Patent ID: 7726554

Claim:
A multiple punch assembly adapted to be placed in a punch press having a punch ram for imparting movement to a selected punch for carrying out a punching or forming operation comprising, a punch assembly having a rotatable carrier to carry the punches, a plurality of selectively operable punches mounted for independent movement in the punch assembly so as to independently engage a workpiece when in an operating position and each punch having a boss thereon, the punches are positioned to extend upwardly from the punch carrier such that upper ends thereof are located at an upper end of the punch assembly for enabling the punches to be struck selectively by the ram of the punch press such that one punch is thereby driven to the operating position when at least one other punch is inactive, a circular punch-retaining member movably mounted on the punch assembly and having a plurality of spaced-apart lugs thereon, the punch-retaining member being movable by the operator between a first punch-releasing position thereon and a second punch-retaining position thereon for engaging each punch with a lug that in a locking position is operatively associated with each boss to limit upward movement of each punch so as to hold the punches within the punch assembly when the retaining member is shifted to the punch-retaining position and said punch-retaining member being movable to the punch-releasing position wherein said lugs are shifted away from the locking position for enabling the punches to then be removed upwardly from the assembly without the use of any tool, whereby punch removal is facilitated and during operating bouncing of punches is restricted.