Paper punch with variable spacing

Abstract

Punching device for punching paper comprises a frame, a cooperating base supporting the frame, a plurality of individual punches removably and changeably mounted in the frame and an operating handle for actuating the punches. The frame is made of a single sheet of metal which is bent to form a U-shaped punch holding section comprising an upper portion, a lower portion and a portion connecting the upper and lower portions at one side and a die section which is joined with the lower portion of the punch holding section by a fold line and underlies such lower portion with an intervening space to receive the material to be punched. The upper portion and lower portion of the punch holding section have aligned bearing holes removably to receive and guide spring biased punches and the punching section has aligned punching holes to receive the lower ends of the punches when actuated by the operating handle. The base of the punch is formed of resilient plastic material and comprises a first portion closing the rear open side of the punch holding section of the frame, a second portion supporting the frame and a third portion which underlies the punching holes of the frame and provides a container in position to receive punchings. Flexible edge portions of the first portion of the base are engageable in annular recesses formed in the punches to provide means for removably retaining the punches in the holes of the frame in which they have been inserted.