초록

A cartridge which dispenses staples into a stapler from a track that has track portions which are not linearly aligned so that the cartridge can be shaped for minimum interference with the use of the stapler.

대표청구항 ▼

A stapler cartridge comprising: a plurality of generally U-shaped staples each having a central portion and a leg projecting from each end of said central portion; means for defining a track having an end and comprising surfaces spaced to guide opposite sides of the central portion of said staples a

A stapler cartridge comprising: a plurality of generally U-shaped staples each having a central portion and a leg projecting from each end of said central portion; means for defining a track having an end and comprising surfaces spaced to guide opposite sides of the central portion of said staples along said track and restrict relative displacement of the central portions of said staples transverse of said track, said track comprising portions disposed with respect to each other at an included angle of less than 180 degrees and an arcuate portion between said portions which is arcuate about an axis parallel to said surfaces, and having said staples disposed along its length with their legs projecting generally normally away from said track on the side opposite said included angle with the staples along said arcuate portion being disposed with their legs projecting generally normally away from the axis of said arcuate portion; and means for biasing the central portions of said staples along said track toward said end comprising a flexible follower plate having a width and thickness similar to the width and thickness of the central portions of said staples, having one end in contact with one of said staples and being flexible about an axis transverse of its width to allow it to move around said arcuate portion to press said staples toward said end.