GB2356597A

GB2356597A - A workbench

Info

Publication number: GB2356597A
Application number: GB0024486A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Walter Cyrus Blackburn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-10-18
Filing date: 2000-10-06
Publication date: 2001-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2020-10-06
Also published as: GB0024486D0; GB2356597B; GB9924539D0

Description

2356597 A WORKBENCH The present invention relates to a portable workbench.

Portable workbenches have been known for many years, the most well known commercial one being the Black &Decker WORKMATE. This comprises a folding table with a table top that is divided into two clamping sections. The gap between the sections is adjustable to enable the sections to clamp objects such as a piece of wood, pipe lengths or similar between them. Although this workbench has been on the market for a long time, it, has remained unchanged and has not been adapted to meet the changing needs of the DIY enthusiast. BENCHMARK, a modular metal based range was introduced in 1987. However, this is a heavy duty range, aimed at professionals rather than enthusiasts.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved portable workbench.

According to the present invention there is provided a portable workbench comprising:

- a main support formed by at least two heightadjustable A-frames which are joined at their tops by a support member defining a groove extending along its length; at least one work table, one end of which is demountably connected to the support member and the other end of which has pivotally attached thereto a pair of height adjustable legs; and - a clamp engageable in the groove defined by the support member.

Preferably, the clamp comprises a bar which lies flush with the upper surfaces of the main support and a worktop of the work table when located in the groove.

Preferably also, the height-adjustable A-frames are interconnected by at least one support that joins cross-bar members of the A-frames.

Preferably also, two work tables are attached to the support member, one extending from each side, providing a continuous working surface, with the clamp provided between the two work tables.

While the work tables may be connected to the support member by means of a tongue on the work table and a groove in the narrow support member, preferably each work table is connected to the main support by means of a plurality of pegs which fit into corresponding holes formed in the support member.

Preferably also, the legs of the work table are connected by a cross bar and a stabilizer is provided extending from the cross-bar for attachment to the underside of the table top.

Preferably also, the height-adjustable legs of the work table are telescopic.

Preferably also, the legs of the work table and of the A-frames are each provided with an adjustable foot to enable variations in the heights of the legs to be made to accommodate uneven ground.

Preferably also, the clamp is of telescopic construction and comprises a hollow outer member and a hollow inner member sized to fit closely within the outer member, both members defining a length-wise slot in which is located a pin of a clamping abutment member, means being provided to secure the member at any position along the clamp.

3 Preferably also, one end of the inner member is provided with an upright support having a threaded aperture through which passes a screw provided with an abutment. The clamping abutment member can thus be used in conjunction with the 5 screw and its abutment to clamp a workpiece to the workbench.

Preferably also, at least one additional clamp, of the same construction as the central clamp, is provided for attachment to one of the edges of the work table or in a variety of positions on the top of the work table.

Preferably also, brackets are provided on the ends of the worktables, each bracket comprising a plate secured to the underside of the worktop and a U-shaped extension for receiving the additional clamps.

Preferably also, workbench comprises a plurality of vices attached to the legs of the workbench such that a large workpiece, for example a door, can be clamped vertically against the workbench, as well as horizontally across it using a combination of one or more clamps in conjunction with the vices.

Preferably also, an extension is provided comprising an additional worktop to which are pivotally attached heightadjustable legs, the extension being usable in conjunction with the workbench or as a free-standing additional workbench.

Preferably also, the extension is attachable to a work table of the workbench using a connector which engages the brackets of the work table that would otherwise be used to accommodate an additional clamp.

Preferably also, two extensions can be linked together using the connector to provide an additional freestanding workbench.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a side view of a main support for a workbench 10 according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front view of a workbench comprising the main support shown in Fig. 1 and two work tables; is Fig. 3 is a side view of one of the tables 'shown in Fig.

2; Fig. 4 is a top view of an outer clamp member; Fig. 5 is a side view of the outer member, the top view of which as shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a top view of an inner clamp member; Fig. 7 is a rear-side view of the inner clamp member shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a side view of a clamping abutment member; Fig. 9 is a side view of a housing bracket; Fig. 10 is a top view of an alternative outer clamp member; Fig. 11 is a top view of an alternative inner clamp member; Fig. 12 is a side view of the inner clamp member of Fig.

Fig. 13 is a side view of a second embodiment of clamp; 5 Fig. 14 is a side view of an extension for the workbench; Fig. 15 is a side view of a connection bracket for connecting the extension to a work table; Fig. 16 is a side view of the extension shown in Fig. 14, when suspended from a wall and excluding its legs; Fig. 17 is a top view of the extension shown in Fig. 16 and including legs; Fig. 18 is a side view of a second embodiment of connection bracket; and Fig. 19 is a underneath view of the extension folded for transportation or storage.

Referring firstly to Figs. 1 to 3, a main support 10 for a workbench 1 of the invention comprises a pair of spaced Aframes 11, which are joined at their cross-bars 12 by a pair of interconnecting supports 13. Each A-frame 11 has legs 14 that have a 25' splay. The upper portions of the A-frames 11 are connected by a support member 16, which defines at least one groove 17 that extends along the length of the support 16. A cross-clamp 60 is located in each groove 17.

The main support 10, as shown in Fig. 1, can be used on its own as a saw horse.

6 The workbench 1 of the invention comprises the main support 10 to which is connected at least one of two work tables 30. These tables 30 each comprise a worktop 31 that is supported by a pair of legs 32 connected by hinges 33 to one end of an underside 34 of the worktop 31. The legs 32 have a 10' splay. A hinged stabilizing member 35 extends f rom a cross-bar 36 joining the legs 32, to the underside 34 of the worktop 31. In use, the other end 37 of the worktop 31 is secured to the support member 16 of the main support 10 so that the worktop 31 lies flush with the upper surface of the clamp 60. If a small workbench is required, then only one work table 30 need be connected to the main support 10, while if a longer workbench is required both work tables 30 may be attached. The work tables 30 are attached to the main support 10 by means of a series of pegs 39 that are provided on the underside of the worktop 31 to fit into a corresponding series of apertures 19 formed in the support 16. Alternatively, the work tables 30 are connected to the support member 10 by means of a tongue and groove connection.

The whole workbench 1 can be folded flat for storage. The cross-bars 12 of the support 10 are pivotally attached at each end 22 to a projection 23 of the legs 14 by a fixed pin 21. The cross-bars 12 are also hinged at their centre 25. The legs 14 are mounted on hinges 28 at their tops and so by pushing on the interconnecting bars 13, and pushing upwards of the centre 25 of the cross bars 12, the legs can be made to lie against the support member 16. The table members 30 are also adapted to fold flat. The stabilizer 35 is attached by a hinge to the worktop 31 at one end and its other end comprises a spigot (not shown) which is fitted into a notch 38 in the cross-bar 36 from which it can be readily removed. When the stabilizer 35 has been detached from the cross-bar 36, the legs 32 can be pivoted about the hinges 33 and folded against the worktop 31.

Advantageously, all of the legs 14, 32 of the workbench are adjustable in length, preferably by being of telescopic construction. This enables the height of the workbench to be adjusted to suit the height of the use and that of the work being carried out. In the present embodiment as shown in Fig.

2, each leg 14, 32 comprises an upper section 50 of metal tubing of square cross-section and a lower, inner section 51 of metal tubing having a cross-section with a slightly smaller diameter to allow the lower section to slide within the upper section. The upper section 50 has an aperture 52 extending through its lower end and the lower section has a series of spaced apertures 53 along its length. When the lower section 51 is fitted into the upper section 50 a pin 55 may be passed through the aperture 52 in the upper section and through any one of the apertures 53 in the lower section 51. Additionally, the lower end of each lower section 51 is provided with a screw-adjustable foot 56 to allow for variations in the contour of the ground to be overcome to provide a level and stable workbench. Each foot 56 is attached to a horizontal extension 57 from the end of its respective leg 14, 32, the extension 57 defining a threaded aperture into which is located a threaded member 58. The lower end of the threaded member 58 is provided as a foot.

The extent to which the threaded member 58 extends below the extension 57 can be adjusted and then a locking nut 59, provided on the threaded member, can be tightened to the top of the extension member 58.

Referring now to Figs. 4 to 7, the clamp 60 comprises outer and inner clamp members 61 and 70 respectively. The outer clamp member comprises a metal tube 61 of square cross section and the inner member comprises a cylindrical metal tube 70. The diameter of the inner tube 70 is determined such that it can slide inside the outer tube 61. The outer tube 61 is made the same length as the support member 16, while the inner tube 70 is made approximately one third of this length.

The upper surface of the inner clamp member 70 defines an aperture 72 at one end 74 and a slot 73 which runs the length of the tube 70. The outer clamp member 61 defines a corresponding aperture 62 and a slot 63 at one end 64 in addition to a second aperture 65 and slot 66 which runs along the rest of its length. The end 74 of the inner tube 70 has a plate 75 welded thereto. The plate 75 defines a threaded aperture through which passes a screw 77. A screw abutment member 78 is provided on one end of the screw 77. The clamp 60 is held in position in the groove 17 in the main support by means of two pins 68 that are located on the underside of the outer clamping member 61 and that fit into appropriately spaced notches formed in the bottom of the groove 17.

is A clamping abutment member 80, as shown in Fig. 8, is also provided for securing to the clamping members 61 and 70.

This member 80 comprises a horizontal plate 81 with a larger abutment member 82 projecting from one end and a smaller abutment member 83 projecting from the other end. A pin 84 is provided through the plate, the shaft of the pin 84 being sized to enable it to fit into and slide along the slots 63, 66, 73 in the outer and inner clamping members 61,70 and the head 85 of the pin 84 being sized to fit through the apertures 62, 65 and 72. On top of the pin 84 there is a thumb screw 86 to tighten a flat 87 against the underside of the slot preventing the clamping abutment member 80 from moving along a slot 63, 66, 73 when the thumb screw 86 is tightened. A similar thumbscrew 67 is provided on the side of the outer clamp member to hold the inner member at a chosen position. An object can be held between the clamping abutment member 80 and the screw abutment member 78, with the distance between these two members being determined by the distance the inner member 70 protrudes from the outer member 61, the positioning of the clamping abutment member 80 and the position of the screw 77.

Additional clamps 60A and 60B are also provided at each end of the work tables 30 and are of the same construction as the central clamp 60 described above. These additional cross clamps 60A and 60B are secured to the ends of the work tables by two housing brackets 40 which are screwed to the underside 34 of the worktops 31. Each bracket 40 comprises a horizontal protection 41 which is fixed to the underside 34 of the worktop 31 and a U-shaped extension 42. A limb 43 of the U-shaped extension 42 that is attached to the horizontal projection 41 is shorter than the other limb 44. The longer limb 44 is provided with a thumb screw 45. The clamps 60A, 60B each sit in a pair of the housing brackets 40, with their pins 68 on the underside of the outer clamp members 61 fitting into an aperture 46 defined in the base 47 of the U shaped extension 42. Tightening of the thumb screw 45 further holds the clamps 60A, 60B in place. The similar cross clamps can also be positioned at various locations on the worktops 31 of the work tables 30. Apertures (not shown) may be provided in the worktops 31 corresponding to position of the pins 68 in the outer clamping member 61 to enable a clamp to be slotted into position. Such a clamp will define a clearance between the top of the clamp and the worktop 31.

This is useful if the clamps is used to hold a piece of wood or the like, to be drilled as the worktop 31 is thereby protected from the action of the drill.

An alternative clamp 160 to the clamps 60, 60A and 60B may also be provided as shown in Figs. 10 - 12. As before, the clamp 160 comprises an outer member 161 and an inner member 162. The outer member is open at both ends, 163, 164 and has a slot 165 extending the whole length of its upper surface 166. The inner member also has a corresponding slot 167 extending the length of its upper surface 168. A plate 169 is welded to the distal end of the inner member 162 through which a threaded screw 178 passes, having on one end a screw abutment member 177. As before, a clamping abutment member 80 is provided for securing to the clampingmember 161, 162 in the same way as previously described. The outer clamping member 161 is held in position in the groove 17 or in the brackets 40 in the same way as the clamps 60, 60A and 60B by means of two pins (not shown). These pins are threaded at their distal ends such that a nut (not shown) can be used to secure them in place when they engage the brackets 40.

Turning to Fig. 13, vices 90 are provided for attachment to the edges of the worktops 31 and to the legs 14, 32 so that large objects, for example a door, can be held vertically and well as horizontally. The vices 90 comprise a U-shaped member 91 sized to fit around a leg 14, 32 of the workbench 1. The U-shaped member 91 is provided with a screw 92 which can be tightened against the leg to hold the member 91 in place. An extension 94 is welded to one limb 93 of the member 91 and a second extension 95 is pivotally attached, as at 96, to the first extension 94. A U-shaped channel member 97 is provided at the end of the second extension, in which channel member 97 a door or similar object to be worked on can be located and held in position by means of a capturing screw 98. The channel member 97 is screwed into the second extension 95 by means of a threaded pin 99. Thus, by manipulating the two extensions 94, 95 and by rotating the channel member 97 in the extension 95, two spaced vices 90 can be used to hold a piece of wood or similar object at any position against the side of the workbench 1.

An additional extension 100, as shown in Figs. 14, 16, 17 and 19 may also be provided for attachment to the workbench 1. The extension 100 comprises a rectangular worktop 101 with legs 102 hinged as at 105 at their tops on the underside 103 of each corner. Pairs of the legs 102 are joined by cross-bars 106 and have a 10' splay. A centrally hinged stabilizing bar 107 extends from each leg 102 and is secured to the underside 103 of the top 101. The extension 100 can be folded down by pivoting the bars 107 about their central hinge and pushing the corresponding pair of legs 102 at their cross-bar 103. The second pair of legs can then be folded in the same way, ready for storage. Two ends of the top 101 are provided with housing brackets 40 for holding clamps 60, as described above. The top 101 is also provided with apertures to enable similar clamps 60 to be secured to the top 101 of the extension 100 as well as on the sides. If the clamps 60 are secured to the worktop 101 of the extension, this will provide a clearance between the top of the clamp 60 and the worktop 101, which will provide a protection for the worktop 101 if a drill is being used.

The extension 100 can be connected to one of the work tables 30 of the main workbench 1 via the housing brackets 40 for the clamps 60A, 60B. As shown in Fig. 15, a connection means 120 is provided comprising a narrow metal plate 121 which is the same length as that of the clamps 60A, 60B.

Along each edge of the plate 121 is welded a box section 122, 123 that is sized to fit into the housing brackets 40. The connection means 120 can thus be fitted into the housing brackets 40 on both the extension 100 and the main body 30 to hold them together, the plate 121 lying flush with the work surfaces 101, 31 of the extension and the main body.

The extension 100 may be used as a separate unit without the workbench 1.

In addition, the extension 100 may comprise hinges 110 to enable it to be suspended from a wall as shown in Figs. 16 and 17. In Fig. 16 the extension 100 is shown without legs 102.

Any suitable hinges 110 may be used. In the present example one half of each hinge 110 comprises a U-shaped member 111 with a central aperture 112 through both limbs 113, 114 of the U-shape, and the other half is a flange 115 with an aperture at its centre. The two pieces are designed so that the flange fits in between the legs 113, 114 of the U-shaped member 111, with the apertures in alignment. A pin 117 is inserted through the apertures and is attached to the member 111 at one end by a chain 118. The flanges 115 are attached by screws to the underside of the worktop 101 and the members 111 are attached to a wall bar 119, or directly to a wall. To detach the extension from the wall, the pins 117 should be pulled out and the flanges 115 removed from between the legs of the U-shaped members 111. The legs102 can then be opened to support the worktop. Alternatively, the worktop can be erected while still attached to the wall. The worktop can be pivoted about the pins 117 and the legs 102 extended. This gives the workbench the added stability of the wall fixing and is useful if only a confined space is available.

The extension 100 may also be used in conjunction with a second extension to create a longer bench. As shown in Fig.

18 a connection member 180 for two extensions may also be provided. This connection member 180 may be used to join the extension 100 to the main workbench 1 if required in place of the connection member 120 described above. The connection member 180 comprises a top plate 181, which is again the same length as that of the clamps 60A, 60B. To each side of the plate 181 has been welded a box section 182, 183 sized to fit into the housing brackets 40. The top plate 181 is also provided with a recess 184 extending its length and sized to accommodate a clamp 60. A thumb screw (not shown) is positioned on one side of the recess 184 for securement of the clamp 60. The distance between the two box sections 182, 183 allows for the splay of the legs 102.

Turning to Fig. 19, in order that the extension 100 can be carried easily, a bracket 190 is proved on the underside 103 of its worktop surface 101 to secure the legs 102 into position so that they can be used to carry the extension, The 5 bracket is substantially L-shaped. The longer leg 193 of the L-shape is screwed to the underside 103 of the worktop 101 of the extension 100 with the short leg 194 of the L-shape extending away from the top 101. The short leg 194 has a threaded aperture and a corresponding threaded aperture 197 is provided on the cross member 106 of the outer pair of legs 195. When the extension is folded for storage or transportation, the inner pair of legs 196 is folded first, followed by the outer pair of legs with the cross member 106 of these outer legs 195 lying over the inner pair of legs. A thumb screw 198 is provided for securing through the aperture 197 in the cross-member 106 and through the short side 194 of the bracket. The pairs of legs 102 are thereby secured together and can be used to carry the extension 100.

Referring again to Fig. 14, the workbench 1 and its extension 100 are sufficiently stable to hold a power tool 150. The power tool 150 is may be mounted onto a board 151 using bolts or other means (not shown). The board 151 is provided with dowels 152 spaced to fit into apertures 153 which may be provided in any of the worktops 31, 101 at various places. These apertures 153 may also be used for securing additional clamps 60 in position. The top of each dowel 153 is provided with a wing nut 154 to hold the board 151 with the power tool 150 in place.

Hence, the workbench 1 of the present invention is a flexible accessory which can be set up and used in many different ways to suit the job in hand. In particular it enable larger workpieces than many conventional workbenches to be clamped to enable work to take place on them.

Claims

1 A portable workbench comprising:

- a main support formed by at least two height- adjustable A-frames which are joined at their tops by a support member defining a groove extending along its length; - at least one work table, one end of which is demountably connected to the support member and the other end of which has pivotally attached thereto a pair of height adjustable legs; and - a clamp engageable in the groove defined by the support member.

2. A workbench as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the clamp comprises a bar which lies flush with the upper surfaces of the main support and a worktop of the work table when located in the groove.

3. A workbench as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the height-adjustable A-frame3 are interconnected by at least one support that joins cr03s-bar members of the A-frames.

4. A workbench as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the A-frames are pivotally mounted to the support member so that the workbench can be folded flat.

S. A workbench as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein two work tables are attached to the support member, one extending from each side, providing a continuous working surface, with the clamp provided between the two work tables.

6. A workbench as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein each work table is connected to the support member by means of a plurality of pegs which fit into corresponding holes formed in the support member.

7. A workbench as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the legs of each work table are connected by a cross bar and a stabilizer is provided extending from the cross-bar for attachment to the underside of the table top.

8. A workbench as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the height-adj us table legs of the work table and of the Aframes are telescopic.

9. A workbench as claimed in any of Claims I to 8, wherein the legs of the work table and of the A-frames are each provided with an adjustable foot to enable variations in the heights of the legs to be made to accommodate uneven ground.

10. A workbench as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the clamp is of telescopic construction and comprises a hollow outer member and a hollow inner member sized to fit closely within the outer member, both members defining a length-wise slot in which is located a pin of a clamping abutment member, means being provided to secure the member at any position along the clamp.

11. A workbench as claimed in Claim 10, wherein one end of the inner member is provided with an upright support having a threaded aperture through which passes a screw provided with an abutment whereby a workpiece may be clamped to the workbench between the abutment and the clamping abutment member.

12. A workbench as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one additional clamp is provided of the same construction as the central clamp, for attachment to one of the edges of the work table or in a variety of positions on the top of the work table 35

13. A workbench as claimed in Claim 12, wherein brackets are provided on an edge of the worktable, each bracket comprising a plate secured to the underside of the worktop and a Ushaped extension for receiving the additional clamp.

14. A workbench as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 13, wherein a plurality of vices are attached to the legs of the workbench such that a large workpiece, for example a door, can be clamped vertically against the workbench, as well as horizontally across it using a combination of one or more clamps in conjunction with the vices.

15. A workbench as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 14, comprising an extension defining an additional worktop to which are pivotally attached height-adjustable legs, the extension being usable in conjunction with the workbench or as a free-standing additional workbench.

16. A workbench as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the extension is attachable to a work table of the workbench using a connector which engages the brackets of the work table that would otherwise be used to accommodate an additional clamp.

17. A workbench as claimed in Claim 16, wherein two extensions can be linked together using the connector to provide an additional freestanding workbench.

18. A workbench substantially as described herein with reference to Figs 1 to 3, or Figs 1 to 3 in combination with any of Figs 4 to 19 of the accompanying drawings.