GB2420308A - Portable work bench - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable work bench 1 comprises a square or rectangular frame 2 with folding legs 3, 4, a work top 5 carried by the frame 2, and a number of vertical supports 6, 7, which are removably mounted to the work top 5 and are provided with means such as a mounting table 8 to support a tool above the work top 5. The mounting table 8 is suitable for supporting power tools such as circular saws 56, 57, routers or drills. The frame 2 may be provided with clamping means to lock the vertical supports 6, 7 at any height, and the folding legs 3, 4 may be telescopic so that their lengths may be adjusted. The work top 5 may comprise two flat platforms 22, at least one of which is laterally adjustable to provide a vice mechanism.

Description

Portable Work Bench

This invention relates to a portable work bench, for use particularly, but not exclusively in carpentry and interior fitting.

There are many known types of collapsible work bench which comprise a frame with fold away legs, which supports a bench top. The most popular form of bench top comprises two platforms, one of which can be moved towards the other to form a vice mechanism. Commonly the movable platform can be arranged at a number of angles to the static platform so irregularly shaped items can be clamped.

The most wide-spread version of this kind of work bench has a collapsible box frame comprising a base section, which supports small fold-away legs, a top section which supports the bench top, and hinged struts extending therebetween. In an unfolded position the struts extend substantially vertically between the base section and the top section, and in a collapsed arrangement the struts are folded back to allow the top section and the base section to be brought together. The work bench is arranged this way so the fold away legs can be short in length, and because a foot plate is provided on the base section.

However, known types of work bench suffer from a number of drawbacks.

Firstly, known portable work benches, like the one described above, are only intended to clamp and support light weight items to be worked on. They are not capable of supporting heavy machinery like circular saws and drills. They are only suitable for light work because they only have small legs which can be folded away under the frame, and because the collapsible box frame is intrinsically weak. The whole structure of such work benches with their small legs and upright box frames is also inherently top heavy and unstable.

In addition, when known collapsible work benches are folded up for transport or storage, they are still bulky and unwieldy. This is because the combined width of the bench top, the collapsed box frame and the legs all folded up next to one another is still significant.

The present invention is intended to overcome some of the above described problems.

Therefore, according to the present invention a portable work bench comprises a square or rectangular frame with folding leg means, a work top carried by said frame, a number of substantially vertical supports and one or more tool means, in which the substantially vertical supports are removably mounted to the work top in use, and in which one or more tool means are carried above the work top by the substantially vertical supports in use.

Preferably the folding leg means can be four folding legs, one at each corner of the frame. Each folding leg can by unfolded into an operative position in which it extends out from the work top at an oblique angle to vertical. Further, each leg can be mounted to a hinge mechanism which is arranged at an oblique angle to horizontal. With this arrangement, when the legs are unfolded, they extend out from the work top in two directions.

The frame can be rectangular in shape, and can have long sides and short sides. The frame can be constructed from four frame members with substantially square cross-sections. The frame members comprising the short sides can be arranged with their cross-section substantially level to horizontal, and the frame members comprising the long sides can be arranged with their cross-section at the above described oblique angle to horizontal. The hinge mechanisms can be attached to the frame members comprising the long sides.

Each folding leg can be folded into a storage position which is parallel to a long side of the frame. Preferably, each folding leg can be greater in length that half the length of the long sides of the frame, such that the legs overlap in the storage position.

In a preferred construction one pair of the legs at a first end of the frame can be provided with hinge mechanisms with a pivot point arranged such that the legs are spaced apart from the frame when they are in the folded storage position, such that those legs overlie the opposite pair of legs in the folded position.

In an alternative arrangement the legs can be telescopic so they can have a length greater than half the length of the long sides in the operative position, and can be shortened to less than half the length of the long sides for arranging into the storage position.

In another embodiment each legs can comprise a hollow leg member with a substantially square cross-section, but with one side of the cross section absent, such that the leg members comprise U-shaped members. A first pair of the U-shaped leg members can be arranged such that when they are in the storage position, they surround the frame members comprising the long sides, and the opposite pair of U- shaped leg members can be arranged such that when they are in the storage position they surround the first pair of leg members.

The three above described methods of facilitating foldable legs which are greater than half the length of the long sides, can be used independently of one another, or in combination to provide even greater flexibility.

The legs can be provided with spring-loaded locking mechanisms to lock them in the operative position, in the storage position, and in extended and unextended telescopic positions if required.

In a preferred construction two substantially vertical supports can be provided. (It will be appreciated that the term "substantially vertical" is intended to cover arrangements in which the supports are not quite vertical in use, for example if the portable work bench is not arranged on a flat surface, or if the construction allows for a small amount of give in the way the supports are mounted. However, preferably the supports are vertical in use.) The work top can be provided with two apertures for receiving the vertical supports, and the frame can be provided with clamping means underneath the apertures for lockably supporting the vertical supports. Preferably the clamping means comprises a circular clamp which can hold the vertical supports at any height.

The vertical supports can be provided with a locking pin at a top end for engagement with the one or more tool means.

It will be appreciated that the one or more tool means can be any work tools or plafforms, electrically powered or otherwise, which can be supported on one or two vertical supports.

However, in a preferred construction the tool means comprises a mounting table, onto which a number of known power tools can be mounted in use.

The mounting table can be provided with mounting blocks for co-operation with the vertical supports. The mounting blocks can rotatably carry the mounting table such that it can be rotated through 360 degrees and arranged either way up.

The mounting table itself can comprise an operative platform with an open channel running from one side to the other, through which saw blades and so on can extend, and a separate circular aperture through which other tools such as routers can extend. On the underside, the mounting table can be provided mounting means adapted to carry known power tools, and in particular the sole plates of circular saws, routers and jigsaws.

The mounting means can comprise two parallel troughs which movably carry adjustable clamping members. In use the sole plate of the power tool is placed against the underside of the mounting table, and the clamping members are arranged into a suitable position, and operated to clamp the sole plate.

The two parallel troughs can themselves be mounted at either end in guide troughs which extend along opposite edges of the underside of the mounting table.

This allows the parallel troughs to be moved back and forth and towards and apart from one another to accommodate different sizes of sole plate. Clamping units can be provided at each end of the parallel troughs which lock in position inside the guide troughs.

In one construction one of the parallel troughs can be provided with a portion removed to accommodate the motor of a circular saw, or the round sole plate of a router.

Once the sole plate of the tool is clamped in position as described above, the mounting table can be rotated the other way up, for use.

The mounting table can be provided with an adjustable guide fence which can be moved laterally in relation to the channel and the circular aperture. The guide fence can be movably mounted at either end in troughs, in a similar manner to the way the two parallel troughs are mounted in the guide troughs on the underside of the mounting table, with clamping units to lock it in position.

The troughs in which the guide fence is mounted can be extension troughs which can extend out laterally from the operative platform to allow pieces of material larger than the operative platform to be accommodated by the guide fence. With such an arrangement a row of rollers can be mounted on the extension troughs between the guide fence and the operative platform to provide additional support. (0

The parallel troughs, the guide troughs and the extension troughs can each comprise a three sided trough shaped body, with lips extending part way into the gap between the free ends of the sides of the trough, such that the trough opening is narrower than the internal width of the trough.

The adjustable clamping members and different clamping units described above can comprise a top section which sits above the trough, through which passes a bolt, which is attached toan elongate nut situated inside the corresponding trough.

The nuts can be elongate so when they are rotated a small number of degrees their ends contact the sides of the trough and hold fast so the bolt can be tightened and the top section locked in place. Preferably the nuts are parallelogram in shape, and a turn clockwise through approximately 45 degrees from parallel with the trough brings the shorter ends of the parallelogram into contact with the sides of the trough. To release the clamping units it is necessary to turn the nuts anticlockwjse through approximately 90 degrees until their ends contact the opposite sides of the trough and hold fast, so the bolt can be readily loosened.

The adjustable clamping members can further comprise a three-pronged top section which carries three leg members which extend over the sides of the parallel troughs in use. The leg members can be arranged as required to secure the sole plates in position in use.

In a preferred construction the work top comprises two flat rectangular work platforms, at least one of which can be moved laterally in relation to the other, such that a vice mechanism is provided. Preferably a first work platform is statically mounted on the frame, and a second work platform is adjustable. The second work platform can be pivotally mounted at points adjacent each end on lead screws which are provided with handles extending from one side of the frame. Therefore, by operating the handles the mounting points can be moved back and forth independently, so the second work platform can be arranged at various angles to the first work platform. With this arrangement irregularly shaped items can be clamped.

Work tops of this type are well known.

The two apertures for receiving the vertical supports, and the clamping means underneath the apertures for lockably supporting the vertical supports, can be provided on the first static work platform.

The invention can be performed in various ways, but one embodiment will now be described by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a portable work bench according to the present invention arranged in an unfolded operative position; Figure 2 is a side view of the portable work bench as shown in Figure 1 in a folded position; Figure 3 is a top view of a mounting table component of the work bench as shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a bottom view of the mounting table shown in Figure 3; Figures 5a to 5b are diagrammatic views of clamping member and clamping unit components of the portable work bench as shown in Figure 1; and, Figure 6 is a top view of a section of an alternative fence construction for use with a mounting table as shown in Figure 3.

As shown in Figure 1 a portable work bench I comprises rectangular frame 2 with folding leg means, in the form of four legs, one at each corner of the frame. Only legs 3 and 4 are visible. A work top 5 is carried by the frame 2. The work bench 1 further comprises a number of substantially vertical supports, in the form of poles 6 and 7, and one or more tool means, in the form of mounting table 8. The substantially vertical supports (6 and 7) are removably mounted to the work top 5 in use, and the one or more tool means (8) are carried above the work top 5 by the substantially vertical supports (6 and 7) in use.

The frame 2 is constructed from four frame members, two long and two short, with substantially square cross-sections. In Figures 1 and 2, short frame members 9 and 10, and long frame member 11 are visible. (In these Figures only one side of the work bench 1 is visible, and the description below relates to just the visible side. It will be appreciated that exactly the opposite arrangement is provided on the other non-visible side.) Short frame members 9 and 10 are arranged with their cross-sections substantially level to horizontal, and the long frame member 11 is arranged with its cross-section at an oblique angle to horizontal. (The opposite long frame member is arranged at the corresponding opposite oblique angle to horizontal.) Each leg 3 and 4 is adapted to extend from the frame in the unfolded position as shown in Figure 1 at an oblique angle to vertical A. Each leg 3 and 4 is mounted to a hinge mechanism 12 and 13 respectively, which themselves are mounted on the long frame member 11, and as such are arranged at the same oblique angle to horizontal as the long frame member 11. Each leg 3 and 4 is greater in length than half the length of the long frame member 11.

The hinge mechanisms 12 and 13 comprise pivot points 14 and 15, and apertures 16 and 17, which align with apertures 18 and 19 (visible in Figure 2) in the frame member 11, in the unfolded position as shown in Figure 1. Pins 20 and 21 are slotted through the apertures 16 and 18 and 17 and 19 to lock the legs 3 and 4 in position.

Pivot point 15 of hinge mechanism 13 is spaced further from the leg 4, than pivot point 14 of hinge mechanism 12 is from the leg 3. This allows leg 4 to overlie leg 3 in the folded position as shown in Figure 2 and as described below.

The work top 5 comprises two flat rectangular work platforms, only one of which 22 is visible.

Work platform 22 is statically mounted on the frame 2, and the second work platform (not visible) is pivotally mounted at points adjacent each end on lead screws which are provided with winding handles 23 and 24 extending from one side of the frame 2. Therefore, by operating the handles 23 and 24 the mounting points can be moved back and forth independently, so the second work platform (not visible) can be arranged at various angles to the first work platform 22. Work tops of this type are well known, so work top 5 will not be further described here.

The static work platform 22 is provided with two apertures (not visible) for receiving the vertical supports 6 and 7. In addition, circular clamps (not visible) are mounted underneath the apertures on the short frame members 9 and 10 for lockably supporting the vertical supports 6 and 7.

The vertical supports 6 and 7 are provided with locking pins 25 and 26 at a top end 27 and 28 for engagement with the one or more tool means in use, as described below.

Referring now to Figures 1, 3 and 4, the mounting table 8 comprises mounting blocks 29 and 30, which have legs 31 and 32 on their underside, which slot into the top ends 27 and 28 of the vertical supports 6 and 7 in use. The legs 31 and 32 are provided with apertures (not shown) through which the locking pins 25 and 26 are passed to secure the mounting table 8 on the vertical supports 6 and 7 in use.

The blocks 29 and 30 pivotally carry spindles 33 and 34, upon which are mounted U-shaped frame members 35 and 36. Pivoting clamping members 29a and 30a are provided on the top of blocks 29 and 30. When the frame members 35 and 36 are horizontal the clamping members 29a and 30a are arranged over the frame to members 35 and 36, as shown in Figure 3, and locked into position, thereby to hold the mounting table 8 in the horizontal position.

Operative platform 37 is carried by the frame members 35 and 36. Open channel 38 extends from one side of the operative platform 37 to the other, and circular aperture 39 is provided at the centre of the operative platform 37. In use, saw blades and so on extend through the channel 38, and router tools and the like extend through the aperture 39, so material passed over the operative platform 37 can be cut or manipulated.

The underside 40 of operative platform 37 is shown in Figure 4. On the underside 40 are provided mounting means 41 adapted to carry known power tools, and in particular the sole plates of circular saws, routers and jigsaws (not shown).

The mounting means 41 comprises two parallel U-shaped lipped troughs 42 and 43 which movably carry adjustable clamping members 44, each with three clamping feet 44a which extend over the side of the troughs 42 and 43. (Each clamping foot 44a comprises a threaded bolt 44b which extends through a threaded aperture (not visible) provided at one of the three prongs of the top section 44c of the clamping member 44, and a nut. Thus the bolt 44b can be adjusted to accommodate different width sole plates. This arrangement is not shown in detail in the Figures because it is readily understood.) The two parallel troughs 42 and 43 are themselves mounted at either end in guide troughs 45 and 46 which extend along opposite edges of the underside 40 of the mounting table 8. The parallel troughs 42 and 43 are mounted in the guide troughs 45 by means of clamping units 47, so they can be locked in position.

Trough 43 is provided with a portion 48 removed to accommodate the motor of a circular saw, or the round sole plate of a router (neither shown).

The mounting plate 8 is provided with an adjustable guide fence 49 which can be moved laterally in relation to the channel 38. The U-shaped frame members 35 and 36 carry lipped extension troughs 50 and 51, which can be slid out from the frame members 35 and 36 to adjust the position of the guide fence 49. Clamping members 29a and 30a extend over the extension troughs 50 and 51, and lock the extension troughs 50 and 51 in position in use.

The guide fence 49 comprises an L-shaped member which is adjustably mounted at either end in the extension troughs 50 and 51, by means of clamping units 52 and 53. A set of rollers (not shown) can be mounted between the extension troughs 50 and 51, parallel to the guide fence 49 to provide further horizontal support if the extension troughs 50 and 51 are extended out a long way.

Referring now to Figures 5a to 5c, the adjustable clamping members 44 (an outline of the top sections of which are shown in hashed lines) and the clamping units 47, 52 and 53 described above (the top sections of which are not shown in Figures 5a to 5c) comprise a bolt (not visible) with an elongate nut 54 situated inside the lipped trough (42, 43, 45, 46, 50 or 51). The nut 54 has a parallelogram shape.

The troughs (42, 43, 45, 46, 50 or 51) are provided with lip extensions 55 on either side, which are shown in solid lines in Figure 5a and hashed lines in Figures 5b and 5c.

Therefore, in use the legs 3 and 4 (and their opposite numbers) are unfolded from the folded storage position shown in Figure 2. Pins 20 and 21 are slotted into apertures 16 and 17 to lock the legs in the operative position as shown in Figure 1. It will be appreciated that when unfolded the legs 3 and 4 extend out from the frame 2 in two directions. The hinges 12 and 13 are so arranged that the legs 3 and 4 can unfold to oblique angle A. In addition the long frame member 11 is at an oblique angle to horizontal, so the legs 3 and 4 extend out towards the viewer in Figure 1.

The legs 3 and 4 are also greater in length than half the length of the long side of the frame 2, and therefore, when unfolded all four legs provide a very stable working platform.

Once in this arrangement, the work top 5 can be used as desired as an operative surface, or as a vice by operating the handles 23 and 24 as described above.

Once erect, the work bench 1 can receive the vertical supports 6 and 7. They are slotted into the apertures (not visible) in work platform 22, and clamped in the circular clamps (not visible) on the short frame members 9 and 10, at the desired height. As is shown in Figure 1, the portions of the vertical supports 6 and 7 which extend down below the work top 5 are spaced apart from the legs 3 and 4, and do not foul them.

Once in position the vertical supports 6 and 7 can receive any tool means as required. It will be appreciated that this could be any tool which has a pillar attachment, for example a pistol drill or the like. Further tools such as roller assemblies or ball units can also be mounted thereon. Other embodiments are referred to below. The Statement of Invention includes at least one tool means, and in the embodiment that comprises mounting table 8.

The legs 31 and 32 of blocks 29 and 30 are slotted into the open top ends 27 and 28 of the vertical supports 6 and 7, and pins 25 and 26 are passed through apertures (not visible) in the legs 31 and 32 to hold the mounting table 8 in position.

Once secure, the clamping members 29a and 30a are released and turned through more than 90 degrees. This allows the mounting table 8 to be rotated through 360 degrees on spindles 33 and 34.

The mounting table 8 is rotated until the underside 40 is uppermost. The sole plate (not visible) of a power tool, which in the case of Figure 1 is a circular saw 56, is (3 then secured on the underside 40 by means of the mounting means 41. The saw blade 57, is passed through the open channel 38, then the two parallel U-shaped troughs 42 and 43 are moved in guide troughs 45 and 46 until they are aligned next to the sole plate. The clamping members 44 and clamping units 47 are then locked to secure the sole plate in position.

Referring to Figures 5a to 5c, to secure the adjustable clamping members 44 and the clamping units 47 described above, first bolts (not visible) are placed into the aperture 58 of the nut 54, then they are turned until the short ends 59 of the nut 54 contact the sides of the trough (42, 43, 45 and 46) as shown in Figure 5b. In this position the nut 54 is held fast and the bolt can be rotated to lock the clamping member/unit (44 or 47) in position. To release the clamping member/unit (44 or 47) the bolt is rotated until the nut 54 is turned through approximately 90 degrees to the position shown in Figure 5c. In that position the corners of the nut 54 contact the sides of the trough (42, 43, 45 and 46) and hold the nut 54 fast so the bolt can be unscrewed. As is clear from Figure 5a, if it is required to remove the clamping members/units (44 or 47), the nut 54 is narrow enough to be lifted out from the trough (42, 43, 45 and 46).

Once the sole plate is secured, the mounting table 8 is then rotated through degrees to the position shown in Figure 1, and locked in position. The clamping members 29a and 30a are rotated back through 90 degrees and locked down to achieve this.

If required, the guide fence 49 can be positioned for cutting. The clamping members 52 and 53 are released and the guide fence 49 can be moved in the extension troughs 50 and 51 to arrange it in any position between the channel 38, or the aperture 39, and the edge of the operative platform 37. (The clamping members 52 and 53 operate in the same way as clamping units 45 and 46 as described above.) IL', If it is required to move the guide fence 49 further away from the channel 38, the clamping members 29a and 30s can be released a small amount, and the extension troughs 50 and 51 can be slid through the frame members 35 and 36 to a position like that shown in Figure 3. The clamping members 29a and 30a are then locked down again to secure the guide fence 49 in position. It will be appreciated that the clamping members 29a and 30a should not be fully released, nor rotated through 90 degrees, as the mounting table 8 could then rotate on the spindles 33 and 34.

Material to be cut (not shown) can then be moved across the operative platform 37, being guided by guide fence 49. If a different power tool is required, the mounting table 8 can be rotated and the circular saw 56 removed from the mounting means 41, to be replaced by whatever tool is required. Known jigsaws and routers are provided with sole plates, and can be mounted on the mounting table 8.

In addition, the work top 5 can be used for any appropriate required purpose, while the mounting table 8 is still erect. This could be for sawing smaller pieces of material by hand in the vice mechanism. The work top 5 can also be used as a shelf to conveniently carry material and or tools.

To fold the work bench 1 up again for storage or transport, the power tool (circular saw 56) can be released from the mounting table 8, and the extension troughs 50 and 51 can be moved back into alignment with the mounting table 8.

The mounting table 8 is then removed from the vertical supports by removing pins 25 and 26 and lifting it free. The vertical supports 6 and 7 are then released from the circular clamps (not visible) and lifted out from the apertures (not visible) in The legs 3 and 4 can then be stowed away by removing pins 20 and 21, and folding the legs 3 and 4 on their respective hinges 12 and 13. As shown in Figure 2, leg 4 overlies leg 3 in the storage position by virtue of the shape of hinge 13.

The collapsed frame 2, the vertical supports 6 and 7 and the mounting table 8 can then all be stored or transported separately.

Figure 6 shows an alternative guide fence construction which can be used with the embodiment described above. In Figure 6, the guide fence 60 is box shaped, and is provided with routing guide members 61 and 62. The guide members 61 and 62 are attached to the guide fence 60 by bolts 63, which are disposed in apertures (not visible) in the guide fence 60. Clamping bolts 64 are provided to lock the bolts 63 in a lateral position.

In Figure 6 the guide fence 60 is positioned adjacent the aperture (39) in the operative platform (8), both of which are not shown. A routing cutter 65 extends through the aperture (39). The first guide member 61 is positioned 2mm away from the guide fence 60, while the second guide member 62 is positioned next to it. The routing cutter 65 is operated, and a piece of subject material 66 is pushed over the operative platform (8) in the direction of arrow A, and against the guide members 61 and 62. As a result of this arrangement the routing cutter 65 cuts the desired shape into the subject material 66.

The embodiments described above can be enhanced without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in one alternative embodiment (not shown) a vertical clamping beam is mounted on the vertical supports. The clamping beam is provided with a vice-mechanism. Static blocks are mounted on the vertical supports, and the blocks rotatably carry lead screws provided with handles above. The clamping beam is pivotally mounted on the lead screws at each end. Therefore, by operating the handles the mounting points can be moved back and forth independently, so the clamping beam can be arranged at various angles to the work top (5). With this arrangement irregularly shaped items can be clamped both horizontally and vertically.

In another alternative embodiment, (not shown) the mounting table is provided with its own out legs, which are used to provide additional support in the event that a very large piece of material is to be cut.The out legs can be removably attached to the outer ends of the extension troughs 50 and 51. In the same alternative embodiment the extension troughs are greater in length than extension troughs 50 and 51. Further out legs are provided at the ends of arms which extend laterally from the mounting table at right angles to the extension troughs.

In other alternative embodiments (not shown) the legs (3 and 4) are provided with alternative mechanisms for facilitating storage. In one version (not shown) the legs are telescopic and can be increased in length if desired. In another version the legs have a U-shaped cross section and one pair of legs surrounds the long frame member when stored, and the other pair surrounds the first pair of legs.

Thus a work bench is provided which can support heavy power tools and can provide increased versatility. Further, a work bench is provided which can be taken apart and folded up into a neat package which is readily stored or transported.

Claims (1)

1. Claims 1. A portable work bench comprising a square or rectangular frame

   with folding leg means, a work top carried by said frame, a number of substantially vertical supports and one or more tool means, in which the substantially vertical supports are removably mounted to the work top in use, and in which one or more tool means are carried above the work top by the substantially vertical supports in use.

   2. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 1 in which the folding leg means comprises four folding legs, one at each corner of the frame, and in which each folding leg is adapted to extend out from the frame at an oblique angle to vertical when it is unfolded into an operative position in use.

   3. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 2 in which each folding leg is mounted to a hinge mechanism which is arranged at an oblique angle to horizontal, such that when each leg is unfolded into the operative position in use it extends out from the frame in two directions.

   4. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 3 in which the frame is rectangular in shape, and has long sides and short sides, in which the frame is constructed from four frame members with substantially square cross-sections, in which the frame members comprising the short sides are arranged with their cross-section substantially level to horizontal, in which the frame members comprising the long sides are arranged with their cross-section at an oblique angle to horizontal, and in which the hinge mechanisms are attached to the frame members comprising the long sides.

   5. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 4 in which the hinge mechanisms are adapted to arrange the folding legs parallel to a long side of the frame, when the legs are folded to a storage position in use.

   6. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 5 in which each folding leg is greater in length that half the length of the long sides of the frame, such that folding legs mounted to hinge mechanisms at opposite ends of the long sides of the frame overlap when they are folded to the storage position in use.

   7. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 6 in which one pair of the folding legs at a first end of the frame are provided with hinge mechanisms with a pivot point arranged such that said one pair of folding legs are spaced apart from the frame when they are folded to the storage position in use, such that said one pair of folding legs overlie the opposite pair of folding legs when all four folding legs are folded to the storage position in use.

   8. A portable work bench as claimed in any of Claims 5 to 7 in which the folding legs are telescopic.

   9. A portable work bench as claimed in any of Claims 7 in which the folding legs are provided with a U-shaped cross section, in which when all four legs are folded to the storage position in use, said opposite pair of folding legs surround the frame members comprising the long sides, and said one pair of folding legs surround said opposite pair of folding legs.

   A portable work bench as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which two substantially vertical supports are provided 11. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 10 in which the work top is provided with two apertures for receiving the vertical supports, in which the frame is provided with clamping means underneath said apertures for lockably supporting the vertical supports at any height.

   12. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 11 in which the vertical supports are provided with a locking pin at a top end for engagement with the one or more tool means.

   13. A portable work bench as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the tool means comprises a mounting table, adapted to support a power tool with which the portable work bench is used.

   14. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 13 in which the mounting table is provided with mounting blocks for co-operation with the vertical supports, and in which the mounting blocks rotatably carry the mounting table such that it can be rotated through 360 degrees.

   15. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 14 in which the mounting table comprises an operative platform with an open channel running from one side to the other, adapted to allow cutting means of a power tool with which the portable work bench is used to extend therethrough.

   16. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 15 in which the operative platform is provided with a circular aperture substantially at its centre, adapted to allow cutting means of a power tool with which the portable work bench is used to extend therethrough.

   17. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 16 in which the mounting table comprises an underside which is provided with mounting means adapted to carry the sole plate of a power tool with which the portable work bench is used.

   18. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 17 in which the mounting means comprises two parallel troughs which movably carry adjustable clamping members adapted to co-operate with said sole plate. 2-o

   19. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 18 in which the adjustable clamping members comprise a three pronged top section which carries three leg members which extend over the sides of the parallel troughs in use.

   20. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 19 in which the two parallel troughs are movably carried at either end in guide troughs which extend along opposite edges of the underside of the mounting table, and in which the two parallel troughs are provided with clamping units at each end which lock in position inside the guide troughs in use.

   21 A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 20 in which the two parallel troughs and the guide troughs each comprise a three sided trough shaped body, with lips extending part way into the gap between the free ends of the sides of the trough.

   22. A portable work bench as claimed in Claim 21 in which one of the parallel troughs is provided with a portion removed to accommodate a portion of a power tool 23. A portable work bench as claimed in any of Claims 13 to 22 in which the mounting table is provided with an adjustable guide fence which is movable laterally in use in relation to the channel and the circular aperture.

   24. A portable work bench as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 23 in which each of the clamping members and the clamping units comprise a bolt with an elongate nut situated inside the trough in which the clamping member or clamping unit is located in use, in which the elongate nut is a parallelogram shape, and in which shorter sides of the parallelogram shape contact sides of the trough in which the clamping member or clamping unit is located in use, and hold the nut fast when the bolt is screwed into it.

   25. A portable work bench as claimed in any of the preceding Claims in which the work top comprises two flat rectangular work platforms, at least one of which can be moved laterally in relation to the other, such that a vice mechanism is provided.

   26. A portable work bench substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying drawings.