US2234808A - Stapling machine - Google Patents

Description

March 1l, 1941.

w. scHAFRoTH 2,234,808

STAPLING MACHINE Filed NOV. l5, 1958 6 Shets-Sheek 1 INVENTOR. U @E cHAFeoT/f M March 11, 1941. w. scHAx-Rom $52,234,808

STAPLING MACHINE INVENTOR.

e Sheets-sheet 25 W. SCHAFROTH STAPLING MACHINE Filed Nov. l5, 19387 mu m.

i March 11 INVENTOR. zA/EZ 5cm/feo f/ ATTORNEY.

n vusvllsv Illano LA, |111 UNITED STATES PATENT CFFICE STAPLING MACHINE Application November 15, 1938, Serial No. 240,460

58 Claims.

This invention has to do with stapling machines and is concerned primarily with that type of machine which performs its stapling operations from one face of the material being stapled without requiring any substantial support on the opposite face.

In the patent to Schafroth, No. 2,080,634, dated May 18, 1937, there is illustrated and described a stapling machine the broad principles of operation of which are followed in the machine of this invention; the general object of this invention being to provide improvements in the various phases of operation of such a stapling machine.

A stapling machine of the type with which this invention is concerned includes, as characteristic elements, a pair of penetrating anvils that are actuated by suitable operating instrumentalities and guided by appropriate cam devices to pierce the material being stapled and have the anvils assume a position whereby driving of the staple thereagainst will eiect a clinching of the staple legs.

Due to the complex nature of the movement which is imparted to the penetrating anvils during their piercing operations it is necessary to provide plates formed with cam grooves to provide the required guiding action. In View of the fact that the staple itself closely follows the movement of the penetrating anvils, the presence of the cam grooves in the plates has been found to create a strongly noticeable likelihood of the staple catching thereon, thus causing a jamming of the machine.

With this condition in mind the invention has in View, as a highly important objective, the provision of a stapling machine of the character above noted which is provided with means for preventing the staple catching on the cam grooves in the cam plates.

More in detail this invention has in view, as a further objective, the provision of a stapling machine of the type noted which includes a movable guide plate, together with associated operating instrumentalities, that causes the plate to be moved into position covering the cam grooves over the path of movement of the staple after the penetrating anvils have pierced the material and assumed their ultimate position, and prior to the driving of the staple.

Associated with this phase of the stapling machine is an extremely important objective which aims at the provision of a machine in which the operations of the penetrating anvils, staple guide plate and staple driving mechanism are accurately and positively synchronized so as to insure of proper operation of the machine.

Another somewhat more detailed object of the invention is the provision, in a stapling machine of the character above noted, of an improved 5 cam device for guiding the movement of the penetrating anvils. In view of the necessity for such movement to be accurately and positively guided, the invention contemplates an arrangement in which two cam plates are arranged in spaced relationship with the cam grooves therein receiving the pins on the penetrating anvils.

Yet another object is associated with this phase of the invention and deals with the pro-rn Vision of novel and improved driving connections between the penetrating anvils and the operating instrumentalities therefor.

Bearing in mind the need for accurately timing the operations of the penetrating anvils, staple guide plate and staple driving mechanism, and also considering the need of rendering handy the operation of the machine under conditions of practical usage, the invention has in View, as a further objective, the provision of novel and improved operating instrumentalities for these parts. Along this line a further object of the inventicn is the provision, in a staplng machine, of such operating instrumentalities which include, as a characteristics feature, a cooking device that may be operated to set up required tension on springs in the operating instrumentalities, and which has associated therewith trigger mechanism for causing the operation of the operating instrumentalities in their proper sequential order. Important features and advantages of the invention are associated with the carrying out of these objectives in a practical embodiment.

In order to meet present day conditions prevailing -in the manufacture of cardboard cartons, and other similar packages which are intended to be closed by the stapling machine of this invention, and particularly in view of the toughness of the materials which must be pierced in order to carry out the stapling operations it is necessary that the operating instrumentalities of the machine be eifective to drive the penetrating anvils and the staple driving mechanism with extremely high velocity.

The creation of these high velocities gives rise to the setting up of a large number of sharp shocks and jars, which, if taken up by the machine alone, greatly reduces the service life thereof.

Accordingly the invention has in view, as a highly important objective, the provision of ,an

arrangement in which the material being operated upon (such as the flaps of a corrugated cardboard carton) takes up a large portion of the shocks and jars which are an inevitable incident to the operation of the machine.

Accordingly the invention has in view, as a further detailed objective, the provision, in a stapling machine of the character above noted, of a shock absorber plate which is associated with the operating instrumentalities for the penetrating anvils under an arrangement in which it is adapted to engage the material being stapled coincident with the driving of the anvils to transmit shocks and jars to the material being stapled. With the shock absorber functioning coincident with the actuation of the penetrating anvils the material is compressed, which condition is noticeably helpful in the clinching of the staples, which is carried out by the staple driving mechanism.

Yet another highly important object of the invention is the provision of a novel and improved casing structure that is designed to house the various means, mechanisms and instrumentalities making up the machine of this invention.

More in detail the invention has in View the provision of a casing structure which serves to operatively mount various parts of the mechanisms included therein. The casing structure must be readily assembled and disassembled as occasion demands, and an important phase of the invention is the novel constructional features imparting these properties thereto. It is important that the casing structure be so designed that the machine may be readily manipulated and handled under conditions of practical usage.

Another important object of the invention is the provision of casing structure for a stapling machine of the character above noted which includes indicating means for pointing out just Where the staple is to be driven.

Another important object of the invention is to provide, in a stapling machine of the character above noted, a novel and improved magazine for supplying staples to the staple driving mechanism. An important feature of the invention is the provision, in the magazine, of means for yieldably holding a staple in position prior to the driving thereof by the staple driving mechanism.

Various other more detailed objects and advantages such as arise in connection with the building, design and operation of a stapling machine in accordance with the above noted objectives will in part become apparent, and in part be hereinafter stated, as the description of the invention proceeds.

The invention, therefore, comprises a stapling machine including a pair of penetrating anvils, novel and improved cam plate structure for guiding the movements of said penetrating anvils, a movable staple guide plate adapted to cover the grooves in one of said cam plates over the path of movement of a staple, staple driving mechanism, novel and improved operating instrumentalities for driving said penetrating anvils and staple driving mechanism, improved driving connections between the penetrating anvils and the operating instrumentalities therefor, novel and improved cocking means for tensioning the springs in the operating instrumentalities, trigger mechanism for accurately timing the operations and movements of the penetrating anvils, staple guide plates and staple driving mechanism, shock absorbing means for transferring the shocks and jars set up incident to operation of the penetrating anvils to the material being stapled, which shock absorbing mechanism also constitutes a means for compressing the material being stapled, a novel and improved magazine for supplying staples to the staple driving mechanism; and novel and improved casing structure for housing the various means, mechanisms and instrumentalities, and which casing structure is readily assemblable and disassemblable, and which includes indicating means for indicating the position of staples being driven.

For a full and more complete understanding reference may be had to the following description and accompanying drawings wherein- Figure 1 is a view in side elevation with parts broken away and shown in section of a stapling machine made in accordance with the precepts of this invention,

Figure 2 is a section through a portion of the cooking handle,

Figure 3 is a front elevational showing of the front casing part,

Figure 4 is a section through the front casing part taken on a plane normal to the showing of Figure 3,

Figure 5 is a rear elevational View of the front casing,

Figure 6 is a rear view of the rear casing part,

Figure '7 is a top plan View of the rear casing part,

Figure 8 is a front elevational view of the rear casing part,

Figure 9 is a horizontal section through the rear casing part, per se, taken about on the plane represented by the line 9-9 of Figure 8,

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken through the mechanism as assembled on the casing, bringing in the supporting legs, magazine and cocking arm fragmentarily. In this view the linkage for actuating the penetrating anvils is omitted,

Figure 1l is a view looking from the front of the stapling machine mechanism with the casing removed. In this view certain parts are removed and others broken away to more clearly bring out detailed features of construction,

Figure 12 is a rear view of the mechanism with the casing removed, showing the penetrating anvils prior to any penetrating movement,

Figure 13 is a View similar to Figure 12, shcwing the position of the penetrating anvils after they have pierced the material. In this view the guide plate has moved down into position covering the cam grooves of the cam plates,

Figure 14 is another View similar to Figures 12 and 13 with the staple driving mechanism removed,

Figure 15 is a View similar to Figure 14 with the outer cam plate at the rear and penetrating anvils removed,

Figure 16 is an enlarged detailed fragmentary view showing the staple as the legs thereof are being guided by the anvils, while Figure 17 is a similar view showing the staple in its clinched position,

Figure 18 is taken as a horizontal section through the rear casing part just above the magazine and with the parts of the mechanism removed. This view is taken about on the plane represented by the line l8-I8 of Figure l,

Figure 19 is a section through the magazine,

Figure 20 is an end View of the magazine,

Figure 21 is a detailed view in elevation of part of the trigger mechanism per se,

Figure 22 is a view similar to Figure 21 showing the mechanism after movement of the trigger` has been partly completed,

Figure 23 is another view similar to Figures 21 and22 showing the mechanism after the trigger has been fully moved,

Figure 24 is an enlarged detailed View bringing out the arrangement of the holding pins included in the magazine,

Figure 25 is an enlarged detailed View developing the parts of one of the springs used for actuation of the staple driving mechanism in an exploded relationship,

Figure 26 shows the parts of the spring assembly in an assembled relationship, and

Figure 27 is a detailed View in perspective of cam tensioning means included in the operating instrumentalities for the penetrating anvils and staple driving mechanism.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts, a stapling machine made in accordance with this invention comprises a casing structure, penetrating anvils and mechanism associated therewith for causing the operative movements thereof, staple driving mechanism and associated operating instrumentalities, cooking and trigger mechanism, a magazine, and shock absorbing and material compressing means. These various parts and assemblies are described hereinafter in detail.

Casing structure The casing structure for housing the various means, mechanism and instrumentalities as shown in assembled relationship in Figure 1 is referred to generally by the reference character C. This casing structure comprises a front part I l), as is shown in detail in Figures 3, 4 and 5, and the rear part II that is illustrated in Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9.

The front part I0 may be made from any appriate material, although it has been found that a metallic alloy that is susceptible of being cast into the required shape is particularly adaptable to practical manufacture. The ultimate structure of this part, as shown in the drawings, is obtained by initial casting and subsequent machining operations.

The front part II] comprises a front wall I2 that is dened by a stepped construction terminating in an elongated central boss I3. It will be noted that this boss I3 is disposed at the lower part of the wall I2, and at the lower edge of the front wall I2 carries an indicator in the form of a sharp rib I4. This indicating rib I4 being accurately at the center of the front wall I2 indicates the location of the central part of the staple which is driven by the mechanism enclosed within the casing.

At each side the front wall I2 terminates in side edges designated I5, through which extend openings I6 designed to receive fastening ele ments as will hereinafter be pointed out. It is notable that the side edges I5 terminate on the rear face of the front part IE) (as shown in Fig* ure 5) in flat faces I1 which are disposed sub stantially in the same plane. The stepped structure of the front wall I2 is closed at the bottom by bottom wall I8 that is continued out beyond the plane of they faces Il an appreciable distance, as shown in Figure 4; the portion which projects beyond the plane of the faces il being defined by side shoulders I9 that, as shown in Figure 5, are spaced inwardly from the side edges I5 an appreciable distance, this for a purpose to be hereinafter pointed out.

The plate I2 at the central boss i3 is also formed with an opening 20 in which is anchored a stud pin 2I (see Figure 4), the function of which will also be later described.

The central portion of the front wall I2 at the top is bent rearwardly to form an overhanging canopy identified at 22 and integrally formed on the upper side of this canopy, which is of a more or less dome-like formation, with the front wall I2, is a handle 23. Depending downwardly from the canopy 22 on each side are legs 24 having inner edge faces 25 that are adapted to engage the rear part II as Will be later pointed out.

The structure of the canopy above the legs 24 is widened, as shown at 25, to provide shoulders 21, which also engage the part II which will be later described.

The rear part II is also preferably made of the same metallic alloy as the front part I0, and the construction thereof is achieved by initial casting and subsequent machining operations.

Referring more particularly to Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, this rear part Il is shown as comprising a main central panel 28 which is connected by upraised bend portions 29 of somewhat U-shaped cross section with side walls 3i). At the bottom and on the exterior of the side walls 3B, each of the latter carry an indicating rib 3l corresponding to the indicator I4 on the front part I0. These indicating ribs 3| on the walls 3l] dene a line on which the staple which is driven by the mechanism enclosed in the casing, is driven.

At the bottom and at the forward edge which is remote from the central panel 28, each of the walls 30 carries an inwardly projecting foot 32. The foot 32 has a bottom wall 33 and a front wall 34 formed with an opening 35 to constitute a spring anchorage as will be later pointed out. The Walls 33 and 35 of the foot 32 terminate on an inner face 35 that engages one of the shoulders I3 on the iront part IU when the two casing parts are assembled.

The bend portions 29, which connect the cenn tral panel 28 and the side walls 30, are closed at the bottom by bottom wall portions 31 that are formed with openings 38 which will constitute spring anchorages as will be later pointed out.

Extending through the side walls 3D, and preferr ably formed on the inner face, are undercut recesses 39 which constitute passages for receiving fastening elements as will be later pointed out.

These passages 39 align with the openings I6 in the front part Ill when the casing parts are in their assembled relationship. Each of the walls 30 is also formed with a passageway 40 similar to the passages 39 and spaced thereabove. These passages 40 do not nd any continuations in the front part Il). At the bottom, each of the side walls 3l] is cut away to form a recess 4 I, which in effect, constitutes a thinning of the side wall 3l) at the bottom.

The inner faces of each of the side walls 30 is formed with a pair of grooves 42 and 43 that are in parallel spaced relationship and also substantially parallel to the plane of the central panel 2B. These groovesl 42 and 43 extend from the upper edge of the recesses 4I through the passages 39 and 4U, as Well as recesses 44 to points where they terminate short of the upper end of the side walls 3U. These side walls 30, have front faces 45 which correspond to and engage with the faces Il on the edge structures I2 of the front part IIl. The side walls 3B, as well as the U-shaped con- Cil necting portions 29 are continued above the central panel, as shown at Figures 6 and 8, and terminate in top wall portions 46. Above the central panel 28 the bend portions 29 at each side are flattened out to provide faces 41 that engage with the edge faces 25 and the legs 24 of the front part I0. 'I'hese faces 41 terminate on the inner side at rearwardly extending anges 48. Each of these flanges 48 is formed with an upper opening 49 and a lower opening 50, the purpose of which will be later described.

At this point it is noted that in order to assemble the parts I and II, the faces I1 of the part I0 are placed in engagement with the surfaces 45 on the rear part II with the recesses dened by the legs 24 of the front part IU disposed above the upper structure of the rear part II. As the front part Il) is moved downwardly, the legs 24 engage the anges 48 at the same time that the edge faces 25 engage the faces 41. As downward movement is continued, the projecting portion of the bottom I8 of the front part Ill, which is defined by the shoulders I9, is received between the feet 32, the shoulders I9 engaging the faces 36. When this downward movement has been completed, the top Walls 46 of the rear part II are in substantial engagement with the side edges of the canopy 22 and the shoulders 21.

If the assembled relationship is to be established as permanent, appropriate fastening elements may be passed through the openings I6 that are in alignment with the passages 39. Rivets, such as shown at in Figure 1, may be employed for this purpose.

Extending from the rear face of the central panel 28 is a lug 52 formed with a transverse opening 53 for a purpose to be later described. The panel 28 is also formed in the lower portion thereof with a magazine opening 54 which is dened by sharp cut edges on three sides and a beveled edge at 55 on the fourth side. Extending rearwardly from the central panel 28 beneath the magazine opening 54 is a magazine supporting flange 56 that is connected with the bend portions 29 on each side by a web structure shown at 51. This supporting flange 56 is formed with a rearwardly extending taby 58. This ange 56 is formed with a central opening 59 and an opening at the side designated 68, while the tab 58 is formed with another opening 6I. The purpose of these openings will be later set forth in detail.

Depending downwardly from the ange 56 and extending rearwardly from the central panel 28 at the lower edge thereof are spaced feet 62, each of which is formed with a plurality of openings designed to constitute supporting arm anchorages as will be later pointed out. These openings are designated 63.

The central panel 28 is also formed with a desired number of openings shown at 64, which are intended to be employed in anchoring a plate constituting a part of the staple driving mechanism to the central panel. While this plate is not an actual part of the casing structure, it is shown in Figures '1, 8 and 9, and identified by the reference character 65. The plate 65 is formed with openings corresponding to the openings 64 in the central panel 28, and extending therethrough are fastening elements designated 66. This plate 65 has a main body portion of substantially the same rectangular formation as the central panel 28, but at the bottom is enlarged to provide a base structure 61 defined by curved edges 68 that extend over into the recesses 4|. 'I'his plate 65 is formed with an opening 69 in alignment with the magazine opening 54 and on each side of the opening 69 and extending slightly thereabove carries ribs 10. Extending above the ribs 10, the plate 65 is formed with a pair of guide slots 1I.

The supporting arms for maintaining the casingy structure in an upright position on the work which is being stapled is not an actual part of the casing structure, preferably being stampings that are attached thereto. A pair of such supporting arms are employed, one arm being shown in Figure 1 and designated 12. Each of these arms 12 is connected to one of the feet 62 in any approved manner, such as by employing fastening elements, as shown at 13, that extend through the opening 63 in the feet 62 and corresponding openings in the arms 12.

Penetrating anvils and associated guiding and operating instramentalities A highly important part of the mechanism associated with the penetrating anvils are the cam plates for guiding the penetrating anvils in their movements. These plates are shown in Figs. to 15 inclusive and 18. One of these cam plates is designated 14, and this cam plate is of a generally rectangular formation with the side edges being received in the grooves 43 (Fig. 18) in the side walls 38 of the rear casing part I I.

At this point it is well to note that the side edges of the plate 14 are formed with notches 15 that are designed for alignment with the passageways 39 and 4U in the side walls 3D so that when appropriate fastening elements are passed through these passages they are received in these notches to maintain the cam plate 14 in proper position. The cam plate 14 is disposed at the rear of the machine, speaking with reference to the front wall I2.

Arranged forwardly of the plate 14 and in spaced relation with respect thereto is a front cam plate 16, the side edgesof which are received in the grooves 42 (Fig. 18). This plate 16 is also formed with notches 15 that align with the passages 39 and 46 so that the positioning of the fastening elements in these passages will serve to maintain the plate 16 in proper position. To further insure that the plates 14 and 16 are maintained in properly spaced relationship and also for causing these parts to be assembled as a unit, spacing elements such as shown at 11 (see Figure 10) may be employed.

The guide slotsl which are formed in the plates 14 and 16 for the purpose of guiding the movements of the penetrating anvils are duplicated in each plate. Moreover the guide slot structure on the side of each plate is duplicated on the other side of the same plate. Thus, it is deemed necessary to describe only the guide slot structure on one side of one of the plates. Therefore, referring to Figure 15 it is noted that the plate 16 is formed at the right-hand side with an inclined slot 18 which extends from an upper point adjacent to the side edge to a lower point adjacent to the center of the plate. This plate 16 is also formed with an outer anvil guide in the form of a slot dened by a vertically extending substantially straight portion 19wthat blends in with an arcuate portion 80. An inner cam guide takes the form of a vertically extending portion 8I that is in substantial alignment with the portion 19 of the outer cam guide, and which portion blends in with the recess designated 82 that is defined by an upper arcuate wall 83 and a lower arcuate wall 84.

A p air of penetrating anvils are shown in each of Figures 13, 14, 16, and 17 and are designated and 86. These anvils are complemental to each other, there being a right-hand and a left-hand anvil, and aside from this they are of duplicate construction. Thus, each of the anvils 85 and 86 consists of a main body portion 81 which has integrally formed therewith a crescent shaped penetrating tang 88. These anvils 85 and 86 are disposed on the rear face of the rear plate 14 and each of the main body portions 81 carries a pair of guide pins, the outer guide pin being designated 89, while the inner guide: pin is referred to by the reference character 90. The outer guide pin 89 extends through the outer guides 19--80 of the plates 14 and 16, While the inner guide pin 90 extends through the inner guides 8|--82.

The front guide plate 16 is formed with a vertically extending central slot 9| in which slidably operates a slide plunger 92 that is actuated by the operating instrumentalities to be hereinafter described. The` plunger 92 is operatively connected with the penetrating anvils 85 and 86 by a toggle arrangement, comprising a pair of links 93 that are pivotally connected at one end to the plunger 92 by an anchoring pin shown at 94. At their other extremities each of the links 93 is pivotally connected to a pin 95, the extremities of which are disposed in the slots 18. It will be noted that these links 93, as well as the other parts of the toggle arrangement, are disposed between the spaced plates 14 and 16. Also pivotally connected to the pins 95 are links 96. Each of the links 96 is pvotally connected at one end to the pin 95, and at its other end it is pivotally connected to the outer guide pin 89 of the respective penetrating anvil. It is notable that adjacent to the connection of the guide pins 89 each of the links 96 is cut away, as shown at 91, to permit of operation of the links 96 into the dotted line position of Figure 12.

The position of the penetrating anvils 85 and 86, when the plunger 92 is in its upraised position, is depicted in Figure 12. A pair of actuating springs 98 and 99 have their upper extremities anchored to the plunger 92 by the headed connecting pin shown at |00, while the other extremities of the springs 98 and 99 are anchored to the openings 35 of the feet 32 of the casing part As the plunger 92 moves downwardly under the influence of the springs 98 and 99, which movement takes place under extremely high velocity, the penetrating anvils 85 and 86 move from the position shown in Figure 12 to the position shown in Figures 13, 14, 16 and 17. As particularly brought out in Figures 16 and 17, the pointed tangs 88 will have pierced the material being stapled, the material bein-g designated |0|. This movement of the penetrating anvils is accurately described in the patent to Schafroth, above-identified, and may be here briefly described by noting that each of the anvils 85 and 86 turns about the inner guide pin 90 as a pivotal point, but this pivot pin is moving as it travels through the straight portion 8| of the inner guide and then over the arcuate surface 82 of the inner guide. Thus, upon rst engaging the material |0|, `the points-of the tangs 88 move substantially straight through the material to provide the penetrating effects. However, as penetration is being effected, and after completion of penetration, they are swung over into the position shown in Figures 16 and 17.

The upper end of the plunger 92 is formed with a tongue |02, and th-e lower end of a chain |03 is pivotally connected to the tongue |02. The other end of this chain |03 is pivotally anchored, as shown at |04 (see Figure 27) toa tensioning cam |05. This cam |05 is formed with an arcuate surface |06 that is essentially semicircular in character about which the chain |03 is adapted to wrap. In this connection` it is notable that the chain |03 is of the peculiar construction illustrated, providing side link members |01 that are adapted to extend over each side face of the cam |05, thus insuring that the chain |03 assumes its proper wrapped relationship about the cam |05.

This cam |05 is rotatably mounted on a shaft |08 that is tted at each end in the openings 49 inthe ilanges 48 of the rear casing part l. The cam |05 is formed with a detent for trigger mechanism, to be later described, in the form of a shoulder designated |09. The springs 98 and 99 normally maintain the plunger 92 in a lowered position. However, upon engagement of the trigger mechanism, to be later described, with the shoulder |09, the cam |05 is rotated about the shaft |08 as its axis, to wrap the chain |03 over the arcuate surface |06, thus raising the plunger 92 against the influence of the springs 98 and 99.

Upon release of the trigger mechanism the springs 98 and 99 move the plunger 92 downwardly under high Velocity to operate the penetrating anvils in the manner above described. Each of the cam plates 14 and 16, with the various slots, openings, and recesses therein, are made by stamping operations. These operations affect the metal of the plates to set up stresses and strains in the metal of the plates, and when the front plate 16 is cut away at the top to provide the recess shown at 9 in Figures 11, 13, 14 and 15, these stresses and strains would cause serious distortion of the plate. Accordingly, the stresses and strains are controlled by the bracket 8 having an offset central portion extending over the recess 9, and feet 1 which are secured to the plate 16 by fastening elements in the form oi rivets 6.

Staple guiding plate While the magazine for feeding the staples to the machine has not yet been described in detail it is noted at this point that the staple which is to be driven ordinarily assumes a position within the casing that is determined by the magazine opening 54 in the rear casing part and the corresponding opening 69 in the plate 65. With the penetrating anvils 85 and 86 in the positions depicted in either of Figures 13, 14, 16 or 17, it is necessary that the staple move downwardly over a path closely adjacent to the slots 19 and 8|, as well as portions of the arcuate slots 80 and recesses 82. As the legs of the staple are intended to be inserted in the openings formed by the tangs 88 of the penetrating anvils the staple is in a position close to the rear face of the rear plate 14. Thus without the use of the staple guide plate, to be hereinafter described, there is grave danger of the staple legs catching on the edges of the slots to jam the machine.

Accordingly it is noted that the plate 14 is formed above the slots: 19 with an elongated rectangularly shaped opening or slot I5 that is disposed substantially centrally of the plate. A staple guide plate is designated ||6 and has a tongue ||1 struck from the upper portion thereof, and which tongue is inclined forwardly of the machine so that it passes through the slot |5.

The guide plate 6 engages the rear face of the plate I4 and is adapted to slide therealong, being guided in its movement by the engagement of the sides of the tongue II'I with the sides of the slot H5. The lguide plate H6 is formed at each side with edge anges H8 which are adapted to be disposed exteriorly of the staple legs. These side anges are discontinued a short distance from the bottom edge of the plate H6, and the lower portion of the latter is cut away to provide downwardly extending guide legs I9 that extend to the bottom of the plate 14. These legs H9 efiectively cause the spanning of the recesses 82 and and insure of the staple legs being guided fully up to the point where they enter the openings formed by the penetrating anvils 85 and 86.

A coil spring |20 has its lower end anchored to the tongue III, as shown in Figure 14, while the upper end of this spring |20 is secured to a pin |2I that is carried by the plunger 92.

As the plunger 92 moves upwardly incident to tensioning of the springs 98 and 99 which is caused by the cam |05 and associated cooking mechanism, the guide plate I6 is moved upwardly until the tongue |I'| engages the upper edge of the slot I I5. As this upward movement of the plunger is continued the guide plate ||6 remains stationary, the further movement of the plunger 92 being accommodated by the spring |20.

When the trigger mechanism is operated to release the cam |05, the plunger 92 moves downwardly, and during the initial movement the penetrating anvils 85 and 86 are caused to operate in the manner above described. During this initial movement the guide plate I I6 will have remained substantially stationary. However, when the lower end of the plunger 92 engages the tongue II'I, the guide plate H6 is positively moved into the lowermost position depicted in Figure 14 in which the various cam slots are completely covered, and affords a smooth path of travel for the staple.

Staple driving mechanism As above pointed out, the position of the staple in the machine is determined by the magazine openings 54 and 69. A staple which has passed through these openings and which is in position to be driven is shown in Figure 13 and identied by the reference character |22, this staple being of the usual U-shaped formation providing the legs |23.

After the penetrating anvils have been operated to penetrate the material and assume the position shown in Figure 13, and the guide plate has been moved downwardly into this position, as illustrated, it becomes necessary to drive the staple. To effect this operation a staple driving blade |24 is availed of. This blade |24 has a lower edge |25 that is substantially coextensive with the back of the staple and adapted to engage thereagainst.

At the upper end the driving blade |24 has connected thereto, preferably integrally, a wide base structure referred to in its entirety as |26. Struck from the structure |26, at each side, are a pair of guiding projections |21 that are adapted to be received in the slots 'H in the plate 65. The lower end portion of the driving blade |24 is disposed between the flanges ||8 and the latter engage the ribs 'l0 and this arrangement, together with the reception of the projections |2'I in the slots 1I, serves to guide the blade |24 during its upward and downward movements.

The base structure |26 is continued at each side and is deformed to provide a pair of offset ears |28, each of which is formed with an opening |29 which constitutes an anchorage for a coil spring |30. It is noted that there is a coil spring |30 at each side of the driving blade assembly.

Reference is now had to Figures 25 and 26, which show in detail the construction of these coil springs, which provides for the adjustment of the tension thereof. At the upper end each of the coil springs |30 is provided with a hook |3I which is received in the openings |29. At the lower end the coil spring |30 is securely anchored to an exteriorally threaded connecting element |32, the threads of which receive the lower coils of the spring.

This connecting element |32 is also interiorly threaded and screwed thereinto is a screw stem |33. The screw stem |33 passes through one of the openings 38 in the base of the rear casing 28 and is formed with a head |34 that is provided with suitable means for tool engagement, such as the slot shown at |35. It is evident that by availing of a screw-driver the stem |33 may be rotated to vary the tension afforded by the springs |30.

Referring now again more particularly to Figure 13, the base structure |26 is shown as being formed with a pair of spaced tongues |36 to each of which is pivotally secured a chain |31. The chains |31 are of duplicate construction, as are the tensioning means to which they are attached. Only one of these arrangements will, therefore, be here described, as it will serve the purpose of this specification.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 27, the upper end of the chain |3'I is shown as being connected t0 a tensioning cam |38, as indicated at |39. This cam |38 is substantially the same as the cam described in connection with the penetrating anvil mechanism, and is rotatably mounted on the shaft |08, a spring I |0 serving to normally maintain the cam in the position shown in Figure 27 in which the driving blade |24 is in its lowered position.

This spring IIO has one end hooked over the cam |38, as shown at |40, while its other end is anchored to a shaft I2 by passing through an opening therein, as shown at |4I in Fig. 10. The cam |38 is also formed with arecess |42 corresponding to the recess H3 in the cam |05 and with a trigger detent in the form of a shoulder |43 which corresponds to the shoulder |09 of the cam |05.

It is evident that with the cam |38 in the position shown in Figure 27, the driving blade I 24 will be in its lowered position. However, when the cooking and trigger mechanism to be hereinafter described is operated, the cams |38 are swung into the positions depicted in Figure 10, which operation serves to wrap the chains |31 about the arcuate surfaces of the cams |38 to raise the driving blade |24 against the influence of the springs |30. At the same time the coil springs ||0 will, of course, be tensioned.

When the trigger mechanism is released the springs |30 serve to move the driving blade downwardly under high velocity so that the edge |25 of the blade |24 engages the back ofthestaple |22, to drive the same through the openings formed by the penetrating anvils 85 and 86 and clinch the legs in the manner brought out in Figures 16 and 17.

Coclcing and trigger mechanism The cooking and trigger mechanism is carried by a handle member referred to in its entirety by the reference character H (Figs. 1, 2 and 10),

and which preferably takes the form of a casting corresponding in material to the casing parts |9 and This member H is formed with side Walls |44 which take the form of sectors of circles, and which are maintained in spaced relationship and connected by an arcuate wall |45.

Each of the walls |44 is formed with a hub |46 having an opening |41 which receives the 'shaft |98. It will be noted that .the hubs |46 are disposed between the flanges 48 and in engagement with the inner facesthereof. Each of the walls |44 is formed on its ,lower edge with a notch |48 that is adapted to receive the pin ||2 when a limit of downward movement of the handle has been reached.

`Beneath the hood structure dened by the sectors |44 and arcuate wall |45 these walls are continued to form a housing for the trigger mechanism, and which housing is referred to generally by the reference character |49; the housing itself being defined by a rear wall |59 and side walls |51. Extending rearwardly from the wall |59 is a channel member |52 that opens on its underface. This channel member |52 is shaped to constitute the same an operating member, and the channel structure is defined by side walls |53, a top wall |54, the inner end by the wall |59, and an outer end structure |55. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the side walls |53 may be continued above the top wall |54 at the inner end to form supporting webs |56.

Pivotally mounted in the channel member |52, as on a pivot pin |51 extending across the side walls |53, is a trigger lever |58. This lever |58 has its inner end reduced in size, as shown at 59, land this reduced portion |59 extends through an opening |69 formed in the wall |59 so that it projects into the housing |49.

A pair of coil springs |6| are disposed on each side of the lever |58 at its inner end and are anchored at the lower end to a pin |62 that engages the bottom of the lever |58. These springs |6| pass through openings in the top wall 54 and are secured to lan anchoring pin |63 disposed thereabove. It is evident that these springs |6| normally exert a tendency maintaining the inner end |59 of the lever |58 in an upraised position.

At the outer' end the lever |58 carries a hand grip |64 which is adapted to be engaged by the ngers of a person whose hand grasps the outer end of the member |52. By proper manipulation of the fingers it is evident that the outer end may be upraised to swing the lever |58 on the pin |51, to move the inner end |59 downwardly against the inuence of the springs |6|.

The outer end of the lever arm |58 is formed with a recess |65 which is adapted to receive a detent |66. The detent |66 is formed on one end of a pin |61 which passes through a passage |68 formed in the end structure |55. At the outer end the pin |61 carries an operating member in the form of a knurled head |69. EX- tending transversely to the passage |68 is a recess |19 which houses a spring 1|.

The outer end of the spring |1| receives the shank of a head 229 and this head 229 is yieldably received in one of the grooves |12 formed in the pin |61. The inner edges of the grooves |12 are beveled or rounded oi, while the outer edges of the grooves are sharp. Thus the head 229 may ride over the rib between the grooves |12, but movement of the pin |66 is more positively limited by the sharp end shoulders.

It is evident that the spring |1| and grooves |12 constitute a means for either yieldably maintaining the detent |66 seated in the opening |65, or removed therefrom. With the detent |66 received in the opening |65, the lever |64 is held against movement; this mechanism constituting a safety catch which may be set when the machine is being moved around but not actually operated.

The inner faces of each of the side walls |5| is formed with a groove |13, and these grooves |13 receive the side edges of a front retaining plate |14. The rear wall |59 is preferably lined with a friction reducing plate ||4 that is formed with openings in alignment with the openings |69 and 5 in wall |59.

Enclosed in the housing |49, between the retaining plate |14 and the rear plate ||4, are the triggers for the penetrating anvils and staple driving blade. The triggers for the staple driving blade are designated and |16, and are disposed on each side of the central trigger |11 which controls the operation of the penetrating anvils. It will be noted that the inner edge of each of the outer triggers |15 and |16 is formed with an elongated recess |18, and projecting into each of the recesses |18 is a lug |19 that projects from the side of the central trigger 11. It is notable that each of the lugs |19 is smaller in extent than the recesses |18 so that they may move therein.

The central trigger |11 is formed with an opening |80 which receives the reduced inner end |59 of the lever |58, the latter projecting through the opening |69 and aligned opening in plate |4. Disposed beneath each of the triggers |15 and |16 is a coil spring |8|, and these coil springs engage a bottom wall |82 which may be formed as an integral part of the retaining plate |14. To insure of proper positioning of the springs |8| the lower ends of each of the triggers |15 and |16, as well as the flange |82, may be formed with the seating recesses illustrated in Figures 21, 22 and 23.

These springs |8| normally serve to maintain the triggers |15 and |16 in an upraised position. Each of these triggers |15 and 16 may also be formed with a slot |83 in which is received a pin |84 that projects inwardly from the rear plate ||4. The pin and slot arrangement |84 and |83 serves to limit movement of the triggers |15 and I Bearing in mind that the plunger 92 is to be rst released for operating the penetrating anvils and moving the guide plate ||6 downwardly into effective position, and that the trigger |11 engages the shoulder |99 of the tensioning cam |95, it is evident that the end of the trigger |11 must be removed from engagement with the shoulder |99 prior to release of the triggers |15 and |16 from the shoulders |43.

Inasmuch as the springs 98 and 99 are powerful enough to generate the required high velocity on the part of the plunger 92 the engagement of the end of the trigger |11 with the cam shoulder |99 occurs under great pressure. Thus considerable frictional resistance must be overcome to release the trigger end from the shoulder. Therefore, to render smoother and easier the pra-ctical operation of the machine the end of the trigger |11 is bevelled at a slight angle so that it easily rides off the shoulder |99, but yet properly performs its required holding functions.

When the outer end of the lever |58 is rst moved upwardly the inner end |59 moves down- Wardly to move the trigger |11 downwardly, as is depicted in Figure 22. During this initial downward movement the outer triggers |15 and |16 have been maintained in their upraised holding position by the springs |8| disposed therebeneath.

However, as this downward movement of the trigger |11 is continued, the lugs |19 engage the lower edges of the recess |18 to cause the triggers |15 and |16 to be moved downwardly with the central trigger |11, as is shown in Figure 23, thus discontinuing engagement of the triggers |15 and |16 with the shoulders |43 and releasing the cams |38.

It is notable that the trigger |15 is formed with a slot |85 which is in alignment with a corresponding slot formed in the retaining plate |14, and these slots are in substantial alignment with the opening 5 in rear wall |50, and the corresponding opening in rear plate H4. A dog |86 is pivotally mounted on a pin |81 that is received in the opening 53 of the lug 52, and this dog extends through the slot |85 and the corresponding slot in the retaining plate |14 to engage the lower edge of the slot |85, the openings in the rear wall |50 and rear plate ||4 accommodating the pointed nose of the dog |86.

A coil spring is carried by the pin |81 and normally serves to maintain the dog |86 in a depressed position, and this spring is designated |88. In this depressed position engagement of the dog |86 with the bottom edge of the slot |85 holds the entire handle assembly H against upward movement. However, when the outer end of lever |58 is moved upwardly by compression of the fingers of the operator, the trigger |15 is moved downwardly to lower the bottom edge f slot |85 from beneath the dog |86 and release the handle H.

The mode of cocking the machine to tension the springs 98 and 99 for the penetrating anvils and the springs |30 for the staple driving blade may be briefly described by noting that prior to cocking the cams and |38 will be in the position shown in Figure 27, and in which position the plunger 92 and the driving blade |24 are in their lowered positions. The operator grasps the handle |52 adjacent the outer end thereof and releases the dog |86 from the lower edge of the slot |85 in the manner above described.

Upward movement is now given to the handle H and as it is continued the extremities of the triggers |15, |16 and |11 ride over the arcuate surfaces of the cams |05 and |38, and these cam surfaces are effective to compress the springs I8| and stretch springs |6I. When the upward movement has been continued to the point where the ends of the triggers reach the shoulders |09 and |43, the springs |8| and |6| move the triggers so that the extremities thereof engage the shoulders |09 and |43, and the clicking noise caused by this movement may be readily heard by the operator.

The handle |52 may now be depressed, and due to the engagement of the ends of the triggers with the shoulders |09 and |43 the cams |05 and |38 are rotated about the pin |08 to wrap the chains |03 and |31 over the arcuate surfaces 0f the cams, thus tensioning the springs in the manner already described.

The lower limit of movement of the handle |52 will be determined by the engagement of the pin ||2 in the recess |48, and the dog |86 will engage the bottom edge of the slot |85 to maintain this downward position of the handle |52. In this position the ngers of the operator may be pressed against the grip portion |64 at the outer end of the lever |58 to release the triggers in the manner above described.

Magazine A base plate |89 is secured to the supporting flange 56 by fastening elements which pass through the openings 59, 60 and 6|. At one side the base plate |89 is formed with an upstanding flange |90 through which passes a pin I9 A dog |92 is pivotally mounted on the pin |9I, and a spring shown at |93 normally maintails this dog |92 in a depressed position. Extending from the other side of the base plate |89 is an ear |94 which is turned over to provide a spaced top |95.

A pivot pin |96 extends between the ear |94 and its turned over top |95 and also through an opening formed in a projection |91 that is dis'- posed between the parts |94 and |95. This projection |91 extends outwardly from the bottom wall |98 of a staple magazine which is referred to in its entirety by the reference character M, shown in Figures 18 and 19.

It is evident that the structure just described provides for the pivotal mounting of the magazine M. On the side opposite from the projection |91 the bottom wall |98 is continued to provide a retaining bar |99 which is adapted to have the dog |92 engage thereover. It is evident that with the dog |92 engaging the retaining bar |99 the magazine M is held in position depicted in Figure 18. However, when occasion demands the dog |92 may be upraised against the influence of the spring |93 and the magazine M swung around the pivot |96 as an axis.

The magazine M is deined by a top wall 200 that is formed with a slot 20| that terminates at its outer end in the portion 202 extending normal thereto. Depending downwardly from the top 200 are side walls 203, and at the outer end the magazine is closed by an end wall 204. At the inner end there is another end wall 205 that is integral with the bottom wall |98.

Extending between the walls 204 and 205 are rods 206 about which are disposed coil springs 201. These springs 201 engage against the outer end wall 204 at one end and the other end bears against a staple actuating member 208. Ineluded as a part of the latter is an upwardly extending operating member 209 that is pivotally mounted, as shown, on the pin 2|0, which is a o part of the actuating member 208.

Carried by the inner end plate 205 and disposed thereover coextensive therewith is a .plate 2|| formed with openings 2|2 for a purposeto-be hereinafter pointed out. Each of the plates 205 and 2|| is cut away at each side to provide side ,recesses 2|3, and at the top to provide a recess 2|4 (see Figure 20.) It is notable that the recesses 2|3 and 2|4 .together define the formation of one of the staples |22.

Each of the side walls 203 carries a staple retaining plate 2|5 which is spaced therefrom a distance corresponding to the thickness of the staple. It is notable that the upper edge of each of the staple ,retaining `plates 2|5 is spaced from the top wall 200 a distance corresponding to the thickness of a staple, this being represented at 2|6. These retaining plates 2|5 may be secured to the side walls 203 by having their lower edges deformed and integrally connected to the side walls, as shown at 2|1.

When the magazine M is to be loaded .the dog |92 is raised upwardly and the magazine swung about the pivot |96 into its outer position in which the inner end of the staple is free from the opening 54. The operating member 209 is availed. of to move .the actuating part 208 towards the outer end wall 204, thus compressing the springs 206. When the outer limit of movement has been reached, the operating member 209 will be in alignment with the Islot 202, and due to the pivotal mounting of the operating member may be swung over into this slot to retain the actuating member in this position.

A supply of staples, which .comprises a plurality of U-shaped staples integrally yconnected togetheruwin a manner well-known in the stapling art, is now inserted through the recesses 2|3 and 2|4 with the legs |23 of the staples being received between the walls 203 and the retaining plates 2|5.

The magazine M is now swung into the -clcsed position depicted in Figure 18 in which .the inner end projects through the openings 54 and 69 so that the face of the plate 2|| is substantially ush with the inner `face of the plate 65. The operati-ng member 209 is now swung out of `the slot 202 into alignment with the slot 20| to render effective the springs 206 against the actuating member 208. The latter bears against the staple supply and forces .the same to be urged inwardly so that one staple is always positioned between the plates 65 and 2| on one side, and the staple guide plate ||6.

Under ordinary conditions the staple which is to be next 4driven by the machine will be maintained in this position, due to the integral conneotion of the staple with the staple supply. However, the last staple of any supply st-rip will not be so supported and provision must be made for maintaining this staple in this upraised position, as it is important that n-o downward movemerit on the part of the staple takes place until the penetrating anvils have been -operated and the staple guide plate ||6 moved into its lowermost position. Accordingly the invention provides the arrangement shown in Figure 24 for maintaining this last staple in its properly upraised location within the machine.

It is noted that each of the rods 206 is mounted on the .end wall 205 by being received in an opening formed in this wall. The outer or rear extremity of each of the rods 206 is bored out to provide a recess 2|0, and la coil spring 2|9 is disposed in this recess. These springs 2|9 bear against the outer end plate shown Ias part of end wall 204 and serve to urge the rods 206 inwardly.

The inner extremity of each of the rods 206 is `of a conical formation so that a staple may ride thereover, at the same time forcing the rods inwardly against the influence of the springs 2|9. However, these springs 2|9 normally maintain the lconical points 22| of the rod 206 in position protruding beyond the plate 2|| so that they are effective to yieldably maintain the staples in position. It is notable that the outer portions of the openings 2|2 are conically shaped and complemental to the conical points 22| of the rods 206. Thus the pins are maintained in position in `the manner illustrated.

Shock absorber mechanism A shock absorber plate is shown in Figures 10 and 11 and is designated 222. This .plate 222 is disposed on the front face of the cam plate '|6 and is held in position by the pin 2 l. the extremity of which engages the front face of .the plate 222. The lower extremity of the shock absorber plate 222 is reduced in width, as shown at 223, so that it extends between the faces 36 of the feet 32.

With the lower edge of the reduced portion 223 of .the plate 222 flush with the bottom face of th-e rear casing part Il, the reduced portion 223 is continued up an appreciable distance above the feet 32, thus allowing for a certain amount of movement lon the .part of the shock `absorber plate 222, which will cause the lower edge thereof to project beyond the bottom of the machine. The side edges of the plate 222 bear against the inner faces of the side walls 30, and the edges of the plate 222 may be cut away to provide recesses 224, which serves to reduce friction and precludes the possibility of .the fastening pins 5| interfering with movement of the plate.

When the machine is put in use the bottom of the machine rests on the material which is being stapled. Thus the bottom edge of the part 223 of the plate 222 rests on this material. When the trigger I is operated to release the cam |05, lthe plunger 92 moves downwardly under the inuence of the springs 98 and 99, to drive the penetrating anvils and 26 and move the staple guide plate ||6 downwardly in the manner already discussed.

However, as the plunger 92 reaches its lower limit of movement the lower edge thereof engages the upper edge of the plate 222 and drives the bottom edge of the plate into the material |0I, thus compressing the same and rendering it readily adaptable to having Ithe staples |22 clinched therein. This engagement of the plate 222 with the material being stapled functions as a shock absorber so far as the .plunger 92 is concerned. Thus the likelihood of the cam |05 overriding or rocking, which might be accompanied .by buckling of the chain |03, is greatly reduced. Hence this cam is not provided with one of the spring-s corresponding to springs ||0. However, the cams |38 for the staple `driving blade must be so equipped to prevent this rocking or overriding.

Operation Before entering into a discussion of the operation of the machine above described, it is noted that when the plates '|4 and '|6 are rst assembled in the grooves 42 and 43, fastening pins 225 are passed through the passageway 40 and the notches l5 in alignment therewith. These pins serve to accurately position the plates T4 and 'I6 with respect to the casing part I. When the front casing part |0 is assembled on the casing part the faces serve to close the passages 40, thus retaining the pins 225 in position.

It is also notable that `the shafts |08 and ||2, which have their ends received in the openings 49 and 50, are retained in their assembled relationship due to the legs 24 snugly engaging the exterior of the flanges 48.

While the Inode of operation of each of the above described parts has been explained, a comprehensive description of the operation of the machine is hereinafter set forth.

A proper supply of staples |22 is first placed in the magazine M in the manner above described, and the magazine swung into its closed position in which its inner end projects through the openings 54 and 69. During loading of the magazine and other handling of the machine it is desirable that the safety catch comprising recess |65 and pin IBB be set to prevent accidental operation of the trigger. i

When the operating member 209 is moved out of the slot 202 into alignment with the slot 20| the machine is ready for use, that is if the safety catch |65 and |66 is released. The operator now grasps the handle 23 and places the machine on the cardboard carton or other work which is to be stapled. The indicating ribs 3| indicate to the operator the line on which the staple will be driven, while the indicating rib |4 indicates the center point of the staple. Thus the operator may accurately drive the staples at a required location.

With the machine properly positioned the operator grasps the handle |52 and releases the dog |86 from the bottom edge of slot |85, after which he raises the handle upwardly until he hears the click of the ends of the triggers |15, |16 and |11 engaging the shoulders |09 and |43. 'I'he handle is now moved downwardly, and due to the engagement of the triggers with the shoulders on the cams the latter are swung on the shaft |08 as an axis to raise the chains |03 and |31 and wrap them about the arcuate surfaces of the cams whereby the plunger 92 is raised against the influence of the springs 98 and 99, while the staple driving blade |24 is raised against the inuence of the springs |30.

It will be remembered that this upward movement of the plunger 92 causes a corresponding upward movement of the staple guiding plate IIS.

The operator now compresses his fingers against the hand grip |64 to move the outer end of the lever |58 upwardly, thus depressing the inner end. As the inner end of the lever is depressed the trigger |11 is first released from the shoulder |09, thereby releasing the cam |05 so that the plunger 92 is moved downwardly under the influence of the springs 98 and 99 at a high velocity.

This movement of the plunger operates the penetrating anvils and moves the staple guiding plate H6 into its lowered position covering the cam grooves on the plate 14. Further compression of the hand grip |64 on the lever |58 causes the triggers |15 and |16 to be released from the shoulders |43, thereby releasing the cams |38 to permit the staple driving blade |24 to be driven under the influence of the springs |30.

It is to be remembered that prior to this driving of the staple driving blade 24 the plunger 92 will have struck the shock absorber plate 222 to compress the material and render the same susceptible to having the staple clinched therein.

As the staple driving blade |24 comes downwardly it strikes against the staple |22 which is positioned within the plates 2| l and 65, and after the blade has been retracted into its upper position in the manner above described the springs 206 affect the staple supply to bring a fresh staple into position into which it may be driven.

It is to be remembered that when the last staple of any supply strip has been reached the pointed ends 22| of the pins 220 will serve to properly hold this staple in position until it is struck by the staple driving blade.

While preferred specic embodiments of the invention are hereinbefore Set forth it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not to be limited to the exact constructions illustrated and described, because various modications of these details may be provided in putting the invention into practice within the purview of the. appended claims.

I claim:

zozo-:geve

1. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils mounted for operative movement, cam means associated with the anvils for guiding them in their operative movement, staple driving means for driving a staple onto the said anvils, and movable means for guiding said staple and protecting it from contact with said cam means during movement.

2. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, means associated with the penetrating anvils for guiding the operative movement thereof, operating instrumentalities for the penetrating anvils, staple driving means for driving a staple onto said anvils, and movable means for guiding said staple and protecting it from contact with the said guiding means, said staple guide plate being actuated by the operating instrumentalities for the penetrating anvils.

3. In a stapling machine of the character described, a penetrating anvil, a cam plate formed with cam grooves for guiding movement of the penetrating anvil, operating instrumentalities for actuating said penetrating anvil, staple driving means for driving a staple onto said anvil, and a staple guide plate movable over said cam plate and operatively connected to the said operating instrumentalities, said staple guide plate being interposed between said staple and said cam plate as the staple is being driven.

4. In a stapling machine of the character described, a penetrating anvil, a cam plate formed With cam grooves for guiding movement of the penetrating anvil, operating instrumentalities for actuating said penetrating anvil, staple driving means for driving a staple onto said anvil, a staple guide plate interposed between said staple and said cam plate as the staple is being driven, and a lost motion connection between said staple guide plate and the said operating instrumentalities.

5. In a stapling machine of the character described, a penetrating anvil, a pair of spaced cam plates formed with cam grooves for guiding the anvil during operative movement, a plunger slidably mounted on one of said cam plates, linkage between said plunger and said anvil, staple driving means, and a staple guide plate movable over one of said cam plates and operatively connected to said plunger.

6. In a stapling machine of the character der scribed, a penetrating anvil, a guide plate formed with cam grooves for guiding operative movement of said anvil, a plunger slidably carried by said plate, linkage between said plunger and said anvil, a staple guiding plate slidable over said plate, and means for operatively connecting said staple guide plate to the plunger with a lost motion connection.

1. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, inner and outer guide pins on each of the penetrating anvils, a cam plate, said plate having a pair of outer guides receiving the outer guide pins, and a pair of inner guides receiving the inner guide pins, said plate at each side also being formed with inclined slots, a plunger slidably carried by said plate, a pair of links pivotally connected to said plunger, a pin slidably received in each of said inclined slots, one of said links being connected to one of said pins, while the other of said links is connected to the other of said pins, and links connecting the said pins in the slots to the outer guide pins on the penetrating anvils.

8. In a stapling machine of the character described, an anvil, an outer guide pin` on said anvil, an inner guide pin on said anvil, a cam plate formed with an outer guide receiving the outer guide pin, and an inner guide receiving the inner guide pin, a plunger slidably carried by the said plate, and a toggle joint operatively connecting said plunger with said penetrating anvil.

9. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, an outer guide pin on each of said anvils, an inner guide pin on each of said anvils, a cam plate formed with outer guides receiving the outer guide pins, and inner guides receiving the inner guide pins, a plunger slidably carried by the said plate, and a pair of complete toggle joints connecting said plunger to the said anvils, there being a toggle joint between the outer guide pin of each anvil and the said plunger.

10. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, an outer guide pin carried by each of said penetrating anvils and an inner guide pin carried by each of said penetrating anvils, a pair of spaced plates, said plates being formed with aligned outer guide slots receiving the outer guide pins and inner guide slots receiving the inner guide pins, a plunger slidably carried by one of said plates, and a toggle arrangement disposed between said plates and operatively connecting said plunger to the outer guide pins.

11. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, an outer guide pin carried by each of said penetrating anvils and an inner guide pin carried by each of said penetrating anvils, a pair of spaced plates, said plates being formed with aligned outer guide slots receiving the outer guide pins and inner guide slots receiving the inner guide pins, a plunger slidably carried by one of said plates, and a toggle arrangement disposed between said plates operatively connecting the plunger to the outer guide pins, said toggle arrangement including pins that are slidably received in guide slots formed in the plates.

12. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, an outer guide pin carried by each of said penetrating anvils and an inner guide pin carried by each of said penetrating anvils, a pair of spaced plates, said plates being formed with aligned outer guide slots receiving the outer guide pins and inner guide slots receiving the inner guide pins, the said anvils being disposed on the outer side of one of said plates for sliding movement thereover, a plunger slidably carried by the other of said plates, linkage disposed between said plates and operatively connecting said plunger to the outer guide pins, a staple guide plate slidably carried on the outer face of the same plate over which the anvils slide, and a connection between said staple guide plate and the said plunger.

13. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, a pair of spaced plates, cooperating guide means on said anvils and plates respectively, the said anvils being mounted for sliding movement on the outer face of one of said plates, a plungerslidably carried by the other of said plates, linkage disposed between said plates and operatively connecting said plunger to the penetrating anvils, the said plate on which the anvils slide being formed with a slot, a staple guide plate slidably carried on the outer face of said last mentioned guide plate and having a tongue extending through said slot, and means for operatively connecting said tongue to the plunger.

14. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, a pair of spaced plates, cooperating guide means on said anvils and plates respectively, the said anvils being mounted for sliding movement on the outer face of one of said plates, a plunger slidably carried by the other of said plates, linkage disposed between said plates and operatively connecting said plunger to the penetrating anvils, the said plate on which the anvils slide being formed with a slot, and a staple guide plate having side ilanges adapted to engage the legs of a staple, said guide plate being slidably disposed on the outer face of the plate over which the anvils slide, a tongue on said guide plate extending through said slot, and a spring connecting said tongue to the said plunger.

15. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, an outer guide pin on each of said penetrating anvils, and an inner guide pin on each of said penetrating anvils, a pair of spaced plates formed with outer guides receiving the outer guide pins and inner guides receiving the inner guide pins, the said anvils being slidably carried on the outer face of one of said plates, a plunger carried by one of said plates, linkage operatively connecting the plunger to the penetrating anvils, and a guide plate operatively connected to the plunger and slidable over the outer face of the plate on which the anvils are disposed, said plate being movable into a position completely covering the central portion of said guides.

16. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, an outer guide pin on each of said penetrating anvils, and

an inner guide pin on each of said penetrating anvils, a pair of spaced plates formed with outer guides receiving the outer guide pins and inner guides receiving the inner guide pins, the said anvils being slidably carried on the outer face of one of said plates, a plunger carried by one of said plates, linkage operatively connecting the plunger to the penetrating anvils, and a guide plate operatively connected to the plunger and slidable over the outer face of the plate on which the anvils are disposed, said plate being formed with side flanges, and legs that extend to the bottom edge of the plate when the guide plate is in staple guiding position.

17. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, an outer guide pin on each of said penetrating anvils, and an inner guide pin on each of said penetrating anvils, a pair of spaced plates formed with outer guides receiving the outer guide pins and inner guides receiving the inner guide pins, the said anvils being slidably carried on the outer face of one of said plates, a plunger carried by one of said plates, linkage operatively connecting the plunger to the penetrating anvils, a guide plate slidably disposed on the outer face of the plate on which the anvils slide, and means for moving said guide plate in synchrony with movement of said anvils whereby said anvils are first operated to pierce the material and assume their effective position after which the guide plate is moved into position covering that portion of the guides over which a staple travels as it is being driven.

18. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, guide pins carried by the penetrating anvils, a cam plate having guide slots receiving the guide pins on the penetrating anvils, the said anvils being slidably carried on one face of the plate, operating instrumentalities for actuating the penetrating anvils, a guide plate slidably disposed on the same face of the plate as that over which the anvils slide, and means for moving said guide plate in synchrony with the penetrating anvils whereby the penetrating anvils are rst actuated to pierce the material being stapled and assume their effective position after which the guide plate is moved into position covering that portion of the guide slots over which the staple travels as it is being driven onto the anvils.

19. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, guide pins carried by said penetrating anvils, a plate formed with guide slots receiving the said guide pins, the said penetrating anvils being slidably disposed on one face of said plate, operating instrumentalities for the penetrating anvils, a staple guide plate slidable over the same face of the plate over which the anvils slide, means for moving said guide plate, a staple driving blade, and operating instrumentalities for said staple driving blade, the operating instrumentalities for the penetrating anvils, the means for moving the guide plate, and the operating instrumentalities for the staple driving blade being synchronized so that the penetrating anvils are rst operated to pierce the material being stapled and assume their effective positions, after which the guide plate is moved into position covering that portion of the guide slots over which the staple travels and after which the staple driving blade is actuated to drive the staple.

20. In a stapling machine including a penetrating anvil and a staple driving blade, instrumentalities for operating said anvil and driving blade in synchrony comprising spring actuated means associated With the anvil, spring actuated means associated with the driving blade, a cam; for tensioning the spring actuated means for the anvil, a cam for tensioning the spring actuated means for the driving blade, means for moving said cams to tension the said spring actuating means, and trigger mechanism, associated with said last mentioned means, said trigger mechanism including a trigger for each of said cams, and operating means for releasing said triggers in predetermined sequential order.

21. In a stapling machine including a pair of penetrating anvils and a staple driving blade, instrumentalities for operating said penetrating anvils and driving blade in synchrony comprising spring actuating means for the anvils, spring actuating means for the driving blade, a pivotally mounted tensioning cam. for the actuated means for the anvils, another pivotally mounted cam for tensioning the spring actuating means for the blades, each of said cams being formed with a detent, a pivotally mounted operating handle, trigger mechanism carried by said handle and adapted for engagement with said detents in the cams, and a trigger lever operatively connected to said trigger mechanism and carried by said handle.

22. In a stapling machine including a pair of penetrating anvils and a staple driving blade, instrumentalities for operating said penetrating anvils and driving blade in synchrony comprising spring actuating means for the anvils, spring actuating means for the driving blade, a pivotally mounted tensioning cam for the actuated means for the anvils, another pivotally mounted cam for tensioning the spring actuating means for the blades, each of said cams being formed with a detent, a pivotally mounted operating handle, trigger mechanism carried by said handle and adapted for engagement with said detents in the cams, said handle being movable to cause engagement of the trigger mechanism with the detents and further operative tol rotate said cams to tension the spring actuating means, means for holding said handle in position in which the actuating means are tensioned, and a trigger lever carried by said handle for operating said trigger mechanism to release said cams in proper sequential order.

23. Trigger mechanism for a stapling machine of the character described comprising a trigger for controlling the operation of penetrating anvils, a trigger for controlling the operation of a staple driving blade, and a lost motion connection between said triggers.

24. Trigger mechanism for a stapling machine of the character described comprising a trigger for controlling the operation of penetrating anvils, a trigger for controlling the operation of a staple driving blade, a trigger lever operatively connected to one of said triggers, a lost motion connection between said trigger and the other of said triggers, and means for yieldably maintaining said triggers in holding position.

25. Trigger mechanism for a stapling machine of the character described comprising a central trigger, a trigger on each side of said central trigger, there being a recess in each of said side triggers, and a projection at each side of said central trigger extending into the recess on the respective side, the said projection being smaller than said recess whereby a lost motion connection between said central trigger and the side triggers is established, and means for actuating said central trigger which also constitutes a means for actuating said side triggers through said lost motion connection.

26. rTrigger mechanism for a stapling machine of the'character described comprising a central trigger adapted to control the operation of penetrating anvils, triggers disposed on each side of said central trigger for controlling the operation of a driving blade, means for establishing a lost motion connection between said central trigger and said side triggers, a trigger lever operatively connected to said central trigger, and spring means for yieldably maintaining each of said triggers in holding position.

27. Trigger mechanism for a stapling machine of the character described comprising a handle formed with a trigger housing, trigger mechanism in said housing, a trigger lever carried by said handle operatively connected to said trigger mechanism, and a safety catch carried by said handle adapted to be positioned to hold said trigger lever against movement, but which may be released to permit operation of said trigger lever.

28. Trigger mechanism for a stapling machine of the character described comprising a handle formed with a trigger housing, a trigger lever pivotally carried by said handle and having one end extending into said housing, spring means associated with said handle for yieldably maintaining the same in one position, a trigger in said housing operatively connected to the inner end of said trigger handle, triggers on each side of said rst mentioned trigger, and spring means associated with said last mentioned trigger for maintaining the same in a holding position.

29. A stapling machine of the character described comprising a casing, staple driving mechanism in said casing including a spring, a handle pivotally carried by said casing and operable to tension said spring, trigger mechanism housed in said handle for controlling the operation of said mechanism Within the casing, and cooperating means on said casing and handle respectively for holding said handle in position in which said spring is tensioned.

30. A stapling machine of the character described comprising a casing, penetrating anvils, and a stap-le driving blade together With associated operative mechanism being housed in said casing, a handle pivotally carried by said casing, trigger mechanism housed in said handle for controlling the operation of the penetrating anvils and staple driving blade, said trigger mechanism including a trigger formed with a slot and a dog carried by the casing adapted to engage the lower edge of the slot in the said trigger to hold the handle in a set position, said trigger being operable to release `the dog to permit of pivotal movement of the handle.

3l. Trigger mechanism for a stapling machine oi the character described comprising a trigger for controlling operation of the penetrating anvils, a trigger for controlling operation of a staple driving blade, means for yieldably maintaining said triggers in holding position, means for limiting movement of said triggers, and a trigger lever operatively connected to said triggers, there being a lost motion connection between said triggers.

32. In a stapling machine oi the character described, a staple driving blade, spring actuating means for causing operation of said driving blade, a cam for tensioning said spring actuating means, and spring means associated with said cam for holding said cam against overrunning or rocking which might be caused b-y operation of the a-ctuating means.

33. In a stapling machine of the character described, a staple driving blade, spring actuating means for said staple driving blade, a pair of cams spaced apart, pivotally mounted and connected to said driving blade, said cams being rotatable to tension the spring actuating means, and spring means associated with each of said cams for holding the same against overrunning or rocking movement which might be caused by operation of the driving blade.

34. In a stapling machine of the character described, a staple driving blade, spring actuating means for the staple driving blade, a pivotally mounted cam having an arcuate surface, a chain connected at one end to said driving blade and at the other to said cam and adapted to Wrap around said arcuate surface as an incident to actuation of the cam, and means for rotating said cam` to wrap the chain thereabout to tension the spring actuating means.

35. In a stapling machine including a pair of penetrating anvils, a` staple driving blade, spring actuating means for the penetrating anvils, and spring actuating means for the driving blade, mechanism for tensioning said spring actuating means comprising a cam pivotally mounted and connected to said penetrating anvils by a chain, and a pair of cams rotatably mounted coaxially With the nrst mentioned cam and operatively connected to the driving blade by a pair of chains, and means for rotating said cams to cause the chains to be Wrapped thereabout to tension the respective spring actuating means.

36. In a stapling machine of the character described, penetrating and clinching anvil means,

anvil driving means, supporting means for said anvil means and said driving means, and cushioning means movable with respect to said supporting means and adapted to absorb part of the shock of said anvil driving means.

37. In a stapling machine of the character described, penetrating and clinching anvil means, anvil driving means, supporting means for said anvil means and said driving means, and cushioning means movable with respect to said supporting means and adapted to transmit part of the shock oi said driving means to an article being stapled whereby part of the shock is absorbed by the said article being stapled.

38. In a stapling machine of the character described, penetrating and clinching anvil means, anvil driving means, staple driving means, supporting means for said anvil means, anvil driving means and staple driving means, and cushioning means movable With respect to said supporting means and adapted to transmit part of the shock of said anvil means to an article being stapled immediately prior to operation of said staple driving means.

39. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils adapted to pierce material being stapled, operating instrumentalities for the anvils including a plunger, a shock absorber plate having an edge adapted to engage the material being stapled, and another edge adapted for engagement by the said plunger to transmit shocks and jars to the said material being stapled, and means for guiding and limiting movement of said shock absorber plate.

40. In a stapling machine ofthe character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, operating instrumentalities for the penetrating anvils, a staple driving blade, operating instrumentalities for the staple driving blade, and a magazine for supplying staples which are to be operated upon by the machine, said magazines including means for yieldably holding a staple in position for engagement by said staple driving Iblade during operation of the penetrating anvils and prior to operation of said driving blade.

41. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, operating instrumentalities for the penetrating anvils, a staple driving blade, operating instrumentalities for the staple driving blade, and a magazine for supplying staples Which are to be operated upon by the machine, said magazines including means for yieldably holding a staple in position for engagement by said staple driving blade during operation of the penetrating anvils and prior to operation of said driving blade, said means consisting of deflectable elements disposed in the path of travel of said staple driving blade.

42. In a stapling machine of the character described, a pair of penetrating anvils, operating instrumentalities for the penetrating anvils, a staple driving blade, operating instrumentalities for the staple driving blade, and a magazine for supplying staples which are to vbe operated upon by the machine, said magazines including means for yieldably holding a staple in position for engagement by said staple driving blade during operation of the penetrating anvils and prior to operation of said driving blade, said means consisting of spaced rods having conical points disposed in` the path of travel of the staple driving blade, and springs yieldably maintaining said rods in such position.

43. A magazine for a stapling machine oi the character described comprising a casing, a pair of rods disposed in said casing spaced apart and extending lengthwise thereof, each of said rods being formed with a recess at its outer end, and a spring in each of said recesses, the inner end of each of said rods being of a pointed conical formation, said casing being formed with truncated conical openings receiving said conical points, said springs maintaining the points in said openings.

44. A magazine for a stapling machine of the character described comprising a casing defined by side Walls, a top wall, and inner and outer end walls, a staple retaining plate carried by each of said side walls on the inner face thereof and in offset relation with respect thereto, the upper edge of each of said guide plates being spaced from the top wall of the casing, the inner end wall of the casing being formed with a recess extending across the top immediately beneath the top wall of the casing, a recess at each side in communication with the recess at the top, said recesses in the end wall substantially defining a staple formation, and means in said casing for urging a supply of staples therein towards the inner end.

45. A magazine for a stapling machine of the character described comprising a casing defined by side walls, a top wall, and inner and outer end walls and a bottom wall, means carried by said bottom wall for pivotally mounting the magazine on the stapling machine, means carried by said bottom wall for cooperating with holding means on a stapling machine for maintaining the magazine in staple delivering position, said holding means being movable into non-holding position, and means in said casing for urging a supply of staples towards the inner end thereof.

46. A magazine for a stapling machine of the character described comprising a casing defined by side walls, `a top wall, and inner and outer end walls, a staple retaining plate carried by each of said side walls on the inner face thereof and in offset relation with respect thereto, the upper edge of' each of said. guide plates being spaced from the top Wall of the casing, the inner end wall of the casing being formed with a recess extending across the top immediately beneath the top wall of the casing, a recess at each side in communication with the recess at the top, said recesses in the end wall substantially defining a staple formation, said top wall being formed with an elongated slot terminating at the outer end in an oiTset portion, a staple actuating member operatively mounted within the casing and adapted to engage a supply of staples, spring means interposed between the outer end wall and said staple actuating member, and an operating member for said staple actuating member pivotally carried by said actuating member and extending through the said slot in the top wall.

47. A stapling machine of the character described comprising instrumentalities for driving and clinching a staple, a casing enclosing and concealing said instrumentalities, an indicator carried by said casing for indicating the center vof a staple which is to be driven by said instrumentalities, and additional indicators on the casing for indicating the line on which said staple member will be driven.

48. A casing for a stapling machine comprising a front pant having a front wall, an overhanging top structure, and legs depending from the top structure that are spaced from the front Wall, and a rear casing part having faces adapted to be engaged by said legs and interlocking StrilC- ture at |the bottom of said front and rear parts for preventing relative sidewise movements of said parts.

49. A casing for a stapling machine comprising a front part having a front wall, a canopy structure at the top, and spaced legs depending from the canopy structure in spaced relation with respect to said front wall, and a rear part defined by a central portion, side walls and spaced flanges at the top that are engaged and enclosed between said legs on the front casing part, and interlocking structure at the bottom of said front and rear casing parts.

50. A casing for a stapling machine comprising a iront part having a front wall, a canopy structure at the top, and spaced legs depending from the canopy structure in spaced relation with respect to said front Wall, and a rear part defined by a central portion, side walls and spaced flanges at the top that are engaged and enclosed between said legs on the front casing part, and indicia on said casing parts for indicating the line on which a staple will be driven by the mechanism within the casing and the center point of such driven staple.

l. A casing for a stapling machine comprising one casing part dened by a front wall, a bottom wall having a rearwardly extending reduced portion, a canopy at the top, and spaced legs depending from the canopy and having inner edges spaced from the front wall and the rear casing part defined by a central panel that is connected to side walls at each side by U-shaped bend portions, feet carried by the side walls at the bottom engaging the reduced portion of the bottom wall of the front casing part, and flanges carried by said U-shaped bend portions at the top disposed between and engaging the said legs on the front casing part.

52. A casing for a stapling machine comprising one casing part dened by a front wall, a bottom wall having a rearwardly extending reduced portion, a canopy at the top, and spaced legs depending from :the canopy and having inner edges spaced from the front wall, and a rear casing part defined by a central panel that is connected to side walls at each side by U-shaped bend portions, feet carried by the side walls at the bottom engaging the reduced portion of the bottom wall of the front casing part, flanges carried by said U-shaped bend portions at the top disposed between and engaging the said legs on the front casing part, and flanges on said rear casing part being formed with aligned openings being adapted to receive a pivot pin, and which openings are closed by the legs on said front casing part.

53. A casing for a stapling machine comprising a front part having a front wall, an overhanging top structure, legs depending from the top structure that are spaced from the front wall, and a rear casing part having faces adapted to be engaged by said legs and interlocking structure at the bottom of said front and rear parts for preventing relative sidewise movements of said parts, said front and rear casing parts being formed with aligned openings and fastening elements extending through said aligned openings to maintain the parts in assembled relationship.

54. A casing structure for a stapling machine comprising a front casing part, a rear casing part detachably interlocked with the front casing part and including side walls, said side walls being formed with grooves for receiving the edges of plates constituting parts of stapling machine mechanism that is to be housed within the cas-

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