GB2223440A - A woodworker's sawblock and a stabiliser therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an improved woodworkers sawblock, which has much greater stability in use than the conventional sawblock. The stability is achieved by providing the sawblock with a stabiliser comprising a retainer which engages with a part of the sawblock a pedal and a connection between the retainer and the pedal such that the pedal can be used to apply a downward force through the retainer to the sawblock. In the preferred construction, the stabiliser comprises two bar-like retainers 62, 64 connected by cords 66 to a pedal 68 suspended beneath the worktop of the sawblock. Foot pressure on the pedal causes the retainers to be pressed downwardly thus stabilising the sawblock. <IMAGE>

Description

A Woodworkers Sawblock and a Stabiliser therefor For many centuries, woodworkers have used some form of sawblock or sawhorse and this is particularly true of Joiners and carpenters who have to work "on site", that Is away from the workshop where an ordinary workbench Is aval lable. Essentially, a woodworkers sawblock comprises a horizontal worktop which is usually nothing more than a substantial timber beam, supported on two pairs of splayed apart legs, usually each pair having a cross-strut, so that there Is an "A" frame at each end.

The uses to which the sawblock can be put are legion, but some of the main uses are: i) As a portable bench on which timber can be supported whilst it is sawn, planed, chopped, chiselled, assembled or glued.

ii) As a work locator, by means of which a relatively large item such as a door can be located whilst It Is resting on the ground, or an operation such as planing.

lli) As a tressle, which in combination with a second similar sawblock and a plank can be used to provide a portable low scaffold.

It will be understood that this Is not a comprehensive I ist of possible uses, and indeed one of the virtues of the conventional sawblock Is that It lends Itself to a multIplicity of uses, according to the Ingenuity of the user. Hence, although the term "sawblock" Is well understood - and consequently will be employed throughout this specifIcation - It Is not Intended to have any limiting effect, since clearly, the device can be used for many purposes additional to sawing. Also the term woodworkers Is used herein to describe the type of apparatus and not as any limitation on the intended usages, since of course, woodworkers sawblocks are In fact used by a variety of tradesmen: bricklayers; plumbers; electricians and decorators to name a few.

Whilst the portability of a woodworkers sawblock Is a sine qua non, there is a concomitant disadvantage that for many purposes, It Is not self-stable - In contrast to the conventional workbench, the stability of which is derived either from its massive structure or from that fact that It Is bolted to the floor. This fact sets forth the basic dilemma of the workbench: either It Is stationery and stable or portable, and to a greater or lesser extent unstable. In Its broadest aspect, the Invention sets out to solve this dilemma for the essentially portable sawblock by making It stable for those purposes for which it is particularly adapted.

The tradItIonal manner In which the sawblock Is given adequate stability for the task in hand (when it is being used for a purpose Involving the application of forces to a workpiece on the sawblock) is for the user to apply downward pressure on the sawblock through his foot or knee. Thus, In the basic sawing operation, the workpiece rests on the sawblock and the workman rests one foot on the workpiece and attempts to hold the workpiece on the sawblock and to prevent the sawblock from moving, by applying pressure through that foot. Except In the case of small workpleces, It Is usually necessary for the workman to use one of his hands to steady the workpiece, though this Is not possible, when both hands are required to carry out the operation (e.g. when using a power saw or a mallet and chisel).

The present invention provides a sawblock which has sufficient stability to enable, say a sawing operation without the workman being required to place one foot on the workpiece.

According to this invention a woodworkers sawblock comprises a worktop with a supporting leg structure and a stabiliser which comprises a retainer engagable with a part of the sawblock; a pedal, and a connection between the retainer and the pedal such that the pedal can be used to apply a downward force through the retainer to the sawblock, for stab II Islng the sawblock by pressing It down on to the surface on which It stands.

Preferably, abutment means are provided on the sawblock for engagement with the retainer to prevent movement of the retainer in at least one horizontal direction. It Is further preferred that the connection Is a flexible element, and It is still further preferred that the connection comprlses a rope, the retainer being secured to the rope and the pedal being attached to the rope.

According to a preferred construction, there is a second retainer spaced apart longitudinally of the sawblock from the first retainer, and a second connection between the second retainer and the pedal, so that the one pedal can be used to apply downward stabllising force to the workblock through the two retainers. Preferably, each retainer is secured by a loop of the rope, part of which loop passes through the retainer, the rope also passing through the pedal.

The significant feature of a sawblock in accordance with the Invention is the use of the stab i I i ser , which enables the user of the sawblock to stabilise it by exerting downward pressure on the pedal, this pressure being transmitted through the connection to the retainer, which In turn exerts a downward pressure on the sawblock. It will be appreciated, that the pressure applied by the retainer to the sawblock effectively clamps the sawblock to the ground on which the sawblock is supported.This Is what Is conventionally attempted, when the user stands with one foot resting on the worktop of the sawblock; but the conventional method requires the user to lift his foot about 0.6 metres off the ground, and then to lean forward to locate as much of his body weight as possible over the raised foot, whereas the construction according to the invention allows the user to place his foot on the pedal which can be very near to the ground (indeed the pedal can be so located that the user can rest his heel on the ground) and this does not require acute bending of the knee, but allows the user to stand in a natural position and to apply practically his full body weight to the pedal.The preferred constructlon divides the force appi led via the pedal to the two retainers, which, being longitudinally spaced apart on the sawblock provide a balanced applIcatIon of the downward stabilising force to the sawblock.

Moreover, the retainer(s) can be placed on top of a workplece, itself located on the worktop, and then the force applied through the retainer(s) (I) clamps the workplece to the worktop, and (11) stab i I ises the sawblock itself.

According to another preferred feature of the Invent Ion each retainer comprlses a stralght bar. It Is preferred that a transverse groove Is formed In the worktop to accomodate the or each bar retainer and preferably the or each transverse groove is shallower than the depth of the retainer so that when In the groove, the retainer proJects above the surface of the worktop.

If the retainer Is a straight bar, it can readily be located against endwlse motion relatively to the worktop by engaging it against a shoulder formed on the worktop. This is signifIcant if the line of action between the pedal and the retainer is not simply vertical. In the specific instance where there are two longitudinally spaced retainers, and a single pedal, and the connections form a V arrangement, the force applied to each retainer includes an inward horizontal component, but this can be resisted If each retainer engages with an outwardly facing abutment on the worktop. If the retainer Is located in a transverse groove In the worktop, this provides even more positive location for the retainer.

However, if the groove Is shallower than the retainer, there is another advantage, because the proJecting part of the retainer then provides a planing stop against which a workpiece can be located to resist sliding of the workplece in a longitudinal direction. This provides a secondary but Important advantaqe of the invention.

According to another preferred feature of the Invention the worktop comprises a beam and a workplate mounted on the beam to provide a horizontal working surface. Preferably the beam Is made of timber and the workplate Is made of a harder material than the beam.

It Is further preferred that the beam extends beyond the workplate at one or both ends of the workplate so that a shoulder is formed between the top surface of the beam and the end surface of the workplate.

If transverse recesses are provIded, they are preferably formed In the workplate each one adjacent to an end of the workplate.

The conventlonal woodworkers sawblock Is of very cheap construction and Its worktop Is provided by a simple timber beam. The sawblock In accordance with the preferred construction has its worktop made of a timber beam (to provide the structural stability) and a workplate which is secured on the beam and can be of more durable material than the beam. Generally It will suffice to make the workplate In a hard wood, but It could be made in metal or even a hard grade of plastics materlal.

Besides providing a more durable working surface than the conventional soft wood beam, the workplate provides outwardly facing shoulders to receive the retainers If it terminates short of each of the beam. Furthermore, if the workplate Is secured to the beam by releasable means such as screws, when the workplate becomes worn, it can be removed and replaced, without having to replace the entire sawblock as usually happens when the worktop of a conventional sawblock becomes worn.

According to yet another preferred feature of the invention the support structure comprises two pairs of legs one at each end of the sawblock, the two legs of each pair being splayed apart transversely of the worktop. It Is further preferred that the two pairs of legs are splayed apart longitudinally of the worktop.

Preferably, the top end of each leg is received In an angled slot formed In the worktop. It Is still further preferred that the legs do not project beyond the ends of the worktop.

Portable workbenches have been provided with legs, parts of which are splayed apart both laterally and longitudinally, but it Is believed to be new to provide this arrangement In a sawblok In which the worktop proJects beyond the legs at each end. This is an Important feature of the Invent Ion, because it enables the sawblock to be located endwise agalnst a wall (as Is customary when for example, resting one end of a door against an end of the sawblock for planing).

According to a still further preferred feature of the invention each pair of legs comprIses an "A" frame Including a transverse strut. Preferably a longitudinally extending lower beam located below the worktop provides a strut between tne two pairs of legs.

Thus the structural Integrity of the sawblock Is ensured by the two outwardly splayed "A" frames and the longitudinally extending lower beam.

In a preferred constructlon, the lower beam Is In the form of an open topped box. Transverse partitions may be provided In the box. The transverse partitions may each be receIved in a pair of vertical grooves in the front and rear walls of the longitudinal box. In a specific constructlon, the front and rear walls of the longitudinal box are Inwardly convex and slots are formed in them to provide the vertical grooves. It is preferred that the lower beam is secured to the legs at a position offset laterally to one side of the sawblock. This ensures that the lower beam does not obstruct the pedal and the connections to the pedal.

The various structural elements are preferably secured to each other in a manner that permits ready assembly and dismantling of the sawblock, and the A frames may be capable of folding so that they can be placed In the open topped box, with the two legs of an "A" frame lying side-by-side, the workplate being capable of centering the box, the beam being too long to enter the box, so that in an inverted condition, the beam can be fitted to the box with the workplate located in the box to provide a lid for the box.

The Invention also includes a stabillser for a woodworkers sawblock comprising two bar-like retainers for engagement with the worktop of a sawblock, a flexible connector extending between the retainers and connected at each end to both ends of a respective one of the retainers, and a pedal attached to an Intermediate portion of the connector.

Preferably, the connector passes through the pedal. It Is further preferred, that each end of the connector Is formed Into a loop, part of which extends through the length of the respective retainer. Each retainer may comprise a metal tube.

Other preferred features of the invent ion will appear from the following description of a sawblock In accordance with the inventlon, aqnd certain possible modifications thereof, which Is given by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, In which::- Figure 1 is a perspective vlew of a conventional woodworkers sawblock, Figure 2 Illustrates the use of a conventional sawblock, for the planing of the edge of a relatively large obJect such as a door, Figures a front elevatlon of a sawblock in accordance with the Invention, Figure 4 Is an end view looking in the direction of arrow IV in Figure 3, Figure 5 Is a plan view, partly broken away, of the sawblock shown in Figure 3, Figure 6 is a perspective detalled view of one end of a worktop beam used In the sawblock shown in Figures 3 to 5, Figure 7 is a detailed view to a larger scale showing one end of the sawblock illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, Figure 8 is a detailed perspective view of part of a longitudinally extending box, Figure 9 Is a perspective view of a stabilises for use with the sawblock illustrated in Figures 3 to 8, Figure 10 is a detailed vlew of a connector used in the constructlon of the stabillser shown In Figure 9, Figure 11 Is an elevatlon of the sawblock shown in Figure 3, with the stabillser of Figure 9 fitted to it, Figure 12 Is an end view of the sawblock illustrated in Figure 11, Figure 13 is a detailed view to a larger scale, showing a location arrangement for part of the stabiliser shown in Figure 9, Figure 14 shows a method of using the sawblock Illustrated In Figure 11, Figure 15 Is an end vlew of the arrangement shown in Figure 14, Figure 16 Is an elevation showing another method of using the sawblock Illustrated in Figures 3 to 8, Figure 17 is an end view of the sawblock illustrated In Figure 16, Figure 18 is a detailed view to a larger scale showing the location of part of the retainer when the sawblock Is being used as Illustrated in Figure 16 and 17, Figure 19 is a perspective view of the longitudinally extending box, but showing also the manner In which a worktop of the sawblock can be used as a lid for the box, Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the fitting of the worktop to the box, Figure 21 is an end vlew of the box and worktop combination shown in Figure 20, Figure 22 is a perspective view of an alternative construction of retainer, Figure 23 is a longitudinal sectlon through the retainer shown in Figure 22, Figure 24 Is a perspective view of an alternative form of pedal, and Figure 25 is a perspective view of a stabiliser employing a retainer as shown in Figures 22 and 23 and a pedal as shown In Figure 24, Figure 26 is a plan view of the worktop of a modified form of the invention, Figure 27 is a side view of the worktop shown in Figure 26, Figure 28 Is a view from underneath of the worktop shown In Figure 26, and Figure 29 is a diagrammatic elevation of a modified sawblock incorporating the worktop shown in Figures 26 to 28.

Before describing the sawblock in accordance with the Invention, reference will be made to the construction of a conventional sawblock, which is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. This particular sawblock comprises a worktop 10, which is simply a substantial timber beam, supported by four legs 12, each leg 12 being received In a recess in the worktop 10, and being splayed outwardly in a transverse direction. The legs 12 are secured to the worktop 10 by nailing. The structure is completed by two longitudinal lower rallys 14, and two lower transverse rails 16. Each of the longitudinal rails 14 extends between and is nailed to the legs at one side of the sawblock, and each of the lower transverse 16 extends between and is secured by nailing to the two legs at one end of the sawblock.Thus, the rails 14 and 16 provide struts for the legs 12, which ensure the structural stability of the sawblock. Whilst these lower rails 14 and 16 are desirable from a structural point of view, it has to be admitted, that they sometimes obstruct the use of the sawblock, and In particular, they are a hindrance to a user placing his feet within the boundaries of the four legs of the sawblock. Hence, some very simple sawblocks omit the lower rallys 14 and 16, or at least omit the lower longitudinal rails 14, there being in effect an "A" frame at each end of the sawbiock. It will be noted that the worktop 10 extends beyond the two "A" frames provided by the pairs of legs 12 and transverse strut 16 at each end, and this is a significant feature of a traditional sawblock as will be hereinafter described.At one end, a "V" notch 18 is formed in the worktop 10.

It is probably true, to say that when building a house for example, a carpenter would be severely handlcapped, without a sawblock such as the one Illustrated In Figure 1. This is because when the sawblock is used "on site" it Is extremely versatile, and it Is possible to use it as a simple bench on which to chop, chisel, plane, assemble, nall, screw, glue or carry out almost any other operation for which some kind of bench-like support is required.Furthermore, the sawblock provides a simple tressle, and If two sawblocks are placed side-by-side with a plank resting across thelr worktops, a very simple scaffold is provided on which a workman can stand to carry out many o f the operations required on a bul Iding site. Also, a sawblock such as that Illustrated in Figure 1 can be used by other tradesmen besides carpenters and joiners, simply because It provides a working surface at a very convenient height.

Turning now to Figure 2, there is illustrated a sawblock which is of even simpler construction than that shown in Figure 1, in that the lower rails 14 and 16 are omitted. This sawblock is shown being used by a joiner for the planing of a door 20. For this purpose, the sawblock is placed adJacent to a wall 22, and the end of the worktop 10 which Is not notched, is placed In abutting relationship with the wall 22. This Is permitted, because the legs 12 at that end are located Inwardly of the worktop 10, and Indeed so far Inwardly, that they will readily clear items such as the skirting board 24 illustrated in Figure 2. It is then possible to stand the door 20 on one of its vertical edges, and to push one end of the door into the notch 18.The end of the door 20 is then located by the sawblock, and it is possible to plane the then top edge of the door towards the wall 22, because the door is prevented from moving longitudinally by means of the sawblock. This i I lustrates the manner in which the sawblock fin effect provides an extra pair of hands for the workman, since it is possible for one workman to plane a door using the sawblock in the manner Illustrated in Figure 2.

The foregoing descriptlon of the conventional sawblock has emphasised its versatility and advantages.

Concomitant with that versatility is the inherent instability of the sawblock. For instance, if a joiner rests a piece of timber on the worktop 10, with part of the work piece proJecting beyond one end of the worktop, so that he can carry out a sawing operation on the workpiece, It is usually necessary to restrain the sawblock, and generally this Is achieved by the Joiner lifting one leg, and placing his foot on the worktop 10, or on the workpiece placed on the worktop 10 (depending upon the size of the workpiece) and then applying as much downward pressure as can be obtained In this somewhat unnatural posture. This downward pressure on the sawblock is intended to press the sawblock against the ground on which it is supported, so as to restrain from longitudinal, transverse or rocking motions. It has to be admitted that this technique is not always successful.

With a view to retaining all the versatillty of the traditlonal woodworkers sawblock, and indeed extending that versatility to some extent, and at the same time overcoming the problem of Inherent instability, a sawblock Is constructed as Illustrated In Figure 3 to 8.

Again, there is a worktop, but this comprises a substantial timber beam 30 which provides the load bearing structural element, and a- workplate 32 which Is secured to the top surface of the beam 30 by countersunk screws (not shown). In this particular construction, the workplate 32 is slightly wider than the load bearing beam 30 but it Is substantially shorter, and is secured to the beam 30 in a longitudinally central position, so that an outwardly directed shoulder 34 is provided on the worktop at each end of the workplate 32. Furthermore, a pair of transverse shallow grooves 36 Is formed In the workplate 32, one near to each end thereof.

Whilst the beam 30 can be made in softwood, the works late 32 may be made I n other material, and preferably In more durable material. For Instance, it could be made in hardwood, in metal, or even a sultable grade of plastics material. It will be appreciated however, that the provision of a workplate 32 which can be removed when It has become badly worn, and replaced by a fresh workpiate, increases the working life of the sawblock, because when the worktop 10 of the conventional sawblock becomes badly worn, it is usual to scrap the entire sawblock. Other advantages of using the workplate 32 will appear hereinafter.

The sawblock illustrated In Figures 3 to 5, also has four legs 38, and as can be seen from Figures 3 to 5, each of these legs Is substantlally straight throughout its length, and the two legs 38 at each end of the sawblock are splayed apart downwardly, and bridged by a strut 40 at a lower position, so that an A frame Is formed at each end of the sawblock. The strut 40 is connected to the two legs 38, by means of a single bolt at each end, there being a wing nut (or other manually operable nut) engaging on the bolt. This method of connecting the strut 40 to the palr of legs 38 at one end of the sawblock plays an important role In the packaging and transportation of the sawblock as will become apparent hereinafter.

It will also be observed from Figure 3, that the two "A" frames one at each end of the sawblock are themselves splayed apart downwardly in the longitudinal direction. Hence, each leg 38 Is at a compound angle to the horizontal, being inclined downwardly and outwardly in both a longitudinal and a transverse direction.

A pair of notches 42 Is formed in the beam 30 near to each end of the beam, as illustrated In Figure 6.

Ecah of these notches Is formed at a compound angle, such that the upper end of one of the legs 38 can be accomodated in the notch 42, and the engagement of the sides of the leg 38 with the bottom and sides of the notch 42 has the effect of setting the leg 38 at the correct compound angle. For the purpose of securing the legs 38 to the beam 30, two screw-threaded studs 44 are provided. Each of these studs 44 extends through the part of the beam 30 between a pair of aligned notches 42, and then passes through a clearance hole formed In the upper end of each leg 38, where the leg Is received in the respective notch 42. A palr of manually operable nuts, such as wing nuts (not shown) is provided, for each of the studs 44, and these nuts are engaged on the extremities of the stud 44, which proJect on the outsides of the legs 38.Thus, when the nuts are tightened, the two legs 38 at one end of the sawblock are pressed tightly into their respective notches 42, thus fixing the angle of inclination of each leg, and securing it firmly to the beam 30. It will be appreclated however, that it Is relatively easy to dismantle the legs 38 from the beam 30, simply by removing the manually operable nuts. It should also be understood, that instead of using a stud screw-threaded at each end, a long bolt could be employed, in which case only a single manually operable nut would be required.

Each of the legs 38 is fitted with a rubber foot 46 (see particularly Figure 7) for engagement with the floor or the ground on which the sawblock stands).

Whilst it might be sufficient to rely on the notches 42 and the struts 40, for ensurlng the stability of the two "A" frames, the construction Illustrated In Figures 3 to 8, also incorporates a lower longitudinal beam 48, which extends between the two transverse struts 40, and in Itself acts as a strut bracing the two A frames. Turning now to Figure 8, which I I lustrates the construction of the lower beam 48, this beam Is in fact constructed as an open-topped channel, and It is preferably made in metal. It might be formed by bending sheet material, or indeed by an extrusion process. The cross-sectional shape of the channel Is clearly shown in Figure 8, and provides a bottom web 50, and upstanding front and rear flanges 54 and 52, each of which has a substantial inwardly convex portion 56.At longitudinally spaced apart positions along the length of the beam 48, a pair of longitudinally aligned slots 58 Is formed In the inwardly convex portions 56 of the I flanges 52 and 54.

These aligned slots 58 provide effective vertical grooves, and a vertical partition 60 can be dropped into each pair of aligned slots 58, and will then be retained In that position, resting on the bottom web 50. In effect, therefore, the beam 48 comprises an open-topped box, which can be divided if required Into a serles of separate compartments, by simply dropping loose partltions 60 Into aligned pairs of slots 58, wherever a partition is required. In Figure 5, the partitions are Illustrated being provided in each of the pairs of aligned slots 58.

Although the prlmary obJective of the lower beam 48 is to provide a strut extending between the two "A" frames, it therefore has a secondary objective, in that it provides a series of open-topped boxes, which are extremely useful to a user of a sawblock. Quite obviously, they can be used to contain nails, screws or other small items of equipment which may be required on site.

For a painter, he will be able to locate paint cans, brushes and other equipment In these open-toppped containers provided within the beam 48.

As shown in Figure 7 a hooked bolt 80 is hooked under each of the transverse struts 40 and extends upwardly through a hole in the base of the box 48. A wing nut is fitted to the top end of the bolt Inside the box to complete the securing of the box between the two struts 40.

It will be observed from Figure 4, that the beam 48 is in fact offset to the rear of the sawblock, and Is located in the angle between the rear legs 38 and the struts 40, and completely to the rear of the central vertical plane 62 illustrated In Figure 4.

As an accessory to the basic sawblock illustrated In Figures 1 to 8, a stabiliser which Is shown in Figures 9 and 10 is provided. Essentially, the stabillser comprises a pair of straight metal bar retainers 62 and 64, a strong cord connector 66 and a stralght metal pedal 68. Each of the retainers 62 and 64 may be formed from a solid block of metal, but bored as Indicated at 70 throughout its length. The strong cord 66 Is formed into a loop 72 at each end, and part of the loop passes through the bore 70 in the retainer 62 or 64 as the case may be. The loose end of the loop may be secured to the maln part of the cord 66 by any firm securing device.

However, Figure 10 Illustrates a simple connector, comprising a pair of clamp plates 74 and 76, each of which has two arcuate recesses to accomodate sections of the cord 66, and a pair of screws 78, which pass through clearance holes in one of the plates 74 and 76, and engage in screw-threaded holes in the other of these plates. It will be appreciated, that by simply fitting the pair of plates over the loose end of the cord, and an adJacent part of the main portion of the cord, and then tightening the clamp, a secure loop is formed on the connecting cord 66.The pedal 68 Is also made from a solid block of metal, bored throughout Its length, but the pedal 68 may be provided with bushes at each end, so that the cord 66 which passes through the bore of the pedal, is able to slide through the pedal, or to express it another way, the pedal 68 Is able to slide to some extent on the cord 66.

The manner In which the stabiliser Illustrated in Figure 9 is used, will now be described. Referring to Figures 11, 12 and 13, the stabfillser is used in conJunction with the sawblock Illustrated in Figures 3 to 8, and as shown, each of the retainers 62 and 64 is laid on the beam 30, near to the respectlve ends of that beam, and the loops 72 of the connecting cord 66 are passed around the outsides of the beam 30. This causes the pedal 68 to lie centrally of the sawblock as shown in Figure 11. If downward pressure Is applied to the pedal 68, the cord 66 applies a force to the retainer 62 and 64 which has both vertical and horizontal components.If the horizontal component of this force is suff ic i ent to overcome friction, the retainers 62 and 64 will be drawn inwardly due to engagement with the shoulders 34 formed on the ends of the workplate 32. If not, then the retainers 62 and 64 should In any case be placed in abutting contact with the shoulders 34. The length of the cord 66 is such, that with the retainers 62 and 64 held against the shoulders 34, the pedal 68 is still clear of the ground or floor on which the feet 36 of the sawblock are standing. The location of one of the retainers 62 is more clearly illustrated in Figure 13.

It would be possible now to omit the actual pedal 68 so that the user would tread directly on a central portion of the cord 66, using that part of the cord as an effective pedal and the expression pedal when used herein is to be construed as Including any pedal-I Ike element including part of the cord.

Supposing now that it Is required to carry out an operation on the sawblock such as chopping timber wedges from a workpiece, this action requires the user to employ both his hands, one for holding the workpiece, and the other for holding the axe. However, the user can place one of his feet on the pedal 68, and then exert as much downward pressure as possible on the pedal. This applies downward pressure to the beam 30 of the sawblock at the two spaced apart positlons where the retainers 62 and 64 are located, and since the downward force Is substantial, because It Is the cosine of the angle between the vertical and the angle adopted by the cord 66 multiplied by the force in the cord - the said angle being relatively small, giving a large cosine value.In effect, this provides a clamping force clamping the whole of the sawblock to the floor or ground on which the sawblock is standing, and the application of this force at two positions one near to each end of the beam 30 provides much greater stability than could be obtained by a user pressing his foot or knee on top of the workplate 32.In addition, It is possible for the operator to apply a much greater force through the pedal 68 than he could through a foot placed on the workplate 32, because In order to place his foot on the workplate, the foot must be lifted through a distance of about 0.6 metres, giving a very unnatural stance, whereas for applying pressure through a foot to the pedal 68, the user can adopt a very natural stance, and substantially his entire body welght can be applled to the pedal simply by leaning forward so that his weight Is carried by the foot resting on the pedal.Thus, one can obtaln a greater clamping force on the sawbiock than Is possible If the stabilises were not provided, and moreover, the force Is appi led In a balanced manner, so that there is no tendency for the sawblock to rock or twlst, as sometimes occurs, when using a traditional sawblock.

This arrangement whereby it is possible to stabilise a sawblock utilising the stabi I iser illustrated In Figure 9, represents a signiflcant feature of the Invention. Although it Is intended to supply the sawblock as illustrated in Figures 3 to 8 together with a stabiliser, it will be appreciated, that it would be possible to use the stabi I iser on existing sawbiocks, excepting that it would be preferable to provide some kind of abutment on the worktop, against which each of the retainers 62 and 64 could be engaged.

Reference to Figure 12 shows that the main sections of the cord 66 hang vertically down the central plain 62 of the sawblock, and in front of the lower beam 48 - this being the reason why that beam is offset to the rear of the sawblock, so that it does not interfere with the cord 66.

In Figures 14 and 15, there Is shown the method of using the sawblock and stabiliser, when work is being carried out on a relatively long workpiece such as a plank 74. The workpiece 74 Is simply laid on the workplate 32, and the retainers 62 and 64 are placed on the workplece 74, the loops 72 still being taken around the complete worktop comprising the beam 30 and the workplate 32. It will be appreciated, that when downward pressure Is apply led to the pedal 68, downward force Is exerted by the two retainers 62 and 64 on the workplece 74, and this has two effects. First of all, it clamps the workpiece 74 on to the workplate 32, and secondly, it still provides the stabilising force for the sawblock itself.It has been found in fact, that the clamping action on the workpiece 74 is very good, and means that it is strictly speaking unnecessary for the user to apply a controlling force on the workpiece through one of his hands. Consequently, it is possible for the user to employ equipment such as a power saw, which requires the use of both his hands. This Is a significant advance over the use of the conventional sawblock, where a workplece can only be retained if clamping pressure is applied either through the foot or the hand of the user.

It will be noted In Figures 14, that the two retainers 62 and 64 have moved Inwardly from the positions they would occupy when abutting the ends of the workplate 32 (as seen In Figure 11), but they are prevented from moving further Inwardly from the position Illustrated, because the loops 72 on the cord 66 engage In the corners between the underside of the beam 30 and the inside faces of the legs 38. The loops therefore take up a vertical orientation, in which there is no component of the applied force tending to move the retainers 62 and 64 inwardly.

The effect of using the stabiliser In the manner illustrated in Figures 14 and 15 Is very similar to that of clamping the workpiece 74 In a vice. It will be appreciated however, that release of the workplece 74 either to remove It entirely from the sawblock or to move It along to another position is much easier to achieve than if a conventlonal vice were provIded, because it is only necessary for the operative to cancel the pressure on the pedal 68, and the workplece Is Instantly released.

It has been found, that it is more convenient for the operative, if he can rest the heel of the foot which engages with the pedal 68 on the floor or ground. This is not essential, but the engagement of the heel with the floor provides more control over the foot than if it Is simply suspended on the pedal 68. In the case Illustrated In Figure 11, the pedal 68 will in any event be very close to the floor, so that the operative can place his heel on the floor. Wlth the arrangement illustrated En Figure 14, the pedal is lifted somewhat from the floor, because of the thickness of the workplece 74, but it possible for the pedal 68 to be slid along the cord 66 to one side of the central position, so that it takes up the inclined position illustrated in Figure 14, where one end is quite close to the floor.The operative can still therefore keep his heel on the floor, provided his foot is resting on the lower end of the pedal 68.

Turning now to Figures 16, 17 and 18, there fs illustrated another mode of using the sawblock shown in Figures 3 to 8, and the stabiliser shown In Figure 9. It will be noted that the righthand end retainer 64 has been placed on the beam 30, in the position where it engages with the shoulder 34 formed at the end of the workplate 32, but the lefthand retainer 62 Is located In the groove 36 in the workplate at the lefthand end of the workplate.

It should be noted In passing, that the metal bar which forms the retainer 62 is a snug fit between the flanks of the groove 36. Since the groove 36 is shallower than the depth of the retainer 62, the latter projects from the top surface of the workplate 32. The arrangement is shown In greater detail In Figure 18. With this arrangement, pressure applled by the foot of the user to the pedal 68 has the effect previously noted of stabi I Ising the sawblock itself. In addition however, the retainer 62 now provides an excellent planing stop, against which a piece of timber can be placed resting on the workplate 32 for a planing operation. One of the problems of attempting to use a conventional sawblock for planing, is that it Is not provided with any kind of planing stop.It is usual therefore to drive one or two nails Into the worktop of the sawblock, leaving their heads projecting above the top surface of the worktop. Clearly, such nails do not provide a planing stop as effective as that provided by the retainer 62 when in the position shown in Figures 16 and 18, and moreover, constantly driving nails into the worktop of the sawblock eventually damages the worktop to such an extent that the sawblock has to be discarded.

One of the advantages of the invention is that the sawblock can be completely dismantled and easily transported. This Is in complete contrast to the conventional sawblock, which takes up a relatively large amount of space, and frequently has to be left on site, where it is liable to be stolen.

The lower beam 48 is shown In Figures 19, 20 and 21 dismantled from the remainder of the sawblock. This is easily achleved, by removing the wing nuts from the hooked bolts 80 (see Figure 7) and then simply lifting the box section beam 48 off the transverse struts 40. The wing nuts securing each of the two "A" frames to the worktop beam 30 are then removed from the studs or bolts which pass through the beam 30, and this enables the two "A" frames to be detached from the worktop. Then the nuts on the bolts which secure the transverse struts 40 to the legs 38 are slackened, to an extent which allows the legs 38 to turn relatively to the strut 40. Each "A" frame is then collapsed on Itself, turning one of the legs completely around so that the two feet 46 point in opposite directions, and the two legs 38 lie in abutting relationship.The partitions 60 are then removed from the slots formed in the walls of the box beam 48, and these partitions can then be placed within the box. Then the two collapsed "A" frames are placed within the box. A pair of long bolts 82 Is provided, there being wing nuts 84 for engagement with opposite ends of each of these bolts. The two bolts 82 are passed through holes formed in the base of the box beam 48, and project upwardly out of the top of the box. The worktop is then inverted, so that the beam 30 is above the workplate 32, see Figure 19, and the workplate 32 is then lowered Into the opentop end of the box, there being holes (not shown) formed through the worktop and beam 30, which accept the upwardly projecting bolts 82.The worktop 32 Is a close fit within the open-top end of the box 48, and therefore provides a location for the lid formed by the inverted worktop. Of course, the beam 30 proJects beyond the ends of the box 48 as is clearly shown in Figure 20, but this is no detriment. Finally, the wing nuts 84 are applied, and the worktop is secured to the box. Hence, the entire sawblock is then contained within the box 48, as closed by the lid provided by the beam 30. This represents a very compact arrangement, which can easily be carried, for instance in the boot of a vehicle, or strapped to a roof rack. It will also be appreciated, that this is In effect a flat-pack arrangement, which Is very useful for storing the sawblock at a builders merchants or for transportation purposes prlor to sale.

Figure 22 shows an alternative form of retainer 90 which is of the same outside dimensions as the retainer 62 and 64, and which could be formed as an extrusion for example in rubber or plastics. It Is provided with a series of castellatlons 92 on all four faces, which could be useful when the retainer is used to provide a locating surface. As Illustrated In Figure 23, the rubber retainer 90 is bored throughout Its length, but a metal liner 94 extends through most of the length of the bore of the retainer, the ends of the bore being outwardly flared as indicated at 96 to avoid chaffing the cord. This provides an arrangement, whereby the retainer is freely slideable on the cord 66.

Figure 24 illustrates an alternative form of pedal 100. This is simply made of sheet steel bent into a shallow "S" formation as illustrated, and formed into a roll 102 at Its rear edge or It may be made in the same shape as an aluminium moulding. The cord 66 is passed through the roil 102, and the lower front portion 104 of the pedal can rest on the ground or floor, and provides fulcrum on which the pedal can rock, when pressure is applled by the foot of the user to the rear portion.

Figure 25 Illustrates the combinatlon of two retainers 90 as illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, and a pedal 100 as illustrated in Figure 24, the cord 66 being shown in dotted lines.

A modified woodworkers sawblock is illustrated in Figures 26 to 29. This sawblock has a worktop comprising a timber beam 110, and a workplate 112. As in the previously described construction, the workplate 112 is releasably connected to the beam 110 by countersunk screws (not shown) so that it can be replaced when it becomes badly worn. It will also be observed, that as with the previously described construction, the workplate 112 stops short of the ends of the beam 110, so that shoulders are formed at the ends of the workplate, against which retainers such as the retainers 62 and 64 can engage if the stabiliser is used in the position illustrated in Figure 11.

The sawblock also Includes four legs 114, but the arrangement and mounting of these Is precisely the same as that described with reference to Figures 3 to 8, so that the legs 114 have only been illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 29, and It Is unnecessary to decribed their constructlon and arrangement In detail.

A significant feature of the modified construction Illustrated in Figures 26 to 29 is that the workplate 112 overhangs the beam 110, and is formed with notches 116 In its longitudinal edges, these notches being arranged In transversely aligned pairs. Another difference from the previously described construction Is that the lower beam 48 which comprises the open-toppped box, is not offset to the rear, but is mounted centrally of the two "A" frames.

A stabiliser is provided, and this comprlses two bar-like retainers 118 and 120, and a pedal 122. However, each retainer 118 or 120 is connected to the respective end of the pedal 122 by two cords indicated diagrammatically at 124 in Figure 29. These cords are so arranged, that they can be looped around the outsides of the legs 114 at the respective end of the sawblock, and with the retainers 118 and 120 engaged with the shoulders at the ends of the workplate 112, the pedal 122 is just clear of the ground.

The arrangement illustrated in Figures 26 to 29 is particularly useful however, where relatively thick workpleces are to be used on top of the workplate 112. It will be appreciated, that since the retainers 118 and 120 have to be placed on top of the workpiece, this has the effect of raising the pedal 122. However, with the arrangement Illustrated in Figures 26 to 29, If It is necessary to place the retainers 118 and 120 on top of a relatively thick workpiece, they are moved inwardly, so that the top portions of the two cords 124 connected to each retainer can be engaged in the notches 116. The position occupied by the cords 124 is illustrated by way of example In chain dotted lines In Figure 29 and it is assumed that a workplece of substantial thickness has been placed on top of the workplate 112. This arrangement still allows the pedal 122 to lie adjacent to the ground, even when relatively thick workpieces are being used.

Claims (35)

1. A woodworkers sawblock comprising a worktop with a supporting leg structure and a stab II iser which comprises a retainer engagable with a part of the sawbiock; a pedal element, and a connection between the retainer and the pedal such that the pedal element can be used to apply a downward force through the retainer to the sawblock, for stabilising the sawblock by pressing it down on to the supporting surface on which it stands.

2. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed In Claim 1, in which abutment means are provided on the sawblock for engagement with the retainer to prevent movement of the retainer In at least one horizontal direction.

3. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the connection is a flexible element.

4. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in Claim 3, in which the connection comprises a rope, the retainer being secured to the rope and the pedal being attached to the rope.

5. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which there Is a second retainer spaced longitudinally of the sawblock from the first retainer, and a second connection between the second retainer and the pedal, so that the one pedal can be used to apply downward stabilising force to the sawblock through the two retainers.

6. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed In Claim 5, so far as It depends from Claim 4, in which each retainer Is secured by a loop of the rope part of which passes through the retainer, the rope also passing through the pedal.

7. A woodworkers sawblock as clalmed In any one of Clalms 1 to 6, in which the or each retainer comprises a stralght bar.

8. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed In Claim 7, in which a transverse groove Is formed In the worktop to accomodate the or each bar.

9. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed In ClaIm 8, In which the or each transverse groove is shallower than the depth of the retainer so that when In the groove, the retainer proJects above the surface of the worktop.

10. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed In any one of Claims 1 to 9 in which the worktop comprises a beam and a workplate mounted on the beam to provide a horizontal working surface.

11. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed In Claim 10, in which the beam was made of timber and the workplate is made of a harder material than the beam.

12. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in Claim 10 or Claim 11, in which the beam extends beyond the workplate at one or both ends of the workplate so that a shoulder Is formed between the top surface of the beam and the end surface of the workplate.

13. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in Claim 8 or Claim 9, and In any one of Claims 10 to 12, in which the recess(es) is or are formed in the workpiate, each one adJacent to an end of the workpiate.

14. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in any one of Claims 10 to 13, In which the workplate proJects on each side of the beam and transversely aligned pairs of notches are formed in the longitudinal edges of the workplate at longitudinally spaced locations.

15. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in any one of Clalms 1 to 14, In which the support structure comprlses two pairs of legs, one at each end of the sawblock, the two legs of each pair being splayed apart transversely of the worktop.

16. A woodworkers sawblock as clalmed in Claim 15, in which the two palrs of legs are splayed apart longitudinally of the worktop.

17. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in Claim 16, in which the top end of each leg Is received in an angled slot formed in the worktop.

18. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed In any one of Clalms 15 to 17, in which the legs do not project beyond the ends of the worktop.

19. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 18, in which each pair of legs comprlses an "A" frame including a transverse strut.

20. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 19, in which a longitudinally extending lower beam located below the worktop provides a strut between the two palrs of legs.

21. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in Claim 20 in which the lower beam is In the form of an open-topped box.

22. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in Claim 21, in which transverse partitions are provided in the box.

23. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in Clalm 22, in which the transverse partitions are each received in a pair of vertical grooves in the front and rear walls of the longitudinal box.

24. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed In Claim 23, in which the front and rear walls of the longitudinal box are inwardly convex and slots are formed in them to provide the vertical grooves.

25. A woodworkers sawblock as clalmed In any one of Claims 20 to 24, in which the lower beam Is secured to the legs at a position offset laterally to one side of the sawblock.

26. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in any one of Claims 20 to 25, In which the lower beam is detachably secured to the legs.

27. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 26, In which each pair of legs is detachably secured to the worktop by a double-ended screw-threaded stud extending transversely through and proJecting on the front and rear of the worktop, each leg being received on one of the proJecting ends of Its stud and being secured by a hand operated nut.

28. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed in Clalm 19 and Clalm 27, in which the connections between the transverse strut and each of the legs of each pair of legs is capable of allowing turning of the leg on the strut when the pair of legs is detached from the worktop to facilitate storage of the pair of legs.

29. A woodworkers sawblock as claimed In any one of Claims 15 to 28, in which the legs are made of metal and provided with rubber or rubber-like feet.

30. A stabiliser for use with a woodworkers sawblock comprising two bar-like retainers for engagement with the worktop of a sawblock, a flexible connector extending between the retainers and connected at each end to both ends of a respective one of the retainers, and a pedal attached to an intermediate portlon of the connector.

31. A stabiliser as claimed In Clalm 30, in which the connector passes through the pedal.

32. A stabiliser as claimed in Claim 30 or Clalm 31, in which each end of the connector is formed Into a loop part of which extends through the length of the respective retainer.

33. A stabiliser as claimed In any one of Clalms 3 to 32 in which each retainer Is a metal tube.

34. A woodworkers sawblock constructed and arranged substantially as hereln descrlbed with reference to Figures 5 to 10 or Figures 5 to 10 as modified by Figures 26 to 29 of the accompanying drawings.

35. A stabilises for use with a woodworkers sawbiock constructed and arranged substantially as herein descrlbed with reference to Figure 9 or Figures 22 to 25 of the accompanying drawings.