A Technical Description of the

Tot Stapler

Aaron Beaudoin040-766-865

1. General Description of the Swingline Tot Stapler

Swingline Tot Stapler

The Swingline Tot Stapler is a handheld mechanical device that is used to propel and fold metal staples for the purpose of fastening multiple pieces of paper. The device has the ability to fasten up to 12 pages at once and can hold approximately 60 staples. Because of its compact size (6.5 x4.5x2.7 cm), the Swingline Tot Stapler is suitable for travel purposes and for use in home offices. It can be purchased at numerous office supply stores for $4.961.

The Swingline Tot Stapler has a limited one-year warrantee but can be expected to last longer when used correctly. The functionality of the stapler is contingent on the availability of staples. Staple supplies can be reloaded once they have expired.

When removed from packaging, the Swingline Tot Stapler can have three positions: resting (see Figure 1), compressed (see Figure 2), and expanded (see Figure 3). In a resting position the Swingline Tot Stapler has a length of 6.5 cm and a height of 4.5 cm. In terms of individual units, the stapler can be divided into plastic casing and a core metal unit. The plastic casing consists of a stationary base and a depressible arm. The core unit includes a hollow cartridge, a flat carriage, and a pusher-spring mechanism.

1 As listed on OfficeMax.com

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4.5

6.5

Figure 3: Expanded Position

Figure 2: Compressed Position

Figure 1: Resting Position

Swingline Tot Stapler

2. Part-by-Part Description of the Swingline Tot Stapler

The Swingline Tot Stapler consists of two main parts: the casing (1) and the core unit (2).

2.1 CasingThe casing is the outer visible portion of the Swingline Tot Stapler, which protects the functional elements of the stapler and ensures safe usage. The casing is made up of material that includes plastic, steel, and magnets. The casing makes the Swingline Tot Stapler safe for use, convenient, and attractive to prospective customers. While the provided example (see Figure 4) is blue, alternate colours for the Swingline Tot Stapler include orange, purple, green, and black. The casing consists of two sub-parts: the depressible arm (1) and the stationary base (2).

Figure 4: Side view of casing

2.1.1 ArmThe arm of the Swingline Tot Stapler is a smooth, partially-hollow hard plastic shell upon which force is applied by the user in order to dispense staples. In a resting position, the arm sits at an angle of 30º from the base (Figure 5). When the user applies pressure to the elevated end of the arm, it can be depressed to a horizontal position, running parallel to the base.

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Arm

Based

6.5 cm

Arm

ArmArm

Swingline Tot Stapler

Figure 5: Side view in resting position

2.1.2 BaseThe Swingline Tot Stapler base serves to stabilize and support the stapler’s fastening parts. The base has a total length of 6.5 cm and a width of 3.5 cm. The base consists of three parts: the outer shell (1), the magnetic bottom (2), and the anvil (3) (see Figure 6).

Figure 6: Side view of base parts in expanded position

2.1.2.1 Outer ShellThe outer shell is a hard plastic covering that stabilizes the stapler’s fastening parts, provides a smooth surface for user handling, and maintains alignment for the stapler cartridge (see Figure 7). This smooth surface prevents end user injury on sharp or metallic edges. Unlike the Swingline Tot Stapler’s hard plastic arm, the outer shell of the base is stationary during the stapler’s functional motions. The outer shell of the base houses the anvil.

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Anvil

Outer ShellMagnetic

Bottom

30°

Base

Swingline Tot Stapler

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Figure 7: Side view of outer shell

Outer Shell

Swingline Tot Stapler

2.1.2.3 AnvilThe anvil is a semi-circular slotted metallic plate against which dispensed staples are bent in order to permanently fasten a collection of pages. The anvil is firmly fastened into the base of the Swingline Tot Stapler and cannot be manipulated without affecting the functionality of the stapler. The anvil has a length of 1.9 cm and a width of 1.0 cm (see Figure 8). The anvil is located directly below the arm of the Swingline Tot Stapler and is situated at the top of the base, opposite the magnetic bottom.

Figure 8: Overhead view of anvil

2.1.2.2 Magnetic BottomThe magnetic bottom is the magnetic point of contact between the stapler and the surface on which it is placed. The magnetic surface of the magnetic bottom allows for storage on desks or fridges so that the user does not misplace the stapler among assorted office supplies. The magnetic bottom has a length of 6.2 cm and a width of 2.0 cm (see Figure 9).

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1.9

1.0

Figure 9: Underside view of magnetic bottom

6.2 cm

2.0

Anvil

Swingline Tot Stapler

2.2 CoreThe core of the Swingline Tot Stapler is metal parts that facilitate the dispensing of staples and the movement of the stapler arm. When in a resting position, the core is barely visible beyond the casing. Nevertheless, the core is the source of dynamic functioning of the stapler. Included as part of the stapler are the cartridge (1), the pusher-spring (2) and the carriage (3) (see Figure 10).

Figure 10: Anterior view of core in expanded position

2.2.1 Cartridge The cartridge is a hollow metal rectangle with an open top that is used to hold a supply of up to 60 standard-sized staples. At the end of the cartridge, directly above the anvil, is a small (.02 cm) opening in which single staples can be dispensed (see Figure 11). When in a resting position, the cartridge is attached to and covered by the stapler arm; however, when in an expanded position, the cartridge is open to be filled by replacement staples.

In addition to the storage of staples, the cartridge holds the pusher portion of the pusher-spring.

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Carriage

Pusher-Spring

Cartridge

Swingline Tot Stapler

Figure 11: Overhead view of cartridge in expanded position

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Cartridge

Swingline Tot Stapler

2.2.2 Pusher-Spring The pusher-spring is a metal mechanism that enables staples to be pushed forward in the cartridge, towards the opening in which they will be dispensed. The mechanism includes a plastic pusher, which sits at the back of the staple supply in a resting position, and the spring, which ensures that the pusher is mobile (see Figure 12).

The expanded length of the spring varies between 4.2 cm and 1.8 cm depending on the position of the stapler as well as the number of staples within the cartridge. This length represents the distance between the pusher and the point at which the carriage is attached.

Figure 12: Anterior View of Pusher-Spring in expanded position

2.2.3 CarriageThe carriage is a bent piece of steel which pushes individual staples through the cartridge and towards the anvil. The carriage is firmly attached to the underside of the stapler arm and is hidden from the user when the stapler is in a resting position (see Figure 13). When the stapler is in an expanded position, the carriage and its link to the spring are exposed. The end of the carriage that is used to push the staples through the cartridge is positioned at a 90º angle, away from the underside of the arm.

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Spring

Pusher

Swingline Tot Stapler

3.0 Conclusion

The Swingline Tot Stapler is a mechanical device that has been designed for the single purpose of propelling staples that will fasten pieces of paper. From the propulsion of staples to the fastening of paper, the cycle of operation (see Section 3.1) requires little advanced knowledge and minimal effort from the end user. Additionally, the Swingline Tot Stapler has a unique value that differentiates itself from other staplers on the market (see Section 3.2).

3.1 Cycle of Operation

The Swingline Tot Stapler is placed on a firm horizontal surface in the resting position with the anvil-end of the stapler facing the user. Unfastened paper is positioned above the base and below the arm with the intended staple target placed directly above the anvil. Pressure is applied to the arm of the Swingline Tot Stapler until a staple is dispensed from the cartridge. Once dispensed, pressure is released and the arm of the stapler raises to its 30° resting position. Fastened paper is then removed from the stapler.

3.2 Value of the Swingline Tot StaplerThe Swingline Tot Stapler has many advantages when compared to other staplers available for purchase. The primary advantage is the stapler’s compact size, which makes the unit portable and therefore suitable for various working environments. Secondly, the stapler’s magnetic bottom ensures that the user is able to store the item on surfaces that include refrigerators and magnetic desks. Finally, the total cost of the Swingline Tot Stapler ($4.96) makes the unit relatively affordable when compared to available alternatives.

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Figure 13: Anterior view of carriage in expanded position