GB2249255A

GB2249255A - "Workbench and storage apparatus"

Info

Publication number: GB2249255A
Application number: GB9019139A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Norman John Levi Chinn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-09-01
Filing date: 1990-09-01
Publication date: 1992-05-06
Anticipated expiration: 2010-09-01
Also published as: GB9019139D0; GB2249255B

Abstract

A workbench and storage apparatus 10 comprises a locker 12 for being secured to a wall or other support surface by fixings at 14. The locker 12 has a front cover 20 which can be hinged downwardly and propped by a pair of support legs 24 to provide a horizontal work surface. <IMAGE>

Description

"Workbench and Storage Apparatus" This invention relates to apparatus which serves both to provide a work surface and as a store for tools or other items.

The free-standing foldable workbench has enjoyed tremendous popularity over the years but has certain drawbacks. Storage of these workbenches is made difficult because of their awkward shape when collapsed.

This arises partly due to the need to provide a stable, free-standing foldable platform. Also, whilst presenting a stable work surface, there is no storage facility for tools or workpieces and so these must be stored elsewhere.

It is an aim of this invention to provide a workbench and storage apparatus which overcomes or at least mitigates these drawbacks.

Accordingly, this invention provides a workbench and storage apparatus which comprises a locker or other storage container for being mounted with respect to a wall or other fixed surface and having a flap or cover openable to a position in which the flap or cover defines a generally horizontal work surface.

Preferably, the flap or cover is hinged to the locker for movement between open and closed positions.

Preferably, the cover includes a prop such as spaced legs for supporting it in a generally horizontal plane when open. The prop is preferably pivotably mounted on said flap or cover and opens to an overcentre position to hold the flap or cover generally horizontal.

Preferably, the locker or other storage container includes a peg board or similar array of locating means for receiving supports such as clips for storing items therein.

Preferably, the locker or other storage container is of rectangular box-like form with one vertical wall thereof including means for enabling it to be attached to a wall or other surface.

The apparatus preferably includes means for holding or locking the cover in the closed position.

The term "workbench" is to be construed broadly to include apparatus which defines a work surface.

Although the invention has been described above, it includes any inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following description.

The invention may be performed in various ways and an embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a general perspective view of a foldaway workbench and tool storage locker in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a medial vertical section view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 but showing the apparatus when folded away; Figure 4 is a top plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1, and Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the apparatus of Figure 1.

The illustrated apparatus 10 comprises a locker 12 of mild steel or other suitable material which can be secured to a wall or other fixed surface by fixings (not shown) passing through wall mounting bores 14 in the rear vertical wall 16 thereof. Located forwardly of the wall 16 are two peg-board panels 18 mounted side-by-side which can mount clips for storing tools or other items. The front vertical cover or wall 20 of the locker is hinged to the locker at its lower edge and serves as a workbench when open. The cover 20 has two brackets 22 pivotally supporting a pair of support legs 24 interconnected by a tie bar 26. The brackets 22 include stops which hold the legs in an over-centre position when open (see Figure 2). The cover may be locked closed by a lockable toggle loop clamp and clip 27,28.

Claims

1. A workbench and storage apparatus which comprises a locker or other storage container for being mounted with respect to a wall or other fixed surface and having a flap or cover openable to a position in which the flap or cover defines a generally horizontal work surface.

2. A workbench and storage apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the flap or cover is hinged to the locker for movement between open and closed positions.

3. A workbench and storage apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the flap or cover includes prop means for supporting it in a generally horizontal plane when open.

4. A workbench and storage apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein said prop means is pivotably mounted on said flap or cover and opens to an over-centre position to keep the flap or cover generally horizontal.

5. A workbench and storage apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the locker or other storage container includes an array of locating means for receiving supports for storing items.

6. A workbench and storage apparatus according to any preceding Claim, wherein the locker or other storage container is of rectangular box-like form with one vertical wall thereof including means for enabling it to be attached to a wall or other surface.

7. A workbench and storage apparatus according to any preceding Claim, including means for holding or locking the flap or cover in the closed position.

8. A workbench and storage apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in any of the accompanying drawings.