Die means having workpiece releasing means

A die set for selectively deforming a ferrule or similar article comprising:

• a first die member and a second die member;
• said first and said second die members being arranged for movement towards and away from one another along a central axis;
• said first die member having a first discrete die element, a second discrete die element, a support means, a first pin member loosely coupling said first die element to said support means, and a second pin member loosely coupling said second die element to said support means, said first and said second die elements being arranged in juxtaposed relationship on opposite sides of said central axis and moveable towards and away from said central axis along a common plane, said first and said second pin members each extending through a respective enlarged transverse opening in a respective one of said first and said second die elements and engaging said support means, the diameter of said transverse openings being sufficiently greater than the diameter of said pin members so as to permit each of said first and said second die elements to freely float thereabout;
• said second die member having a central anvil portion flanked by opposing leg portions selectively spaced apart to receive therebetween said first and said second die elements of said first die member and to move said first and said second die elements towards one another adjacent said central axis as said first and said second die members are brought together in mating relationship.