Multi-row punch die

Abstract

A multi-row punch die for punching pages permits a single die to accommodate a plurality of lines of pins. The multi-row punch die reduces the need for multiple punch dies. This allows for quick engagement and disengagement of rows of punch pins being used to punch the pages. The multi-row punch die preferably floats pins not being used out of the way from contact with pages being punched, or allows for their removal.

1 . A multi-row punch die for punching a stack of sheets comprising:
 a female member for accepting said stack of sheets to be punched to form a row of holes of a specific configuration and pitch;   said female member having at least two rows of holes, whereby the holes in one row may differ in configuration, size and pitch from holes in the other respective rows,   a pin retaining bar having two or more rows of pins, in registration with corresponding holes in said female member; and,   means for insuring that pins in only one selected row in said retaining bar are enabled to enter the holes in the corresponding row of holes in said female member so as to punch holes in said stack of sheets.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-row punch die as in  claim 1  wherein said stack of sheets are made from paper. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-row punch die as in  claim 1  wherein said stack of sheets are made from metal. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-row punch die as in  claim 1  wherein said stack of sheets are made from board. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-row punch die as in  claim 1  wherein said stack of sheets are made from synthetic material. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-row punch die in  claim 1  wherein said means for enabling said only one selected row of pins to punch holes is the manual removal of one or more respective rows of pins not needed. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-row punch die of  claim 6  wherein said means for enabling said only one selected row of pins to punch holes further comprises a cover plate mounted over at least said only one selected row of pins needed to be engaged to punch holes in said stack of sheets, thereby preventing said selected only one row of pins from retracting, after said removal of the row of pins not needed. 
     
     
         8 . The multi-row punch die of  claim 1  wherein said means for enabling said only one selected row of pins to punch holes is a cover plate mounted over only said only one selected row of pins to be engaged to punch holes in said stack of sheets, said cover plate preventing said only one selected row of pins from retracting wherein the remaining pins float within the die and do not penetrate said stack of sheets and make holes. 
     
     
         9 . The multi-row punch die in  claim 1  wherein said means for enabling said only one selected row of pins to punch holes is a rod mounted over only the row of pins to be engaged to punch holes in said stack of sheets, thereby preventing said pins from retracting, wherein the remaining pins will float within the die and will not penetrate said stack of sheets and make holes. 
     
     
         10 . The multi-row punch die in  claim 1  wherein said means for enabling said only one selected row of pins to punch holes is a rod mounted through only the row of pins to be engaged to punch holes in said stack of sheets, thereby preventing said pins from retracting, wherein the remaining pins will float within the die and will not penetrate said stack of sheets and make holes. 
     
     
         11 . The multi-row punch die in  claim 1  wherein said means for enabling said only one selected row of pins to punch holes is a rod mounted along the edge of grooved pins in the row to be engaged to punch holes to said stack of sheets, thereby preventing said pins from retracting, wherein said remaining pins float within the die and do not penetrate said stack of sheets and make holes. 
     
     
         12 . The multi-row punch die in  claim 1  wherein said means for enabling said only one selected row of pins to punch holes is a rod mounted along the edge of slotted pins in the row to be engaged to punch holes to said stack of sheets, thereby preventing said pins from retracting, wherein said remaining pins float within the die and do not penetrate said stack of sheets and make holes. 
     
     
         13 . The multi-row punch die in  claim 1  wherein said means for enabling said only one selected row of pins to punch holes is a rod mounted under the heads of each pin in the row to be engaged to punch holes to said stack of sheets, thereby preventing said pins from retracting, wherein said remaining pins float within the die and do not penetrate said stack of sheets and make holes.