GB2180494A

GB2180494A - A portable folding work-frame

Info

Publication number: GB2180494A
Application number: GB08621247A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Henry Billington
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-09-11
Filing date: 1986-09-03
Publication date: 1987-04-01
Also published as: GB8621247D0

Abstract

The frame is provided with swivel brackets 1 which allow the frame to be attached to an existing workbench (Fig. 1) to extend the surface thereof or to be attached to a vertical surface (Fig. 2) to form an independent work support. The frame comprises two pairs of pivotally interconnected legs 3 and 6 held in the unfolded position by a pivoted stay 7 and a removable cross-member 4. Each leg is telescopically adjustable so that the height and width of the frame can be adjusted. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A folding work frame, securing to a horizontal or vertical surface with capabilities as a clamping extension on certain workbenches According to this invention, a compact portable unit of square tubular steel can be attached, with brackets provided, to almost any surface and act as an instant frame for a work-top where space is at a premium and where there are no workbench facilities, or, as an extension to an existing work bench. There is, also, embodied in the design, abilities for use as an extension clamp on some types of portable workbenches with split surfaces which open or close by means of a screw mechanism. Horizontal and vertical securing positions are possible because of the swivel hinged attaching pieces which are a feature of this design. The length and the height of the unit is adjustable by means of the inner fitted extension pieces.

A detailed description of the unit, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, now follows.

Figure 1, page 1-4 shows the unit in perspective, attached to a horizontal work surface which has clamping facilities and is ready for operating in that mode.

Figure 2, Page 2-4 shows the unit attached to a vertical plane and fully extended for use as a workbench frame.

Figure 3, Page 3-4 shows the unit in a semi-folded position.

Figure 4, Page 4-4 shows detail of cross member stiffener.

Figure 5, Page 4-4 shows detail of knuckle joint with cross member attaching bracket.

Figure 6, Page 4-4 shows detail of hinge tube welded to vertical member.

Figure 7, Page 4-4 shows detail of unit attaching bracket-lock.

Referring to the drawings, the unit comprises two constructions of square steel tubing to form two inverted "L'' shapes 3 and 5.

Into the horizontal members, tubes of a smaller dimension, 2, are inserted, on one extreme end of each of the inner tubings, swivel hinged fitting attachments are located by means of bolts and wing nuts. Both tubing 2 and 3 shall have holes drilled through them at regular increments to accommodate clamping pegs 9. The fitting attachments on 2 are inserted into their locking brackets 11, details Fig. 7, page 4-4. These locking brackets are secured permanently by means of wood screws either on the undersurface of a horizontal worksurface or on a vertical plane, Fig.

2. These variations are possible because the swivel hinge attachments can be adjusted horizontally or in a vertical position by withdrawing the location bolts, turning the attachments clockwise and relocating the bolts through the fittings and the tubes.

On one extreme end of the horizontal steel tubings 3 are welded knuckle joints 5, details Fig. 5, page 4-4. On one extreme end of the vertical tubings 6 round tube is welded, details Fig. 6, page 4-4, this acts as a hinge pin seating. The ends of tubings 3 and 6 are connected together by a hinge pin through one hole on the face of the knuckle joint then through the welded hinge seating and out through a corresponding hole on the other face of the knuckle joint, which is then riveted over. Both vertical and horizontal then form an articulated portion of the unit. Double button springs are then inserted at the jointed vertical ends, located through two holes drilled in opposite walls of the tube. When the jointed horizontal and vertical tubes are opened to 90" the buttons will relocate in two holes drilled through the knuckle joints locking them at that position.The design of the knuckle joints, Fig. 5, page 4-4, is such that the 90" angle created by vertical and horizontal members cannot be over-taxed because of the retaining bar formed at the rear of the fitment.

At the opposing ends of the hinged vertical tubes 6, two steel square tubes of a smaller dimension 8, are inserted. These smaller dimensioned tubes have holes drilled through at determined distances allowing the verticals to be extended or reduced by means of double button springs, as in the manner of the horizontal members: One end of each of these vertical inner tubings 8, shall have rollers fitted 12.

The two inverted L shaped pieces that make up a unit are attached to each other by means of a hinged stay (of determined length) 7.

To make the unit rigid when in an operating mode, a cross member stiffener, 4, is inserted into mating brackets located on the inner faces of the knuckle joints, details Fig. 4, page 4-4.

To extend the horizontal length of the unit the double button springs located on tubes 3 are pressed inward disengaging them from the inner tubes 2 and the unit pulled backward until the buttons relocate into holes further along the length. The unit is collapsed by pressing in the buttons located on the knuckle joints and jack knifing the members; similarly the hinged stay is jack-knifed until the two verticals meet, Fig. 3, page 3-4.

1. A completely portable metal tube construction that enables a work surface to be extended beyond it's given surface. Equally, it does not rely upon a workbench to be utilised fully.

2. By means of the swivel hinge fittings it can be erected and supported, by its attendant brackets, both horizontally and vertically.

3. The unit has means of enlargement by virtue of the inner metal tube extensions.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION A folding work frame, securing to a horizontal or vertical surface with capabilities as a clamping extension on certain workbenches According to this invention, a compact portable unit of square tubular steel can be attached, with brackets provided, to almost any surface and act as an instant frame for a work-top where space is at a premium and where there are no workbench facilities, or, as an extension to an existing work bench. There is, also, embodied in the design, abilities for use as an extension clamp on some types of portable workbenches with split surfaces which open or close by means of a screw mechanism. Horizontal and vertical securing positions are possible because of the swivel hinged attaching pieces which are a feature of this design. The length and the height of the unit is adjustable by means of the inner fitted extension pieces. A detailed description of the unit, by way of examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, now follows. Figure 1, page 1-4 shows the unit in perspective, attached to a horizontal work surface which has clamping facilities and is ready for operating in that mode. Figure 2, Page 2-4 shows the unit attached to a vertical plane and fully extended for use as a workbench frame. Figure 3, Page 3-4 shows the unit in a semi-folded position. Figure 4, Page 4-4 shows detail of cross member stiffener. Figure 5, Page 4-4 shows detail of knuckle joint with cross member attaching bracket. Figure 6, Page 4-4 shows detail of hinge tube welded to vertical member. Figure 7, Page 4-4 shows detail of unit attaching bracket-lock. Referring to the drawings, the unit comprises two constructions of square steel tubing to form two inverted "L'' shapes 3 and 5. Into the horizontal members, tubes of a smaller dimension, 2, are inserted, on one extreme end of each of the inner tubings, swivel hinged fitting attachments are located by means of bolts and wing nuts. Both tubing 2 and 3 shall have holes drilled through them at regular increments to accommodate clamping pegs 9. The fitting attachments on 2 are inserted into their locking brackets 11, details Fig. 7, page 4-4. These locking brackets are secured permanently by means of wood screws either on the undersurface of a horizontal worksurface or on a vertical plane, Fig. 2. These variations are possible because the swivel hinge attachments can be adjusted horizontally or in a vertical position by withdrawing the location bolts, turning the attachments clockwise and relocating the bolts through the fittings and the tubes. On one extreme end of the horizontal steel tubings 3 are welded knuckle joints 5, details Fig. 5, page 4-4. On one extreme end of the vertical tubings 6 round tube is welded, details Fig. 6, page 4-4, this acts as a hinge pin seating. The ends of tubings 3 and 6 are connected together by a hinge pin through one hole on the face of the knuckle joint then through the welded hinge seating and out through a corresponding hole on the other face of the knuckle joint, which is then riveted over. Both vertical and horizontal then form an articulated portion of the unit. Double button springs are then inserted at the jointed vertical ends, located through two holes drilled in opposite walls of the tube. When the jointed horizontal and vertical tubes are opened to 90" the buttons will relocate in two holes drilled through the knuckle joints locking them at that position.The design of the knuckle joints, Fig. 5, page 4-4, is such that the 90" angle created by vertical and horizontal members cannot be over-taxed because of the retaining bar formed at the rear of the fitment. At the opposing ends of the hinged vertical tubes 6, two steel square tubes of a smaller dimension 8, are inserted. These smaller dimensioned tubes have holes drilled through at determined distances allowing the verticals to be extended or reduced by means of double button springs, as in the manner of the horizontal members: One end of each of these vertical inner tubings 8, shall have rollers fitted 12. The two inverted L shaped pieces that make up a unit are attached to each other by means of a hinged stay (of determined length) 7. To make the unit rigid when in an operating mode, a cross member stiffener, 4, is inserted into mating brackets located on the inner faces of the knuckle joints, details Fig. 4, page 4-4. To extend the horizontal length of the unit the double button springs located on tubes 3 are pressed inward disengaging them from the inner tubes 2 and the unit pulled backward until the buttons relocate into holes further along the length. The unit is collapsed by pressing in the buttons located on the knuckle joints and jack knifing the members; similarly the hinged stay is jack-knifed until the two verticals meet, Fig. 3, page 3-4. CLAIMS

4. It's design will enhance or compliment a conventional workbench and particularly those that incorporate a split working surface that can be opened or closed by manual means, i.e., a worm screw, enabling the clamping abilities to be considerably increased.

5. Because of the absence of unnecessary moving parts, it's simplicity in use and durability is considerable.

6. The strictly utilarian design makes it maintenance-free.

7. The adjustable legs, with their large range of increments does not confine it to a set standard height but is one of many variations.

8. The design of both the swivel hinge fitting and the bracket ensure quick and accurate coupling (a few turns of the thumb screws through the bracket into the swivel hinge fitting tongue will ensure an efficient lock).