 2101 of FIG. 21 may include a pair of rungs 2805 connected between the rail segments 2803a, 2803b. The selection between the single-lung staple 2001 and the double-lung staple 2101 will be described with first reference to the indexing device 207 shown in FIGS. 16-19, where the indexing member 403 is illustrated without the cover member 413 for illustrative purposes. In some embodiments, the indexing device 207 may include a stop device 1600. The stop device 1600 may include a shoulder 1602 configured to move relative to the indexing member 403 to engage a portion 1701 (see FIG. 17) of the indexing member 403 to shorten the stroke length of the indexing member between the member extended position and the member retracted position. For example, the stroke length S1 shown in FIG. 16 is less than the stroke length S2 shown in FIG. 18 because the shoulder 1602 moves relative to the indexing member to engage the portion 1701 of the indexing member 403 and prevent full movement of the indexing member 403 relative to the support member 409. Alternatively, the stroke length S2 shown in FIG. 18 can be made longer than the stroke length S1 shown in FIG. 16 by moving the shoulder 1602 relative to the indexing member 403 to prevent engagement with the portion 1701 of the indexing member 403 to allow full movement of the indexing member 403 relative to the support member 409.

[0030] In some embodiments, as shown, the portion 1701 of the indexing member 403 may include a protrusion 1701 as shown that extends into the stroke path 1605 defined by the support member 409. In some embodiments, as shown, the stroke path 1605 may include a groove formed in the support member 409 that may receive the protrusion 1701 and allow movement of the protrusion within the groove throughout the stroke path 1605 along the stroke length described above. In some embodiments, as shown, the stop device 1600 may include a protrusion that includes a shoulder 1602. The protrusion of the stop device 1600 is considered to be the portion of the stop device 1600 that extends into the stroke path 1605 at the single rung staple position shown in FIGS. 16-17. As shown in FIGS. 16-17, the protrusion including the shoulder 1602 of the stop device 1600 may move into the stroke path 1605 to shorten the effective length of the stroke path of the indexing member 403 to shorten the stroke length S1. Thus, as shown in FIG. 17, the shoulder 1602 of the stop device 1600 can move relative to the indexing member 403 to engage a portion of the indexing member (e.g., the protrusion 1701) and reduce the extent to which the indexing member 403 extends to the member extended position relative to the support member 409 (see FIG. 17). Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 18-19, the protrusion including the shoulder 1602 of the stop device 1600 can be moved out of the stroke path 1605 to increase the effective length of the stroke path and increase the stroke length S2 of the indexing member 403. Thus, as shown in FIG. 19, the shoulder 1602 of the stop device 1600 can move relative to the indexing member 403 so as not to engage a portion of the indexing member 403 (e.g., the protrusion 1701) and increase the extent to which the indexing member 403 extends to the member extended position relative to the support member 409 (see FIG. 19).

[0031] 24-29 illustrate various alternative staples 2401, 2601, 2801 of the single rung staple 2001 described above. For example, FIGS. 28-29 show rung 2805 of staple 2801 positioned approximately at the midpoint of rail segment 2803a, 2803b. In embodiments including a single rung 2805 for the staple, positioning rung 2805 approximately at the midpoint of the rail segment can provide a stronger staple 2801 that helps resist pull-out from the rail segment once secured, as shown in FIG. 29. Alternatively, embodiments including a single rung 2805 (see, for example, staples 2401, 2601) can be positioned along the first rail segment 2403a, 2603a and the second rail segment 2403b, 2603b at a location offset from the midpoint of the rail segment. In some embodiments, providing staples with rungs that are offset from the midpoint of the rail segment (see, e.g., staples 2401, 2601) can reduce the force required to pull the rail segment once secured, as shown in Figures 25-27. Reducing the separation force may be desirable to reduce the effort required to separate documents.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the stapling apparatus 101 may include a staple chain positioning device 211 for selectively positioning rungs 2805 along the rail segments to generate a desired staple configuration (e.g., 2401, 2601, 2801). Exploded front and rear perspective views of an embodiment of the staple chain positioning device 211 are shown in the upper row of brackets in FIGS. 4-5, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the staple chain positioning device 211 may include a push member 213. As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the push member 213 may include a tongue 505 that may be slidably received within a channel 507 of the cover member 509. The channel 507 may provide a linear guide path from the tongue 505 to facilitate linear movement of the push member 213 along the extension direction 2201 or the retraction direction 2202 (see FIG. 22). As shown in Fig. 23, the extension direction 2201 may include a directional component of the first indexing direction 703 of the indexing member 403. Figs. 22-23 illustrate the indexing device 207, with the cover member 413 of the indexing device omitted for purposes of illustration.

[0033] As further shown in FIG. 23, the push member 213 may further include an abutment surface 2301 that may abut against an abutment surface 2303 of the indexing member 403 to adjust the degree to which the indexing member 403 is retracted relative to the indexing region 401 when the staple head 205 is in the head retracted position shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 4, the staple chain positioning device 211 may further include a slide member 423 configured to slide in a slide direction 425 transverse (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to the extension direction 2201 of the push member 213. In some embodiments, the interface between the slide member 423 and the push member 213 may cause the push member to move in the extension direction 2201 in response to the slide member moving in the slide direction 425. In some embodiments, the interface may include a protrusion disposed within an interface slot. For example, although not shown, in some embodiments, the slide member 423 may include a protrusion positioned within an interface slot of the push member 213. Alternatively, the slide member 423 may include an interface slot 427 and the push member 213 may include a protrusion 511 (see FIG. 5 ). As shown in FIG. 23 , in some embodiments, the protrusion 511 of the push member 213 may be positioned within the interface slot 427 of the slide member 423. As shown in FIG. 4 , the interface slot 427 may extend along a slot path direction 429. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the slot path direction 429 may include a first direction component including the slide direction 425 and a second direction component including the extension direction 2201 of the push member 213. As a result, due to the interface between the interface slot 427 of the slide member 423 and the protrusion 511 of the push member 213, the movement of the slide member 423 in the slide direction 425 causes the movement of the abutment surface 2301 in the retraction direction 2202 as well as the movement of the protrusion 511.Furthermore, due to the interface between the interface slot 427 of the slide member 423 and the protrusion 511 of the push member 213, the movement of the slide member 423 in the direction opposite to the sliding direction 425 not only causes the movement of the protrusion 511 but also the movement of the abutment surface 2301 in the expansion direction 2201.

[0034] In some embodiments, the cover member 509 of the staple chain positioning device 211 can include a cover slot 433 extending in the sliding direction 425. The positioning protrusion 431 of the slide member 423 can be positioned to extend through the cover slot 433 to allow a user to contact the positioning protrusion 431 to move the slide member 423 and, consequently, move the push member 213 in response to the movement of the slide member 423.

[0035] A method of feeding the staple chain 103 with the stapling apparatus 101 will now be described with initial reference to Figure 6. The method may include moving the staple head 205 from a head retracted position in the first staple direction 601 while an indexing biasing member 415 biases the indexing member 403 to move relative to the staple head 205 in a second indexing direction 705 opposite the first indexing direction 703 from a member retracted position shown in Figures 6, 16 and 18 to a member extended position shown in Figures 7, 17 and 19. As the indexing member 403 moves in the second indexing direction 705 from the member retracted position to the member extended position, a portion of the staple chain 103 passes through the ramp 1017 of the rung tab 807 and is fed into the staple chain slot 801. After the staple head 205 has moved in the first staple direction 601 by the stroke length (see S1 in FIG. 16 or S2 in FIG. 17), the indexing member 403 is in the member extended position, as shown in FIGS. 7, 17 and 19. The staple head 205 can then continue to move in the first staple direction 601 together with the indexing member 403 while the indexing member 403 is in the member extended position, until the staple head achieves the head extended position shown in FIG. 7. While the staple head and indexing member 403 move together, the first rung 805a (see FIG. 10) of the staple chain 103 can be engaged with the shoulder 1013 of the index tab 407b. For purposes of explanation, the engagement of the first rung 805a and the increment to the second rung 805b, and in some embodiments further increment to the third rung 805c, will be described with reference to index tab 407b, with the understanding that if multiple index tabs are provided, the same or similar actions may be performed on the other index tabs. In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 10, the shoulder 1013 of index tab 407b engages the first rung 805a while the first rung 805a and index tab 407b move with the staple head 205 in the first staple direction 601 toward the head extended position shown in FIG.

[0036] In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting the stroke length of the indexing member to change the number of rungs 805 of the staple chain 103 that pass over the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab when moving the staple head 205 in a second stapling direction 701 opposite the first stapling direction from a head extended position (see FIG. 7) to a head retracted position (see FIG. 6). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the stop device may include a protrusion 215 that may extend through a slot 217 in the cover member 413. To adjust the stapling device 101 to provide a single rung staple 2001 (see FIG. 20), a user may depress the protrusion 215 in a direction toward the staple chain slot 801. Once actuated, as shown in Figures 16-17, the protrusion of the stop device 1600, including the shoulder 1602, moves into the stroke path 1605 such that the shoulder 1602 interferes with the protrusion 1701 of the indexing member 403 in the extended position (see Figure 17), thereby reducing the length of the stroke S1 of the indexing member 403 by one rung for indexing, as described below. Alternatively, the user may push the protrusion 215 away from the staple chain slot 801 to adjust the stapling device 101 to provide a double rung staple 2101 (see Figure 21). Once actuated, as shown in FIGS. 18-19, the protrusion of the stop device 1600, including the shoulder 1602, moves out of the stroke path 1605 and therefore does not interfere with the protrusion 1701 of the indexing member 403 in the extended position (see FIG. 19), thereby allowing an increase in the length of the stroke S2 ​​of the indexing member 403 for two-rung indexing as described below.

[0037] Once the fastener has been applied to the document (see, e.g., Figures 25, 27, 29), the fastener head can then begin to move back from the head extended position shown in Figure 7 toward the head retracted position shown in Figure 6 to increment one or two rungs on the staple chain 103 depending on whether the stop device 1600 is configured for single rung staple production or double rung staple production, as described above. In either position of the stop device 1600, as the staple head 205 begins to move in the second staple direction 701, the staple head 205 and indexing member 403 (biased to the member extended position shown in Figure 7 by the index bias member 415) move together with the staple chain 103. The staple head 205, indexing member 403 (based on the extended position shown in FIG. 7) and staple chain 103 move together toward the head retracted position until the abutment surface 2303 of the indexing member 403 contacts the abutment surface 2301 of the push member 213. Further movement of the staple head 205 in the second staple direction 701 toward the head retracted position then causes the push member 213 to exert a force 602 (see FIG. 6) on the indexing member 403, causing the indexing member 403 to begin retracting (against the bias of the bias member 415) from the member extended position to the member retracted position. Thus, as the abutment surface 2303 of the indexing member 403 begins to contact the abutment surface 2301 of the push member 213, further movement of the staple head 205 in the second staple direction 701 causes relative movement between the staple head 205 and the indexing member 403 to retract into the member retracted position shown in FIG. 6. While the staple head 205 is moving in the second stapling direction 701 and while the indexing member 403 is moving toward retraction in the first indexing direction 703, the second rung 805b adjacent to the first rung 805a passes over the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab 407b.In fact, the second rung 805b passes over the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab 407b while moving the indexing member 403 in the first indexing direction 703 from the member extended position to the member retracted position. When the stop 160 is adjusted to the position shown in FIGS. 16-17 to produce the single-lung staple described above, the second rung 805b advances one rung on the indexing tab and is adjacent to or seats within the shoulder 1013 of the indexing tab 407b when the staple head 205 reaches the fully retracted position shown in FIG. 6. Instead, when the stop 160 is adjusted to the position shown in FIGS. 18-19 to produce the double-lung staple described above, the third rung 805c advances over the indexing tab 407b. For example, when the stop device 160 is positioned in the position shown in Figures 18-19, the method may include moving the staple head 205 further in the second stapling direction 701, where the third rung 805c adjacent to the second rung 805b passes over the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab 407b. In fact, the third rung 805c passes over the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab 407b while continuing to move the indexing member 407b in the first indexing direction 703 from the member extended position to the member retracted position. Thus, when the stop device 160 is adjusted to the position shown in Figures 18-19 described above, having advanced two rungs on the indexing tab, the third rung 805c is adjacent to or sits in the shoulder 1013 of the indexing tab 407b when the staple head 205 reaches the fully retracted position shown in Figure 6.

[0038] The method may further include holding the staple chain 103 relative to the staple chain slot 801 while advancing the second rung 805b, and in some embodiments the third rung 805c, on the ramp surface 1011 of the indexing tab 407b to prevent the portion of the staple chain 103 that has passed through the staple chain slot 801 from exiting the staple chain slot 801 in the opposite direction. For example, in some embodiments a rung tab 807 may be provided where seating of the rung on a shoulder 1019 of the rung tab 807 may inhibit or prevent passage of the portion of the staple chain 103 back through the staple chain slot 801 in a direction opposite to the feed direction of the staple chain 103.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method may include adjusting the extended position of the member to adjust the cut position of the staple chain. As shown in FIG. 2, the blade 219 may be mounted in a position to cut desired locations of the first rail 803a and the second rail 803b to provide the staples 2001, 2101. As previously mentioned, there may be a desire to change the location of the rungs 2805 of the single rung staples 2001 or double rung staples 2101 on the rail segments 2803a, 2803b. By way of example, as illustrated in FIG. 24, if a staple 2401 appears in which the bottom end of the rail is longer than the top end of the rail, it may be desired that the staple chain 103 be moved down relative to the blade 219 for the next cutting procedure to produce a staple that looks like the staple 2801 with the rungs 2805 moved relatively down to approximately the midpoint of the rail segment. To move the staple chain 103 downward, the push member 213 can be adjusted downward, and the push member should force the staple chain 103 attached to the indexing member 403 to move downward by the shoulder of the index tab when the indexing member 403 moves further toward retraction into the indexing region 401. As explained above, due to the interface between the interface slot 427 of the slide member 423 and the protrusion 511 of the push member 213, the movement of the slide member 423 in the direction opposite to the sliding direction 425 will cause the movement of the protrusion 511 as well as the abutment surface 2301 in the extension direction 2201, moving the indexing member 403 in the first indexing direction 703 relative to the indexing region 401. For example, the user can move the slide member 423 by engaging the positioning protrusion 431 of the slide member to move the slide member 423 in the opposite direction.

[0040] 26, if a staple 2601 appears in which the bottom end of the rail is shorter than the top end of the rail, the staple chain 103 should be moved up relative to the blade 219 for the next cutting procedure to produce a staple that is easily visible as a staple 2801 with a rung 2805 that has moved up relative to the rail segment to approximately the midpoint of the rail segment. To move the staple chain 103 up, the push member 213 can be adjusted upwards, resulting in the push member of the next cycle of the staple head having a rung that is engaged by the shoulder of the indexing tab located higher than would normally be the case. As previously explained, due to the interface between the interface slot 427 of the slide member 423 and the protrusion 511 of the push member 213, the movement of the slide member 423 in the sliding direction 425 will cause the movement of the protrusion 511 as well as the abutment surface 2301 in the retracting direction 2202, causing the indexing member 403 to move in the second indexing direction 705 relative to the indexing area 401. For example, a user can move the slide member 423 in the sliding direction 425 by engaging with the positioning protrusions 431 of the slide member.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method may further include moving the indexing tab to a disengaged position (see FIG. 11 ) and pulling the staple chain 103 out of the staple chain slot 803. As shown in FIGS. 4-5 , the pivot member 417 may include an engagement protrusion 435 capable of passing through the elongated slot 221 of the cover member 413 of the indexing device 207. As shown in FIG. 10 , a user may push the engagement protrusion 435 in a direction 1023 to rotate the pivot member 417 about the axis of rotation 1009 against the bias of the biasing member 421 from the engaged position ( FIG. 10 ) to the disengaged position ( FIG. 11 ). Once in the disengaged position shown in FIG. 11 , the staple chain 103 may be pulled out of the staple chain slot 803 without significant obstruction from a shoulder of the indexing tab pivoted significantly away from the rung travel path 1005.

[0042] The following are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, however, it should be understood that additional exemplary embodiments may be provided in accordance with the present disclosure. Additionally, any of the embodiments described below may be used alone or in combination with any of the other embodiments described below.

[0043] Embodiment 1. The stapler may include a staple head movable in a first staple direction from a head retracted position to a head extended position. The stapler may further include an indexing device including an index bias member and an indexing member. The indexing member may be at least partially disposed within the indexing region and biased with the index bias member toward the member extended position relative to the indexing region. The indexing member may be movable in a first indexing direction from the member extended position to the member retracted position relative to the indexing region. The first indexing direction may include a directional component including a first staple direction. The indexing member may define a rung travel path and may further include an indexing tab including a ramp surface disposed to taper the rung travel path in the first indexing direction. The indexing tab may further include a shoulder positioned beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface in the first indexing direction.

[0044] Embodiment 2. The stapling apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the indexing device may further comprise a cover member at least partially defining the indexing area. The cover member may include a staple chain slot passing through the cover member and into the indexing area.

[0045] Embodiment 3. The stapling apparatus of embodiment 2, wherein the cover member may include a plurality of grooves extending in a first indexing direction and facing the indexing region. The plurality of grooves may include a first pair of grooves.

[0046] Embodiment 4. The stapling device of embodiment 3, wherein the plurality of grooves may further include a second pair of grooves.

[0047] Embodiment 5. The stapling device of any one of embodiments 2-4, wherein the cover member may further include a rung tab including a slope that allows a rung of the staple chain to pass over the rung tab when feeding a portion of the staple chain into the staple chain slot. The rung tab may further include a shoulder that inhibits passage of the rung of the staple chain back over the rung tab to inhibit movement of the portion of the staple chain out of the staple chain slot.

[0048] Embodiment 6. The stapling device of embodiment 5, wherein the rung tab may include a plurality of rung tabs arranged in a row extending transversely relative to the first indexing direction.

[0049] Embodiment 7. The stapling device of embodiment 6, wherein the multiple rung tabs may include three rung tabs.

[0050] Embodiment 8. A stapling device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein a portion of the indexing tab can extend through an opening in the body of the indexing member.

[0051] Embodiment 9. A stapling device as described in embodiment 8, wherein the indexing tab may be movable relative to the body from an engaged position in which the ramp surface tapers the rung travel path to a disengaged position in which the taper of the rung travel path is reduced.

[0052] Embodiment 10. The stapling device of embodiment 9, wherein the indexing member may further include a tab bias member, the indexing tab being biased toward the engaged position by the tab bias member.

[0053] Embodiment 11. The stapling device of embodiment 10, wherein the tab bias member may include a torsion spring.

[0054] Embodiment 12. A stapling device according to any one of embodiments 8 to 11, wherein the indexing tab may be rotatably mounted relative to the body of the indexing member.

[0055] Embodiment 13. A stapling device described in any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the indexing tab may include multiple indexing tabs.

[0056] Embodiment 14. The stapling device of embodiment 13, wherein the first pair of the multiple indexing tabs can be arranged in a row extending in a first indexing direction.

[0057] Embodiment 15. A stapling device according to any one of embodiments 13 to 14, wherein the second pair of the multiple indexing tabs may be arranged in a row extending laterally relative to the first indexing direction.

[0058] Embodiment 16. A stapling device described in any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the indexing device may further include a stop device including a shoulder configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage a portion of the indexing member and shorten the length of the stroke of the indexing member between the member extended position and the member retracted position.

[0059] Embodiment 17. The stapling device of embodiment 16, wherein a portion of the indexing member may include a protrusion that extends into the stroke path.

[0060] Embodiment 18. A stapling device as described in embodiment 17, wherein the stop device may include a protrusion configured to be moved into the stroke path to reduce an effective length of the stroke path reducing the stroke length of the indexing member.

[0061] Embodiment 19. A stapling device described in any one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein a shoulder portion of the stop device may be configured to engage a portion of the indexing member and move relative to the indexing member to reduce the extent to which the indexing member extends to the member extended position.

[0062] Embodiment 20. The stapling device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19, further comprising a staple chain positioning device. The staple chain positioning device may include a push member configured to abut against an abutment surface of the indexing member to adjust the degree to which the indexing member retracts relative to the indexing region when the staple head is in the head retracted position.

[0063] Embodiment 21. The stapling device of embodiment 20, wherein the push member can be movable in an expansion direction that includes a directional component that includes the first indexing direction.

[0064] Embodiment 22. The stapling device of any one of embodiments 20-21, wherein the staple chain positioning device may further include a slide member configured to slide in a sliding direction transverse to the extension direction. An interface between the slide member and the push member may cause movement of the push member in the extension direction in response to movement of the slide member in the sliding direction. The interface may include an interface protrusion disposed in the interface slot.

[0065] Embodiment 23. The stapling apparatus of embodiment 22, wherein the push member may include an interface protrusion and the slide member may include an interface slot.

[0066] Embodiment 24. The stapling device according to any one of embodiments 22-23, wherein the staple chain positioning device may further include a cover member including a cover slot extending in the sliding direction. The slide member may include a positioning protrusion extending through the cover slot of the cover member of the staple chain positioning device.

[0067] Embodiment 25. A stapling device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the index bias member may include an expansion spring.

[0068] EMBODIMENT 26. An indexing device for indexing a staple chain may include a support member, an indexing bias member, and an indexing member disposed at least partially within the indexing region and biased by the indexing bias member toward a member extended position relative to the indexing region. The indexing member may be relatively movable in a first indexing direction from the member extended position to a member retracted position relative to the indexing region. The indexing member may define a rung travel path and may further include an indexing tab including a ramp surface disposed to taper the rung travel path in the first indexing direction. The indexing tab may further include a shoulder positioned beyond at least a portion of the ramp surface in the first indexing direction.

[0069] Embodiment 27. The indexing device of embodiment 26, wherein the indexing device may further include a cover member including a staple chain slot passing through the cover member to the indexing area. The indexing area may be defined between the support member and the cover member.

[0070] Embodiment 28. The indexing device of embodiment 27, wherein the cover member may include a plurality of grooves extending in a first indexing direction and facing the indexing region. The plurality of grooves may include a first pair of grooves.

[0071] Embodiment 29. The indexing device of embodiment 28, wherein the plurality of grooves may further include a second pair of grooves.

[0072] Embodiment 30. The indexing device of any one of embodiments 27-29, wherein the cover member may further include a rung tab including a slope to allow a rung of the staple chain to pass over the rung tab when feeding a portion of the staple chain into the staple chain slot. The rung tab may further include a shoulder that inhibits passage of the rung of the staple chain back over the rung tab to inhibit movement of the portion of the staple chain out of the staple chain slot.

[0073] Embodiment 31. An indexing device as described in embodiment 30, wherein the rung tabs may include a plurality of rung tabs arranged in a row extending transversely to the first indexing direction.

[0074] Embodiment 32. The indexing device of embodiment 31, wherein the plurality of rung tabs may include three rung tabs.

[0075] Embodiment 33. An indexing device according to any one of embodiments 26 to 32, wherein a portion of the indexing tab can extend through an opening in the body of the indexing member.

[0076] Embodiment 34. The indexing device of embodiment 33, wherein the indexing tab may be movable relative to the body from an engaged position, in which the slope tapers the rung travel path, to a disengaged position, in which the taper of the rung travel path is reduced.

[0077] Embodiment 35. The indexing device of embodiment 34, wherein the indexing tab can be biased toward the engaged position by a tab biasing member.

[0078] Embodiment 36. The indexing device of embodiment 35, wherein the tab bias member may include a torsion spring.

[0079] Embodiment 37. An indexing device according to any one of embodiments 33 to 36, wherein the indexing tab may be rotatably mounted relative to the body of the indexing member.

[0080] Embodiment 38. An indexing device as described in any one of embodiments 26 to 37, wherein the indexing tab may include multiple indexing tabs.

[0081] Embodiment 39. An indexing device as described in embodiment 38, wherein the first pair of the multiple indexing tabs can be arranged in a row extending in a first indexing direction.

[0082] Embodiment 40. An indexing device as described in any one of embodiments 38 to 39, wherein the second pair of the multiple indexing tabs may be arranged in a row extending transversely to the first indexing direction.

[0083] Embodiment 41. The indexing device of any one of embodiments 26 to 40, which may further include a stop device including a shoulder configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage a portion of the indexing member and shorten the length of the stroke of the indexing member between the member extended position and the member retracted position.

[0084] Embodiment 42. An indexing device as described in embodiment 41, wherein the portion of the indexing member may include a protrusion that extends into the stroke path.

[0085] Embodiment 43. An indexing device as described in embodiment 42, wherein the stop device may include a protrusion configured to be moved into the stroke path to reduce an effective length of the stroke path that reduces the stroke length of the indexing member.

[0086] Embodiment 44. An indexing device as described in any one of embodiments 41 to 43, wherein the shoulder of the stop device may be configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage a portion of the indexing member to reduce the extent to which the indexing member extends to the member extended position.

[0087] EMBODIMENT 45. The staple chain positioning device may include a push member movable in an extension direction and a slide member configured to slide in a sliding direction perpendicular to the extension direction. An interface between the slide member and the push member may cause movement of the push member in the extension direction in response to movement of the slide member in the sliding direction. The interface may include an interface protrusion disposed in an interface slot.

[0088] Embodiment 46. A staple chain positioning device as described in embodiment 45, wherein the staple chain positioning device may further include a cover member including a cover slot extending in the sliding direction, and the sliding member may include a positioning protrusion extending through the cover slot of the cover member.

[0089] Embodiment 47. A method of feeding a staple chain with the stapling apparatus of embodiment 1 may include moving the staple head from the head retracted position in a first staple direction while the indexing bias member biases the indexing member to move relative to the staple head in a second index direction opposite the first index direction from the member retracted position to the member extended position. The method may further include continuing to move the staple head in the first staple direction such that a first rung of the staple chain engaging the indexing member and a shoulder of the indexing tab moves with the staple head in the first staple direction toward the head extended position.

[0090] Embodiment 48. The method of embodiment 47, which may further include a step of adjusting the stroke length of the indexing member to change the number of rungs of the staple chain that pass over the ramp surface of the indexing tab when moving the staple head from the head extended position toward the head retracted position in a second staple direction opposite the first staple direction.

[0091] Embodiment 49. The method of any one of embodiments 47-48, further comprising the step of moving the staple head in a second staple direction, wherein a second rung adjacent to the first rung passes over a ramp surface of the indexing tab.

[0092] Embodiment 50. The method of embodiment 49, wherein the second rung passes over the ramp surface of the indexing tab while moving the indexing member in the first indexing direction from the member extended position to the member retracted position.

[0093] Embodiment 51. The method of embodiment 50, further comprising the step of moving the staple head in a second staple direction, wherein a third rung adjacent to the second rung passes over a ramp surface of the indexing tab.

[0094] Embodiment 52. The method of embodiment 51, wherein the third rung passes over the ramp surface of the indexing tab while continuing to move the indexing member in the first indexing direction from the member extended position to the member retracted position.

[0095] Embodiment 53. The method of any one of embodiments 47-52, which may further include adjusting the member extension position to adjust the staple chain cutting position.

[0096] Embodiment 54. The method of any one of embodiments 47-53, which may further include feeding a portion of the staple chain through the staple chain slot by continuing to move the staple head in the first staple direction.

[0097] Embodiment 55. The method of embodiment 54, which may further include the step of preventing the portion of the staple chain that has passed through the staple chain slot from exiting the staple chain slot.

[0098] Embodiment 56. The method of embodiment 54, which may further include the step of moving the indexing tab to a disengaged position and then withdrawing the staple chain from the staple chain slot.

[0099] While various embodiments have been described in detail with respect to specific illustrative and illustrative examples thereof, it should be understood that the disclosure should not be considered as so limited, since numerous variations and combinations of the disclosed features are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A stapling device for fastening documents together with staples separate from a staple chain, comprising: a staple head movable in a first stapling direction from a head retracted position to a head extended position in which the staple head is moved proximate to the document to be stapled; an indexing device including an index bias member and an indexing member; The indexing member is disposed at least partially within the indexing region; the indexing region is formed in a recess in the support member to permit movement of the indexing member therein; a support member secured to the staple head and adapted to move with the staple head and define a stroke length of the indexing member; the indexing member is biased by an index biasing member toward a member extended position in which the indexing member is moved in a direction away from the staple head relative to the indexing region; the indexing member is movable in a first indexing direction relative to the indexing region from a member extended position to a member retracted position in which the indexing member is moved toward the staple head; the first indexing direction includes a directional component configured to move in a first staple direction; the indexing member defines a rung travel path and includes an indexing tab including a ramp surface arranged to taper the rung travel path in a first indexing direction; the indexing tab includes a shoulder provided as a step between two regions of the ramp face and another shoulder provided at an end of the indexing tab; the staple chain comprises a first rail segment, a second rail segment, and a rung extending between the rail segments; The document is anchored at both ends of the rung. Stapling device.

2. the indexing device further comprising a cover member at least partially defining the indexing area; The stapling device of claim 1 , wherein the cover member includes a staple chain slot passing through the cover member and into the indexing region.

3. the cover member includes a plurality of grooves extending in a first indexing direction and facing the indexing area; The stapling device of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of grooves includes a first pair of grooves.

4. The stapling device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of grooves further includes a second pair of grooves.

5. the cover member includes a rung tab including a slope that allows a rung of the staple chain to pass over the rung tab when feeding a portion of the staple chain into the staple chain slot; The stapling device of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the rung tab includes a shoulder that inhibits passage of a rung of the staple chain back over the rung tab to inhibit movement of a portion of the staple chain out of the staple chain slot.

6. The stapling device of claim 5 , wherein the rung tab includes a plurality of rung tabs arranged in a row extending transversely relative to the first indexing direction.

7. The stapling device of claim 6 , wherein the plurality of rung tabs includes three rung tabs.

8. The stapling device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a portion of the indexing tab extends through an opening in the body of the indexing member.

9. 9. The stapling device of claim 8, wherein the indexing tab is movable relative to the body from an engaged position where the ramp surface tapers the rung travel path and where the indexing member engages the staple chain, to a disengaged position where the taper of the rung travel path is reduced.

10. The stapling device of claim 9, wherein the indexing member further includes a tab biasing member, the indexing tab being biased toward the engaged position by the tab biasing member.

11. The stapling device of claim 10, wherein the tab bias member comprises a torsion spring.

12. The stapling device of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the indexing tab is rotatably mounted relative to the body of the indexing member.

13. The stapling device of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the indexing tab comprises a plurality of indexing tabs.

14. The stapling device of claim 13, wherein the first pair of the plurality of indexing tabs is arranged in a row extending in a first indexing direction.

15. The stapling apparatus of any of claims 13-14, wherein the second pair of the plurality of indexing tabs is arranged in a row extending transversely relative to the first indexing direction.

16. 16. The stapling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the indexing device further comprises a stop device including a shoulder configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage a portion of the indexing member to shorten a length of stroke of the indexing member between the member extended position and the member retracted position.

17. The stapling apparatus of claim 16, wherein a portion of the indexing member includes a protrusion that extends into the stroke path.

18. The stapling apparatus of claim 17, wherein the stop device includes a protrusion configured to be moved into the stroke path to reduce an effective length of the stroke path and thereby reduce the length of the stroke of the indexing member.

19. The stapling apparatus of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein a shoulder of the stop device is configured to engage a portion of the indexing member and move relative to the indexing member to reduce the extent to which the indexing member extends toward the member extended position.

20. a staple chain positioning device; A staple device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the staple chain positioning device includes a push member configured to abut against an abutment surface of the indexing member to adjust the degree to which the indexing member moves relative to the indexing region when the staple head is in the head storage position.

21. The stapling apparatus of claim 20, wherein the push member is movable in an expanding direction that includes a directional component configured to move in a first indexing direction.

22. the staple chain positioning device further includes a slide member configured to slide in a slide direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the push member; an interface between the slide member and the push member causes the push member to move in an expansion direction in response to movement of the slide member in the sliding direction; The stapling device of any of claims 20-21, wherein the interface includes an interface protrusion disposed in the interface slot.

23. The stapling apparatus of claim 22, wherein the push member includes an interface protrusion and the slide member includes an interface slot.

24. the staple chain positioning device further includes a cover member including a cover slot extending in the sliding direction; A stapling device according to any of claims 22 to 23, wherein the slide member includes a positioning protrusion which extends through a cover slot of a cover member of the staple chain positioning device.

25. The stapling apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the indexing bias member comprises an expansion spring.

26. 1. An indexing device for indexing a staple chain, comprising: A support member; An index bias member; an indexing member disposed at least partially within the indexing region; the indexing region is formed in a recess in the support member to permit movement of the indexing member therein; a support member secured to the staple head for movement therewith and defining a stroke length of the indexing member; the indexing member is biased by an index biasing member toward a member extended position in which the indexing member is moved in a direction away from the staple head relative to the indexing region; The indexing device also a cover member including a staple chain slot passing through the cover member to an indexing area; an indexing region defined between the support member and the cover member; the indexing member is movable relative to the indexing region in a first indexing direction from a member extended position in which the indexing member is moved in a direction away from the staple head to a member stored position in which the indexing member is moved in a direction toward the staple head; the indexing member includes an indexing tab defining a rung travel path and including a ramp surface arranged to taper the rung travel path in a first indexing direction; the indexing tab further includes a shoulder provided as a step between two regions of the ramp surface in a first indexing direction and another shoulder provided at an end of the indexing tab; the cover member includes a plurality of grooves extending in a first indexing direction and facing the indexing region, the plurality of grooves including a first pair of grooves; Indexing device.

27. The indexing device of claim 26, wherein the plurality of grooves further includes a second pair of grooves.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the cover member includes a rung tab including a slope for allowing a rung of the staple chain to pass over the rung tab when feeding a portion of the staple chain into the staple chain slot; 28. An indexing device according to any one of claims 26 to 27, wherein the rung tab includes a shoulder that inhibits passage of a rung of the staple chain back over the rung tab to inhibit movement of a portion of the staple chain out of the staple chain slot.

29. The indexing device of claim 28, wherein the rung tabs include a plurality of rung tabs arranged in rows extending laterally relative to the first indexing direction.

30. The indexing device of claim 29, wherein the plurality of rung tabs includes three rung tabs.

31. An indexing device as described in any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein a portion of the indexing tab extends through an opening in the body of the indexing member.

32. The indexing device of claim 31, wherein the indexing tab is movable relative to the body from an engaged position, where the inclination tapers the rung travel path and where the indexing member engages with the staple chain, to a disengaged position, where the taper of the rung travel path is reduced.

33. The indexing device of claim 32, wherein the indexing tab is biased toward the engaged position by a tab biasing member.

34. The indexing device of claim 33, wherein the tab bias member comprises a torsion spring.

35. An indexing device as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the indexing tab is rotatably mounted relative to the body of the indexing member.

36. An indexing device as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 35, wherein the indexing tab comprises a plurality of indexing tabs.

37. The indexing device of claim 36, wherein a first pair of the plurality of indexing tabs are arranged in a row extending in a first indexing direction.

38. An indexing device as described in any one of claims 36 to 37, wherein a second pair of the multiple indexing tabs are arranged in a row extending laterally relative to the first indexing direction.

39. An indexing device as described in any one of claims 26 to 38, further comprising a stop device including a shoulder configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage a portion of the indexing member and shorten the length of the stroke of the indexing member between the member extended position and the member retracted position.

40. An indexing device as described in claim 39, wherein a portion of the indexing member includes a protrusion extending into the stroke path.

41. An indexing device as described in claim 40, wherein the stop device includes a protrusion configured to be moved into the stroke path to reduce the effective length of the stroke path and thereby reduce the stroke length of the indexing member.

42. An indexing device as described in any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein a shoulder of the stop device is configured to move relative to the indexing member to engage a portion of the indexing member to reduce the extent to which the indexing member extends toward the member extended position.

43. A method for supplying a staple chain using the stapling device of claim 1, comprising the steps of: moving the staple head in a first staple direction from the head retracted position while the indexing biasing member biases the indexing member to move relative to the staple head in a second indexing direction opposite the first indexing direction from the member retracted position to the member extended position; and continuing to move the staple head in the first staple direction such that a first rung of the staple chain engaging the indexing member and the shoulder of the indexing tab moves with the staple head in the first staple direction toward a head extended position.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising adjusting the stroke length of the indexing member to change the number of rungs of the staple chain that pass over the ramp surface of the indexing tab when moving the staple head from the head extended position toward the head retracted position in a second staple direction opposite the first staple direction.

45. The method further includes the step of moving the staple head in a second staple direction, The method of any of claims 43-44, wherein a second rung adjacent to the first rung passes over a ramped surface of the indexing tab.

46. ​​The method of claim 45, wherein the second rung passes over the ramp surface of the indexing tab while moving the indexing member in the first indexing direction from the member extended position to the member retracted position.

47. The method further includes the step of moving the staple head in a second staple direction, 47. The method of claim 46, wherein a third rung adjacent to the second rung passes over a ramped surface of the indexing tab.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the third rung passes over the ramp surface of the indexing tab while continuing to move the indexing member in the first indexing direction from the member extended position to the member retracted position.

49. The method of claim 43, further comprising adjusting a member extension position to adjust a staple chain cutting position.

50. The method of any one of claims 43 to 49, further comprising the step of feeding a portion of the staple chain through the staple chain slot by continuing to move the staple head in the first staple direction.

51. The method of claim 50, further comprising the step of preventing the portion of the staple chain that has passed through the staple chain slot from exiting the staple chain slot.

52. The method of claim 50, further comprising the step of moving the indexing tab to a disengaged position and then pulling the staple chain from the staple chain slot.

Images