GB2557337A

GB2557337A - Workbench

Info

Publication number: GB2557337A
Application number: GB1620818.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jason Barton David; Andrew Barton Robert
Original assignee: Workdonkey Ltd
Current assignee: Workdonkey Ltd
Priority date: 2016-12-07
Filing date: 2016-12-07
Publication date: 2018-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-07
Also published as: GB201620818D0; GB2557337B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a workbench for handling construction material. The workbench is comprising a first workbench 100 disclosed as the material-handling section, comprising at least two parallel vertical frame components 110, 120 which are spaced apart be a first support means 140 forming a torsion box. A second bench is disclosed to be a tool-handing section 200 comprising a sub-frame 210 and third vertical frame element 220. The workbenches are coupled such that the tool-handling section is supported on one side by the third vertical frame element and the material-handling section on the other. There may be one or more supports in-between the first and second frame components taking the form a bar brace 130 and/or a ladder brace 140. There may also be diagonal brace 150 such as to form a truss. The workbench may have a plurality of rail elements (180, fig 3)(211-214, fig 7) coupled to the bench by a combination of L-brackets (170, fig 2B), half-pipe spacers (160, fig 2A) and L-section clamps (215-1, 215-2, 216-1, 216-2, fig 5). The material handling section may also have a flat work top 190 comprising a plurality of holes 191.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Workbench Abstract Title: WORKBENCH (57) The present invention relates to a workbench for handling construction material. The workbench is comprising a first workbench 100 disclosed as the material-handling section, comprising at least two parallel vertical frame components 110, 120 which are spaced apart be a first support means 140 forming a torsion box. A second bench is disclosed to be a tool-handing section 200 comprising a sub-frame 210 and third vertical frame element 220. The workbenches are coupled such that the tool-handling section is supported on one side by the third vertical frame element and the material-handling section on the other. There may be one or more supports in-between the first and second frame components taking the form a bar brace 130 and/or a ladder brace 140. There may also be diagonal brace 150 such as to form a truss. The workbench may have a plurality of rail elements (180, fig 3) (211-214, fig 7) coupled to the bench by a combination of L-brackets (170, fig 2B), half-pipe spacers (160, fig 2A) and L-section clamps (215-1, 215-2, 216-1, 216-2, fig 5). The material handling section may also have a flat work top 190 comprising a plurality of holes 191.

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WORKBENCH

The present invention relates to a workbench. In particular, the present invention relates to a workbench for use at a construction site for handling construction material.

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

Conventional workbenches and saw horses used at construction sites for supporting construction materials, such as panels or lengths of wood, are generally insubstantial and often do not provide sufficient support for larger-sized pieces. Moreover, conventional workbenches and saw horses require a workman to improvise the handling of a tool. e.g. a chop saw, to be used on the construction material, which, as well as being inconvenient, can create potential safety hazards.

Industrial panel saws used, for example, by wood merchants and DIY stores for cutting panel materials to size for customers can provide adequate support of larger-sized panels or lengths of material, and a cutting tool can be securely attached to the structure of a panel saw. However, an industrial panel saw can be an expensive dedicated investment with very limited scope for handling alternative uses. Moreover, such an industrial panel saw is bulky, making it impractical for use at construction sites.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved workbench for handling construction materials at construction sites.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention provides a workbench for handling construction material. In preferred embodiments, the workbench comprises a material-handling section for receiving construction material and a tool-handling section. The material-handling section comprises a torsion box formed by a first frame component coupled to a second frame component, the first and second frame components being held spaced apart substantially vertically in parallel by first support means. The tool-handling section comprises a substantially rectangular sub-frame configured to secure a construction tool, the sub-frame being coupled to a third frame component on one side and the material-handling section on another side.

According to the preferred embodiments, the material-handling section of the workbench comprises a torsion box, which provides rigidity to the structure of the workbench to reduce twisting when handling heavy and/or large pieces of construction material, particularly when handling sheet material. It is therefore possible to improve precision and reduce the

-2risk of the material falling off the workbench when cutting or otherwise working on the material. In addition, according to the preferred embodiments, a tool-handling section is provided for securing a construction tool, such as a chop saw or a table saw. The toolhandling section is coupled to the material-handling section such that a tool that is secured by the sub-frame to the tool-handling section is secured to the main structure of the workbench, and thus enabling the tool to be used in a controlled manner. It is therefore possible to further improve precision and reduce the risk of the tool injuring a workmen due to the tool falling or sliding, etc.

The sub-frame of the tool-handling section may be coupled to the material-handling section on any side. However, in preferred embodiments, the sub-frame is coupled to the materialhandling section by being coupled to the second frame component on an opposing side of the third frame component. This arrangement provides a more stable overall structure.

The frame components may be configured or constructed in any suitable shapes and sizes. In preferred embodiments, each frame component comprises a first vertical bar attached to a second vertical bar substantially in parallel by at least one substantially horizontal bar therebetween. Preferably, the first vertical bar is attached to the second vertical bar in each frame component by more than one horizontal bars so as to increase the rigidity of the frame component.

The first support means used in the material-handling section may be any suitable form of support for holding together the first frame component and the second frame component vertically in parallel. In preferred embodiments, the first support means comprises one or more of a bar brace and/or a ladder brace. Thus, the first frame component is held at a distance from and parallel to the second frame component by engaging a brace or clamp at one end of a bar brace or ladder brace to attach the bar or ladder brace to one of the vertical bars of the first frame component, and engaging a brace or clamp at the other end of the bar brace or ladder brace to attach the bar or ladder brace to a corresponding vertical bar of the second frame component.

In preferred embodiments, a ladder brace comprises a bar brace attached substantially in parallel to another bar brace by at least one bar at substantially right angle therebetween. Thus, a ladder brace is configured or constructed in the shape of a ladder with braces or clamps at each end of the ladder.

The first and second frame components may be held together by any suitable number of bar or ladder braces in any suitable configuration. In preferred embodiments, the first and second frame components are held together substantially vertically in parallel by a first bar brace on one side and by a first ladder brace on an opposing side. By coupling the first and second frame components together using at least one ladder brace, the amount of

- 3twisting that may occur between the first and second frame components may be reduced and therefore it is possible to further improve the rigidity of the material-handling section.

In preferred embodiments, the first frame component and the second frame component are further held together by a second bar brace disposed diagonally across the space between the first and second frame components. By disposing a bar brace diagonally across the space between the first and second frame component, thus fixing one side of the first frame component with the opposing side of the second frame component, it is possible to further improve the resistance of the material-handling section to twisting.

In preferred embodiments, the material-handling section further comprises second support means coupled to the first and second frame components to increase the strength and rigidity of the material-handling section. There may be many forms and configurations suitable for use as the second support means. However, in preferred embodiments, the second support means comprises one or more rails or rail profiles, and wherein each of the one or more rails is coupled to the first frame component at one end and the second frame component at the other end.

In preferred embodiments, the second support means further comprises one or more Lshaped bracket, where each of the one or more rails is coupled to each of the first and second frame components by one such L-shaped bracket.

Optionally, one or more half-pipe spacers may be provided such that each L-shaped bracket may be coupled to each of the first and second frame components by disposing a half-pipe spacer between the L-shaped bracket and the first or second vertical bar of the first or second frame component.

In preferred embodiments, the tool-handling section further comprises third support means coupling the third frame component to the second frame component. By coupling the third frame component of the tool-handling section to the second frame component of the material-handling section, the rigidity of the workbench may be further improved.

The third support means may be in any suitable shapes, forms or configurations. However, in preferred embodiments, the third support means comprises one or more of a bar brace or a ladder brace.

The sub-frame of the tool-handling section is configured to receive and secure a construction tool. The sub-frame may take any suitable shapes or forms but in preferred embodiments, the sub-frame is rectangular. In the preferred embodiments, the sub-frame comprises a first rail and a second rail held between and substantially perpendicular to a third rail and a fourth rail, forming a rectangle. Each rail is configured to retain a part of the construction tool, thus securing it to the main workbench structure.

-4In the preferred embodiments, the third rail is coupled to the second frame component of the material-handling section by a first L-section rail, and the fourth rail is coupled to the third frame component by a second L-section rail. Each L-section rail has an L-shaped cross-section. Each L-section rail comprises at least two pipe clamps, which are disposed spaced apart along the length of the L-section rail, which are used for attaching the Lsection rail to a vertical bar of a frame component.

In the preferred embodiments of the sub-frame, the third rail is coupled to the first Lsection rail at a first end by a first hinge and the fourth rail is coupled to the second Lsection rail at a corresponding first end by a second hinge.

Moreover, in the preferred embodiments of the sub-frame, the third rail is coupled to the first L-section rail at a second end by a first lock means and the fourth rail is coupled to the second L-section rail at a corresponding second end by a second lock means. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second lock means comprises a sliding bolt such that it is quick and easy to operate. A sliding bolt may be provided to each of the third and fourth rails or each of the first and second L-section rail, as desired.

In the preferred embodiments, the sub-frame is arranged to be in a horizontal position by engaging the first and second lock means so as to secure the third and fourth rails to the first and second L-section rails at both the first and second ends, and the sub-frame is arranged to be in a vertical position by disengaging the first and second lock means such that the sub-frame rotates about the first and second hinge at the first ends of the third and fourth rails. According to the preferred embodiments, the first and second lock means cooperate with the first and second hinge to allow the sub-frame to be locked in a horizontal position or let down in a vertical position, such that a construction tool secured to the sub-frame may be arranged in a raised position or lowered position as desired.

In some embodiments, the workbench may comprise an extension section. The extension section may comprise a fourth frame component and one or more bar or ladder braces coupling the fourth frame component to the third frame component of the tool-handling section, thus extending the overall length of the workbench. By providing an extension section to the workbench, it is possible to provide support to larger-sized pieces of construction materials, such as long lengths of strip material, or to provide additional work surface for handling more than one pieces of material. Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the extension section may be coupled to a different part of the toolhandling section or to the material-handling section instead, as desired.

In some embodiments, the extension section may further comprise a horizontal support for supporting construction material. For example, lengths of wood, metal or any suitable material may be disposed spaced apart across two or more bar braces that couple the

- 5fourth frame component of the extension section to the tool-handling section. Alternatively, a panel, e.g. of wood or metal, may instead be disposed on top of the two or more bar braces to provide a continuous work surface.

In preferred embodiments, the material-handling section further comprises a work surface for receiving construction material. The work surface may be constructed in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the work surface is a wood panel disposed on top of the first and second frame components. The panel may be made of other suitable material such as metal, as desired.

In some embodiments, where the work surface of the material-handling section is a panel, the work surface may be provided with holes spaced apart along the length and across the width of the work surface, that can be used for securing construction material to the work surface. The holes may be evenly spaced along the length and across the width of the work surface, or they may be randomly placed or placed in any other desirable ways.

Wood pegs, clamps, etc. may be fixed to one or more of the holes in the work surface to in turn secure a piece of construction material to the work surface to prevent movement in any direction.

Optionally, in preferred embodiments, the material-handling section of the workbench may further comprise a shelf to provide additional working or storage space.

Optionally, preferred embodiments of the workbench may further comprise one or more height-adjustable feet to enable the workbench to be levelled on uneven ground.

In the preferred embodiments, the workbench is modular, such that the material-handling section, the tool-handling section and the extension section may be arranged in different configuration and orientation as desired. Moreover, the various components of each section are detachably coupled using braces and clamps, such that the workbench may be assembled for use and disassembled for transport and storage, as required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a material-handling section of an embodiment of the workbench;

Fig. 2A shows a half-pipe spacer used in the material-handling section of Fig. 1; Fig. 2B shows an L-shaped bracket used in the material-handling section of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a rail being coupled to a frame component of the material-handling section by the L-shaped bracket and half-pipe spacer of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 shows a tool-handling section of an embodiment of the workbench;

Fig. 5 shows the sub-frame of the tool-handling section of Fig. 4;

-6Fig. 6 shows a sliding bolt lock used in the sub-frame of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 shows the sub-frame of Fig. 5 in a vertical position;

Fig. 8 shows the tool-handling section of Fig. 4 with the sub-frame in the vertical position;

Fig. 9 shows an extension section of an embodiment of the workbench; and Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a workbench according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Preferred embodiments of a workbench for handling construction material comprises a material-handling section and a tool-handling section. The material-handling section is configured to receive construction material and comprises a torsion box. The torsion box is formed by coupling a first frame component to a second frame component, such that the first and second frame components are held spaced apart substantially vertically in parallel by suitable support. The tool-handling section comprises a substantially rectangular subframe configured to secure a construction tool. The sub-frame is coupled to a third frame component on one side and the material-handling section on another side.

According to the preferred embodiments, the material-handling section of the workbench comprises a torsion box, which provides rigidity to the structure of the workbench to reduce twisting when handling heavy and/or large pieces of construction material, particularly when handling sheet material. It is therefore possible to improve precision and reduce the risk of the material falling off the workbench when cutting or otherwise working on the material. In addition, according to the preferred embodiments, a tool-handling section is provided for securing a construction tool, such as a chop saw or a table saw. The toolhandling section is coupled to the material-handling section such that a tool that is secured by the sub-frame to the tool-handling section is secured to the main structure of the workbench, and thus enabling the tool to be used in a controlled manner. It is therefore possible to further improve precision and reduce the risk of the tool injuring a workmen due to falling or sliding, etc.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a material-handling section 100. In the embodiment, the material-handling section 100 comprises a first frame component 110 and a second frame component 120. The first frame component 110 and the second frame component 120 are held spaced apart vertically in parallel by a bar brace 130 and a ladder brace 140. For additional rigidity, a further bar brace 150 is disposed diagonally across the space between the first frame component 110 and the second frame component 120. The first frame

- 7component 110, the second frame component 120, the bar braces 130, 150 and the ladder brace 140 may be made of any suitable material such as metal, metal alloy, plastic or wood, etc., as desired. Although components of the material-handling section 100 are shown as cylindrical, some or all of the components may be made with different crosssection such as triangular, rectangular or any other shapes as desired.

In the embodiment, the first frame component 110 comprises a first vertical pole or bar 111 attached to a second vertical pole or bar 112 by two horizontal poles or bars 113, 114. The second frame component 120 comprises a first vertical pole or bar 121 attached to a second vertical pole or bar 122 by two horizontal poles or bars 123, 124. Although two horizontal poles or bars are shown, a frame component may comprise only one horizontal pole or bar or more than two horizontal poles or bars.

In the embodiment, the ladder brace 140 comprises a first bar brace 141 attached to a second bar brace 142 in parallel by a plurality of poles or bars 143 disposed between and perpendicular to the first and second bar braces 141, 142, forming a ladder. Although four poles or bars 143 are shown, a ladder brace may comprise only one pole or bar or more than four poles or bars 143.

Additional support may be provided to the material-handling section 100 to further improve the rigidity of the structure. For example, in an embodiment, one or more rail coupled at one end to the first frame component 110 and at the other end to the second frame component 120 may be provided to the material-handling section 100.

The one or more rail may be coupled to a frame component in any suitable way. In an embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B, a half-pipe spacer or clamp 160 is disposed between the vertical pole 121 of the second frame component 120 and an L-shaped bracket 170. Holes 171 in the L-shaped bracket 170 provide openings for fixing bolts in order to hold the bracket 170 in place. A hole 172 provided at the top of the L-shaped bracket is used for attaching to a threaded tube insert 125, which may be provided at the top of the vertical poles of a frame component. The half-pipe spacer 160 is provided for more accurate spacing in respect of the shape of the frame component 120. The half-pipe spacer 160 and the L-shaped bracket 170 may be made of any suitable material, but in preferred embodiments, they are made of PVC.

- 8Fig. 3 shows a rail 180 coupled to the vertical pole 121 of the second frame component 120 through the L-shape bracket 170 and half-pipe spacer 160. The rail 180 may be made of any suitable material, but in preferred embodiments, it is made of aluminium.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a tool-handling section 200. The tool-handling section 200 comprises a sub-frame 210 coupled to a frame component 220 on one side. The frame component 220 comprises two vertical poles 221, 222 attached by horizontal poles 223, 224. Another side of the sub-frame 210 is coupled to the material-handling section 100 (not shown). The sub-frame 210 may be coupled to any of the four sides of the materialhandling section 100 as desired, but in preferred embodiments, the sub-frame is coupled to the frame component 120 (not shown).

In the embodiment, the frame component 220 is coupled to, e.g. the frame component 120 of, the material-handling section 100 by a bar brace 230 and a ladder brace 240.

In the embodiment, the sub-frame 210 comprises a first and second rails 211, 212 held spaced apart in parallel between a third and fourth rails 213, 214, forming a rectangle. A construction tool (not shown) can be disposed within the rectangle formed by the subframe and each of the rails 211, 212, 213, 214 is configured to retain a part of the tool so as to secure the tool to the tool-handling section 200. The third rail 213 is coupled to an Lsection rail 215 by a hinge 217 at one end and detachably coupled to L-section rail 215 by a sliding bolt lock 218 at the other end. Similarly, the fourth rail 214 is coupled to an Lsection rail 216 by a hinge (not shown) at one end and detachably coupled to L-section rail 216 by a sliding bolt lock (not shown) at the other end. Fig. 6 shows a close-up view of the sliding bolt lock 218. Each of the L-section rails 215, 216 are provided with clamps 215-1, 215-2 and 216-1, 216-2 respectively. In the embodiment, the clamps 215-1 and 215-2 are used for attaching the L-section rail 215 to the frame component 120 of the materialhandling section 100, while the clamps 216-1 and 216-2 are used for attaching the Lsection rail 216 to the frame component 220 of the tool-handling section 200.

According to the embodiment, the sub-frame 210 can be put in a horizontal position by engaging the sliding bolt locks 218 and thus coupling the rails 213, 214 of the sub-frame with the L-section rails 215, 216, as shown in Fig. 4. The sub-frame 210 can also be put in a vertical position by disengaging the sliding bolt locks 218 from the L-section rails 215,

216 and allowing the sub-frame 210 to rotate above the hinges 217, as shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 8 shows the tool-handling section 200 with the sub-frame 210 in the vertical (lowered) position.

- 9In an embodiment of the workbench, an extension section may be provided. Such an extension section may be used for handling large pieces or long lengths of construction material that do not fit on the material-handling section, or as an additional work surface or storage space. Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of an extension section 300.

The extension section 300 comprises a frame component 310 coupled to bar braces 320, 330. The bar braces 320, 330 are used for coupling the extension section 300 to another section of the workbench. The extension section 300 may be coupled to the materialhandling section 100 for additional work space, but in preferred embodiments, the extension section 300 is coupled to the tool-handling section 200.

The extension section 300 further comprises horizontal supports 340-1, 340-2, 340-3 to provide a work surface for supporting construction material. Alternatively, a panel may be provided on top of bar braces 320, 330. The horizontal supports 340-1, 340-2, 340-3 may be made of any suitable material such as wood, metal or plastic. Additional supports 350, 360, 370 may be provided to improve the rigidity of the structure of the extension section 300.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of a workbench 1000 that comprises the material-handling section 100, the tool-handling section 200 and the extension section 300.

As shown in Fig. 10, the material-handling section 100 may be provided with a work surface 190 for receiving and supporting construction materials. The work surface 190 may be provided with holds 191 to be used with wood/plastic pegs, bolts or clamps to secure a piece of material to the work surface 190. A shelf 192 may be provided for additional work or storage space. The work surface 190 and the shelf 192 may be made of any suitable material such as wood, metal or plastic, as desired.

In the preferred embodiments, the torsion box of the material-handling section of the workbench provides rigidity to the structure of the workbench, which reduces twisting when heavy and/or large pieces of construction material are handled. In addition, the toolhandling section is provided for securing a construction tool, and the tool-handling section is coupled to the material-handling section such that a tool that is secured to the toolhandling section is secured to the main structure of the workbench, enabling the tool to be used in a controlled manner. It is therefore possible to improve precision, reduce the risk of the material falling off the workbench when cutting or otherwise working on the material, and reduce the risk of the tool injuring a workmen due to the tool falling or sliding, etc.

- 10In the preferred embodiments, the material-handling section, the tool-handling section and, in some embodiments, the extension section may be arranged in different configuration and orientation, as desired, due to the modular nature of the workbench. Moreover, the various components of each section are detachably coupled, e.g. using braces and clamps, such that the workbench may be assembled for use and disassembled for transport and storage, as required.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A workbench for handling construction material comprising:

a material-handling section for receiving construction material, the material-handling section comprising a torsion box formed by a first frame component coupled to a second frame component, the first and second frame components being held spaced apart substantially vertically in parallel by first support means; and a tool-handling section comprising a substantially rectangular sub-frame configured to secure a construction tool, the sub-frame being coupled to a third frame component on one side and the material-handling section on another side.

2. The workbench according to claim 1, wherein the sub-frame is coupled to the material-handling section by being coupled to the second frame component on an opposing side of the third frame component.

3. The workbench according to any preceding claim, wherein each frame component comprises a first vertical bar attached to a second vertical bar substantially in parallel by at least one substantially horizontal bar therebetween.

4. The workbench according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first support means comprises one or more of a bar brace and/or a ladder brace.

5. The workbench according to claim 4, wherein each ladder brace comprises a bar brace attached substantially in parallel to another bar brace by at least one bar at substantially right angle therebetween.

6. The workbench according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first and second frame components are held together substantially vertically in parallel by a first bar brace on one side and by a first ladder brace on an opposing side.

7. The workbench according to claim 6 wherein the first frame component and the second frame component are further held together by a second bar brace disposed diagonally across the space between the first and second frame components.

8. The workbench according to any preceding claim, wherein the material-handling section further comprises second support means coupled to the first and second frame components.

- 129. The workbench according to claim 8, wherein the second support means comprises one or more rails, and wherein each of the one or more rails is coupled to the first frame component at one end and the second frame component at the other end.

10. The workbench according to claim 9, wherein the second support means further comprises one or more L-shaped bracket, and wherein each of the one or more rails is coupled to each of the first and second frame components by an L-shaped bracket.

11. The workbench according to claim 10, wherein each L-shaped bracket is coupled to each of the first and second frame components by disposing a half-pipe spacer between the L-shaped bracket and the first or second vertical bar of the first or second frame component.

12. The workbench according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool-handling section further comprises third support means coupling the third frame component to the second frame component.

13. The workbench according to claim 12 wherein the third support means comprises one or more of a bar brace or a ladder brace.

14. The workbench according to any preceding claim, wherein the sub-frame comprises a first rail and a second rail held between and substantially perpendicular to a third rail and a fourth rail, wherein each rail is configured to retain a part of the construction tool.

15. The workbench according to claim 14, wherein the third and fourth rails are coupled to the second and third frame components respectively by a first and second L-section rails having an L-shaped cross-section, and wherein each L-section rail comprises at least two pipe clamps spaced apart along the length thereof for attaching the L-section rail to a vertical bar of a frame component.

16. The workbench according to claim 15, wherein the third rail is coupled to the first Lsection rail at a first end by a first hinge and the fourth rail is coupled to the second Lsection rail at a corresponding first end by a second hinge.

17. The workbench according to claim 16, wherein the third rail is coupled to the first Lsection rail at a second end by a first lock means and the fourth rail is coupled to the second L-section rail at a corresponding second end by a second lock means.

18. The workbench according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the first and second lock means comprises a sliding bolt.

- 1319. The workbench according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the sub-frame is arranged to be in a horizontal position by engaging the first and second lock means so as to secure the third and fourth rails to the first and second L-section rails at both the first and second ends, and wherein the sub-frame is arranged to be in a vertical position by disengaging the first and second lock means such that the sub-frame rotates about the first and second hinge at the first ends of the third and fourth rails.

20. The workbench according to any preceding claim, further comprising an extension section comprising a fourth frame component and one or more bar braces coupling the fourth frame component to the third frame component.

21. The workbench according to claim 20, wherein the extension section further comprises a horizontal support for supporting construction material.

22. The workbench according to any preceding claim, wherein the material-handling section further comprises a work surface for receiving construction material.

23. The workbench according to claim 22, wherein the work surface is provided with holes spaced apart along the length and across the width of the work surface for securing construction material to the work surface.

24. The workbench according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more height-adjustable feet.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1620818.3

24. The workbench according to any preceding claim, wherein the material-handling section further comprises a shelf.

25. The workbench according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more height-adjustable feet.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows :Claims

5 1. A workbench for handling construction material comprising:

a material-handling section for receiving construction material, the material-handling section comprising a torsion box formed by a first frame component coupled to a second frame component, the first and second frame components being held spaced apart substantially vertically in parallel by first support means; and

10 a tool-handling section comprising a substantially rectangular sub-frame configured to secure a construction tool, the sub-frame being coupled to a third frame component on one side and the material-handling section on another side, wherein the sub-frame comprises a first rail and a second rail held between and substantially perpendicular to a third rail and a fourth rail, wherein each rail is configured to retain a part of the construction

15 tool.

25 4. The workbench according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first support means comprises one or more of a bar brace and/or a ladder brace.

5. The workbench according to claim 4, wherein each ladder brace comprises a bar brace attached substantially in parallel to another bar brace by at least one bar at

30 substantially right angle therebetween.

40 8. The workbench according to any preceding claim, wherein the material-handling section further comprises second support means coupled to the first and second frame components.

9. The workbench according to claim 8, wherein the second support means comprises one or more rails, and wherein each of the one or more rails is coupled to the first frame component at one end and the second frame component at the other end.

10

15

13. The workbench according to claim 12 wherein the third support means comprises

20 one or more of a bar brace or a ladder brace.

14. The workbench according to any preceding claim, wherein the third and fourth rails are coupled to the second and third frame components respectively by a first and second L-section rails having an L-shaped cross-section, and wherein each L-section rail

25 comprises at least two pipe clamps spaced apart along the length thereof for attaching the L-section rail to a vertical bar of a frame component.

15. The workbench according to claim 14, wherein the third rail is coupled to the first Lsection rail at a first end by a first hinge and the fourth rail is coupled to the second L30 section rail at a corresponding first end by a second hinge.

16. The workbench according to claim 15, wherein the third rail is coupled to the first Lsection rail at a second end by a first lock means and the fourth rail is coupled to the second L-section rail at a corresponding second end by a second lock means.

17. The workbench according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the first and second lock means comprises a sliding bolt.

18. The workbench according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the sub-frame is arranged to 40 be in a horizontal position by engaging the first and second lock means so as to secure the third and fourth rails to the first and second L-section rails at both the first and second ends, and wherein the sub-frame is arranged to be in a vertical position by disengaging the

07 11 17 first and second lock means such that the sub-frame rotates about the first and second hinge at the first ends of the third and fourth rails.

19. The workbench according to any preceding claim, further comprising an extension 5 section comprising a fourth frame component and one or more bar braces coupling the fourth frame component to the third frame component.

20. The workbench according to claim 19, wherein the extension section further comprises a horizontal support for supporting construction material.

21. The workbench according to any preceding claim, wherein the material-handling section further comprises a work surface for receiving construction material.

22. The workbench according to claim 21, wherein the work surface is provided with 15 holes spaced apart along the length and across the width of the work surface for securing construction material to the work surface.

23. The workbench according to any preceding claim, wherein the material-handling section further comprises a shelf.