CA1168286A - Workpiece support and clamping assembly - Google Patents
Workpiece support and clamping assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA1168286A CA1168286A CA000374063A CA374063A CA1168286A CA 1168286 A CA1168286 A CA 1168286A CA 000374063 A CA000374063 A CA 000374063A CA 374063 A CA374063 A CA 374063A CA 1168286 A CA1168286 A CA 1168286A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- support
- clamping
- locking
- assembly
- mounting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B1/00—Vices
- B25B1/06—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws
- B25B1/10—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws using screws
- B25B1/103—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws using screws with one screw perpendicular to the jaw faces, e.g. a differential or telescopic screw
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
- B25H1/00—Work benches; Portable stands or supports for positioning portable tools or work to be operated on thereby
- B25H1/02—Work benches; Portable stands or supports for positioning portable tools or work to be operated on thereby of table type
- B25H1/04—Work benches; Portable stands or supports for positioning portable tools or work to be operated on thereby of table type portable
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Workshop Equipment, Work Benches, Supports, Or Storage Means (AREA)
- Jigs For Machine Tools (AREA)
- Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
- Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)
Abstract
WORKPIECE SUPPORT AND CLAMPING ASSEMBLY
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
A workpiece supporting and clamping assembly is adapted to be mounted on a wall or similar structure and to be adjustable between a substantially vertical storage position, closely adjacent the wall and a working position substantially perpendicular to the wall. The assembly comprises a pair of brackets, a pair of spaced apart, par-allel hinge assemblies, each having locking means and a release lever associated therewith, and a workpiece supporting and clamping device, pivotally coupled with the brackets and hinge assemblies. The workpiece supporting and clamping device comprises a generally rigid base frame which includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart frame members and a pair of elongated, coplanar top members which are mounted on the spaced apart members, extending generally transversely thereto such that their upper surfaces define the work supporting surface and their opposed side surfaces, the work ing surfaces. The supporting and clamping structure is pivotally mounted, to the brackets and to the hinge assem-blies, which are pivotally interconnected with the brackets. When the workpiece supporting and clamping assembly is in its storage position, the hinge assemblies are collapsed. When the assembly is brought to its working position, the hinge assemblies are extended and lock securely in extended position supporting the supporting and clamping structure in its working position until both hinge assemblies are affirmatively released means of their respective release levers.
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
A workpiece supporting and clamping assembly is adapted to be mounted on a wall or similar structure and to be adjustable between a substantially vertical storage position, closely adjacent the wall and a working position substantially perpendicular to the wall. The assembly comprises a pair of brackets, a pair of spaced apart, par-allel hinge assemblies, each having locking means and a release lever associated therewith, and a workpiece supporting and clamping device, pivotally coupled with the brackets and hinge assemblies. The workpiece supporting and clamping device comprises a generally rigid base frame which includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart frame members and a pair of elongated, coplanar top members which are mounted on the spaced apart members, extending generally transversely thereto such that their upper surfaces define the work supporting surface and their opposed side surfaces, the work ing surfaces. The supporting and clamping structure is pivotally mounted, to the brackets and to the hinge assem-blies, which are pivotally interconnected with the brackets. When the workpiece supporting and clamping assembly is in its storage position, the hinge assemblies are collapsed. When the assembly is brought to its working position, the hinge assemblies are extended and lock securely in extended position supporting the supporting and clamping structure in its working position until both hinge assemblies are affirmatively released means of their respective release levers.
Description
Field of the Invention ! The present invention relates to workpiece supporting and clamping devices. More particularl~, the present in-vention pertains to workpiece supporting and clamping devices which are mountable on a vertical support surface and wherein the workpiece supporting and clamping devices are adjustable between substantially vertical and horizontal positions.
li Background of the Invention ,!
Workbenches of the type having a workpiece clampin~
device as part of its basic structure, as taught in U.S.
Patent No. 3,615,087, dated Oct. 26, 1971 to R. P. Hickman, l,l have enjoyed substantial economic success. Workbenches of , this variety generally include a pair of coplanar top -bers, one a stationary member, the other top member being adjustable toward and away from the first member by means of ;independently actuable screw type clamping devices which , permit angular adjustment of the moveable member, relative to the fixed member to permit secure clamping of tapered workpieces.
~he workbenches of this type known in the prior art are generally bench top structures, adapted to be emplaced on a ,table or bench top, or comprise standing units which may be Illprovided with foldable support structures. However, both ^~1et~es of workbenches require substantial storage space.
7~ited work areas, the table top workbenches must be p -ally ~v~d and anv work in progress disturbed in order I to clé~ th~ w~ktable or bench for other uses. Similarly 1I standifl~ kb~ches require substantial amounts of space liand disa~emk~ ~a~ be time-consuming and difficult.
Il i ' i .. _ .. __. - ... ...
1 11~1~28~i .
In general, while a great variety of hinge mechanisms ~or pivoted surfaces have been used in the past, they have been inlendeo for light duty uses or else have been supported by additional elements such as leg structures. Many such devices are not exposed to events which might cause accidental collapse or, if collapse does occur, the likely results are not of serious concern. For these various reasons, the hinge assemblies known in the prior art have generally been relatively light in construction. Those devices which have, in some instances, been of stronger construction are often very complicated or use supplementary supports such as legs or overhead hangers which are not always desirable.
The present invention overcomes these difficulties in the prior art by providing a workpiece supporting and clamping device which is adapted to be wall-mounted to provide rigid, stable and sturdy support for heavy duty work and tools without use of complicated structures or supplementary supports, and to store in a space-saving, generally vertical position adjacent the wall. In this manner, the present invention provides a workbench which requires neither table space nor floor space or use or storage and which may be stored compactly without disassembly or substantial physical effort.
I
il ~
SUMMA~Y OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a workpiece supporting and clamping assembly particularly adapted to be mounted on a wall or similar support structure and comprising a workp~ece supporting and clamping device, mounting bracl<ets and a pair of parallel, spaced apart hinge assemblies, , each hinge assembly having a dual locking means and a release 1 lever associated therewith.
The w~rkpiece ~orting and clamplng device hereof is preferably a workbench device of the type which comprises a generally rigid base frame having a pair of elongated, coplanar top members which are mounted generally transversely across the spaced apart frame members. In this configuration, the upper surfaces of the top members define a work support surface and their opposing, side surfaces define workpiece clamping surfaces. A
first top member is fixedly mounted to the frame and the second top member is ad~ustably mounted and is movable toward and away from the first member by means of independently actuable screw-type devices which permit angular ad~ustment of the movable member, relative to the fixed member to provide secure clamping of tapered or irregularly shaped workpieces.
The workbench device is pivotally mounted at a first end thereof to a pair of mounting brackets by which means the workbench is mounted on a wall or similar support structure.
A particular feature of the invention is a uniquely rigid and stable hinge assembly whereby the workbench may be 8ti locked securely and rigidly in its extended, working position.
Once locked into working position, generally perpendicular to the wall, the workbench will not collapse under a substantial weight or pressure exerted by a worker, and cannot be collapsed accidentally by inadvertent jarring of the hinge mechanism.
Once locked into working position, the workbench can be returned to its storage position only by release of both hinge assemblies by means of their respective release levers.
The hinge assemblies are pivotally coupled at a first end thereof with the mounting brackets at a point thereon remote from that at which the workbench is mounted, and, at a second end thereof, are pivotally coupled with the workbench at positions remote and equally spaced from the points at which the workbench is mounted to the brackets. Each hinge assembly is provided with an over-center locking means and a self-actuating locking means which retain the workbench rigidly in its working position, and which are released by means of release levers associated therewith. Once in its working position, the workbench may be lowered to its storage position only by collapse of both hinge assemblies by actuation of their respective release levers. The locking means hereof precludes collapse of the hinge mechanism by jarring of the hinges and each hinge mechanism has sufficient rigidity to retain the workbench securely in working position alone, if the other hinge assembly is released.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a work supporting and clamping assembly which is wall mounted, requires little storage space and which may be set up in working position and returned to its storage position without inconvenience or physical exertion.
I, 11bi828t~` ``
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wall mounted work supporting and clamping device which is rigidly supported, which locks securely into working position, and which is not susceptible to accidental , collapse under substantial weight, pressure, or inadvertent jarrinq.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sturdy, stable and rigidly braced workbench, amenable to heavy duty work, which is vertically suspended ,l and does not require the placement of legs or other obstruc-tions beneath the work area.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a wall mounted work supporting and clamping device with novel, locking hinge assemblies which permits the device to be stored in place on the wall, substantially vertically, adjacent thereto.
It is still a further object of the present invention " to provide a vertically suspended workbench with novel, locking hinge assemblies, each assembly being independently 2n operable to lock the device securely in its working position, ~ that the assembly will not collapse even upon the .a~vertent jarring or release of one hinge assembly, and each assembly having a release lever associated therewith so '~ that only by actuation of both levers may the device be ~Icoll~psed to storage position.
Additional objects and advantages of the present inventlon wi~l become apparent when the following description ilof the p~eferred embodiment is read in conjunction with the Idraw~g in which:
!1 ~16~28~`
1l! Description of the Drawings I ~
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of 1 the work supporting and clamping assembly hereof 1l in its working position;
i F'IG. 2 is a top plan view hereof;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the locking means and release lever hereof;
Ii FIG. 4 is a side view hereof;
~ll FIG. 5 is a side view of the assembly hereof, released I from working position;
, FIG. 6 is a side view hereof in storage position;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view hereof taken along line 7-7 Il of FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the locking means and release lever hereof in locking position;
. 9 is a sideview of the locking means and release lever hereof in release position.
!
,'. I
Il ~7-11~8Z86 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Now and with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, there is denoted generally at 10 a work supporting and clamping assembly. The assembly 10 comprises a work supporting and clamping device or workbench indicated generally at 12, mounting brackets 14, and a pair of parallel hinge assemblies 16.
The workbench 12 of the preferred embodiment comprises a rigid, base frame 18, defined by a pair of spaced apart channel members 20. The channel members 20 are constructed from a relatively heavy gauge sheet metal or similar material in order to provide a strong and durable frame that is not susceptible to distortion under stress. The workbench 12 further comprises a pair of elongated, coplanar top members 22, 24 which are mounted across and generally transverse to said channel members 20. The top members 22, 24 may preferably be somewhat longer than the distance between the channel members 20 and may extend a short distance on either side thereof. Normally, the top members 22, 24 are coextensive.
The coplanar top members 22, 24 may comprise laminated wood beams or planks formed from a similar, suitable material and preferably have relatively broad, rectangular top planar surfaces which define table-like working surfaces. The top members 22, 24 further define a pair of opposed clamping ~aws, the first member 22 being a stationary ~aw, fixedly mounted to the channel members 20 and the second member 24 being an `, 11~i82~i adjustable jaw, movably mounted on the channel members 20 for movement toward and away from the stationary jaw member 22.
The opposing side portions 26, 28 respectively, of the top members 22, 24, define the clamping surfaces between which a workpiece may be secured. Excellent results are achieved where the opposing, clamping surfaces 26, 28 are provided with longitudinally extending, V-shaped channels 30, 32 respectively, therein to facilitate secure gripping of articles having concave surfaces, such as pipes and the like, ¦i therebetween. To facilitate clamping of irregularly shaped workpieces not susceptible to clamping between the clamping sufaces and channels hereinabove described, the top members 22, 24 may further be provided with a plurality of apertures 34, preferably spaced apart on the two surfaces, forming a mirror-symmetrical array therebetween, extending therethrough, substantially perpendicular to the work surfaces. The apertures are configured to securely receive clamping pegs (not shown) or similar, workpiece engaging supports.
The movable jaw 24 is moved toward and away from the stationary member 22 by means of two screw actuated clamping means 36, each of which is independently actuable to move its respective end of the movable jaw toward or away from the stationary member. As best seen in Figs. 2 and 3, each channel member 20 has an integral, rectangular, box beam type construction defined by a pair of parallel side walls 38, 40 connected by a bight portion 42 extending therebetween. Each bight portion 42 is provided with a longitudinally extending cut out portion 44 for receiving the clamping means 36 I therethrough. Each channel member 20 is further provided with an end piece 48 which encloses the end of the channel members nroxlmate the stationary member 22.
With particular reference to Fig. 8, the clamping means 36 are mounted to the lower surface of the movable member 24 by any suitably secure mounting means such as screws 37, and extend down into the channel members 20 through the cut out portions 44. Each clamping means comprises a support structure 50 and an internally threaded, tubular member 52.
~ The movement of the top member 24 is effected by means of ' threaded shafts 54 which extend longitudinally through the channel members 20 and, through the end pieces 50. Each shaft 54 is provided with a crank 56 which is operable by manual rotation to turn the shaft. The shafts 54 are dimensioned to fit telescopingly within the tubular members 52 of the clamping means 36 and the threading of the shafts 54 is complementary to and interengageable with that of the tubular members 52 such that rotation of the shafts 54 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction by means of the cranks 56 will cause the clamping means, along with the movable top member 24 mounted thereto, to ride along the threaded shafts 54 thereby selectively moving the top member 24 toward or away from the stationary member 22 to effect the clamping or release of a workpiece therebetween.
It is to be appreciated that each clamping means 36 is independently actuable and that rotation of only one crank 56 will effect angular movement of the movable member 24 relative to the stationary member. Each clamping means is adapted to ; permit each end of the movable top member 24 mounted thereon .
28~i to pivot with respect to the other end, and is configured to permit sufficient latitude in movement for said clamping means to converge and diverge in accordance with the pivotal, angul%r movement of said movable member.
5 ; This capacity for angular adjustment is particularly advantageous in circumstances wherein it is desired to clamp a tapered workpiece in that it permits rigid abutting engagement between the clamping surfaces and areas of the workpiece having sloping sides. Moreover, said capacity for angular adjustment enables workpieces clamped at positions proximate the ends of the top members to be held more securely by angular adjustment of the movable member 24 to reinforce the clamping grip thereon.
The workbench 12 is mounted on a wall or similar, substantially vertical support structure by means of the mounting brackets 14. Each mounting bracket 14 comprises a downwardly extend$ng base member 57 including a first, substantially vertical portion 58 having a width slightly smaller than that of the frame channel members 20 and an integral, outwardly directed extension 60 which preferably
li Background of the Invention ,!
Workbenches of the type having a workpiece clampin~
device as part of its basic structure, as taught in U.S.
Patent No. 3,615,087, dated Oct. 26, 1971 to R. P. Hickman, l,l have enjoyed substantial economic success. Workbenches of , this variety generally include a pair of coplanar top -bers, one a stationary member, the other top member being adjustable toward and away from the first member by means of ;independently actuable screw type clamping devices which , permit angular adjustment of the moveable member, relative to the fixed member to permit secure clamping of tapered workpieces.
~he workbenches of this type known in the prior art are generally bench top structures, adapted to be emplaced on a ,table or bench top, or comprise standing units which may be Illprovided with foldable support structures. However, both ^~1et~es of workbenches require substantial storage space.
7~ited work areas, the table top workbenches must be p -ally ~v~d and anv work in progress disturbed in order I to clé~ th~ w~ktable or bench for other uses. Similarly 1I standifl~ kb~ches require substantial amounts of space liand disa~emk~ ~a~ be time-consuming and difficult.
Il i ' i .. _ .. __. - ... ...
1 11~1~28~i .
In general, while a great variety of hinge mechanisms ~or pivoted surfaces have been used in the past, they have been inlendeo for light duty uses or else have been supported by additional elements such as leg structures. Many such devices are not exposed to events which might cause accidental collapse or, if collapse does occur, the likely results are not of serious concern. For these various reasons, the hinge assemblies known in the prior art have generally been relatively light in construction. Those devices which have, in some instances, been of stronger construction are often very complicated or use supplementary supports such as legs or overhead hangers which are not always desirable.
The present invention overcomes these difficulties in the prior art by providing a workpiece supporting and clamping device which is adapted to be wall-mounted to provide rigid, stable and sturdy support for heavy duty work and tools without use of complicated structures or supplementary supports, and to store in a space-saving, generally vertical position adjacent the wall. In this manner, the present invention provides a workbench which requires neither table space nor floor space or use or storage and which may be stored compactly without disassembly or substantial physical effort.
I
il ~
SUMMA~Y OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a workpiece supporting and clamping assembly particularly adapted to be mounted on a wall or similar support structure and comprising a workp~ece supporting and clamping device, mounting bracl<ets and a pair of parallel, spaced apart hinge assemblies, , each hinge assembly having a dual locking means and a release 1 lever associated therewith.
The w~rkpiece ~orting and clamplng device hereof is preferably a workbench device of the type which comprises a generally rigid base frame having a pair of elongated, coplanar top members which are mounted generally transversely across the spaced apart frame members. In this configuration, the upper surfaces of the top members define a work support surface and their opposing, side surfaces define workpiece clamping surfaces. A
first top member is fixedly mounted to the frame and the second top member is ad~ustably mounted and is movable toward and away from the first member by means of independently actuable screw-type devices which permit angular ad~ustment of the movable member, relative to the fixed member to provide secure clamping of tapered or irregularly shaped workpieces.
The workbench device is pivotally mounted at a first end thereof to a pair of mounting brackets by which means the workbench is mounted on a wall or similar support structure.
A particular feature of the invention is a uniquely rigid and stable hinge assembly whereby the workbench may be 8ti locked securely and rigidly in its extended, working position.
Once locked into working position, generally perpendicular to the wall, the workbench will not collapse under a substantial weight or pressure exerted by a worker, and cannot be collapsed accidentally by inadvertent jarring of the hinge mechanism.
Once locked into working position, the workbench can be returned to its storage position only by release of both hinge assemblies by means of their respective release levers.
The hinge assemblies are pivotally coupled at a first end thereof with the mounting brackets at a point thereon remote from that at which the workbench is mounted, and, at a second end thereof, are pivotally coupled with the workbench at positions remote and equally spaced from the points at which the workbench is mounted to the brackets. Each hinge assembly is provided with an over-center locking means and a self-actuating locking means which retain the workbench rigidly in its working position, and which are released by means of release levers associated therewith. Once in its working position, the workbench may be lowered to its storage position only by collapse of both hinge assemblies by actuation of their respective release levers. The locking means hereof precludes collapse of the hinge mechanism by jarring of the hinges and each hinge mechanism has sufficient rigidity to retain the workbench securely in working position alone, if the other hinge assembly is released.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a work supporting and clamping assembly which is wall mounted, requires little storage space and which may be set up in working position and returned to its storage position without inconvenience or physical exertion.
I, 11bi828t~` ``
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wall mounted work supporting and clamping device which is rigidly supported, which locks securely into working position, and which is not susceptible to accidental , collapse under substantial weight, pressure, or inadvertent jarrinq.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sturdy, stable and rigidly braced workbench, amenable to heavy duty work, which is vertically suspended ,l and does not require the placement of legs or other obstruc-tions beneath the work area.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a wall mounted work supporting and clamping device with novel, locking hinge assemblies which permits the device to be stored in place on the wall, substantially vertically, adjacent thereto.
It is still a further object of the present invention " to provide a vertically suspended workbench with novel, locking hinge assemblies, each assembly being independently 2n operable to lock the device securely in its working position, ~ that the assembly will not collapse even upon the .a~vertent jarring or release of one hinge assembly, and each assembly having a release lever associated therewith so '~ that only by actuation of both levers may the device be ~Icoll~psed to storage position.
Additional objects and advantages of the present inventlon wi~l become apparent when the following description ilof the p~eferred embodiment is read in conjunction with the Idraw~g in which:
!1 ~16~28~`
1l! Description of the Drawings I ~
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of 1 the work supporting and clamping assembly hereof 1l in its working position;
i F'IG. 2 is a top plan view hereof;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the locking means and release lever hereof;
Ii FIG. 4 is a side view hereof;
~ll FIG. 5 is a side view of the assembly hereof, released I from working position;
, FIG. 6 is a side view hereof in storage position;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view hereof taken along line 7-7 Il of FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the locking means and release lever hereof in locking position;
. 9 is a sideview of the locking means and release lever hereof in release position.
!
,'. I
Il ~7-11~8Z86 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Now and with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, there is denoted generally at 10 a work supporting and clamping assembly. The assembly 10 comprises a work supporting and clamping device or workbench indicated generally at 12, mounting brackets 14, and a pair of parallel hinge assemblies 16.
The workbench 12 of the preferred embodiment comprises a rigid, base frame 18, defined by a pair of spaced apart channel members 20. The channel members 20 are constructed from a relatively heavy gauge sheet metal or similar material in order to provide a strong and durable frame that is not susceptible to distortion under stress. The workbench 12 further comprises a pair of elongated, coplanar top members 22, 24 which are mounted across and generally transverse to said channel members 20. The top members 22, 24 may preferably be somewhat longer than the distance between the channel members 20 and may extend a short distance on either side thereof. Normally, the top members 22, 24 are coextensive.
The coplanar top members 22, 24 may comprise laminated wood beams or planks formed from a similar, suitable material and preferably have relatively broad, rectangular top planar surfaces which define table-like working surfaces. The top members 22, 24 further define a pair of opposed clamping ~aws, the first member 22 being a stationary ~aw, fixedly mounted to the channel members 20 and the second member 24 being an `, 11~i82~i adjustable jaw, movably mounted on the channel members 20 for movement toward and away from the stationary jaw member 22.
The opposing side portions 26, 28 respectively, of the top members 22, 24, define the clamping surfaces between which a workpiece may be secured. Excellent results are achieved where the opposing, clamping surfaces 26, 28 are provided with longitudinally extending, V-shaped channels 30, 32 respectively, therein to facilitate secure gripping of articles having concave surfaces, such as pipes and the like, ¦i therebetween. To facilitate clamping of irregularly shaped workpieces not susceptible to clamping between the clamping sufaces and channels hereinabove described, the top members 22, 24 may further be provided with a plurality of apertures 34, preferably spaced apart on the two surfaces, forming a mirror-symmetrical array therebetween, extending therethrough, substantially perpendicular to the work surfaces. The apertures are configured to securely receive clamping pegs (not shown) or similar, workpiece engaging supports.
The movable jaw 24 is moved toward and away from the stationary member 22 by means of two screw actuated clamping means 36, each of which is independently actuable to move its respective end of the movable jaw toward or away from the stationary member. As best seen in Figs. 2 and 3, each channel member 20 has an integral, rectangular, box beam type construction defined by a pair of parallel side walls 38, 40 connected by a bight portion 42 extending therebetween. Each bight portion 42 is provided with a longitudinally extending cut out portion 44 for receiving the clamping means 36 I therethrough. Each channel member 20 is further provided with an end piece 48 which encloses the end of the channel members nroxlmate the stationary member 22.
With particular reference to Fig. 8, the clamping means 36 are mounted to the lower surface of the movable member 24 by any suitably secure mounting means such as screws 37, and extend down into the channel members 20 through the cut out portions 44. Each clamping means comprises a support structure 50 and an internally threaded, tubular member 52.
~ The movement of the top member 24 is effected by means of ' threaded shafts 54 which extend longitudinally through the channel members 20 and, through the end pieces 50. Each shaft 54 is provided with a crank 56 which is operable by manual rotation to turn the shaft. The shafts 54 are dimensioned to fit telescopingly within the tubular members 52 of the clamping means 36 and the threading of the shafts 54 is complementary to and interengageable with that of the tubular members 52 such that rotation of the shafts 54 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction by means of the cranks 56 will cause the clamping means, along with the movable top member 24 mounted thereto, to ride along the threaded shafts 54 thereby selectively moving the top member 24 toward or away from the stationary member 22 to effect the clamping or release of a workpiece therebetween.
It is to be appreciated that each clamping means 36 is independently actuable and that rotation of only one crank 56 will effect angular movement of the movable member 24 relative to the stationary member. Each clamping means is adapted to ; permit each end of the movable top member 24 mounted thereon .
28~i to pivot with respect to the other end, and is configured to permit sufficient latitude in movement for said clamping means to converge and diverge in accordance with the pivotal, angul%r movement of said movable member.
5 ; This capacity for angular adjustment is particularly advantageous in circumstances wherein it is desired to clamp a tapered workpiece in that it permits rigid abutting engagement between the clamping surfaces and areas of the workpiece having sloping sides. Moreover, said capacity for angular adjustment enables workpieces clamped at positions proximate the ends of the top members to be held more securely by angular adjustment of the movable member 24 to reinforce the clamping grip thereon.
The workbench 12 is mounted on a wall or similar, substantially vertical support structure by means of the mounting brackets 14. Each mounting bracket 14 comprises a downwardly extend$ng base member 57 including a first, substantially vertical portion 58 having a width slightly smaller than that of the frame channel members 20 and an integral, outwardly directed extension 60 which preferably
2 tends from its associated vertical portion 58 along a substantial portion of the length thereof. Each extension 60 is provided with mounting apertures 62 which may comprise substantially horizontal slots adapted to receive mounting hardware such as screws 64 therethrough.
The brackets 14 hereof are formed from high gauge metal to insure adequate strength and durability. Each downwardly extending base member 57 has an integral, upstanding wall 66 formed about its perimeter and mounting means, comprising a ,, pair of integrally formed, opposing tabs 68 formed 28~
at the upp~r portions thereof. The pairs of mounting tabs 68 are parallel and are generally perpendicular to their respective base members 57, and are thus dimensioned to 'i extend into their respective frame channel member 20. The mounting tabs 68 and the sidewalls 38, 40 of their respective frame channel members 20 are each provided with an aperture, (not shown) said apertures being deployed such that they will be brought into alignment when the mounting tabs 68 ¦¦ are emplaced within the frame channel members, in accordance I herewith. The aligned apertures of each channel member 20, ; and associated mounting tabs 68 are adapted to receive a roll pin 70 therethrough to form a joint indicated generally , at 72 between the bracket 14 and the frame to effect a strong, pivotal interconnection therebetween.
When the workbench 12 is in its vertical, storage posi-tion, the pivotal joint 72 will be open and the roll pin 70 expo~ed due to the open end of the channel frame member 20.
Accordingly, to prevent foreign objects or an operator's l~ fingers from entering the joint and being caught therein, a shield 74 is provided to enclose the open joint. The shield 74 hereof comprises a molded member which may be formed from plastic or other suitably durable materials and which is di-men~loned and curved to traverse the open area between the I channel frame member and the mounting bracket 14 when the Iworkben¢h 1~ i~ in its horizontal, working position as well as when i~ ~s vertical, storage position. The molded jshield me~ber 14 further comprises downwardly depending, resilie~t~ 1d~klng key holes 76 adapted to engage the roll ¦ pin 70 to` ~r~V~e means for mounting the shield thereon. If ¦¦ desired, ~e s;~eld 74 may c~,1prise metal strips or other . .
, Il =12_ 11~ 8~ 1 materials or configurations adaptable to this function.
It is to be appreciated that the outward extension 60 of the bracket 14 forms a curve radius with the associated, vertically extending portion 58 sufficiently removed from the mounting tab 68 to permit the respective, pivotally connected frame channel members to be pivoted about the axis defined by the roll pins and to be brought into substantially vertical position adjacent said vertically extending portions 58.
The mounting brackets 14 are further provided, at a point remote from said pairs of mounting tabs 68, with integrally formed lower mounting tabs 78 which are deployed on the outer sides of the brackets 14 below the outward extensions 60, perpendicular to the base members 57. Each lower mounting tab 78 is adapted to mount an associated hinge assembly 16 hereof and to provide a pivotal interconnection between said hinge assembly 16 and bracket 14.
As best seen in Figs. 4-6 and 8, the hinge assemblies 16 hereof are identical and disposed in parallel planes. For simplicity, only one hinge assembly will be described.
2~ Each hinge assembly has a first, upper end 80, which is pivotally interconnected with a frame channel member 20, and a second lower end 82 pivotally interconnected with the mounting bracket 14 to which its associated channel member 20 is mounted. Each hinge assembly 16 comprises an upper arm 84 and a lower arm 86, the lengths of the arms being selectively determined such that the diagonally extended hinge assembly defines the hypotenuse of the right triangle defined by the channel member 20 and the bracket 14. Each hinge assembly 16 has a bracing means, herein a weld pin and sleeve assembly 110, 328~
associated therewith which limits the movement of the extended hinge assembly past the center position in which it defines the hypotenuse of the said right angle. In this manner when fully extended to a position slightly past center, the bracing means will support the assembly rigidly in position to provide a rigidly supportive, over-center lock for the workbench 12.
Thus, the hinge assemblies are dimensioned to support the workbench 12 rigidly in its work position, perpendicular to the mounting bracket by means of an "over-center lock" indicated generally at 89 and, moreover, to collapse to permit the workbench 12 to be brought into a substantially vertical position, adjacent the brackets 14 for storage.
The upper and lower hinge arms 84, 86 are constructed from metal of suitably heavy gauge. The upper hinge arms 84 comprise integrally formed, generally U-shaped, channel members haviny upstanding wall portions 90 interconnected by a bight member 92. The upper hinge arm 84 is pivotally connected to its associated frame channel member 20 by means of a rivet 94 or other suitable mounting means, extending through : complementary, aligned apertures (now shown) provided in the frame channel members and upper hinge arms.
_ ,.
i8Z86 ~
he lower hinge ~ 86 comprise integrally formed, generally U-shaped channel members having upstanding wall 'I portions 96 interconnected by bight portion 98. The upper and lower hinge arms 84, 86 are pivotally interconnected, each arm being provided with an aperture (not shown) through ; its bight portion, the apertures on the upper arm 84 being Il positioned to be brought into alignment with the aperture on il its associated lower arm, said apertures receiving coupling l means such as rivets 102 therethrough to effect a pivotal 1 interconnection therebetween.
It is to be appreciated that each hinge assembly 16 is of sufficient strength and rigidity, due to its material, composition and configuration, to maintain the workbench 12 in its perpendicular, working position alone, independent of the condition of the other hinge assembly. The over-center locking configuration of the hinge assemblies 16 defines a first locking means for providing said rigid independent support. Moreover, each hinge assembly is provided with econd locking means, which coact with means provided on ~, a~sociated release levers 106 to provide a self-actuating lock mechanism, indicated generally at 104 to prevent j accidental release of the over-center locked hinge assembly ! by jarring or similar events.
~'l As best seen in Figs. 8 and 9, each upper hinge arm 84 !1 is provided with a locking pin 108, proximate the upper end thereof. Eaah locking pin extends perpendicularly from its l! hinge ar~ ~4 and may be integrally formed therewith or I mounte~ i~ an aperture prov~ded in the hinge arm and affixed ~I by such ~eafl3 a~ spot welding.
Each rele~s~ leve~ l~C ls pivotally mounted to its ~l -15-il 8~
associated frame member 20 by pivotal mounting means, herein the weld pin and sleeve assembly 110, extending through complementary aligned apertures (not shown) provided therein.
Each lever 106 comprises a first, sidewall portion 112, extending in a plane generally parallel to the plane of its associated hinge assembly, and a second, upper member 114 which extends out from the first portion 112 and is generally perpendicular thereto. It is intended that the upper portion 114 define a handgrasp, accessible from the front or 10 ~ sides of the workbench 12 to lift the lever 106, pivotally about the axis defined by the weld pin and sleeve assembly 110.
Each release lever is further provided with a protrusion such as a bent back tab 116, as best seen in Fig. 5, which tab may be formed integrally with or welded to the sidewall portion 112 of the lever 106. Each release tab 116 is positioned to urge against its associated upper hinge arm 84 when the release lever 106 is pivotally lifted to bring the associated hinge assembly out of its over-center locking position and, thereby, to allow the hinge assembly to be collapsed and the workbench 12 lowered, as will be explained more fully hereinbelow.
The sidewall portion 112 of the lever 106 is further provided with a latching slot 118. The latching slot 118 is positioned in alignment with the locking pin 108 and is configured to receive same. More particularly, the latching slot hereof is generally tapered having a wide mouth cam surface 120 and terminating in a narrowed, irregularly shaped locking portion 122. Locking portion 122 is positioned to receive locking pin 108, and is provided with an inwardly il~;it3286 extending locking shoulder 124.
It is to be appreciated that the locking pin 108 extends transversely of the lever sidewalls 112 and so limits the downward path of the release levers 106.
As the hinge assembly 16 is extended, the locking pin 108 enters into the latching slots 116, following the cam surface 120, and is received into the locking portion 122 thereof. The locking pin 108, positioned within the locking portion 122, supports the release lever 106 which rests thereon and is, in turn, supported in position by the shoulder 124 which extends partially therebeneath about the forward portion thereof. Thus, the locking pin 108 is locked rigidly within the locking portion 122 by means of the shoulder 124 which extends therebeneath to provide said self-actuating locking mechanism 104; inadvertent jarring of the hinge assembly 16 or simila~ events will not free the locking pin as collapsing, pivotal movement of the upper hinge arm 84 will merely urge said locking pin 108 downward into a more rigid engagement with the shoulder 124 extending therebeneath.
Release of said self-actuating lock 104 of hinge assembly 16 is achieved by lifting the associated release lever 106. When lifted, the release lever pivots upwardly about the axis defined by its weld pin and sleeve ssembly 110. This pivotal movement causes the shoulder 124 of the locking portion 122 of the latching slot 118 to be urged around and lifted clear of its associated locking pin 108 to free same for downward movement, thereby permitting the hinge assembly 16 to be collapsed.
The rigidity of the self-actuating lock 104 hereof is ~6~'?86 further augmented by providing spring means 126 for urging the release lever 106 into its generally horizontal, locked position, bearing against the locking pin 108. The spring means 126 may comprise a wire spring, extending along the release lever and along and through the associated channel frame member, and is configured to urge the release lever 106 against the locking pin 10!3. In this manner, the spring 126 acts to oppose lifting of the release lever 106 and so requires directed action to effect said lifting, thereby to prevent inadvertent, accidental release of the locked hinge assembly.
The upward, pivotal movement of the release lever 106 brings its release tab 116 into abutment with its associated upper hinge arm 84. As each lever 106 is raised, the release tab 116 urges against the upper hinge arm 84 causing said arm to pivot about its weld pin and sleeve assembly connection with its respectlve frame member 20. This pivotal movement of the upper arm 84 causes the upper arm to pivot about its interconnection with its lower arm. Accordingly, the hinge sembly 16 knees up at the connection between the upper and ~er arms, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, and the hinge assembly is brought out of its over-center, locking position and through the center position, thus permitting the workbench 12 to be lowered.
However, if either hinge assembly is locked, collapse of the workbench in accordance herewith is precluded even though the other hinge assembly may be unlocked. Therefore, to effect collapse of the hinge assemblies and lowering of the workbench, both assemblies must be released and lowered by means of Il release lever 106.
.
Moreover, it is to be noted that release of both the over-center lock 89 and the self-actuating locking means 104 ' is achieved by action of the release lever lQ6. In this manner, the workbench 12 may be lowered to its storage position easily and conveniently, by grasping the hand jl grasps 114 of the release levers 106 and lifting both levers ¦! 106 up to release the self-actuating locks 104 and the over-center locks 89 of their respective hinge assemblies, and then allowing the workbench 12 to return under gravity to !1 its substantially vertical position. When grasping the release levers, an operator will further be in an excellent position wherein his hands will be safely removed from the collapsing hinge assemblies and wherein he can control the lowering of the workbench under gravity.
When collapsed in accordance herewith, the workbench 12 i5 brought into a generaliy vertical position, as shown in FIG. 6, closely adjacent the mounting brackets 14. In this position, the workbench 12 may be easily and conveniently st~re~ requiring no floor or table space. When it is desired 'I to use the workbench, 12, the workbench may be brought into ~1 its working position simply by raising the forward portion ¦I thereof until the workbench is substantially perpendicular jl to the mounting brackets and the hinges, fully extended and locke~ ~er center.
~ hë vertically mounted worXbench hereof provides a ¦I sturdy w~r~pl~ce supporting and clamping device which requires i no floo~ ~r t~ble space for use or for storage. Many modifica-l'l tions and a~ ti~n~ of the preferred embodiment described !i hereina~ W ë ~ bè i~plem~nted, al} falling within the scope ` of ~h8 a~&~e~ claims.
The brackets 14 hereof are formed from high gauge metal to insure adequate strength and durability. Each downwardly extending base member 57 has an integral, upstanding wall 66 formed about its perimeter and mounting means, comprising a ,, pair of integrally formed, opposing tabs 68 formed 28~
at the upp~r portions thereof. The pairs of mounting tabs 68 are parallel and are generally perpendicular to their respective base members 57, and are thus dimensioned to 'i extend into their respective frame channel member 20. The mounting tabs 68 and the sidewalls 38, 40 of their respective frame channel members 20 are each provided with an aperture, (not shown) said apertures being deployed such that they will be brought into alignment when the mounting tabs 68 ¦¦ are emplaced within the frame channel members, in accordance I herewith. The aligned apertures of each channel member 20, ; and associated mounting tabs 68 are adapted to receive a roll pin 70 therethrough to form a joint indicated generally , at 72 between the bracket 14 and the frame to effect a strong, pivotal interconnection therebetween.
When the workbench 12 is in its vertical, storage posi-tion, the pivotal joint 72 will be open and the roll pin 70 expo~ed due to the open end of the channel frame member 20.
Accordingly, to prevent foreign objects or an operator's l~ fingers from entering the joint and being caught therein, a shield 74 is provided to enclose the open joint. The shield 74 hereof comprises a molded member which may be formed from plastic or other suitably durable materials and which is di-men~loned and curved to traverse the open area between the I channel frame member and the mounting bracket 14 when the Iworkben¢h 1~ i~ in its horizontal, working position as well as when i~ ~s vertical, storage position. The molded jshield me~ber 14 further comprises downwardly depending, resilie~t~ 1d~klng key holes 76 adapted to engage the roll ¦ pin 70 to` ~r~V~e means for mounting the shield thereon. If ¦¦ desired, ~e s;~eld 74 may c~,1prise metal strips or other . .
, Il =12_ 11~ 8~ 1 materials or configurations adaptable to this function.
It is to be appreciated that the outward extension 60 of the bracket 14 forms a curve radius with the associated, vertically extending portion 58 sufficiently removed from the mounting tab 68 to permit the respective, pivotally connected frame channel members to be pivoted about the axis defined by the roll pins and to be brought into substantially vertical position adjacent said vertically extending portions 58.
The mounting brackets 14 are further provided, at a point remote from said pairs of mounting tabs 68, with integrally formed lower mounting tabs 78 which are deployed on the outer sides of the brackets 14 below the outward extensions 60, perpendicular to the base members 57. Each lower mounting tab 78 is adapted to mount an associated hinge assembly 16 hereof and to provide a pivotal interconnection between said hinge assembly 16 and bracket 14.
As best seen in Figs. 4-6 and 8, the hinge assemblies 16 hereof are identical and disposed in parallel planes. For simplicity, only one hinge assembly will be described.
2~ Each hinge assembly has a first, upper end 80, which is pivotally interconnected with a frame channel member 20, and a second lower end 82 pivotally interconnected with the mounting bracket 14 to which its associated channel member 20 is mounted. Each hinge assembly 16 comprises an upper arm 84 and a lower arm 86, the lengths of the arms being selectively determined such that the diagonally extended hinge assembly defines the hypotenuse of the right triangle defined by the channel member 20 and the bracket 14. Each hinge assembly 16 has a bracing means, herein a weld pin and sleeve assembly 110, 328~
associated therewith which limits the movement of the extended hinge assembly past the center position in which it defines the hypotenuse of the said right angle. In this manner when fully extended to a position slightly past center, the bracing means will support the assembly rigidly in position to provide a rigidly supportive, over-center lock for the workbench 12.
Thus, the hinge assemblies are dimensioned to support the workbench 12 rigidly in its work position, perpendicular to the mounting bracket by means of an "over-center lock" indicated generally at 89 and, moreover, to collapse to permit the workbench 12 to be brought into a substantially vertical position, adjacent the brackets 14 for storage.
The upper and lower hinge arms 84, 86 are constructed from metal of suitably heavy gauge. The upper hinge arms 84 comprise integrally formed, generally U-shaped, channel members haviny upstanding wall portions 90 interconnected by a bight member 92. The upper hinge arm 84 is pivotally connected to its associated frame channel member 20 by means of a rivet 94 or other suitable mounting means, extending through : complementary, aligned apertures (now shown) provided in the frame channel members and upper hinge arms.
_ ,.
i8Z86 ~
he lower hinge ~ 86 comprise integrally formed, generally U-shaped channel members having upstanding wall 'I portions 96 interconnected by bight portion 98. The upper and lower hinge arms 84, 86 are pivotally interconnected, each arm being provided with an aperture (not shown) through ; its bight portion, the apertures on the upper arm 84 being Il positioned to be brought into alignment with the aperture on il its associated lower arm, said apertures receiving coupling l means such as rivets 102 therethrough to effect a pivotal 1 interconnection therebetween.
It is to be appreciated that each hinge assembly 16 is of sufficient strength and rigidity, due to its material, composition and configuration, to maintain the workbench 12 in its perpendicular, working position alone, independent of the condition of the other hinge assembly. The over-center locking configuration of the hinge assemblies 16 defines a first locking means for providing said rigid independent support. Moreover, each hinge assembly is provided with econd locking means, which coact with means provided on ~, a~sociated release levers 106 to provide a self-actuating lock mechanism, indicated generally at 104 to prevent j accidental release of the over-center locked hinge assembly ! by jarring or similar events.
~'l As best seen in Figs. 8 and 9, each upper hinge arm 84 !1 is provided with a locking pin 108, proximate the upper end thereof. Eaah locking pin extends perpendicularly from its l! hinge ar~ ~4 and may be integrally formed therewith or I mounte~ i~ an aperture prov~ded in the hinge arm and affixed ~I by such ~eafl3 a~ spot welding.
Each rele~s~ leve~ l~C ls pivotally mounted to its ~l -15-il 8~
associated frame member 20 by pivotal mounting means, herein the weld pin and sleeve assembly 110, extending through complementary aligned apertures (not shown) provided therein.
Each lever 106 comprises a first, sidewall portion 112, extending in a plane generally parallel to the plane of its associated hinge assembly, and a second, upper member 114 which extends out from the first portion 112 and is generally perpendicular thereto. It is intended that the upper portion 114 define a handgrasp, accessible from the front or 10 ~ sides of the workbench 12 to lift the lever 106, pivotally about the axis defined by the weld pin and sleeve assembly 110.
Each release lever is further provided with a protrusion such as a bent back tab 116, as best seen in Fig. 5, which tab may be formed integrally with or welded to the sidewall portion 112 of the lever 106. Each release tab 116 is positioned to urge against its associated upper hinge arm 84 when the release lever 106 is pivotally lifted to bring the associated hinge assembly out of its over-center locking position and, thereby, to allow the hinge assembly to be collapsed and the workbench 12 lowered, as will be explained more fully hereinbelow.
The sidewall portion 112 of the lever 106 is further provided with a latching slot 118. The latching slot 118 is positioned in alignment with the locking pin 108 and is configured to receive same. More particularly, the latching slot hereof is generally tapered having a wide mouth cam surface 120 and terminating in a narrowed, irregularly shaped locking portion 122. Locking portion 122 is positioned to receive locking pin 108, and is provided with an inwardly il~;it3286 extending locking shoulder 124.
It is to be appreciated that the locking pin 108 extends transversely of the lever sidewalls 112 and so limits the downward path of the release levers 106.
As the hinge assembly 16 is extended, the locking pin 108 enters into the latching slots 116, following the cam surface 120, and is received into the locking portion 122 thereof. The locking pin 108, positioned within the locking portion 122, supports the release lever 106 which rests thereon and is, in turn, supported in position by the shoulder 124 which extends partially therebeneath about the forward portion thereof. Thus, the locking pin 108 is locked rigidly within the locking portion 122 by means of the shoulder 124 which extends therebeneath to provide said self-actuating locking mechanism 104; inadvertent jarring of the hinge assembly 16 or simila~ events will not free the locking pin as collapsing, pivotal movement of the upper hinge arm 84 will merely urge said locking pin 108 downward into a more rigid engagement with the shoulder 124 extending therebeneath.
Release of said self-actuating lock 104 of hinge assembly 16 is achieved by lifting the associated release lever 106. When lifted, the release lever pivots upwardly about the axis defined by its weld pin and sleeve ssembly 110. This pivotal movement causes the shoulder 124 of the locking portion 122 of the latching slot 118 to be urged around and lifted clear of its associated locking pin 108 to free same for downward movement, thereby permitting the hinge assembly 16 to be collapsed.
The rigidity of the self-actuating lock 104 hereof is ~6~'?86 further augmented by providing spring means 126 for urging the release lever 106 into its generally horizontal, locked position, bearing against the locking pin 108. The spring means 126 may comprise a wire spring, extending along the release lever and along and through the associated channel frame member, and is configured to urge the release lever 106 against the locking pin 10!3. In this manner, the spring 126 acts to oppose lifting of the release lever 106 and so requires directed action to effect said lifting, thereby to prevent inadvertent, accidental release of the locked hinge assembly.
The upward, pivotal movement of the release lever 106 brings its release tab 116 into abutment with its associated upper hinge arm 84. As each lever 106 is raised, the release tab 116 urges against the upper hinge arm 84 causing said arm to pivot about its weld pin and sleeve assembly connection with its respectlve frame member 20. This pivotal movement of the upper arm 84 causes the upper arm to pivot about its interconnection with its lower arm. Accordingly, the hinge sembly 16 knees up at the connection between the upper and ~er arms, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, and the hinge assembly is brought out of its over-center, locking position and through the center position, thus permitting the workbench 12 to be lowered.
However, if either hinge assembly is locked, collapse of the workbench in accordance herewith is precluded even though the other hinge assembly may be unlocked. Therefore, to effect collapse of the hinge assemblies and lowering of the workbench, both assemblies must be released and lowered by means of Il release lever 106.
.
Moreover, it is to be noted that release of both the over-center lock 89 and the self-actuating locking means 104 ' is achieved by action of the release lever lQ6. In this manner, the workbench 12 may be lowered to its storage position easily and conveniently, by grasping the hand jl grasps 114 of the release levers 106 and lifting both levers ¦! 106 up to release the self-actuating locks 104 and the over-center locks 89 of their respective hinge assemblies, and then allowing the workbench 12 to return under gravity to !1 its substantially vertical position. When grasping the release levers, an operator will further be in an excellent position wherein his hands will be safely removed from the collapsing hinge assemblies and wherein he can control the lowering of the workbench under gravity.
When collapsed in accordance herewith, the workbench 12 i5 brought into a generaliy vertical position, as shown in FIG. 6, closely adjacent the mounting brackets 14. In this position, the workbench 12 may be easily and conveniently st~re~ requiring no floor or table space. When it is desired 'I to use the workbench, 12, the workbench may be brought into ~1 its working position simply by raising the forward portion ¦I thereof until the workbench is substantially perpendicular jl to the mounting brackets and the hinges, fully extended and locke~ ~er center.
~ hë vertically mounted worXbench hereof provides a ¦I sturdy w~r~pl~ce supporting and clamping device which requires i no floo~ ~r t~ble space for use or for storage. Many modifica-l'l tions and a~ ti~n~ of the preferred embodiment described !i hereina~ W ë ~ bè i~plem~nted, al} falling within the scope ` of ~h8 a~&~e~ claims.
Claims (10)
1. A workpiece supporting and clamping assembly comprising:
a workpiece supporting and clamping device;
means for mounting said workpiece supporting and clamping device on a substantially vertical surface;
support means extendable to support said device in a generally horizontal position and collapsible to permit said device to assume a generally vertical position;
first lock means for rigidly maintaining said support means in extended support condition;
a release means, associated with said device and having means associated therewith for engaging said support means to overcome said first lock means and effect the collapse of said support means; and self-actuating second lock means associated with said support means and said release means for locking said support means in extended position and barring collapse thereof other than by manual actuation of said release means.
a workpiece supporting and clamping device;
means for mounting said workpiece supporting and clamping device on a substantially vertical surface;
support means extendable to support said device in a generally horizontal position and collapsible to permit said device to assume a generally vertical position;
first lock means for rigidly maintaining said support means in extended support condition;
a release means, associated with said device and having means associated therewith for engaging said support means to overcome said first lock means and effect the collapse of said support means; and self-actuating second lock means associated with said support means and said release means for locking said support means in extended position and barring collapse thereof other than by manual actuation of said release means.
2. The workpiece supporting and clamping assembly of claim 1 wherein said first lock means is adapted to rigidly maintain said support means in an over-center extended support condition.
3. The workpiece supporting and clamping assembly of claim 2 wherein said support means comprises pivotally connected members connected between said device and said mounting means, and said release means includes a lever connected to said second lock means to actuate same.
4. The workpiece supporting and clamping assembly of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said workpiece supporting and clamping device comprises a pair of spaced apart frame members, a pair of workpiece supporting and clamping members mounted transversely across said frame members, and first and second means for moving one workpiece sup-porting and clamping member toward and away from the other said workpiece supporting and clamping member, said first and second moving means being independently actuable to permit said clamping members to be angled relative to one another.
5. A workpiece supporting and clamping assembly comprising:
a workpiece supporting and clamping device comprising a pair of spaced apart frame members, a pair of workpiece supporting and clamping members mounted transversely across said frame members, and first and second means for moving at least one workpiece supporting and clamping member toward and away from the other said workpiece supporting and clamping member, said first and second moving means being independently actuable to permit said clamping members to be angled relative to one another;
means for mounting said workpiece supporting and clamping device on a substantially vertical surface;
support means, extendable to support said device in a generally horizontal position and collapsible to permit said device to assume a generally vertical position;
first lock means for rigidly locking said support means in extended, support condition;
a release lever, associated with said frame and having means associated therewith for engaging said support means to effect the collapse thereof;
second, self-actuating lock means for locking said support means in extended position and barring collapse thereof other than by actuation of said release means, said self-actuating lock means comprising a locking pin and a latching slot, deployed on said support means and release lever which coact to provide a self-actuating means for locking the support means in extended position.
a workpiece supporting and clamping device comprising a pair of spaced apart frame members, a pair of workpiece supporting and clamping members mounted transversely across said frame members, and first and second means for moving at least one workpiece supporting and clamping member toward and away from the other said workpiece supporting and clamping member, said first and second moving means being independently actuable to permit said clamping members to be angled relative to one another;
means for mounting said workpiece supporting and clamping device on a substantially vertical surface;
support means, extendable to support said device in a generally horizontal position and collapsible to permit said device to assume a generally vertical position;
first lock means for rigidly locking said support means in extended, support condition;
a release lever, associated with said frame and having means associated therewith for engaging said support means to effect the collapse thereof;
second, self-actuating lock means for locking said support means in extended position and barring collapse thereof other than by actuation of said release means, said self-actuating lock means comprising a locking pin and a latching slot, deployed on said support means and release lever which coact to provide a self-actuating means for locking the support means in extended position.
6. A workpiece supporting and clamping assembly comprising:
a workpiece supporting clamping device comprising a pair of spaced apart frame members, a pair of workpiece supporting and clamping members mounted transversely across said frame members, and first and second means for moving at least one workpiece supporting and clamping member toward and away from the other said workpiece supporting and clamping member, said first and second means being independently actuable to permit said clamping members to be angled relative to one another;
means for mounting said workpiece supporting and clamping device on a substantially vertical surface;
means extendable to support said device in a generally horizontal position and collapsible to permit said device to assume a generally vertical position;
first lock means for rigidly locking said device in said generally horizontal position;
a release lever, associated with said frame and having means associated therewith for engaging said support means to effect the collapse thereof.
second, self-actuating lock means for locking said support means in extended position and barring collapse thereof other than by actuation of said release means, said self-actuating lock means comprising a locking pin and a latching slot, deployed on said support means and release lever which coact to provide a self-actuating means for locking the support means in extended position, said latching slot comprising cam means for guiding said locking pin into locking engagement therewith and a locking shoulder for preventing disengagement of said locking pin other than by actuation of said release lever.
a workpiece supporting clamping device comprising a pair of spaced apart frame members, a pair of workpiece supporting and clamping members mounted transversely across said frame members, and first and second means for moving at least one workpiece supporting and clamping member toward and away from the other said workpiece supporting and clamping member, said first and second means being independently actuable to permit said clamping members to be angled relative to one another;
means for mounting said workpiece supporting and clamping device on a substantially vertical surface;
means extendable to support said device in a generally horizontal position and collapsible to permit said device to assume a generally vertical position;
first lock means for rigidly locking said device in said generally horizontal position;
a release lever, associated with said frame and having means associated therewith for engaging said support means to effect the collapse thereof.
second, self-actuating lock means for locking said support means in extended position and barring collapse thereof other than by actuation of said release means, said self-actuating lock means comprising a locking pin and a latching slot, deployed on said support means and release lever which coact to provide a self-actuating means for locking the support means in extended position, said latching slot comprising cam means for guiding said locking pin into locking engagement therewith and a locking shoulder for preventing disengagement of said locking pin other than by actuation of said release lever.
7. A workpiece support and clamping assembly comprising:
a workpiece supporting and clamping device;
means for mounting said device to a vertical support surface;
means for pivotally coupling said device to said mounting means; and a support assembly having an upper support arm having first and second ends, a lower support arm having first and second ends, means for pivotally coupling said first end of said upper arm to said device, means for pivotally coupling said first end of said lower arm to said mounting means, means for interconnecting said second ends of said support arms for pivotal movement therebetween from a support mode, wherein said arms are extended diagonally between said mounting means and said device to support said device in a generally horizontal plane, to an operative mode, wherein said arms are collapsed, stop means for bracing said arms in an over-center lock condition for rigid maintenance of said support mode, a lever having means disposed thereon for releasing said support assembly from its over-center lock condition thereby to collapse the same, and self-actuating locking means provided on said support assembly and said lever and comprising a locking pin and latching slot which coact to lock the support assembly in extended position and thus prevent collapse thereof other than by manual actuation of said lever.
a workpiece supporting and clamping device;
means for mounting said device to a vertical support surface;
means for pivotally coupling said device to said mounting means; and a support assembly having an upper support arm having first and second ends, a lower support arm having first and second ends, means for pivotally coupling said first end of said upper arm to said device, means for pivotally coupling said first end of said lower arm to said mounting means, means for interconnecting said second ends of said support arms for pivotal movement therebetween from a support mode, wherein said arms are extended diagonally between said mounting means and said device to support said device in a generally horizontal plane, to an operative mode, wherein said arms are collapsed, stop means for bracing said arms in an over-center lock condition for rigid maintenance of said support mode, a lever having means disposed thereon for releasing said support assembly from its over-center lock condition thereby to collapse the same, and self-actuating locking means provided on said support assembly and said lever and comprising a locking pin and latching slot which coact to lock the support assembly in extended position and thus prevent collapse thereof other than by manual actuation of said lever.
8. A work support assembly comprising:
a work supporting device;
means for mounting said device vertically;
means for pivotally coupling said device to said mounting means; and a support assembly having an upper support arm having first and second ends, a lower support arm having first and second ends, means for pivotally coupling said first end of said upper arm to said device, means for pivotally coupling said first end of said lower arm to said mounting means, means for interconnecting said second ends of said support arms for pivotal movement therebetween from a support mode, wherein said arms are extended diagonally between said mounting means and said device to support said device in a generally horizontal plane, to an inoperative mode, wherein said arms are collapsed, stop means for bracing said arms in an over-center extended locked condition for rigid maintenance of said support mode, a lever having means disposed thereon for releasing said support assembly from its over-center locked condition, and self-actuating locking means provided on said support assembly and said lever comprising a locking pin and latching slot which coact to provide a self-actuating means for locking the support assembly in extended position, said latching slot having cam means for guiding said locking pin into engagement therewith and a locking shoulder for preventing disengagement of said locking pin and thus preventing collapse of said arms of the support assembly other than by manual actuation of said lever.
a work supporting device;
means for mounting said device vertically;
means for pivotally coupling said device to said mounting means; and a support assembly having an upper support arm having first and second ends, a lower support arm having first and second ends, means for pivotally coupling said first end of said upper arm to said device, means for pivotally coupling said first end of said lower arm to said mounting means, means for interconnecting said second ends of said support arms for pivotal movement therebetween from a support mode, wherein said arms are extended diagonally between said mounting means and said device to support said device in a generally horizontal plane, to an inoperative mode, wherein said arms are collapsed, stop means for bracing said arms in an over-center extended locked condition for rigid maintenance of said support mode, a lever having means disposed thereon for releasing said support assembly from its over-center locked condition, and self-actuating locking means provided on said support assembly and said lever comprising a locking pin and latching slot which coact to provide a self-actuating means for locking the support assembly in extended position, said latching slot having cam means for guiding said locking pin into engagement therewith and a locking shoulder for preventing disengagement of said locking pin and thus preventing collapse of said arms of the support assembly other than by manual actuation of said lever.
9 . A support assembly for mounting a work surface to a substantially vertical support surface for movement between a substantially horizontal, operative mode and a substantially vertical, inoperative mode, said support assembly comprising:
means for mounting said work surface to a substantially vertical support surface;
means for pivotally coupling said work surface to said mounting means;
an upper support arm having first and second ends;
a lower support arm having first and second ends;
means for pivotally coupling said first end of said upper arm to said work surface;
means for pivotally coupling said first end of said lower arm to said mounting means;
means for interconnecting said second ends of said support arms for pivotal movement therebetween from a support mode, wherein said arms are extended diagonally between said mounting means and said work surface to support said work surface in a generally horizontal plane, to an inoperative mode, wherein said arms are collapsed;
stop means for bracing said arms in an over-center lock condition for rigid maintenance of said support mode;
a lever having means disposed thereon for releasing said support assembly from its over-center lock condition to permit collapse of same; and self-actuating locking means provided on said support assembly and said lever and comprising a locking pin and latching slot which coact to lock the support assembly in position and thus prevent collapse thereof other than when said lever is manually actuated.
means for mounting said work surface to a substantially vertical support surface;
means for pivotally coupling said work surface to said mounting means;
an upper support arm having first and second ends;
a lower support arm having first and second ends;
means for pivotally coupling said first end of said upper arm to said work surface;
means for pivotally coupling said first end of said lower arm to said mounting means;
means for interconnecting said second ends of said support arms for pivotal movement therebetween from a support mode, wherein said arms are extended diagonally between said mounting means and said work surface to support said work surface in a generally horizontal plane, to an inoperative mode, wherein said arms are collapsed;
stop means for bracing said arms in an over-center lock condition for rigid maintenance of said support mode;
a lever having means disposed thereon for releasing said support assembly from its over-center lock condition to permit collapse of same; and self-actuating locking means provided on said support assembly and said lever and comprising a locking pin and latching slot which coact to lock the support assembly in position and thus prevent collapse thereof other than when said lever is manually actuated.
10. A support assembly for mounting a work surface to a substantially vertical support surface for movement between a substantially horizontal, operative mode and a substantially vertical, inoperative mode, said support assembly comprising:
means for mounting said work surface to a substantially vertical support surface;
means for pivotally coupling said work surface to said mounting means;
an upper support arm having first and second ends;
a lower support arm having first and second ends;
means for pivotally coupling said first end of said upper arm to said work surface;
means for pivotally coupling said first end of said lower arm to said mounting means;
means for interconnecting said second ends of said support arms for pivotal movement therebetween from a support mode, wherein said arms are extended diagonally between said mounting means and said work surface to support said work surface in a generally horizontal plane, to an inoperative mode, wherein said arms are collapsed;
stop means for bracing said arms in an over-center lock condition for rigid maintenance of said support mode;
a lever having means disposed thereon for releasing said support assembly from its over-center lock condition to permit collapse of same; and self-actuating locking means provided on said support assembly and said lever comprising a locking pin and latching slot which coact to provide a self-actuating means for locking the support assembly in extended position, said latching slot having cam means for guiding said locking pin into engagement therewith and a locking shoulder for preventing disengagement of said locking pin and thus preventing collapse of said arms of the support assembly other than by manual actuation of said lever.
means for mounting said work surface to a substantially vertical support surface;
means for pivotally coupling said work surface to said mounting means;
an upper support arm having first and second ends;
a lower support arm having first and second ends;
means for pivotally coupling said first end of said upper arm to said work surface;
means for pivotally coupling said first end of said lower arm to said mounting means;
means for interconnecting said second ends of said support arms for pivotal movement therebetween from a support mode, wherein said arms are extended diagonally between said mounting means and said work surface to support said work surface in a generally horizontal plane, to an inoperative mode, wherein said arms are collapsed;
stop means for bracing said arms in an over-center lock condition for rigid maintenance of said support mode;
a lever having means disposed thereon for releasing said support assembly from its over-center lock condition to permit collapse of same; and self-actuating locking means provided on said support assembly and said lever comprising a locking pin and latching slot which coact to provide a self-actuating means for locking the support assembly in extended position, said latching slot having cam means for guiding said locking pin into engagement therewith and a locking shoulder for preventing disengagement of said locking pin and thus preventing collapse of said arms of the support assembly other than by manual actuation of said lever.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US13480480A | 1980-03-28 | 1980-03-28 | |
| US134,804 | 1980-03-28 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1168286A true CA1168286A (en) | 1984-05-29 |
Family
ID=22465091
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000374063A Expired CA1168286A (en) | 1980-03-28 | 1981-03-27 | Workpiece support and clamping assembly |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0037251B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS573535U (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE13640T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1168286A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3170812D1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104339335A (en) * | 2014-07-09 | 2015-02-11 | 苏州博众精工科技有限公司 | Cam clamping mechanism |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2561154B1 (en) * | 1984-03-19 | 1989-05-19 | Chazelle Hubert | VICE WITH MOBILE AND ARTICULABLE JAWS WITH LARGE OPENING CAPACITY |
| SE454491B (en) * | 1984-03-23 | 1988-05-09 | 3R Management Ab | REFERENCE SYSTEM OF A TRADING MACHINE |
| JPS6124526U (en) * | 1984-07-20 | 1986-02-13 | 三菱農機株式会社 | bearing support device |
| GB9112119D0 (en) * | 1991-06-05 | 1991-07-24 | Ede Douglas | Combined tooling jig and work table |
| CN103846886A (en) * | 2012-12-06 | 2014-06-11 | 天津重钢机械装备股份有限公司 | Assembly-type platform manufacturing and leveling method |
| CN108145355A (en) * | 2018-02-07 | 2018-06-12 | 天津中德应用技术大学 | Automatic soldering device |
| CN111185884B (en) * | 2020-03-24 | 2023-11-03 | 无锡职业技术学院 | Spare and accessory part assembling table for multifunctional steam repair processing |
| CN113560918B (en) * | 2021-07-30 | 2023-11-17 | 宁苏辉 | Roller frame capable of automatically adapting to roller and automatically locking and use method thereof |
| CN116494193B (en) * | 2023-04-19 | 2024-02-20 | 苏州烨玛斯腾精密制造有限公司 | Flexible tool positioning device for automobile front wall plate cross beam |
| CN117020695B (en) * | 2023-09-28 | 2023-12-15 | 江苏汉峰数控科技有限公司 | Clamp for automatic machine tool |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB377672A (en) * | 1931-04-25 | 1932-07-25 | Matthew Brown | Improvements in or relating to collapsible tables, shelves and the like |
| DE2453444B2 (en) * | 1974-11-12 | 1976-09-09 | Max Herbstrith Kg, 5630 Remscheid | WORKBENCH WITH FOLDABLE WORKTOP |
| IT1120424B (en) * | 1976-05-05 | 1986-03-26 | Inventec Patents Ltd | IMPROVEMENT IN WORKBENCHES |
| GB1540576A (en) * | 1976-06-29 | 1979-02-14 | Jay G | Work tables |
| US4068601A (en) * | 1976-09-02 | 1978-01-17 | Pullman Incorporated | Folding table construction |
-
1981
- 1981-03-26 EP EP81301294A patent/EP0037251B1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-03-26 DE DE8181301294T patent/DE3170812D1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-03-26 AT AT81301294T patent/ATE13640T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1981-03-27 CA CA000374063A patent/CA1168286A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-03-28 JP JP1981042978U patent/JPS573535U/ja active Pending
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104339335A (en) * | 2014-07-09 | 2015-02-11 | 苏州博众精工科技有限公司 | Cam clamping mechanism |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0037251A2 (en) | 1981-10-07 |
| JPS573535U (en) | 1982-01-09 |
| EP0037251A3 (en) | 1982-01-27 |
| EP0037251B1 (en) | 1985-06-05 |
| ATE13640T1 (en) | 1985-06-15 |
| DE3170812D1 (en) | 1985-07-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |