The combined unit comprises the following parts: One main base(l), on this main base are two supports(2a,2b) or the hole punching mechanism, the stapler base(3) bedded in its indent at the center axis between tlie pinch holes, a catch(3a) to attach or detach the stapler base to or from tiie main base, tie spring(4) to fix the stapler to the main base firmly, the fixation catch(5) to guide and place the stapler base in tulle indent, the spring(6) to lift off tile stapler magazine upon release of the pressing handle, the staple bar folding bed(7), the stapler magazine(8), the magazine head(9) to clear and push one staple bar al: a time, the stapler handle (10), the combined handle lifting spring with the opposite end formed as staple bar pushing plate(ll), the pivot(12) of the stapler meclanism, the indent with bracing(l3) to nest the staple remover(25)(the standard device to remove staple bars from binded paper sheets), the punch handle fixation lock(14), the support(15) of the lock, the indent with fixation bracings(16) on the main base to nest standard package of 10 mm staple bars, the lock(17) of the package fixation, the two punching pivots(18), the two punching pivot segments(19), tic two helical springs(20), the punching handle(21), tie two pivots(22) of the punching mechanism, the guiding device(23) incorporating with the stapler, the main base bottom cover(24), the staple remover(25), the standard package(26) of 10 mm staple bars.

The paper punch and stapler as two indispensable office equipment are employed in filing and paper binding extensively. Technically,

these two devices are activated by pressing handles, which are pivoted to the functioning mechanisms of each, and are rebound by lift off springs after pressing. It is reviewed through the patents registered in different countries (U. S. A., England, The Netherlands and Switzerland) tliat since 1922 to this date tiere has not been significant change in the operating principles of these devices. As reviewed, the development and progress were rather on utilization <BR> <BR> <BR> of new materials such as synthetic polymers with @ which It is economical to manufacture precision parts reducing production costs.

To this date, in regards to known technology, the punch and t:Ile stapler have each found acceptance for use separately as two devices with different unalike functions, thus obviously a combined unit has not been thought of and not becn patented. It) essence, the objec- tive of this invention by combining the punch and the stapler, is to form one unit with two functions and to detach the two devices whenever it is needed to empl.oy each separately and independently.

Furthermore, through investigation it is foInd that functional improve- ments on these devices, as well as the combined unit resulted from this combination.

The punch: As this device functions by lever principle, the force exerted by hand is dependent on the ratio of the lever arms. The longer the pressing arm compared to the length of punching anti, the less force. with ease is required or with tlle same force more sheets of paper could be punclled. IJowever, increase of tulle pressing arn needs to Içe counter balanced by enlarging the base, which is supporting the punching mechanism to secure stability axially and laterally. nut, should this fact has to be considered for punch alone, manufacture of a large, oversize and costlier device is inevitable. Avoiding this drawback, our invention making use of the empty space between tie two Iiolcs of the punch base by installing a stapler, secures a pressing ari

length just to the length of the stapler, wliich i.s t:o operate freely when attached, thus optimizing the aforesaid punching ease of the punch. Accordingly, an advantage is secured over tlie rather short pressing arm of the commonly used standard two-hole punch's punching ratio by increasing to 1X9 from 1X5. Thus, I)y exerting almost one half of the force, same number of sheets could KI)e punched or with the same force the number of sleets to be punched could be doubled.

The stapler: 1- One issue of significance with the regular mechanical stapler is approximation of stapling points on the paper sheets to be binded.

In fact, despite care, stapling proper to the standards of document handled is hardly achieved and is wholly dependent on the skill of the operator.

Our additional invention on the combined unit is a guiding device (23a,b,c) (Fig.12a,b,c) which is incorporated with tIIe stapler to secure alignment of papers to staple wi.tl accuracy at I)oitits either parallel to edges or at 45 degree angle with the top left corner of the sheets to resolve approximation uncertainty in determining stapling points and to standardize accurate stapling with precision.

2- The extra width bearing the alignment guides adds stability to the stapler base, an advantage over regular narrow base staplers.

3- The handle of the pressing arm is designed to increase pressing area with a rounded crown as to enable the ol)erator to press by either thumb or palm edge, whichever is convenient to exert nt ense tlie force needed to staple the sheets to be binded.

The advantages of the combined unit: 1- Tlie aforesaid advantages described in the use or I)uncl) anti stapler

separately is in effect the same when these two devices are combined to form one unit.

2- The combined unit, aside from joining the punch and the stapler nests one staple remover(25), and one standard package of 10 mm staple bars(26) in the main base. Thus, a compact handy office set is formed by this combination.

As known, in the stationary and office supplies market: each device is sold separately or as a set in package of some kind. Dy comparison, our combined unit occupies less than a third the volume of the packages marketed, because ours is designed to arrange properly four units all in one main base unit. Nevertheless, it is space saving, not only in the office or home, but also could be conveniently carried along on business trips where it is needed to do paper work and filing.

Field of search and doctiments cited: British patent : GB 2220605 A British patent : GB 1579236 U.S.A. patent : US 4220070 U.S.A. patent : US 5426858 U.S.A. patent : US 5409319 U.S.A. patent : US 4780038