Background
The present invention relates generally to hand-held fastener dispensing devices, and more particularly to a novel kit that is particularly well-suited for use in attaching buttons to articles of clothing.
Traditionally, needles and threads are used to stitch back the separated buttons onto the article of clothing. However, it has been found that sewing buttons to articles using needles and threads is a rather time consuming and highly dexterous process. As a result, consumers who need to reattach buttons to items often hire professional needleworkers to perform the task, typically at a significant expense, or permanently discard the article.
In response to the drawbacks associated with conventional sewing processes, button attachment kits have recently been developed that greatly simplify the manner in which separate buttons can be reattached to an article of clothing, each button fastening kit typically including: one or more plastic fastener clips, hand-held fastener dispensing tools, and small samples of individual buttons, among others. As described in further detail below, the hand tool is designed to separate the fastener from the fastener clip, and in turn, dispense the fastener past the separated button and the intended garment to securely reattach the separated object. Avery Dennison Corporation of Pasadena, Calif. as its BUTTONEERSeries of fastening systems one well-known type of button attachment kit is manufactured and sold.
In U.S. patent No. 5,495,974, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, there is shown a button attachment kit including a fastener attachment tool and a complementary fastener clip including a pair of longitudinal strips (runner bars) and one or more U-shaped fasteners having transverse strips at opposite ends, each transverse strip being connected to a respective longitudinal strip by a severable connector post (connector post). The fastener attachment tool includes a pair of pins, each pin having a longitudinally slotted hole adapted to receive one transverse strip; and a blade formed on one side adapted to disconnect the connector post from the transverse bar to which it is connected when the transverse bar is pushed past the needle. The body of the tool includes a infeed slot through which a fastener clip is manually inserted, the infeed slot being positioned directly behind a pair of needles. The tool also includes an ejection mechanism (ejector mechanism) slidably mounted back and forth within the tool body and biased rearwardly by a spring. The ejection mechanism is manually operable from the rear of the body and includes a pair of ejection rods arranged to slide back and forth through the bores of the respective needles and in turn push the transverse strip of the lowermost fastener of the loaded fastener clip outwardly past the open sharpened tip of the needle. Other patents of interest include U.S. patent No. 5,518,162 to desches et al and U.S. patent No. 6,267,286 to desches et al, both disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In use, fastener dispensing tools of the type described in the' 974 patent are typically handled and operated similar to syringes. Specifically, the user's index and middle fingers are placed either through openings in the front of the tool body or, alternatively, against the front surface of the tool body on opposite sides of a pair of needles. In addition, the user's thumb is placed against the exposed rear surface of the ejector block of the ejection mechanism. Manipulated in this manner, the user manually actuates the tool so that the sharp tip of each needle penetrates the opening in the separate button and through the intended garment. At this time, fastener driving is achieved by manually pushing the ejector block forward using the thumb of the user.
Fastener dispensing tools of the type described in the' 974 patent have been found to have several notable drawbacks.
As a first disadvantage, fastener dispensing tools of the type described in the' 974 patent require a significant level of manual dexterity to operate. In particular, it has been found that some users (e.g., arthritic patients) lack the dexterity necessary to (i) manipulate the tool like a syringe, (ii) drive a sharp needle through a pair of objects to be connected and/or (iii) use his/her thumb drive.
As a second disadvantage, the dual needle fastener dispensing tool of the type described in the' 974 patent requires a greater amount of hand strength than its single needle counterpart. In particular, because the two-needle tool requires both needles to penetrate a layer of fabric and to eject a pair of transverse strips through its needles, it will be appreciated that the forces associated with each of the above steps are significantly greater than the force required to dispense a fastener from the single-needle tool.
As a third disadvantage, dual needle fastener dispensing tools of the type described in the' 974 patent are generally more difficult to load than their single needle counterparts. In particular, in addition to the fact that fastener clips are somewhat difficult to manipulate, some users sometimes fail to properly advance each longitudinal strip of the clip in place within the tool prior to driving, which in turn can cause the fastener to jam in the tool.
Brief Description of Drawings
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:
FIG. 1 is a partially open front perspective view of a button attachment kit constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 2(a) is an assembled front perspective view of the button attachment kit shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 2(b) is an enlarged partial front perspective view of the button attachment kit shown in FIG. 2 (a);
FIG. 2(c) is an assembled rear perspective view of the button attachment kit shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top perspective view, fully open, of the button attachment kit shown in FIG. 1;
FIGS. 4(a) - (d) are front perspective, right end plan, front plan, and left end plan views, respectively, of the fastener dispensing tool shown in FIG. 2(a), showing the front and rear covers of the tool removed therefrom;
FIGS. 5(a) - (c) are respectively front perspective, bottom perspective and right end perspective views of the retainer shown in FIG. 2 (a);
FIGS. 6(a) - (f) are respectively rear perspective, front, top, rear plan, left end and right end views of the left half of the retainer shown in FIG. 5 (a);
figures 7(a) - (f) are respectively front perspective, rear, bottom, front plan, right end and left end views of the right half of the holder shown in figure 5 (a);
FIGS. 8(a) - (c) are front, right and left perspective views, respectively, of the push handle shown in FIG. 2 (a);
FIGS. 9(a) - (f) are rear perspective, front, top, rear plan, left end and right end views, respectively, of the left half of the push handle shown in FIG. 8 (a);
FIGS. 10(a) - (f) are front perspective, rear, top, front plan, left end and right end views, respectively, of the right half of the push handle shown in FIG. 9 (a);
11(a) - (e) are front perspective, top, front plan, left end and right end views, respectively, of the ejection mechanism shown in FIG. 3, showing the compression spring of the ejection mechanism removed therefrom;
12(a) - (b) are cross-sectional views of the fastener dispensing tool shown in FIG. 2(a) taken along line 12-12, showing the tool in its extended and compressed states, respectively, showing the front and back covers of the tool removed therefrom;
FIGS. 13(a) - (c) are front perspective, front plan and left end plan views, respectively, of the compression spring shown in FIG. 3;
FIGS. 14(a) - (f) are respectively a rear perspective view, a right end perspective view, a left end perspective view, a right end plan view, a front plan view and a left end plan view of the front cover shown in FIG. 1;
FIGS. 15(a) - (c) are front perspective, front plan and left end views, respectively, of the back cover shown in FIG. 3;
FIGS. 16(a) - (b) are rear and left end perspective views, respectively, of the fastener clip shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 16(C) is an enlarged partial left end perspective view of the fastener shown in FIG. 16(b) taken within circle C;
FIGS. 17(a) - (b) are front and enlarged partial front perspective views, respectively, of the button attachment assembly shown in FIG. 2(a) without the front end cap and with the fastener clips loaded in the tool;
FIG. 18(a) is a top plan view of the button attachment kit shown in FIG. 17 (a); and
FIG. 18(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the button attachment assembly shown in FIG. 17(a) taken along line 18-18.
Detailed description of the preferred embodiments
Button connection kit 11
Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-3, there is shown a button attachment kit constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 11. As described in detail below, the kit 11 is particularly well-suited for use in reattaching separate buttons to an article of clothing, such as a shirt.
Kit 11 includes a hand-held fastener dispensing tool 13, a fastener clip 15 designed for use in conjunction with tool 13, and a pair of spare buttons 17-1 and 17-2.
Construction of fastener dispensing tool 13
Referring now to fig. 1-15(c), fastener dispensing tool 13 includes a hollow needle 19, a holder 21 adapted to retain needle 19, a handle 23 slidably mounted on holder 21, an ejection mechanism 25 for dispensing individual fasteners from clip 15 through needle 19, a front cover 27 mounted on the front of handle 23 (i.e., on needle 19), and a rear cover 29 mounted on the rear of handle 23.
As best seen in fig. 3, the needle 19 includes a stem 31 and a base 33.
The stem 31, which may be made of stamped (stamped) metal and rolled (rolled) metal, is a generally cylindrical member terminating at one of the sharp tips designed for insertion through clothing or the like. The stem 31 is shaped to define a slotted bore extending longitudinally therethrough. In addition, the rear surface of the stem 31 preferably includes a sharpened blade for separating individual fasteners from the clip 13 during the fastener ejection process, which is further described below.
The base 33 may be made of a plastic that is insert-molded over the end of the stem 31 remote from its sharp tip. (alternatively, the stem 31 and the base 33 may be of unitary construction made of metal or another suitable material.) the base 33 is provided with a slotted longitudinal bore which is aligned with the bore in the stem 31. Collectively, the bores of the stem 31 and base 33 are appropriately sized so that the cross-bar of the fastener from the clip 15 can be inserted therein from the rear of the base 33, traverse the length of the needle 19, and then exit the needle 19 through the open sharp tip of the needle 19.
It should be noted that the specific configuration of the needle 19 may be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the needle 19 may be of the type disclosed in commonly owned U.S. application No. 10/006,779, filed on 5.11.2001 under the name William j.
As best seen in fig. 3, 5(a) and 5(b), the retainer or base 21 is an elongated generally cylindrical member comprising a left half 35 (shown separately in fig. 6(a) - (f)) and a right half 37 (shown separately in fig. 7(a) - (f)), both of which are made of any convenient and durable material such as plastic, and are permanently joined together by any conventional means, such as by snap-engagement (snap-engagement) or ultrasonic welding. Together, the left half 35 and the right half 37 provide the needle holder 21 with a narrow stem 39 at its front end and a widened cylinder 41 at its rear end.
A needle aperture 43 is formed in the anterior portion of the stem 39 and is sized to properly receive a portion of the needle 19. Thus, the needle 19 is securely mounted in the bore 43, with a large part of the stem 31, and in particular the sharp tip of the needle 19, projecting perpendicularly from the stem 39 of the base 21, as best seen in fig. 1.
Directly behind the needle 19, an infeed slot 45 is similarly formed in the stem 39, the infeed slot 45 being sized to receive a portion of the fastener clip 15. As described further below, the fastener clips 15 are manually loaded into the tool 13 through the feed slot 45.
Along a central portion of the length of the cylinder 41, the outer diameter of the cylinder 41 is slightly reduced to create an inner sleeve, or groove 47. As described further below, the inner sleeve 47 in the holder 21 serves as a guide against which a portion of the handle 23 can slide during actuation of the tool 13. A sleeve 47 is formed in the body 41 for creating an annular flange 48-1 towards its forward end and an enlarged annular platform 48-2 at its rearward end.
A shallow circular cavity 49 is formed in the outer surface of each of the left and right halves 35, 37. As best seen in fig. 6(a) and 7(a), each cavity 49 is sized to properly receive a button 17, forming a pair of opposed, hinged, ratchet-shaped fingers 51-1 and 51-2 in the body 41 along the periphery of each cavity 49. Collectively, the fingers 51 allow each button 17 to be removably (releaseably) snapped (snap) into position within the respective cavity 49 with a limited amount of insertion force, the fingers 51 retaining the button 17 in place until a sufficient removal force is applied thereto. In this manner, the cavity 49 allows for highly accessible (accessible) storage of the spare buttons 17 directly on the tool 13, which is highly desirable.
As best seen in fig. 3, 8(a) and 8(b), the handle or push handle 23 is an elongated generally cylindrical member comprising a left half 53 (shown separately in fig. 9(a) - (f)) and a right half 55 (shown separately in fig. 10(a) - (f)), both of which are made of any convenient and durable material such as plastic and are permanently joined together by any conventional means, such as by snap-engagement or ultrasonic welding. Collectively, the left and right halves 53 and 55 provide the push handle 23 with a generally open front end 57 and a closed rear end 59.
In the outer surface of the grip 23, at the front end 57, a first helical thread 63 is formed, the thread 63 being used to removably connect the front cap 27 to the needle 19 and the push grip 23 on the bottom 21. Similarly, a second helical thread 65 is formed in the outer surface of the handle 23 at the rear end 59, the thread 65 for removably connecting the rear cap 29 to the distal end of the push handle 23, as described in further detail below. In addition, an outwardly projecting flange 66 is formed in the outer surface of handle 23 between forward end 57 and rearward end 59, flange 66 serving as a guard (guard) for protecting a user's hand from sharp needle 19 during the fastener dispensing process.
As best seen in fig. 8(c), a slotted disc-shaped platform 67 is formed within the interior cavity defined by the handle 23, the platform 67 being slightly spaced from the closed rear extremity 59. As described further below, the slotted platform 67 serves as a support (support) on which the ejector mechanism 25 is fixedly mounted.
Referring back to fig. 3, the ejector mechanism 25 includes an ejector block 69, an ejector rod 71 connected to the ejector block 69, and a compression spring 73.
As best seen in fig. 11(a) - (e), the ejector block 69 is in the form of an elongated, unitary, generally T-shaped member that includes a rectangular front portion 75 that extends perpendicularly from an enlarged rear portion 77. The rear portion 77 is generally I-shaped in transverse cross-section and comprises a rear plate 79 and a front plate 81, slightly spaced apart by a narrow rib 83. As can be appreciated, the rear portion 77 of the ejector block 69 is sized and shaped to slidingly engage the slotted platform 67, thereby securing the ejector mechanism 25 to the push handle 23. In particular, as best seen in fig. 12(a) and 12(b), the ribs 83 are slidably disposed within slots in the platform 67, placing the rear plate 79 and the front plate 81 on opposite sides thereof. In this manner, the rear portion 77 is held fixed in position in the rear of the push handle 23.
As best seen in fig. 11(a) - (e), the ejector rod 71 is in the form of a thin, elongated, metallic, generally L-shaped nail (pin) that includes a first end 84 and a second end 85. The second end 85 of the rod 71 is placed through a suitable opening in the front portion 75 of the ejector block 69. In this manner, ejector rod 71 is fixedly connected to ejector block 69, with first end 84 of rod 71 projecting forwardly beyond the free end of front portion 75 in coaxial relationship thereto. As described further below, the ejector rod 71 is disposed in coaxial alignment with the longitudinal bore of the needle 19 and is sized for proper penetration therethrough.
Referring now to fig. 13(a) - (c), the compression spring 73 is in the form of a helical spring that includes a widened first end 87 and a narrowed second end 89. As best seen in fig. 12(a) and 12(b), in coaxial relationship relative thereto, spring 73 surrounds the length of forward portion 75 of ejector block 69, with first end 87 being securely positioned against annular platform 48-2 of needle holder 21 (and held in place by a thin upstanding retaining wall formed along a portion of the periphery of platform 48-2), and second end 89 being securely positioned against front plate 81 of ejector block 69.
In fig. 12(a), the tool 13 is shown in its extended state. As can be seen, spring 73 naturally biases push handle 23 rearwardly from needle holder 21 to facilitate axial withdrawal of ejector rod 71 from needle 19. An annular ridge 57-1 integrally formed in the inner surface of the open front end 57 of the push handle 23 eventually contacts the front edge of the platform 48-2 to limit rearward movement of the push handle 23.
In fig. 12(b), the tool 13 is shown in its compressed state. As can be seen, driving the push handle 23 forward relative to the holder 21, the ejector rod 71 penetrates the needle 19 axially. The open front end 57 of the push handle 23 eventually abuts the flange 48-1 in the retainer 21 to limit further forward movement of the push handle 23. With push handle 23 so positioned, spring 73 compresses to the extent necessary to allow ejector block 69 to move forward. However, it will be appreciated that after retraction of forward movement of the push handle 23, the spring 73 elastically expands which in turn drives the push handle 23 back to its expanded position.
Referring now to fig. 2(a), 2(c) and 14(a) - (f), the front cover 27 is constructed as an elongated cylindrical cup preferably formed of a rigid and durable plastic material. As described further below, the front cover 27(i) serves as a protective cover for the needles 19 when the tool 13 is not in use, and (ii) as an anvil (anvil) designed to support the fabric layer during the button reattachment process.
As can be seen, the front cover 27 includes an inner surface 91, an outer surface 93, a narrow open front end 95 and a widened open rear end 97. In the inner surface 91, at a rear end 97, a helical thread 99 is integrally formed, the thread 99 being configured to removably engage the thread 63 on the push handle 23 when the front cover 27 is screwed onto the push handle 23.
A cylindrical protective sleeve 101 is integrally formed in a portion of the front cover 27 and extends longitudinally through a portion of the front cover 27 in coaxial alignment therewith. Sleeve 101 is here in the form of a central elongated spike, generally circular in cross-section, comprising an open rear end 101-1 and a closed front end 101-2, which is located generally flush with front end 95 of cap 27. As can be appreciated, the sleeve 101 is sized to properly receive the stem 31 of the needle 19 through its open rear end 101-1, thereby protecting the user from contacting the sharp tip of the needle 19 when the tool 13 is not in use.
In addition, as noted above, the front cover 27 is designed to act as a support surface or anvil during the fastener dispensing process. In particular, as best seen in fig. 14(c), the annular shape of the front tip 95 is preferably sized to support a variety of standard sized round buttons (e.g., conventional 7/16 inch diameter shirt buttons). It should be noted that the closed tip or front end 101-2 of the sleeve 101 is preferably aligned with the straight center of the front end 95. In this manner, the button is properly placed on the front end 95, firmly placing the front end 101-2 of the sleeve 101 against the underside of the button at the center point between all of the buttonholes. In this manner, the sleeve 101 can support the button without interfering with the insertion of the needle 19 through any button hole during the button reattachment process, which is highly desirable.
Referring now to fig. 2(a) - (b) and 15(a) - (c), the rear cover 29 is configured as a circular cup preferably formed of a rigid and durable plastic material. As can be seen, the rear cover 29 includes an inner surface 102, an outer surface 103, an open front end 105, and a rounded closed rear end 107. In the inner surface 102 of the rear cover 29, at the open front end 105, a helical thread 108 is integrally formed, the thread 108 being configured to removably engage the thread 65 to secure the rear cover 29 to the push handle 23.
It should be noted that the rear cover 29 is hollow along its length so as to define an internal storage compartment sized to retain one or more fastener clips 15. Within this capability, both the fastener clip 15 and the button 17 can be retained directly on the tool 13 when not in use. As a result, the cartridge 11 can be stored as a unitary (integral) compact element, thereby facilitating its handling.
Construction of fastener clip 15
Referring now to fig. 16(a) - (c), fastener clip 15 is a unitary structure preferably molded (mold) from urethane or another similar material. The fastener clip 15 includes four individual fasteners 111 connected to a common longitudinal strip 113, with the plurality of fasteners 111 arranged in a parallel, front-to-back, spaced apart orientation. In turn, a common longitudinal strip 113 is formed on the enlarged, key-like handle 114 to facilitate operation of the clip 15.
As best seen in fig. 16(a) - (b), each fastener 111 includes a filament 115, an enlarged end 117 formed on one end of the filament 115, and a cross bar 119 formed at the opposite end of the filament 115. The enlarged end 117 is of generally disc-like design and its size is such that it (i) is sufficient to exclude holes through conventional shirt buttons, and (ii) is reduced and rounded to make it relatively unobtrusive in nature.
As best seen in fig. 16(c), each crossbar 119 has a bullet-shaped design for best performance. Specifically, each crossbar 119 includes a shortened rear portion 119-1 that is rounded (i.e., radial) at its free end to minimize irritation of the skin; and an elongated front portion 119-2 that tapers to a narrower (i.e., thinner) rounded end to facilitate insertion through the layer of material, the overall length of the crossbar 119 being sized to ensure proper retention and, thus, preclude inadvertent withdrawal from the layer of material. Because of the different lengths of the rear and front portions 119-1 and 119-2, each filament 115 appears to be attached to its respective crossbar in an offset relationship relative to its midpoint or center (i.e., the filament 115 is attached to crossbar 119 at a location closer to its rear end than its front end).
The common longitudinal strip 113 is generally in the form of an elongate block of generally rectangular transverse cross-section, as best seen in fig. 16 (a). The common longitudinal strip 113 is of a length sufficient to receive a plurality of fasteners 111.
The handle 114 has a generally key-like design and includes a first end 121, a second end 123, a flat top surface 125, and a flat bottom surface 127. As can be seen, on the top surface 125, proximate the second end 123, a longitudinal strip 113 is formed.
The first end 121 of the handle 114 is preferably in the form of an enlarged flat paddle for facilitating operation of the clip 15 (particularly during the process of loading the clip 15 into the tool 13). In addition, the bottom surface 127 is shaped to define four, spaced apart notches 129 along its length. As described further below, the notches 129 facilitate the process of manually indexing (guiding) each fastener 111 into its proper position within the tool 13 prior to the fastener dispensing process.
Each fastener 111 is connected to a common longitudinal strip 113 by severable stakes 131. As described further below, each fastener 111 is separated from the remainder of the clip 15 by severing its respective peg 131. It should also be noted that the enlarged ends 117 of adjacent fasteners 111 are shown herein as being integrally connected together by a thin connecting body 133. However, it should be understood that each of the connecting bodies 133 is of limited strength and that the connecting bodies 133 can be easily severed by gently pulling the adjacent enlarged ends 117 apart from each other.
Operation of the kit 11
As noted above, the kit 11 is designed to be stored as a unitary and compact item, as best seen in fig. 2(a) and 2 (c). In particular, when not in use, the set 11 is typically in the form of a shortened tubular member, slightly larger than the size of a conventional lipstick case, which is highly desirable.
When the clothing article needs to have the buttons 17 attached thereto, the user first needs to unscrew the front cover 27 from the push handle 23. It will be appreciated that once the front cover 27 is removed from the push handle 23, the resilient nature of the spring 73 drives the push handle 23 rearwardly until the tool 13 is placed in its extended position.
With the front cover 27 removed from the push handle 23, the fastener clip 15 now needs to be inserted into the feed slot 45. To access fastener clip 15 for use, rear cover 29 is unscrewed from pushing on handle 23, thereby providing access to the fastener storage area within cover 29. Second end 123 of fastener clip 15 is manually inserted into feed slot 45 in needle holder 21 using enlarged paddle 121, as best seen in fig. 17(a) - (b) and 18 (a).
It should be noted that a detent (detent) or protrusion 135 is formed in the retainer 21 that extends into the feed slot 45, as best seen in fig. 18 (b). In this manner, the clip 15 is advanced into the feed slot 45 until the locking pin 135 snaps into position within the corresponding notch 129 in the fastener clip 15. As can be appreciated, the audible and tactile response achieved through the above-described quick engagement between the detent 135 and the notch 129 informs the user that the clip 15 has been properly supplied into the tool 13.
With the clip 15 properly fed into the tool 13, the user first places the rear end 97 of the front cover 27 directly on a flat work surface, such as a table, and then places the article of clothing requiring the buttons 17 directly over the front end 95 of the cover 27. The exact area where the article is placed so as to receive the buttons 17 is then aligned directly on the front end 95. The button, which may be one of the spare buttons 17 included in the kit 11 or another button provided by an alternative source (e.g., a button unintentionally separated from the article), is then placed on the article in direct alignment with the annular front end 95 of the cover 27. Within this capability, it can be appreciated that the front cover 27 acts as an anvil to support the article and button during the attachment process.
At this point, the user grasps the handle 23 in any comfortable manner (e.g., by grasping the handle 23 in a manner similar to how a person would grasp the handle of a ski pole) and manually drives the sharp tip of the needle 19 down through the hole in the button and the desired article. Once the forward end of the stem 39 abuts the button, thereby limiting further downward movement of the tool 13, continued downward force applied by the user in turn causes the push handle 23 to slide downwardly along the holder 21 in telescoping relation thereto. When the push handle 23 slides along the holder 21, the spring 73 compresses and moves the ejector rod 71 forward in the tool 13.
During this process, the ejector rod 71 contacts the crossbar 119 of the lowermost fastener 111 in the clip 15 and in turn moves the crossbar 119 axially past the needle 19. As the crossbar 119 is driven past the needle 19, its respective peg 131 is pushed against the sharp edge of the blade on the needle 19, thereby severing the lowermost fastener 111 from the remainder of the clip 15. Thus, the ejector rod 71 is able to drive the separate crossbar 119 axially past the needle 19 until it passes the open needle tip, the enlarged end 117 and crossbar 119 now resting on the opposite surface of the button and the article of clothing. Thus, the dispensed fastener 111 securely secures the button 17 to the article, and the filaments 115 stretch to the extent necessary to accommodate fabrics of different thicknesses, which is highly desirable.
With the fastener 111 properly dispensed, the user retracts the tool 13 from the article and the removal of the driving force causes the spring 73 to resiliently return the tool 13 to its extended state. If additional fasteners 111 are required, the user advances the clip 15 into the tool 13 until the detent 135 engages the next successive notch 129 in the clip 15. However, if the fastener 111 is no longer needed, the user can optionally (i) withdraw the clip 15 from the tool 13, (ii) return the partially used clip back to the fastener storage area in the tool 13 by screwing the rear cap 29 onto the push handle 23, and (iii) screw the front cap 27 back onto the handle 23 on the needle 19. The cartridge 11 is thus returned to its compact, easily stored configuration until further use is required.
The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be illustrative only and numerous variations and modifications thereof should be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention, as defined in the claims.