GB2501468A

GB2501468A - Multiple Worktop Apparatus for Woodworking

Info

Publication number: GB2501468A
Application number: GB1206422.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Grant Holland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-04-12
Filing date: 2012-04-12
Publication date: 2013-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2032-04-12
Also published as: GB201206422D0; GB2501468B

Abstract

An apparatus 10 comprises a worktop 12 which comprises a first work surface 18 comprising a retention arrangement 22 for retention of a workpiece, and a second work surface 20; a support 14 for the worktop and connection means 16 connect the worktop to the support 14. The connection means enables the worktop to be moved between first and second positions at which the first/second work surfaces are presented to an operator. The first work surface may be on one side of the worktop, and the second work surface may be on another, different side, which may be the opposite side. First 150 and second 152 support means may be connected to opposite sides of the worktop, and may provide resistance against worktop movement. The support structure may comprise an air-permeable arrangement, which may be in communication with a suction means 58. Also pictured are: conduit 54, cover 60, diaphragm 62, diaphragm frame 64, pivot means 66, support strut 164, base 174, first 166 and second 172 horizontal end members, repositioning means 178, support structure 162, first 180 and second 182 pivots and their axis of rotation 190.

Description

Apparatus for Woodworking Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus for Woodworking tables are designed to accommodate woodworking actions such as cutting, sanding, planing and routing. Various tools may be accommodated on different tables. For cutting a workpiece, a panel saw may be used, whereby the saw blade is stationary and the workpiece is moved relative to the saw blade. Alternatively a plunge saw may be used, the plunge saw being operable to move along a track relative to a stationary workpiece. A particular problem with woodworking tables is that a large amount of room is required to house and use such a table.

A further problem is that in order to create a clean cut on the workpiece the saw needs to be constantly in motion relative to the workpiece. In many instances the workpiece is too large to be cut in a single saw motion, particularly when using a plunge saw. The workpiece size is therefore limited by the reach of the user. In such circumstances, for larger workpieces where the user cannot physically reach to safely and accurately cut the workpiece, the user has to reposition themselves, or the workpiece needs to be repositioned, before continuing the cut. As well as the detrimental effect on the quality of the cut, there is also a particular safety hazard present when the user repositions themselves during cutting with a saw in motion.

A further tool used for woodworking is a hydraulic press. Such presses are used when veneering workpieces. Workpieces may be made of various types of wood, or processed materials such as blockboard, multi-ply or medium density fibreboard (MOE), and verieers are often used to provide a high quality finish with a thin layer of a more expensive or aesthetically desirable material (the veneer) being glued to the surface of a bulk material, such as MOE. In order to / a-2 glue the veneer to the bulk material, a hydraulic press may be used. In such a hydraulic press setting of the glue can take up to 48 hours, depending on the glue used and atmospheric conditions. In order to facilitate quicker drying of the glue between the veneer and the bulk material, a vacuum press or vacuum table may be used. A vacuum table has an arrangement of a table top surface and a cover, the vacuum providing a negative pressure within the cover, which is sealably placed over the workpiece. This pressure removes moisture from the workpiece, providing a far faster drying time, which may be many times faster than with a hydraulic press. A drying time, comparable to the process described above in relation to the hydraulic press, may be 45 minutes under conditions provided by the vacuum table.

Again a particular problem with a vacuum table is space. A vacuum table needs to be larger than the largest workpiece that is to be glued. A further IS problem with vacuum tables is that because of their required size, they are meant to stay in one place. Often a complex procedure is required to get the workpiece mounting top surface of the vacuum table level in one plane. This often involves the adjustment of the table legs whilst making continuous level measurements of the vacuum table surface. Any twisting of the vacuum table top surface (known as winding), and any bulging or dipping of the vacuum table top surface, which may be subsequently introduced through movement of the vacuum table, will translate to distortion of the workpiece being glued. In particular, multi-laminated workpieces may take on the particular shape of the vacuum table top surface.

Therefore any subsequent movement of the vacuum table will then require the vacuum table to be re-adjusted to counter any movement in the vacuum table top surface.

In relation to woodworking, a cutting table and a vacuum table are essential tools, but together they require a large amount of area in a workshop to enable them to be safely housed and used, preventing that area of the workshop being utilised for other purposes. Further, because any movement of at least the I? 3 vacuum table can cause misalignment problems, the tables are often permanently located at a particular site.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided apparatus comprising, a worktop, a support for the worktop, and connection means for connecting the worktop to the support, wherein the worktop comprises a first work surface comprising a retention arrangement for retention of a workpiece, and a second work surface, and wherein the connection means enables the worktop to be moved between a first position at which the first work surface is presented to an operator for working on and a second position at which the second work surface is presented to an operator for working on.

The first work surface may be provided on one side of the worktop and the second work surface may be provided on another side of the worktop, to form, at least in part, two different sides of the worktop.

The first work surface and the second work surface may be provided on opposite sides of the worktop.

The support may comprise one or more support members connected to the worktop via the connection means.

S

A first connection means and a second connection means may be connected to the worktop at opposite sides of the worktop The or at least one connection means may provide resistance against movement of the worktop.

The or at least one connection means may comprise a pivot to pivotally connect the oral least one support member to the worktop.

The or at least one pivot may be disposed on an axis central or substantially central to a side of the worktop which is perpendicular to the plane of at least the first work surface.

The support may further comprise a supporting structure.

The supporting structure may comprise means for repositioning the apparatus, such as wheels, castors, tracks, friction guides.

The apparatus may further comprise retention means for retaining the worktop at a position relative to the support.

The retention means may comprise a support brace pivotally connected to one of the worktop or support and adjustably and lockably connectable to the other of the support or the worktop.

The first work surface may comprise an air-permeable arrangement.

The air-permeable arrangement may be in communication with suction means.

The suction means may be operatively connected to the first work surface such that air is drawn through the air-permeable arrangement to provide suction on the first work surface, which suction may be used to retain a workpiece on the first work surface.

The suction means may comprise a vacuum source.

The worktop may further comprise a support frame interposed between the first work surface and the second work surface.

The apparatus may further comprise a cover.

The cover may comprise an air-impermeable material, such as silicone.

The cover may be movable between an open condition and a closed condition.

The cover may substantially cover the first work surface when the cover is in a closed condition.

The cover may be disposed, in use, to cover a workpiece which may be located between the cover and the first work surface. The cover may help retain a workpiece in location on the first work surface.

The cover may be retained within a frame.

The frame may further comprise sealing means.

The sealing means may be located on the frame such that the sealing means is disposed between the frame and the first work surface when the cover is in the closed condition.

The sealing means may provide an air tight or substantially air tight seal between the sealing means and the lower surface of the frame.

The sealing means may be formed of one or more flanges, the or at least one flange being in contact with the first work surface when the cover is in the closed condition, such that the or at least one flange forms a seal around the perimeter of the first work surface.

The sealing means may be located such that when the cover is in the closed condition the air-permeable arrangement is located within a sealed space between the cover and the first work surface.

The sealing means may be located such that when the cover is in the closed condition at least a portion of the air-permeable arrangement is disposed between flanges of the sealing means.

The frame may further comprise first frame retention means for retaining the frame in an open condition. The frame may further comprise second frame retention means for retaining the frame in a closed condition.

The second work surface may comprise a fiat base member retained in position on said other side of the worktop.

The second work surface may further comprise a first raised portion disposed along an edge of the flat base member.

The second work surface may further comprise a removable second raised portion adjacent to the first raised portion and the flat base member.

The second raised portion may project further from the fiat base member than the first raised portion.

A further fiat member may be removably retained on the flat base member, to act as a sacrificial material onto which the workpiece to be cut is positioned, during cutting.

The second raised portion may project further from the flat base member, than the further flat member, such that in use, the workpiece to be cut may be retained, at least in one direction, by the second raised portion.

The worktop may further comprise first track means.

The first track means may be mounted to the worktop substantially parallel and preferably parallel to a side of the worktop.

The apparatus may further comprise a rotary member.

The rotary member may be retained on the first track means.

First securing means may be provided to secure the rotary member at a position along the first track means. The first securing means may be on or comprise part of the rotary member.

The rotary member may further comprise a base plate and a rotating plate.

The base plate may be fixed against rotational movement relative to the first track means.

The rotating plate may be rotatable relative to the base plate.

The base plate and/or the rotating plate may be retained by the first track means.

S A second securing means may be provided to secure the rotating plate at a selected angle relative to the base plate. The second securing means may be provided on or comprise pad of the rotary member.

The rotary member may further comprise one or more stops to limit the to relative rotation between the rotating plate and the base plate.

Second track means may be mounted on the rotating plate. The second track means may be mounted to be parallel with the second work surface, for retaining a cutting device thereon, such that the cutting device, in use, may be disposed to move along the second track means to cut a workpiece retained between the second track means and the fiat base member of the second work surface.

A first stop may limit rotation of the rotation plate such that the second track means mounted on the turntable is limited to move between angles of 45 degrees and 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the first track means.

According to further embodiments of the invention there is provided a worktop for mounting on a support, wherein the worktop comprises a first work surface comprising a retention arrangement for retention of a a second work surface, wherein the worktop may be moved between a first position at which the first work surface is presented to an operator for working on and a second position at which the second work surface is presented to an operator for working on.

The worktop may be as described in any of the preceding paragraphs.

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a front view of apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, with a first work surface being presented substantially horizontally to the user and a cover being in an open position relative to the first work surface.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a support frame according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of an upper member of the first work surface of the Fig. 5 is a plan view of a lower member of thefirst work surface of the worktop of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail partial cut away view of a part of a vacuum arrangement according to the present invention.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged exploded cross sectional view of a portion of a frame according to the present invention.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged front view of a clamp arrangement according to the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, with a second work surface being presented substantially horizontally to the user.

Fig. 10 is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a cross sectional partial view of the second work surface according to the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a front view of the apparatus according to Figs. 1 and 9, with the first and second work surfaces presented upright. I5

Fig. 13 is an enlarged plan view of a turntable arrangement according to the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a front view of the apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, with the first and second work surfaces presented upright, and a saw track being presented at 90 degrees to a linear rail.

Fig. ISis a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 14, with the saw track being presented at 45 degrees to the linear rail.

Fig. 16 is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 14.

Fig. 17 is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 14, with the second work surface presented at an approximate 30 degree angle from upright, showing a saw in situ on the saw track.

Fig. 18 is a partial cut away side view of a support brace arrangement according to the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a cross sectional view of a turntable arrangement according to the present invention.

The present invention provides apparatus 10 comprising a worktop 12, a support 14 for the worktop 12, and connection means 16 for connecting the worktop 12 to the support 14, wherein the worktop 12 comprises a first work surface 18 comprising a retention arrangement 22 for retention of a workpiece, and a second work surface 20, and wherein the connection means 16 enables the worktop 12 to be moved between a first position at which the first work surface 18 is presented to an operator for working on and a second position at which the second work surface 20 is presented to an operator for working on.

The present invention further provides a worktop 12 for mounting on a support 14, wherein the worktop 12 comprises a firstwork surface 18 comprising a retention arrangement 22 for retention of a workpiece, and a second work surface 20, wherein the worktop 12 may be may be moved between a first position at which the first work surface 18 is presented to an operator for working on and a second position at which the second work surface 20 is presented to an operator for working on.

In an example of the invention, shown in Fig. 1, the apparatus 10 is arranged to present the first work surface 18 of the worktop 12, which is provided on one side of the worktop 12, in an upward facing substantially horizontal orientation in relation to an operator (not shown) to define the first position. The second work surface 20 of the worktop 12 is provided on a different side of the worktop 12, which, in this example, is the opposite side of the worktop 12 such that, in the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, the second work surface 20 of the worktop 12 is in a downward facing substantially horizontal orientation. Fig. 2 shows a side view with the apparatus 10 arranged in a manner corresponding to the orientation shown in Fig. 1.

In the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the first work surface 18 and second work surface 20 of the worktop 12 are separated by and supported by a support frame 24. The support frame 24, shown in Fig 3, is a box section frame consisting of four sides 26, 28, 30, 32, which are, in use, interposed between the first work surface 18 and the second work surface 20. A first pair of opposite sides 26, 28 are parallel to each other, and a second pair of opposite sides 30, 32 are parallel to each other to form a substantially rectangular support frame 24.

The first work surface 18 and second work surface 20 are fixed to the support frame 24. The first work surface 18 and second work surface 20 are retained on the support frame 24.

In particular embodiments, one or more cross members 34, such as struts or braces, may be provided to join a first pair of opposite sides 26, 28 of the support frame 24 in order to provide additional support or strength to the support frame 24. When the first work surface 18 and second work surface 20 are attached to the support frame 24 one or more enclosed voids 36 may be formed inside the support frame 24, as shown in Fig. 6.

The first work surface 18 of the worktop 12 comprises a retention arrangement 22 for retention of a workpiece in situ which may be a suction arrangement. In one embodiment the retention arrangement 22 comprises an upper section 38 and a lower section 40, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 respectively, forming an air-permeable arrangement 41. These sections are formed of an air-impermeable material or substantially air-impermeable material, which may be a plastic, metal or other material which may be easily cleaned, is not easily deformed and is durable. Alternatively an air permeable material can be used to form the sections, the sections being coated in an air-impermeable or substantially air-impermeable material to provide sections comprising air-impermeable or substantially air-impermeable material. The air-permeable arrangement 41 is affixed to the support frame 24 by fixings, such as screws or bolts (not shown), around the perimeter 48 of the upper section 38 and perimeter 42 of the lower section 40. On the upper surface 44 of the lower section 40 a grid of interconnected channels 46 are formed, as shown in Fig. 5. The upper section 38 of the first work surface 18 is affixed to the lower section 40 by fixings, such as screws (not shown), around the perimeter 48 of the upper section 38 and corresponding perimeter 42 of the lower section 40. An array of apertures 50 are formed through the upper section 38 to provide effective air-permeability through the otherwise air-impermeable or substantially air-impermeable material. The apertures 50 are located at positions which collocate with the interconnected channels 46 of the lower section 40. The upper section 38 and lower section 40 are positioned to be arranged such that at least a portion of their outer perimeters 42, 48 overlie each other. A gasket, sealant or other sealing means may be disposed between the lower section 40 and the upper section 38, and in particular disposed between the perimeter 42 of the lower section 40 and the perimeter 48 of the upper section 38, to form a complete or operably sufficient air-impermeable seal. The edges of the upper section 38 and lower section 40 may be additionally covered or coated with an air-impermeable or substantially air-impermeable material, such as bonded melamine edge banding, to provide an additional air-impermeable seal between the upper section 38 and lower section 40.

The lower section 40 has at least one suction aperture 52 therethrough, at a position to communicate with at least one of the interconnected channels 46.

The suction aperture 52 through the lower section 40 is suitable for connection to suction means 58, which may be a vacuum source, such as a vacuum pump or compressor, connected to the suction aperture 52 by a conduit 54 such as a vacuum pipe or vacuum hose as shown in Fig. 6. To facilitate connection with the conduit 54, the suction aperture 52 may be connected to a connector 56. In order to retain the connector 56 in position, the suction aperture 52 may be threaded, with a corresponding threaded portion on the connector 56.

Alternatively the connector 56 may be fixed by other means, such as gluing or compression fitting, to the suction aperture 52. The connector 56 may further connect to the conduit 54 via a compression, solvent weld or push fitting arrangement. Such connectors 56 will be well known to the person skilled in the art. The conduit 54 is then routed through the void 36 in the support frame 24 and exits the support frame 24 through a conduit aperture 57 in a side of the support frame 24. The conduit 54 is then affixed to the suction means 58, which may be mounted on the apparatus 10, as shown in Fig. 1.

The interconnected channels 46 of the lower section 40 act as vacuum channels for the first work surface 18. In use, the suction means 58 draws air to flow from the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41 to the suction means 58 via the air-permeable arrangement 41 and the conduit 54, providing sufficient suction on the first work surface 18 to retain a workpiece in position for working on, as will be described.

The upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41 may be levelled by using threaded adjustment bolts 37 (shown in Fig. 4) through the air-permeable arrangement 41 which are received in threaded adjustment bolt fasteners 39 (shown in Fig. 3) retained in the support frame 24. Resilient compression means, such as silicone compression washers, may be disposed between the air-permeable arrangement 41 and the support frame 24, at the location of the threaded adjustment bolts 37, in order to provide an adjustable separation of the air-permeable arrangement 41 and the support frame 24. Alternatively1 or additionally, resilient compression means may be disposed at other positions between the air-permeable arrangement 41 and the support frame 24. The threaded adjustment bolts 37 may be rotated clockwise or anti-clockwise to facilitate local lowering or raising of the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41. The adjustment bolts 37 may pass through clearance holes in the air-permeable arrangement 41.

Figs. 1 and 2 also show a cover 60 in the form of a framed diaphragm 62.

The diaphragm 62 may be formed of silicone or other air-impermeable material.

Preferably the diaphragm 62 is formed of material which is resilient and flexible and will be able to stretch and generally conform to the profile of the workpiece over which it is located and return to its original shape after use. A frame in the form of a diaphragm frame 64 is mounted pivotally in relation to the first work surface 18 by pivot means 66, such as a hinge, which facilitates movement of the diaphragm frame 64 from an open position or condition as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, to a closed position or condition, whereby the diaphragm frame 64 is adjacent to the first work surface 18 and extends over the first work surface 18 in a plane parallel to the plane of the first work surface 18 to cover or substantially cover the first work surface 18 when in the closed condition. Alternatively a ball joint arrangement could be used to pivotally mount the diaphragm frame 64. The pivot means 66 may be connected to the first work surface 18 and/or the support frame 24. The diaphragm 62 may be operable to cover one or more workpieces disposed between the diaphragm 62 and the first work surface 18 such that when the suction means 58 is operable, the workpiece is retained in situ on the first work surface 18, as will be described.

The diaphragm frame 64 may retain the diaphragm 62. Fig. 7 shows an exploded cross sectional view through the diaphragm frame 64. The diaphragm frame 64 may comprise an upper frame member 68 and a lower frame member sandwicbing the diaphragm 62 therebetween. This arrangement provides a complete or operably sufficient air-impermeable seal between the diaphragm 62 and both the upper frame member 68 and the lower frame member 70 such that when the diaphragm frame 64 is in a closed condition, whereby the diaphragm frame 64 is adjacent to the first work surface 18 and extends over the first work surface 18 in a plane parallel to the plane of the first work surface 18, the diaphragm frame 64 and diaphragm 62 provide a complete or operably sufficient air-impermeable seal between the diaphragm 62, diaphragm frame 64 and the first work surface 18, whereby one or more workpieces may be retained therebetween.

A sealing means 72, such as a gasket formed of rubber flanges, is affixed to and arranged around the perimeter 74 of the lower surface of the lower frame member 70. This sealing means 72 provides an air-tight seal between the sealing means 72 and the lower frame member 70. The sealing means 72 provides a complete or operably sufficient air-impermeable seal between the lower frame member 70 and the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41 of the first work surface 18 when the diaphragm frame 64, and thus the cover 60, is in a closed condition.

The sealing means 72 comprises a flange arrangement 76, which may comprise a first flange 78 and a second flange 80, the first flange 78 providing a first contact surface 82 and the second flange 80 providing a second contact surface 84, the contact surfaces 82, 84 being in contact with the upper surface 49 of the upper section of the air-permeable arrangement 41 of the first work surface 18 when the cover 60 is in the closed condition. At least one aperture 50 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41 is interspersed between the first flange 78 and the second flange 80, to provide connection to the suction means 58, such that under negative pressure, air is drawn from between the first flange 78 and the second flange 80 to compress the flange arrangement 76 onto the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41 to provide security of the cover 60 over the first work surface 18 and an air tight seal around the perimeter 48 of the upper section 38 of the first work surface 18. The first flange 78 and/or the second flange 80 may be formed of a resilient material such as rubber or foam.

When the diaphragm frame 64, and thus the cover 60, is in the closed condition, the apertures 50 in the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41 are enclosed in a sealed space between the diaphragm 62, diaphragm frame 64 and the lower section 40 of the air-permeable arrangement 41 of the first work surface 18.

The diaphragm 62 of the cover 60 also helps to compress the layers of multi-ply, laminated or veneered workpieces together, when the cover 60 is in the closed condition and the suction means 58 is applied such that under negative pressure, air is drawn from the space between the diaphragm 62, diaphragm frame 64 and the first work surface 18 to compress the diaphragm 62 over the workpieces. Further, as air is drawn from the space between the diaphragm 62, diaphragm frame 64 and the first work surface 18, any unwanted volatile compounds from the adhesive may be drawn away from the workpieces thus facilitating expedited gluing of multi-ply or laminated workpieces.

In order to facilitate retention of the diaphragm frame 64 in an open IS condition, to facilitate access to the first work surface 18 by the operator, a first frame retention means 86, such as a stay which may be a hydraulic gas strut or alternatively may be a ball detent arrangement, is affixed between the diaphragm frame 64 and the first work surface 18 and/or support frame 24. With the diaphragm frame 64 in an open condition, access to the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41 is permitted. Conversely, when the diaphragm frame 64 is in a closed condition, the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41 is at least substantially covered.

In the same or alternative embodiments, in order to facilitate retention of the diaphragm frame 64 in a closed condition, to facilitate retention of covered workpieces in situ and prevent access to the first work surface 18 by the operator, a second frame retention means 68, such as a draw catch and plate arrangement, as shown in Fig. 8, may be affixed between the diaphragm frame 64 and the first work surface 18 and/or support frame 24. With the diaphragm frame 64 in a closed condition, access to the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41 is not permitted. Conversely when the diaphragm frame 64 is in an open condition, the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41 is at least partially uncovered.

The draw catch and plate arrangement 88 as shown in Fig. 8 comprises a hook 90 and pivoted loop 92, with a catch 94 which can be moved to adjust the position of the pivoted loop 92, where the hook 90 is disposed on the diaphragm frame 64 and the pivoted loop 92 is disposed on the support frame 24. When the W diaphragm frame 64 is in the closed condition, the pivoted loop 92 disposed on the support frame 24 can be positioned to releasably engage with the hook 90 disposed on the diaphragm frame 64. The catch 94 can be moved such that the pivoted loop 92 is tensioned to provide secure retention of the pivoted loop 92 in the hook 90, to prevent the diaphragm frame 64 from being separated from the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41.

Fig. 9 shows the apparatus ID arranged to present the second work surface 20 of the worktop 12, which is provided on a second side of the worktop 12, in an upward facing substantially horizontal orientation in relation to the user (not shown) to define the second position. In this second position, the first work surface 18 of the worktop 12, which is provided on the first side of the worktop 12 as previously described, is in a downward facing substantially horizontal orientation. Fig. 10 shows a side view with the apparatus 10 arranged in a manner corresponding to the orientation shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. Ii shows an enlarged view of a cross section of the second work surface 20. The second work surface 20, on the other side of the worktop 12.

comprises a flat base member 100 which is retained in position on the support frame 24. The flat base member 100 may be retained on the support frame 24 by retaining means 101, such as screws. Alternatively glue or other fixing devices or methods can be used to retain the flat base member 100 to the support frame 24.

A first raised portion 102 is provided at one edge 104 of the flat base member 100 on the upper surface 106 of the flat base member 100. This first raised portion 102 is fixed along and parallel to the edge 104 of the flat base member 100 on the upper surface 106 of the flat base member 100. A second raised portion 108 is positioned adjacent to and along the edge 110 of the first raised portion 102 on the upper surface 106 of the flat base member 100. This second raised portion 108 is known as a fence, or end fence, and is used for retaining a workpiece to be cut in position on the second work surface 20. The second raised portion 108 is removable such that alternative second raised portions 108 can be provided with different dimensions suitable for retaining different thicknesses of workpieces. A further flat member 112 is removably retained on the upper surface 106 of the flat base member 100 to be used as a sacrificial board, which will be, to some extent, cut or marked by the saw during the operation of cutting workpieces retained on the second work surface 20. The second raised portion 108 is then positioned between the edge 110 of the first raised portion 102 and an edge 114 of further flat member 112, to project above the level of both the first raised portion 102 and the further flat member 112 such that the second raised portion 108 can be used to retain the workpiece to be cut, at least in one direction.

Typically the flat base member 100, the first raised portion 102, the second raised portion 108 and the further flat member 112 are formed of wood, MOF or similar material. Retaining means 101 for the flat base member 100 and fixings for the first raised portion 102 and the further flat member 112 are typically formed of a material which will not be damaging to a saw blade if cut, therefore nylon screws may be appropriate to use as the respective retaining means 101 and fixings. The second raised portion 108 is held between the first raised portion 102 and the first further flat member 112 without fixing or by easily releasable fixing (not shown), such that it may be replaced with a raised portion of a different height, suitable for retention on a different thickness workpiece to be cut in at least one direction.

In use, the worktop 12 may be arranged in a first position whereby the first work surface 18 is disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation, such that a user can position one or more workpieces upon the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the retention arrangement 22, the retention arrangement 22 forming at least part of the first work surface 18. The workpieces may be a series of sheet materials to be glued together under pressure, for example an MDF base material and a veneer material may be positioned together on the upper surface of the upper section 38 of the retention arrangement 22, with adhesive located between the MDF base material and a veneer material.

Suction is applied to the workpiece or workpieces upon the upper surface 49 by application of the suction means 58 connected to the array of apertures 50 via the conduit 54, the suction aperture 52 and the grid of interconnected channels 46, such that the workpiece or workpieces are retained on the first work surface 18 under action of the suction applied by the suction means 58. In addition, the force applied by the suction means 58 on the workpiece or workpieces may be improved by the positioning of the diaphragm 62 over the workpiece or workpieces, such that the air is drawn out from underneath the diaphragm 62 via the suction means 58 to operably cover the workpiece or workpieces with the flexible substantially air-impermeable diaphragm 62, sealing the diaphragm 62 to the upper surface 49 and the workpiece or workpieces.

Once the suction means is operable and the workpiece or workpieces are retained in situ, the worktop 12 can be repositioned to a second position by rotating the worktop 12 180 degrees around its axis 190, as shown in Fig. 1, such that the second work surface 20 is disposed in a substantially horizontal orientation, such that a user can position one or more workpieces upon the second work surface 20, whilst the first work surface 18 is still operable. In this second position the first work surface 18 is disposed in a downwardly facing substantially horizontal orientation, whilst the second work surface 20 is disposed in an upwardly facing substantially horizontal orientation. Thus by facilitating repositioning of the worktop between a first and second position, whilst the first work surface 18 is in use, both work surfaces 18, 20 may be in use at the same time. This provides operational advantages over traditional woodworking apparatus.

Returning to Figs. I and 2, the support 14 is connected to the worktop 12 by connection means 16. The support 14 comprises a first support member 150 connected to the worktop 12 at a first side 154 of the worktop 12 and a second support member 152 connected to the worktop 12 at a second side 156 of the worktop 12. The connection means 16 may comprise a first connection arrangement 180, such as a first pivot, connected to the worktop 12 at the first side 154 of the worktop 12 and further connected to the first support member 150. The connection means 16 may further comprise a second connection arrangement 182, such as a second pivot, connected to the worktop 12 at the second side 156 of the worktop 12 and further connected to the second support member 152. The first side 154 of the worktop 12 and the second side 156 of the worktop 12 are at opposite sides of the worktop 12. The first pivot 180 and/or second pivot 182 may provide resistance against movement of the worktop 12, such as by use of non-zero friction bearings or ratcheted mechanisms.

The first support member 150 comprises a first upright leg 158 and the second support member 152 comprises a second upright leg 160, each of the first upright leg 158 and second upright leg 160 being connected to a support structure 162, such as a movable support base. The support structure 162 comprises a support strut 164 between the two upright legs 158, 160. The support structure 162 further comprises a first substantially horizontal end member 166 at the intersection of the base 168 of the first upright leg 158 and a first end 170 of the support strut 164, the first substantially horizontal end member 166 being substantially perpendicular to the first upright leg 158 and the support strut 164. The support structure 162 further comprises a second substantiafly horizontal end member 172 at the intersection of the base 174 of the second upright leg 160 and a second end 176 of the support strut 164 the second substantially horizontal end member 172 being substantially perpendicular to the second upright leg 160 and the support strut 164.

The first pivot 180, which is connected between the worktop 12, at the first side 154 of the worktop 12, and the first support member 150, and the second pivot 182, which is connected between the worktop 12, at the second side 156 of the worktop 12, and the second support member 152, provide the ability for the worktop 12 to be rotated about an axis of rotation 190, such that the first work surface 18 or the second work surface 20 can be selectively disposed to be accessible to the user or operator. The axis of rotation 190 may be central or substantially central to the sides 154, 156 of the worktop 12. The sides 154, 156 are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane of at least the first work surface. Further, by being able to rotate the worktop 12 it is possible to have the worktop 12 disposed in a vertical or substantially vertical arrangement, as shown in Figs. 12 and 16. Fig. 12 shows a front view of the apparatus 10 and Fig. 16 shows the apparatus 10 in the same position but from a side on view.

Clearly, as shown in Fig. 16, the footprint of the apparatus 10 is smaller when arranged such that the work surfaces 18, 20 are vertically or substantially vertically positioned rather than when horizontally or substantially horizontally positioned as in Figs. 1, 2, 9 and 10, and thus storage and transportation of the apparatus 10 requires less room and the apparatus can be placed against, for example, a wall where it is less likely to be accidentally damaged.

The first substantially horizontal end member 166 and the second substantially horizontal end member 172 may comprise repositioning means 178 for repositioning the apparatus 10, such as wheels, castors, tracks, friction guides or other devices for repositioning the apparatus 10. In the arrangement shown in Figs. 1, 2, 9, 10, 12, 14, 151 16 and 17 each substantially horizontal end member 166, 172 has two castors 178, thus providing the apparatus 10 with the stability of contact with the ground, floor or other surface on which the apparatus is positioned, and also the ability to be easily moved to a different location.

One of the further benefits of having the worktop 12 connected via the first pivot 180 and second pivot 182, as described above, is that the problem of twisting (winding) is at least substantially reduced, as there are only two connection points to the worktop 12, both of which must lie in one plane, as opposed to four connection points as found on a typical standard vacuum table which are difficult to set to all be in a single plane to provide a perfectly flat work surface.

Further the ability to rotate the work surfaces 18, 20 relative to the support 16 provides the ability to operate the first work surface 18, comprising the air-permeable arrangement 41, with cover 50, connected to suction means 58, to provide a retention arrangement 22 for retention of a workpiece in situ, when the first work surface 18 is in an orientation other than being horizontally or substantially horizontally oriented and presented to the operator. In particular the first work surface 18 may be arranged vertically or substantially vertically such that it can be positioned close to a source of heat to aid in drying adhesive used to bond sections of workpieces during veneering operations. Further, the first work surface 18 can be operated whilst in a downward facing substantially horizontal orientation. This has the benefit of allowing a heat source to be presented to the underneath of the worktop 12, where heat from the heat source will rise and be applied to the first work surface 18 in a downward facing substantially horizontal orientation, to aid drying of the adhesive, whilst simultaneously allowing the operator access to the second work surface, which is orientated in an upward facing substantially horizontal orientation. * 24

Further still, the ability to rotate the first and second work surfaces 18, 20 relative to the support 16 provides the ability to operate the second work surface when it in orientations other than horizontally or substantially horizontally presented to the operator. In particular the second work surface 20 may be arranged vertically or at a small angle from vertical to allow the operator to provide cuts to a workpiece that are longer than would be possible if the second work surface 20 were in a horizontal or substantially horizontal orientation. In particular, as shown in Fig. 17, the second work surface 20 can be arranged at an angle of around 30 degrees from vertical such that the reach of an operator is augmented by the ability of the operator to begin in a crouched position to begin the cut closest to the second raised portion 108 on one side of the second work surface 20 and provide a constant cut whilst moving into a standing position to obtain a maximum reach to the other side of the second work surface 20. It will be appreciated that the second work surface 20 can be arranged at angles other than 30 degrees from vertical, in particular at any angle between 0 and 90 degrees from vertical.

In order to provide the ability to use the apparatus 10 in various angular positions at least one retention means 192, such as a support brace, is provided to secure the position of the worktop 12 relative to the support 16. The support brace 192, as shown in Fig. 18 is pivotally connected to the worktop 12. and in particular to the support frame 24 of the worktop 12. The support brace 192 further has a slot 194 along its length, shown clearly in Fig. 2, through which a locking means 196, such as a locking bolt arrangement, may be disposed. The locking bolt arrangement 196 comprises a threaded locking bolt 198 and a locking handle 200. The threaded locking bolt 198 is retained in the slot 194 by an enlarged head 202. The threaded locking bolt 198 is further retained through the support member 150 into a threaded aperture 204 of the locking handle 200.

A spacer 206 is disposed between the support member 150 and the support brace 192 to provide clearance between the support member 150 and the support brace 192. Rotation of the locking handle 200 extends or retracts the threaded locking bolt 198 into out from or into the threaded aperture 204 in the locking handle 200. To lock the worktop 12 in position, the locking handle 200 is rotated to retract the threaded locking bolt 198 into the threaded aperture 204.

The threaded locking bolt 198 retracts until the compressive force on the spacer 206 between the support member 150 and the support brace 192 is such that the worktop 12 is held by frictional force relative to the support 16. Thus the retention means 192 provides a selectively adjustable and releasably lockable mechanism for retaining the position of the worktop 12 relative to the support 16.

The apparatus may further comprise a parking bolt 208, which may be a spring loaded bolt resiliently fixed to the support member 150, and a strike plate 210 on the side 154 of the worktop 12, such that the parking bolt 208 can be retracted from the strike plate 210 to allow rotation of the worktop 12, or can be extended into the strike plate 210 to prevent any rotational movement of the worktop 12. The ability to lock the worktop in a vertical position by the use of a parking bolt 208 provides additional security during storage and transportation of the apparatus 10.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a first track means 120 is used to mount second track means 122, such as a saw track, via a rotary member 124 such that the saw track does not move during the operation of cutting a workpiece, facilitating accurate cutting of the workpiece, as will now be described.

Fig. 12 shows a first track means 120, such as a linear track, mounted along a side 126 of the worktop 12. The first track means 120 is mounted on a rail 128, which in turn is mounted to the worktop 12 via support brackets 130, which are most easily identified in Fig. 11. Alternatively, or additionally, the rail may be mounted to the worktop 12 via rotatable bearings (not shown). The rail 128 may be rotatable around the lengthwise axis of the rail 128. In particular the first track means 120 is mounted to be parallel or substantially parallel with the second raised portion 106, which is in turn parallel or substantially parallel with the side 126 of the worktop 12 and in particular the side of the second work surface 20.

The first track means 120 is suitable for mounting and retaining a rotary member 124, such as a turntable arrangement, as shown in Fig. 13. The rotary member 124 comprises a base plate 132 and a rotating plate 134. The base plate 132 is fixed rotationally relative to the first track means 120, but disposed to be able to move along the length of, or be positioned along the length of the first track means 120. Figure 19 shows a cross section of the first track means 120 with the rotary member 124 attached. The base plate 132 may be secured in position on the first track means 120 using first securing means 136 which may comprise a carriage plate 131 disposed between the base plate 132 and the first track means 120, as shown in figure 19. The first securing means 136 may further comprise one or more track bearings 121. The carriage plate 131 is mounted to the first track means 120 via the one or more track bearings 121 which are arranged to prevent or limit movement of the carriage plate relative to the first track means 120 in at least a first direction, whilst allowing free movement of the carriage plate 131 along the first track means 120 in at least a second direction. Alternatively the first securing means 136 may be on or comprise part of the rotary member 124. The rotary member 124 may be arranged to be able to move along the first track means 120 in a linear motion. A brake 123, which may be a bearing brake, may be arranged to prevent any motion of the rotary member 124 along the first track means 120 when in a first position and allow motion of the rotary member 124 along the first track means when in a second position. In Figure 19, the brake 123 is shown in the first (locked) position. The brake 123 may comprise a threaded member which is secured to and passes through the securing means 136 to bear on the first track means 120, thus preventing any relative movement between the securing means 136 and the first track means 120.

The rotating plate 134 is free to rotate relative to the base plate 132 around a pivot rod 133. The pivot rod 133 may be affixed to the carriage plate 131 or alternatively may be fixed to the base plate 132. The rotating plate 134 can be selectively clamped in an angular position relative to the base plate 132 by second securing means 138, such as clamping bolts, which may be on or comprise part of the rotary member 124. Further securing means (not shown) maybe additionally used to clamp the rotating plate 134 relative to the base plate 132, in order to provide additional resistance against rotation of the rotating plate 134, when in a clamped condition.

The second track means 122, which may be a track for a cutting device such as a saw, may be mounted on the rotating plate 134 using track securing means 144, such as bolts.

The rotary member 124 further comprises a first stop 140 and a second stop 142 to limit the rotation of the rotating plate 134 and connected second track means 122 relative to the base plate 132. The first stop 140 limits rotation such that the base plate 132 and the rotating plate 134 are aligned, when in a stopped condition, such that the longitudinal axis of the second track means 122 is at 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the first track means 120, as shown in Fig. 14.

The second stop 142 limits rotation such that the plates are aligned, when in a stopped condition, such that the longitudinal axis of the second track means 122 is at an angle of 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the first track means 120, as shown in fig. 15. The second securing means 138 can be used to clamp the base plate 132 and the rotating plate 134 at any angle between these two extremities. The second track means 122 may be mounted to be parallel with the second work surface 20, such that a cutting device may be disposed to move along the second track means 122 to cut a workpiece retained between the second track means 122 and the flat base member 100 of the second work surface 20. The second track means 122 mounting arrangement, comprising the first track means 120 and rotary member 124, provides the ability to secure the second track means 122 in position, thus preventing it from moving position relative to the second work surface 20.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Although the present invention has been described whereby the worktop 12 has two work surfaces 18, 20, it will be appreciated that the worktop 12 may comprise more than two work surfaces, and that these work surfaces may not be disposed to be opposite each other on the worktop 12. For instance, three work surfaces may be disposed on the worktop, each work surface being disposed at a 120 degree rotation of the worktop 12 from each of the other two work surfaces.

Although the present invention has been described whereby the support frame 24 is a rectangular formation of four sides 26, 28, 30, 32, it will be appredated that the support frame may be formed to be in the form of a square or any other shape.

Although the present invention has been described whereby cross members 34, such as struts or braces, are provided to join a first pair of opposite sides 26, 26 of the support frame 24, it will be appreciated that the support frame may be rigid enough without struts or braces, or it may additionally or alternatively have struts or braces joining the second pair of opposite sides 30, 32, or it may have additional struts or braces joining the struts or braces between the first pair of opposite sides 26, 28 or the second pair of opposite sides 30, 32, or the support frame 24 may alternatively or additionally have struts or braces adjoining adjacent sides.

Although the present invention has been described whereby the first work surface 18 and second work surface 20 are connected with an interposed support frame 24, it will be appreciated that the first work surface 18 and second work surface 20 may be in direct contact with each other without a support frame 24. In such circumstances the first work surface 18 and second work surface 20 may be sealably joined with a seal, which may for instance be vacuum grease, rubber seal or gasket, to form an arrangement enclosing the interconnected channels 46 through which air can flow, therefore providing an arrangement suitable for vacuum distribution. In an alternative example the first work surface 18 could have both apertures 50 through the thickness of the first work surface 18 and interconnected channels 46 on its lower surface joining the apertures 60, with a second work surface 20 being formed of a solid and air impermeable material, the two work surfaces being sealably joined with a seal, which may for instance be vacuum grease, rubber seal or gasket, to form an arrangement enclosing the interconnected channels 46 through which air can flow, therefore providing an arrangement suitable for vacuum distribution. In this latter arrangement the second work surface 20 may have the aperture as described previously for connection to suction means, or the aperture for connection to suction means may be disposed on the side of the first work surface 18, being in communication with the interconnected channels.

Although the present invention has been described whereby the first work surface is formed of an air-impermeable material, with apertures formed therein to provide air permeability, it will be appreciated that the air-permeable arrangement of the first work surface may be formed of an air permeable material. In such an arrangement the first work surface may be bounded on surfaces other than the upper surface, by an air impermeable material, and/or may have an air-impermeable upper section around the perimeter of the first work surface, to provide a surface to sealably connect a cover thereto.

Although the present invention has been described whereby the flange arrangement 76 on the diaphragm frame 64 comprises two flanges 78, 80 it will be appreciated that alternative flange arrangements could be used, such as flange arrangements with three or more flanges which can be arranged with or without interspersed vacuum holes. If for instance three flanges are used vacuum holes may be interspersed between the first and the second flanges, or between the second and the third flanges, or may be interspersed between both the first and second flanges and the second and third flanges. Each flange providing a contact surface between the respective flange and the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38. Alternatively a single flange could be used such that the apertures 50 on the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 are all enclosed within the space between the cover 60 and the first work surface 18.

Alternatively two or more flanges may be used with an interposed closed cell sponge or foam seal providing further sealing of the diaphragm frame to the upper surface 49 of the upper section 38 of the air-permeable arrangement 41.

Although the present invention has been described whereby the longitudinal axis of the second track means 122 may be positioned between 90 degrees and 45 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the first track means 120, it will be appreciated that by alteration of the position of the first stop 140 and the second stop 142, different limits to the angular position of the second track means 122 in relation to the first track means 120 may be achieved.

Although the present invention has been described whereby two support members 1501 152 are mounted to opposite sides 154, 156 of the worktop 12, those support members 150, 152 being connected to a movable support structure 162, other alternate support arrangements can be envisaged such as suspension arms which may mount the worktop to a support structure such as a ceiling, wall or other mounting structure, the alternative support arrangements may include track or guide arrangements for movement of the apparatus in relation to the support structure 162.

Although the present invention has been described whereby two support members 150, 152 are pivotally mounted to opposite sides 154, 156 of the worktop 12, alternative arrangements can be envisaged comprising a single support member mounted to one side of the worktop 12 via connection means 16, such as a pivot arrangement. Alternatively the apparatus may comprise more than two support members. In still further alternatives the two support members 150, 152 may be adjustably mounted to opposite sides 154, 156 of the worktop 12 using a connection means 16 which allows the worktop 12 to be positioned at one of at least two positions, preferably at least a first position with the first work surface 18 horizontally or substantially horizontally positioned and accessible by the user and a second position with the second work surface 20 horizontally or substantially horizontally positioned and accessible by the user.

IS Although the present invention has been described whereby the support brace 192 is pivotally connected to the worktop 12 and the worktop is further retained in position by operation of locking means 196 at the support 16, it will be appreciated that the pivotal connection may be disposed on the support 16 and the locking means 196 disposed at the worktop 12.

Although the present invention has been described whereby the support brace 192 is connected to one support member 150, and the parking bolt 208 is connected to one support member 150, it will be appreciated that separate support braces and/or parking bolts may be connected to more than one support member, such as the two support members 150, 152 as described in the embodiment above.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising, aworktop, a support for the worktop, and connection means for connecting the worktop to the support, wherein the worktop comprises a first work surface comprising a retention arrangement for retention of a workpiece, and a second work surface, and CE) wherein the connection means enables the worktop to be moved between .-15 a first position at which the first work surface is presented to an operator for working on and a second position at which the second work surface is presented C to an operator for working on. Co

0

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first work surface is provided on one side of the worktop and the second work surface is provided on another side of the worktop, to form, at least in part, two different sides of the

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first work surface and the second work surface are provided on opposite sides of the worktop.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a first connection means and a second connection means are connected to the worktop at opposite sides of the worktop.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the or at least one connection means provides resistance against movement of the worktop.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support comprises one or more support members connected to the worktop via the connection means.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the or at least one connection means comprises a pivot to pivotally connect the or at least one support member totheworktop.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the or at least one pivot is disposed on an axis central or substantially central to a side of the worktop which CE) is perpendicular to the plane of at least the first work surface. r 15

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support C further comprises a supporting structure. Co

0

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the supporting structure comprises means for repositioning the apparatus, such as wheels, castors, tracks, friction guides.

11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises retention means for retaining the worktop at a position relative to the support.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the retention means comprises a support brace pivotally connected to one of the worktop or support and adjustably and lockably connectable to the other of the support or the worktop.

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first work surface comprises an air-permeable arrangement.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the air-permeable arrangement is in communication with suction means.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the suction means is operatively connected to the first work surface such that air is drawn through the air-permeable arrangement to provide suction on the first work surface, which suction may be used to retain a workpiece on the first work surface.

16. An apparatus according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the suction means comprises a vacuum source. C')y-15

17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the worktop further comprises a support frame interposed between the first work surface and C the second work surface. Co0

18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises a cover.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the cover comprises an air-impermeable material, such as silicone.

20. An apparatus according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the cover is movable between an open condition and a closed condition.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the cover substantially covers the first work surface when the cover is in a closed condition.

22. An apparatus according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the cover is disposed, in use, to cover a workpiece which is located between the cover and the first work surface.

23. An apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein the cover helps retain a workpiece in location on the first work surface.

24. An apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 23, wherein the cover is retained within a frame.

25. An apparatus according to claim 24. wherein the frame further comprises sealing means.Cl)

26. An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the sealing means is located .-15 on the frame such that the sealing means is disposed between the frame and the first work surface when the cover is in the closed condition.çy)

27. An apparatus according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the sealing O means provides an air tight or substantially air tight seal between the sealing means and the lower surface of the frame.

28. An apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 27 when also dependent on claim 13, wherein the sealing means is located such that when the cover is in the closed condition the air-permeable arrangement is located within a sealed space between the cover and the first work surface.

29. An apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 28, wherein the sealing means is formed of one or more flanges, the or at least one flange being in contact with the first work surface when the cover is in the closed condition, such that the or at least one flange forms a seal around the perimeter of the first work surface.

30. An apparatus according to claim 29 when also dependent on claim 13, wherein the sealing means is located such that when the cover is in the closed condition at least a portion of the air-permeable arrangement is disposed between flanges of the sealing means.

31. An apparatus according to any of claims 24 to 30, wherein the frame further comprises first frame retention means for retaining the frame in an open condition.

32. An apparatus according to claim 31. wherein the frame further comprises second frame retention means for retaining the frame in a closed condition.Cl)

33. An apparatus according to any preceding claim when also dependent on .-15 claim 2, wherein the second work surface comprises a flat base member retained in position on said other side of the worktop.çy)

34. An apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the second work surface O further comprises a first raised portion disposed along an edge of the flat base member.

35. An apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the second work surface further comprises a removable second raised portion adjacent to the first raised portion and the flat base member.

36. An apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the second raised portion projects further from the flat base member than the first raised portion.

37. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein a further flat member is removably retained on the flat base member, to act as a sacrificial material onto which the workpiece to be cut is positioned, during cutting.

38. An apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the second raised portion projects further from the flat base member, than the further flat member, such that in use, the workpiece to be cut is retained, at least in one direction, by the second raised portion.

39. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the worktop further comprises first track means.

40. An apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the first track means is mounted to the worktop substantially parallel and preferably parallel to a side of the worktop.Cl)

41. An apparatus according to claim 39 or claim 40, wherein the apparatus .-15 further comprises a rotary member.0

42. An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the rotary member is retained on the first track means.

43. An apparatus according to claim 42, wherein first securing means is provided to secure the rotary member at a position along the first track means.

44. An apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the first securing means is on or comprises part of the rotary member.

45. An apparatus according to claim 43 or claim 44, wherein the rotary memberfurther comprises a base plate and a rotating plate.

46. An apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the base plate is fixed against rotational movement relative to the first track means.

47. An apparatus according to claim 45 or claim 46, wherein the rotating plate is rotatable relative to the base plate.

48. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 47, wherein the base plate is retained by the first track means.

49. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 48, wherein the rotating plate is retained by the first track means.

50. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 49, wherein a second securing means is provided to secure the rotating plate at a selected angle relative to the base plate.C')

51. An apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the second securing means y-15 is provided on or comprises pad of the rotary member.O

52. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 51, wherein the rotary member further comprises one or more stops to limit the relative rotation O between the rotating plate and the base plate.

53. An apparatus according to any of claims 45 to 52, wherein second track means is mounted on the rotating plate.

54. An apparatus according to claim 53 when also dependent on claim 33, wherein the second track means is mounted to be parallel with the second work surface, for retaining a cuffing device thereon, such that the cuffing device, in use, is disposed to move along the second track means to cut a workpiece retained between the second track means and the flat base member of the second work surface.

55. An apparatus according to claim 53 or claim 54, wherein a first stop may limit rotation of the rotating plate such that the second track means mounted on the rotating plate is limited to move between angles of 45 degrees and 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the first track means.

56. A worktop for mounting on a support, wherein the worktop comprises a first work surface comprising a retention arrangement for retention of a a second work surface, wherein the worktop may be moved between a first position at which the CE) first work surface is presented to an operator for working on and a second .-15 position at which the second work surface is presented to an operator for working on.çy)

57. A worktop according to claim 56 and further defined in any of claims 2 to o

58. An apparatus substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings.

59. A worktop substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings.

60. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.