Patent ID: 6959582
Filing Date: 2005-11-01
Classification: B21D

Abstract:
1. An integrated expandable forming tool having: (a) a body with a mounting stern on its upper surface for mounting in a punch press and a transversely extending channel in its lower surface; (b) a wedge-shaped actuator having its smaller end slidably seated in said channel for movement vertically therein and having its larger end normally depending from said body and having an end surface for impacting upon a workpiece, said actuator having upwardly inwardly sloping side surfaces; (c) a pair of slide members slidably seated in said channel on opposite sides of said wedge-shaped actuator and having cooperating angular surfaces slidably bearing on said sloping side surfaces of said actuator; (d) slide member spring biasing means biasing said slide members against said sloping side surfaces of said actuator; and (e) actuator spring biasing means biasing said actuator outwardly of said body, said actuator being driven vertically inwardly of said channel by movement of said larger end against an opposing surface by movement of the ram of the punch press, said inward movement of said actuator pushing said slide members outwardly in said channel so as to project beyond the periphery of said body.