GB2470454A - Work bench assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A work bench assembly comprises substantially parallel clamp sections 12A, 12B for clamping a work piece 15 in between. The clamp sections are carried on a framework 10, part of which is collapsible such that either clamp section can be folded with respect to the other clamp section, and either clamp section can be removed from the framework for separate storage. The framework may also include corner supports 14 for receiving the arms of a guide rail 16 such that the guide rail extends across at least part of the clamping sections. An inner frame support 28, preferably including two or more legs 24B fixed to the framework and at least two collapsible legs 24A, may be provided to support a work piece clamped between the clamp sections and extending into the framework. All legs may be telescopic for height adjustment.

Description

A WORK BENCH

The present invention relates o a work bench. More especially, the invention relates to an improved work bench that provides an increased work area, positioning apparatus and increased securemen of work pieces o provide greater flexibility of work with high ergonomic standards.

Work benches commonly include routers o provide precision joinery in wood. In existing router jigs however movement of the cutler is limited and consequently the router often is unable o achieve the precision required.

The applicanes earlier paen application No. PCT/GB2004/000540 discloses a work bench having a ongtudna qude member extendnq aong the ength of at east one damp member, a transverse qude member mounted on the onqtudn& guide member and extendng between the damp members n a generafly transverse threcton to the first gude member, and a drifi housng mounted on said transverse gude memr.

The present invention seeks o provide an improved work bench having a precise adjustable parallel clamp member designed for accurate and square cuWng (routing) with the facility o include an angle guide or the like.

Portable linear bearing adjustable guides and stop knobs are used to provide limits and proportionality. The top linear supports are designed to withstand a dynamic and bending load of 490.5N.

The structure of the work bench is designed to resist a load bearing of 2501.55N. The vertical guide has been tested for height, stiffness and maximum sliding tolerance to prevent tension from stretching the two parts of the structure while clamping a load.

The top surface, which can be tilted, is able to clamp objects up to 600 mm wide such as, for example but without limitation, a kitchen worktop (having for example a maximum width capacity of 620 mm and length of 900mm).

Accurate clamping is provided with jaw surfaces equivalent to vice bench clamping with a maximum sliding tolerance to prevent movement with a quick sliding ratchet and lock clamp.

Vertical clamping height adjustments up to 900mm (standard door) and the structure is such that the bottom adjustable bed can be extended upwardly to be flush with surface of the object.

The linear sliding guide can be tilted along the rotational axis and secured at 45 degrees or 90 degrees. It can then be locked at the tilting angle via a pin catch. A joint assembly work piece may then be inserted or alternatively the bench could be worked on without the top assembly.

Both clamping jaws have a horizontal clamping capacity of around 120mm. Both sections are foldable wherein the top assembly can be removed and stored separately. The top assembly sections may be extended to an over-centre configuration to allow maximum working stability.

The work bench has been specifically design for adjustable height to meet first percentile height of British woman to the ninety ninth height percentile of British men.

One embodiment of the invention will now be described in accordance with the figures wherein Figure 1 is a perspective view of a work bench constructed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the work bench of Figure 1 in use and while clamping a work piece in an upright position; Figure 3 is a schematic view of the work bench of Figure 1 including the addition of guide rails; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the work bench of Figure 1 with a router tray and router attached; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the work bench of Figure 1 with one clamping section collapsed; and Figure 6 is a side view of the work bench of Figure 1.

Referring first to Figure 1, a work bench constructed in accordance with the invention comprises a collapsible framework 10 having a top assembly formed of two clamping sections 12A, 12B with a gap 14 therebetween to allow for clamping of a work piece 15 in an upright position (see Figure 2). The clamping sections 12 provide a smooth working surface and each section 12 is slidable with respect to the framework 10 to extend the size of the work top area. In Figure 3 it can also be seen that part of the framework 10 (the outer legs on one side) is pivoted upwards to collapse that side of the frame.

The clamping members 12 slide along cylinders with channel bearings.

The cylinders are covered with a flexible and collapsible plastic sheet to prevent dust from penetrating internal channels during cutting or similar procedures.

A quick release cable system (not shown) with a spring catching system controller by a lever is provided for fast and simple clamping and release of an object between the clamp sections 12.

As can be seen in Figure 3, the frame 10 includes secure corner supports 14 to receive U-shaped guide rails 16 which then extend from the corners across the clamping sections 12. The guide rails 16 are retained in position using axis knobs 20 that are rotated to secure the rail 16 against the support 14. The guide rail 16 may be located along one side of a clamp section 12 or may, for example, cross the clamp sections 12 at 90 degrees.

Each rail 16 may be removed when no longer required by rotating the associated axis knob 18 to release the rail 16 from the support 14 and by then lifting the rail 16 off the support 14.

Referring now to Figure 4, when the rails 16 are in place a router tray 20 can be placed across the rails 16 to carry a router 22 secured to the tray so to be slidable along its length. This allows for precision drilling, milling or the cutting of angles.

The framework 10 includes eight legs 24 which are telescopic for height adjustment. The correct height is maintained using pins inserted into the required apertures in the legs 24. Foot rests 26 extend between neighbouring legs. The outer legs 24A are collapsible against the fixed inner legs 24B.

The framework 10 also includes an inner support frame 28 (including the inner four fixed legs 24B) which provides a channel in which the work piece, when standing upright, can be received. The support frame 28 supports the work piece to prevent excessive outward pressure against the general frame work 10 and clamping sections 12. A support bed 30 is provided within the inner frame 28. The height of the support bed 30 is adjustable so that it can be lifted to a position where it supports the base of the work piece.

As can be seen from Figure 5, one side of the work bench framework 10 can be collapsed which, in turn, pivots the associated clamping section 12 downwards against the side of the inner support frame 28 when only one half of the work bench is required.

Alternatively, either clamping section 12 may be detached entirely from the framework 10 by unclipping a clip mechanism. The clamp sections 12 include an integral handle 30 which allows for easy transportation to a separate storage area.

The framework is mainly a steel structure using an ERW square tubing grade 250 MPA which is cost efficient and provides am optimum strength design of 1.5 mm wall thickness throughout the structure.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing are merely an example of an embodiment and just some examples of its use. The skilled reader will readily understand that modifications can be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Claims (6)

1. Claims 1. A work bench assembly comprising substantially parallel clamp sections for clamping a work piece therebetween, the clamp sections being carried on framework part of which is collapsible such that either clamp section can be folded with respect to the other clamp section and wherein either clamp section can be removed from the framework for separate storage.
2. 2. A work bench assembly according to claim 1, wherein the framework includes corner supports for receiving arms of a guide rail such that the guide rail extends across at least part of the or both clamping sections.
3. 3. A work bench assembly according to claim 2, wherein the framework includes an inner frame support to support a work piece clamped between the clamp sections and extending into the framework.
4. 4. A work bench assembly according claim 3, wherein the inner frame comprises two or more fixed legs of the framework.
5. 5. A work assembly according to claim 4, wherein the framework further includes at least two collapsible legs.
6. 6. A work assembly according to claim 5 wherein all the legs of the framework are telescopic for height adjustment.