GB2580786A

GB2580786A - Work bench

Info

Publication number: GB2580786A
Application number: GB1918660.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Brown Michael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-01-17
Filing date: 2019-12-17
Publication date: 2020-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-17
Also published as: GB201914302D0; GB2580741B; GB2580741A; GB201900678D0; GB201918660D0; GB2580786B

Abstract

A free standing workbench 121 comprising a worksurface (fig 1 112), a canopy (fig 1 130) and an extendible and retractable portion that serves to increase the effective work area of the workbench beyond the perimeter of the work surface. The extendible portion may comprise a portion of the canopy, which may extend linearly from a retracted position that spans less than the area of the worksurface (fig 3) to an extended position that spans an area greater than the work surface (fig 4). There may also be an extendible side wall portion (fig 5 210) which may be detachable from the canopy. The extendible portion of the workbench may comprise a guard 228 that serves to at least partially enclose the operator when in use.

Description

Work Bench

INTRODUCTION

The present invention concerns work benches, such as free-standing cutting stations, as used on work sites.

Work benches are used for supporting tools and workpieces at a height above the floor/ground that is convenient for a user to perform associated tasks when standing. Such benches are used in a variety of situations, ranging from domestic home workshops to factory or construction/worksite settings.

Operations that may be performed on work benches include cutting, drilling, sanding, welding and hammering of work pieces. A problem of using conventional work benches is that work operations create airborne pollutants and other debris.

Environmental pollutants can include physical contaminates such as fumes, dust, shavings, swarf and other material fragments, in addition to non-physical pollutants such as noise. It is common for workers in certain environments in which work benches are present to be required to wear protective eye, ear and nose/mouth wear in order to avoid exposure to the pollutants, even if the worker is not actually working at a work bench.

The applicant's prior UK Patent Application 1601295.7, published as GB2546551, discloses developments to work benches with hoods to help partially enclose the work surface of the bench and thereby manage the dispersion of pollutants into the surrounding environment, amongst other potential advantages. Conventional, e.g. free-standing, dust extraction systems may be provided for those work benches.

Such hooded work benches, or cutting stations, provide specific examples of portable work benches. One particular problem faced by portable work benches is the level of noise that can be generated by cutting or sawing operations performed at the work bench. Alongside the level of noise being a health and safety concern of itself, the noise and generation of sparks/debris can be a distraction to other workers on the site.

Furthermore, when working at the cutting station on a busy work site, there is a potential for the worker to be knocked by other people or objects moving around the site, or else for the worker to be distracted during a cutting/machining operation.

It is an aim of the invention to provide a work bench which better accommodates health and safety considerations on a busy work site.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided: a free-standing work bench comprising: a work surface supported by a support structure above ground level, wherein a portion of the support structure extends above the work surface so as to define a canopy partially enclosing the work surface and having a back wall and/or side wall supporting a roof member, the roof member being vertically spaced from the work surface and spanning an area over the work surface, wherein a portion of the workbench is selectively extendable and retractable to vary an effective work area defined by the workbench beyond the perimeter of the work surface.

The present invention extends the effective work area of the workbench. For example, this provides an operator with an increased work space to accommodate tools or workpieces. Additionally or alternatively, this prevents unauthorised persons from gaining access to the area, providing an increased safe working space.

Preferably, the canopy, e.g. the fixed and/or moveable portion thereof, comprises at one least side wall, e.g. along a lateral edge of the canopy. Opposing side walls may be provided, e.g. along opposing lateral edges of the canopy. The, or each, side wall may overlie an edge of the work surface.

Preferably, the extendible portion of the canopy is extendable and retractable in a plane substantially parallel with the work surface.

Preferably, the extendible portion of the canopy is extendable from a retracted position in which the canopy spans an area that is less than or equal to an area of the work surface, to an extended position in which the canopy spans an area that is greater than the area of the work surface.

Preferably, the canopy comprises a fixed portion and the extendable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion.

Preferably, the extendible portion of the canopy comprises a roof member of the canopy.

Preferably, in a retracted position the movable roof member overlies a fixed roof portion of the canopy and in an extended position the movable canopy portion extends past a forward edge of the fixed roof portion.

Preferably, the roof member completely overlies the fixed roof portion in the retracted position.

Preferably, a length/width dimension of the extendable portion is greater than or equal to a length/width dimension of the work surface.

Preferably, the extendable and/or fixed canopy portion is rigid/solid e.g. formed of a rigid sheet material.

Preferably, the extendable canopy portion is linearly moveable (e.g. slidable) from the retracted position to the extended position. Preferably, the extendable canopy portion is mounted on one or more runner provided on the fixed canopy portion e.g. to the fixed canopy portion. An end stop or abutment may prevent extension of the moveable canopy portion beyond the extended condition.

Preferably, the extendable canopy portion comprises at least one side flange and/or front flange. A side wall and/or runner may be mounted to the side flange. Preferably, the side flange overlies an opposing/adjacent side flange of the fixed canopy portion.

Preferably, the canopy comprises a sound-damping/insulating material e.g. as a lining. A back wall and/or side wall of the support structure may comprise a sounddamping/insulation material, e.g. as a lining.

Preferably, the extendable canopy portion comprises a second side wall. The second side wall may comprise a curtain. Preferably, the second side wall overlies an edge of the work surface. Preferably, the second side wall extends substantially the full height of the work station and/or canopy e.g. to the ground or other support surface.

Preferably, where the second side wall is flexible. The second side wall may comprises a fire/flame resistant material. Preferably, the second side wall is detachable from the roof member e.g. via a plurality of hooks engaging respective apertures.

Preferably, the first side wall is extendable e.g. is pivotable/foldable with respect to the fixed portion of the canopy.

Preferably, the back wall comprises an aperture or concavity to allow a portion of a tool support by/mounted to the work surface to pass through.

Preferably, extendible portion of the canopy comprises a compartment mounted adjacent the aperture in the back wall and protruding away from work surface. Preferably, the compartment comprises a curved or arched shape.

Preferably, the compartment comprises a securing mechanism to secure the compartment within/adjacent the aperture.

Preferably, the compartment comprises a noise reducing layer or lining.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a work bench/station comprising a work surface supported by a support structure above ground level, wherein the support structure extends above the work surface and further supports a canopy vertically spaced from the work surface and spanning an area over the work surface, wherein the canopy is extendable and/or retractable.

The work bench/station may be free-standing and/or moveable. The work bench/station may comprise wheels, such as castors.

The canopy may be selectively extendable and retractable to vary the area spanned by the canopy, e.g. by varying a depth dimension of the canopy. The canopy may be extendable and retractable in a plane substantially parallel with the work surface, e.g. a substantially horizontal plane.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a work bench/station comprising a work surface supported by a support structure above ground level, wherein the support structure extends above the work surface and further supports a canopy vertically spaced from the work surface and spanning an area over the work surface, wherein the canopy supports one or more extendable and/or retractable side wall.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a work bench comprising a work surface supported by a support structure above ground level, a canopy extending upwardly from the worksurface comprising a back wall, where the back wall comprises an aperture or concavity to allow a portion of a tool to pass therethrough.

The aperture may be above the height of the worksurface, e.g. immediately above or adjacent the work surface.

Preferably, a compartment is mounted over the aperture in the back wall and protrudes backward therefrom.

Preferably, the compartment comprises a curved or arched shape in plan, e.g. having the form of a circular segment prism shape.

Preferably, the compartment is removably attached to the back wall.

Preferably, the compartment is movably attached to the back wall. Preferably, the compartment is configured to move within a footprint of a canopy.

Preferably, the compartment is hingedly attached to the back wall.

Preferably, the compartment comprises a securing mechanism to secure the compartment within/adjacent the aperture. Preferably, the securing mechanism comprises a pin or like configured to extend through the compartment and/or back wall (e.g. through apertures therein) to provide a connection therebetween.

Preferably, the aperture/compartment occupies a portion of the back wall. Preferably, the aperture/compartment occupies between 5% and 50% of the area of the back wall, preferably between 5% and 30%, more preferably between 10% 20 and 30%.

Preferably, the height of the aperture/compartment is less than the height of the back wall.

Preferably, the compartment comprises a noise reducing layer or lining.

Any essential or optional features defined herein in relation to any one aspect of the invention may be provided with any other aspect of the invention where practicable.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a free-standing work bench comprising: a work surface supported by a support structure above ground level, wherein a portion of the support structure extends above the work surface so as to define a canopy partially enclosing the work surface and having a back wall and/or side wall supporting a roof member, the roof member being vertically spaced from the work surface and spanning an area over the work surface; and guard movable between an extended state away from the workbench and a retracted state toward the workbench.

Preferably, the guard is extendable in a linear direction.

Preferably, the guard comprises an end portion operatively connected to the workbench via an extensible mechanism. Preferably, the end portion engages the ground. Preferably, the end portion is elongate.

Preferably, the extensible mechanism comprises a collapsible mechanism. Preferably, the extensible mechanism comprises a scissor mechanism.

Preferably, the end portion is extensible such that a ground engaging portion thereof may be retracted away from the ground in use. Preferably, the ground engaging portion comprises a wheel. Preferably, the ground engaging portion may be locked into position using a locking mechanism. Preferably, the ground engaging portion is attached to first portion of the end portion telescopically received within a second portion of the end portion.

Preferably, the end portion comprises a handle.

Preferably, in the retracted position, the end portion is selectively attached to 25 workbench via a securing mechanism.

Preferably, guard is mounted to a lateral side of the workbench. Preferably, the guard is mounted to a lateral side of the workbench adjacent the back wall of the workbench. Preferably, the guard extends in a lateral direction e.g. parallel to the back wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a work bench to which the present invention may be applied but omitting the features of the invention; Figure 2 shows a front view of a work bench to which the present invention may be applied but omitting the features of the invention; Figures 3-5 show isometric views of a workbench canopy in different configurations according to an example of the present invention.

Figures 6 and 7 show isometric views of back wall of a workbench according to a further example of the present invention.

Figures 8 and 9 show respective left hand and right hand panels used to form the back and side walls of a work bench according to an example of the invention.

Figure 10 shows the work bench with a guard.

Turning firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a work bench 101 of a type to which the present invention may be applied. The work bench is configured as a self-contained work station, often being one of a number of such stations located in a factory or work site in use. However such a work bench may be deployed in a variety of environments, including a domestic workshop environment or similar.

The work bench 101 comprises of a top member 104, a supporting framework 105 which supports the top member 104 in an elevated position relative to ground surface 106, and a canopy indicated generally at 107. In the embodiment, top member 104 comprises of a substantially planar sheet having first and second side edges 108, 109, a front edge 110, and a back edge 111, and has an upper surface 112 which defines a generally rectangular working surface. The top member is supported by framework 105 at a convenient height from ground level for an operative to work on work surface 112. The work surface may be a metal surface.

The distance between the front edge 110 and rear edge 111 defines a depth dimension of the work surface.

Work surface 112 thus presents a surface on which an operative may conveniently support a workpiece and the required tools whilst performing a cutting/machining process on the workpiece. It is envisaged, that work bench 101 may be used in conjunction with power operated tools, for example, an electric circular saw, which may be installed on the work surface 112 either on a permanent or temporary basis.

In the specific embodiment, framework 105 includes a base 113, a back wall 114, and side walls 115, 116, defining respectively three sides of an enclosure beneath the top member 104. The enclosure defined by framework 105 may be used for housing a dust extraction system as will be described herein. The enclosure may additionally be used for storage of tools, equipment and accessories used by an operative with the work bench. The enclosure is further provided with a pair of closable doors 117, 118, each said door being hingedly connected at an edge to a respective side wall 115, 116. Doors 117, 118 each include a handle 119 on their front surface and incorporate a locking mechanism to enable the doors to be secured in the closed configuration illustrated, in which access to the interior of the enclosure is prevented. A number of suitable locking mechanisms will be well known to the skilled person.

In a simpler embodiment, supporting framework 105 comprises of a plurality of tubular legs each located at a corner of the workbench in the manner of a conventional table. A shelf could be mounted between the legs, e.g. akin to the base 113 shown in Fig. 1.

At the base end, framework 105 is supported by four wheels 120, e.g. castor wheels, positioned at or towards each corner of the framework, which enable the work bench to be rolled across a ground surface. In the specific embodiment, one pair of the wheels are rotatable about their axis and lockable so as to prevent undesired movement, whilst the remaining pair of castors are fixed, non-steering, wheels. Alternatively all four wheels could be steering wheels and/or could be selectively lockable.

Work bench 101 is further provided with a canopy indicated generally at 107, which is releasably attached to the supporting framework 105, and extends upwardly of the work surface 112 and partially about the perimeter of the work surface. Canopy 107 comprises of a back wall 121 extending upwardly from adjacent the back edge 111 of the top member 104, from a base end releasably connected to the supporting framework 105, to a top end, and which extends substantially along the full length of the back edge 111 of the top member 104 between said first and second side edges 108, 109. Canopy 107 further comprises first and second side walls 122, 123 which are joined at their rear edge to the back wall 121, and extend forwardly from the back wall towards the front edge 110 of the top member 112.

In the specific embodiment, said first and second side walls project forwardly from said back wall 121 along planes that are respectively aligned with said first and second side edges 108, 109, each said side wall 122, 123, having a lower edge 124, 125, and terminating in a forward edge 126, 127 closest to the front edge 110 of the top member 104. In the embodiment, said side walls 122, 123 define generally rectangular panels and are arranged such that the lower edge 124, 125, of each wall extends substantially parallel to the upper surface 112 of the top member 104. Said first and second side walls 122, 123, are arranged to extend forwardly, generally orthogonally from said back wall towards a plane aligned vertically with the front edge 110 of the top member 104, leaving a distance between the lower edge of each said side wall 122, 123, and the upper surface 112 of the top member 104. In this way, a gap is defined below each said side wall which extends from directly below the forward edge of each side wall, rearwardly partly along the length of each side wall towards the back wall 121. In this case, the forward edge 126, 127 follows a plane that is substantially parallel to the front edge 110 of the top member 104, and meets with the lower edge 124, 125 the vertex 128, 129, defined between the lower edge 124, 125 and the forward edge 126, 127, of each said side wall 122, 123, and so a gap is defined between the lower edge of each side wall and the upper surface of the top member at the vertex 128, 129, the gap then extending rearwardly along substantially the full length of each side wall, towards the back wall 121.

Thus, canopy 107 acts to partly enclose the worksurface 112, with the front of the canopy left open to allow an operative access to the worksurface, and a gap defined between the lower edge of each said side wall and the worksurface 112, extending from the forward surface of each side wall, rearwardly towards the back wall 121. In effect, the gap acts as a cutout in the side walls, in which a lower portion of the forward edge 126, 127 of each side wall is removed, and a cut out extends therefrom rearwardly towards the back wall 121. This cut out allows easy loading of a workpiece on to the work surface 112.

Although, in the specific embodiment illustrated, each side wall 122, 123 extends along a plane aligned vertically with each said side edge 108, 109 of the top member 104, in alternative embodiments, the side walls may extend forwardly 'inboard' of the side edges of the top member, such that only a central portion of the top member is enclosed by the side walls, with the side edges of the top member extending outwardly of each side wall.

In other examples, the side walls 122, 123 could extend around the front edges 126 127 and partially along the frontal area of the work bench 101, e.g. to further enclose the volume above the work surface 112 In the specific embodiment illustrated, canopy 107 further comprises a roof member 130 located at the top end of the back wall 121 and side walls 122, 123, and arranged to extend across the working surface 112. The roof member 107 thus presents a ceiling to the area enclosed by the canopy, preventing the escape of pollutants upwardly from the workbench.

In the embodiment, canopy 107 is constructed in two sections. Said back wall 121 and said first and second side walls 122, 123 are formed of a single section of sheet metal material, pressed to define a generally U-shaped section, and said roof member is formed of a second section of pressed metal, the various sections being connected by suitable attachment means, for example, bolts. The canopy itself when so constructed is then releasably attachable to the top member 104 or the supporting framework 105, again using any convenient means, for example, bolts. This construction of the releasably attachable canopy facilitates easy transport and storage of the work bench.

The work bench 101, e.g. including the walls 121, 122, 123, and roof member 130, may be constructed from a sheet metal, such as steel, material. The walls of the supporting frame work 105 are constructed from the same sheet material, and the top member 104 from thicker sheet steel. In alternative embodiments, the sections of the work bench may be constructed from different material, e.g. plastics or even wood fibre based materials.

Cutting, drilling or other machining operations performed on the work surface 112 will result in the production of pollutants such as noise and dust. In order to prevent escape of pollutants, the canopy is further equipped with strip curtains 132, 134, which cover respectively the gaps, and the open front of the canopy 107. Said strip curtains 132 each comprise of a plurality of elongate strips of a flexible material, for example, flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), which are connected adjacent a respective lower edge 124, 125, of each side wall, and are arranged to extend downwardly under the force of gravity towards the upper surface 112 of the top member 104.

The plurality of elongate strips may extend along substantially the full length of the lower edge 124, 125, of each said first and second side walls, so as to effectively close the gap defined between the lower edge and the upper surface 112 of the top member 104. In the embodiment, roof member 130 is also provided with a strip curtain 134 substantially similar in construction to strip curtains 132, connected adjacent the forward edge of the roof member and extending along substantially the full length of the forward edge. Strip curtain 134 is illustrated extending only a short distance downwardly from the underside of the roof member 130 so as to avoid obscuring the interior of the canopy from view, although any, or all, of the plurality of elongate strips of curtain 134 can extend down the full height of the front opening to the upper surface 112 of the top member 104. In the embodiment, the curtains are constructed of a transparent, anti-static PVC material, having a high fire resistance rating.

The flexible elongate strips are easily displaced when loading a work piece on to the work surface 112, and so do not impede loading of a workpiece, and then conform readily about the profile of the work piece.

The work bench 101 may include additional accessories, such as a vice member, in the form of drop vice 136, configured for releasable engagement with a work piece positioned on the working surface 112, and/or one or more supporting arms 138 which extend outwardly of the work bench parallel to the long axis of the top member 104. Supporting arms 138 may be provided at either or both sides of the work bench are configured for supporting a work piece located on the work surface 112, at positions either side of the top member, to prevent the workpiece from tilting downwardly at either end. The support arms 138 comprise an upright, ground engaging member with a support member, e.g. a roller, bar, groove or similar, at its upper end to support a workpiece thereon. The supporting arms 138 may be slidably movable between the retracted configuration shown in Figure 1 and the extended configuration in which the arm is laterally spaced from the side of the work bench 101.

In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the support arm 138 comprises a plate 138a or like at a lower end thereof configured to engage the ground. In other embodiments, as shown in figure 10, the support arm 138 comprises a wheel 138b (e.g. a castor).

The workbench of Figure 1 has an opening 140 for dust extraction located high up the rear wall 121. In a conventional setup, a separate, offboard dust extraction system can be connected to the opening 140. However a bespoke and/or onboard dust extraction system may be applied to a work bench 101 of the type disclosed in the applicant's co-pending UK Patent Application No. 1808376.6 (filed 22 May 2018), details of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

As shown in figure 2, the workbench may comprise a turntable 198 within its work surface of the type disclosed in the applicant's co-pending UK Patent Application No. 1809972.1 (filed 18 June 2018), details of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The turntable 198 comprises a plate/portion rotatable with respect to the work surface 112. A tool may be mounted onto the turntable, to allow rotation of the tool relative to the workbench/worksurface 112. The turntable may be omitted in other examples.

As shown in figures 3-5, the workbench of the present invention comprises a movable canopy portion 200.

The movable canopy 200 is movable between a retracted position (see figure 3) where the movable canopy overlies a portion of the fixed canopy 107 and an extended position (see figure 4) where the movable canopy 200 extends past the forward edge of the fixed canopy 107.

In an embodiment, the moveable canopy 200 overlies the roof member 130 in the retracted position and extends past the forward edge of the roof member, such that the movable moveable canopy 200 overlies at least a portion of the user the of the workbench, i.e. a person stood adjacent a front edge 110 of the work surface. The movable canopy 200 may be substantially the same size and/or shape as the roof 130, such that the movable canopy 200 overlies the complete area of the roof 130 of the canopy. In other examples the depth of the movable canopy 200 portion may be less than the depth of the roof member 130.

The movable canopy 200 comprises side flanges 202 on the side thereof and may further comprise a front flange 204 on a front edge thereof. The side and/or front flanges are configured to overlap the upper end of the respective side walls 122, 123 and front edge of the roof 130. The side flanges and/or front flange increase the structural rigidity/strength of the movable canopy 200. The flanges may also provide a site for mounting of slider/runner or wall components as described hereinbelow.

In the extended position, the movable canopy 200 provides a roof of the user of the workbench. The movable canopy 200 may extend by a distance corresponding to the full length of the movable canopy 200 (i.e. such that the movable canopy has little, minimal or no overlap with the canopy).

A close fit is provided between the movable canopy 200 and side walls 122, 123 and the roof 130 in order to the reduce the leakage of dust and gases therebetween.

The movable canopy 200 is configured to linearly move from the retracted position to the extended position.

In an embodiment, the movable canopy 200 is attached to the canopy using a plurality of runners 206. A first portion 208 of the runner 206 is attached on an upper end of the side walls 122, 123 of the canopy, a second portion (not shown) is attached to the inner surface of the side flanges 202 of the movable canopy and an intermediate portion (not shown) is operatively located between the first 208 and second portion. The intermediate portion is movably attached to the first portion 208, and the second portion is movably attached to the intermediate portion, such that the first and second portion are movable with respect to one another, therefore providing movement between the canopy and movable canopy 200. Such a configuration allows a greater extension of the moveable canopy 200 over the fixed canopy without excessive stress or movement of the joint therebetween.

The moveable canopy and/or runners comprise a stop portion to limit movement of the moveable canopy in the retracted or extended position (e.g. to stop the moveable canopy extending past the back wall 121 and/or to stop the rear edge of the moveable canopy extending past the front edge of the fixed canopy).

In other embodiments, the movable canopy 200 is configured to pivot or rotate with respect to the canopy. For example, the movable canopy 200 may be hingedly attached to the front edge of the roof member 130, to provide a 'folding' configuration. In some embodiments, one or more side wall 123 and/or the back wall 121 or portions thereof may be movable.

As shown in figure 5, the movable canopy further comprises at least one side wall 210. The side wall 210 extends downwardly from the movable canopy 200, preferably from the side flange 202 and/or forward flange 204 of the movable canopy 200. The side wall 210 extends substantially the full height between the movable canopy 200 and the floor, however, a gap may left between the lower edge of the side wall 210 and the floor, such that the side wall does not drag or interfere with the floor. For the sake of clarity, a single side wall is shown in figure 5, however, it can be appreciated a side walls may be provided for each respective side and/or the front of the moveable canopy The side wall 210 extends substantially the full depth of the movable canopy 200 (i.e. between the forward edge of the canopy and the forward edge of the movable canopy 200) and may overlap the side walls 122, 123 of the canopy to form a loose seal or contact therebetween. The side wall 210 may be located laterally outwards from the side walls 122, 123 of the canopy, such the side walls 210 of the movable canopy overlie the side walls 122, 123 of the canopy when the moveable canopy is in the retracted position.

The side wall 210 may be removably attached to the movable canopy 200. In an embodiment, the side flange 204 comprises a plurality of hooks 212 (see figure 4) extending between the front edge and the rear edge thereof. The side wall 210 comprises a plurality of corresponding apertures 214 (see figure 5) proximal an upper end thereof, such that the hook can be inserted into the aperture to retain the side wall 210 to the movable canopy 200. However, it can be appreciated alternative attachment means may be provided, for example, hook and loop, zips or snap fasteners etc. The side wall 210 may be flexible. The flexible side wall 210 may comprise a single flexible sheet and/or may be formed from a plurality of elongate strips. The side wall 210 may comprise a flexible material.

In other embodiments, the side wall 210 could be substantially rigid and/or comprises rigid portions.

The side wall 210 may comprise a flame retardant and/or flame-resistant material in order to reduce the risk of a fire from sparks emitted form the tool.

The movable canopy 200 and/or side wall 210 arrangement effectively defines an enclosed working area for the workbench and further reducers the release of harmful gases or dust in the surrounding atmosphere due to enclosing the ambient area immediately adjacent the front/open edge of the work bench.

The movable canopy 200 and/or side wall 210 arrangement provides further reduction of the noise emanating from the open frontal area of the work bench in use. Hanging/flexible walls are particularly good a deadening noise and do not readily become excited to a resonant/noise-emitting state.

The arrangement acts a shield extending forward from the canopy. Therefore, when a user is using a tool on the workbench, line of sight between the tool and the external environment is prevented/reduced. This prevents sparks and/or fast-moving debris from exiting the forward and/or upward sides of the workbench, without first contacting the movable canopy, which significantly reduces the heat/kinetic energy of the sparks or debris.

The extended canopy 200 and/or side wall 210 can also prevent distraction of the user in a busy environment or distraction of other workers on the worksite by operations being performed at the work bench.

The extended canopy 200 and/or side wall 210 also help to define a safe operating area/zone around the front edge of the work bench. Thus, when the work bench is in use and the canopy and/or side walls are extended, it is clear to other individuals not to encroach on the zone that is cordoned off around the work bench.

In other examples of the invention, rather than a rigid, continuous extendable canopy roof, a simple framework structure could be provided as a roof/hood for the moveable canopy. The framework structure could be foldable/collapsible, rather than slidable. A textile sheet could be provided over the framework to provide a roof/cover or could be omitted in other examples.

In further examples, the roof of the moveable canopy could be omitted or replaced with a simple cross member spanning the side walls/flanges. Thus, the enclosure could be defined substantially by the side walls and have an open or partial roof.

In further examples, the side walls 123 could fold/pivot out to the extended position from the front/back of the work bench/canopy. For example, the side walls could lie flat against the front edge of the work station when closed/retracted and pivot about a lateral edge of the work station to open up the front edge of the work bench for use.

As shown in figures 6 and 7, the workbench comprises a compartment extending from the back wall 121 of the canopy. Certain features of the workbench have been omitted in figures 7 and 8 for the sake of clarity, however, it can be appreciated that the compartment may be provided in a workbench comprising any of the features as hereinbefore described.

When a tool (for example, a mitre saw) is mounted to the rotating turntable 198 provided on the work surface of the workbench, a portion of the tool (e.g. a blade or guard), protrudes over the edge of the turntable. In prior art workbenches, upon rotation of the tool on the workbench, such a protruding component would contact the back wall 121 of the canopy and prevent further rotation of the tool. This limits the angle in which the tool can be used and therefore may prevent the user being able to cut at an angle they desire.

In other examples, the turntable is omitted but the tool itself may permit rotation, e.g. a mitre saw, which can cause the same problem. However if the overall depth of the workbench is increased it will no longer be able to fit through a conventional doorway, which presents a significant problem for moving the workbench around a site. The description below concerns a different extending/retracting portion of the canopy 107 for this purpose.

An aperture 216 is provided in the back wall 121 of the canopy to permit a portion of the tool to pass through during rotation without contacting the back wall 121.

A hollow compartment 218 is mounted adjacent the aperture 216 in the back wall 121 and protrudes backward therefrom. The compartment 218 is configured to allow a protruding component of the tool to pass through the back wall 121 and into the compartment 218. The compartment 218, encloses/surrounds the aperture to provide a loose seal therebetween.

The compartment 218 allows rotational freedom of the tool mounted to the workbench, without the tool interfering with the back wall 121 of the canopy and whilst maintaining an enclosed environment to prevent the release of dust or gas into the external environment.

The compartment 218 is rotationally symmetric about a lateral axis (e.g. the cross-section of the compartment is uniform as the tool sweeps therethrough) and curved in profile, e.g. substantially prismatic in shape, such that a portion of the tool can rotate through the compartment 218 about the axis without contacting the walls of the compartment, whilst minimising how much the compartment 218 protrudes from the rear wall. In an embodiment, the compartment 218 the comprises a circular-segment prism.

The compartment may have a radius of curvature between 400mm and 600mm, preferably between 450mm and 550mm. The compartment 218 is open on the flat face of the prism and the flat face is aligned with the aperture in the back wall 121 of the canopy.

The aperture 216/compartment 218 occupies a portion of the back wall 121 (i.e. a 5 fraction thereof. The aperture 216/compartment 218 may occupy between 5% and 50% of the area of the back wall 121, preferably between 5% and 30%, more preferably between 10% and 30%.

The height of the aperture 216/compartment 218 is configured to allow various tool sizes to pass through the compartment 218 without contacting the backwall 121/side wall of the compartment. The height of the aperture 216/compartment 218 is less than the height of the back wall 121. The aperture 216/compartment 218 may be 15-45% the height of the back wall, preferably 20-40% thereof, or more preferably, 30% thereof.

The aperture 216/compartment 218 has a greater dimension in the lateral direction than in the vertical direction (i.e. is wider than tall). The aperture 216/compartment 218 may extend between 50% and 90% of the lateral width of the back wall 121, preferably, between 60% and 80% thereof.

The aperture 216/compartment 218 is located at a height on the back wall 121 corresponding to the height of the protrusion on the tool. In an embodiment, the aperture 216/compartment 218 is located at a lower portion of the back wall 121 of the canopy. The aperture 216/compartment 218 (e.g. a lower edge thereof) is raised upwards from the worksurface 112. The aperture 216/compartment 218 may be raised from the work surface 112 by between 10mm and 60mm, preferably, between 20mm and 40mm The aperture 216/compartment 218 is laterally aligned with the tool and/or turntable, such that the centre of rotation of the rotation of the tool/turntable is aligned with the centre of the aperture 216/maximum depth of the compartment 218. In an embodiment, the aperture 216/compartment 218 is located at the lateral centre of the workbench (i.e. the midpoint between the side walls 122, 123 of the canopy).

As shown in figure 7, the compartment 218 is movably attached to the back wall 121. One side of the compartment 218 is pivotally connected to the back wall 121 (e.g. via a hinge) to allow the compartment to swing forward over the worksurface 112 and/or backward through the aperture 216.

In other embodiments, the compartment 218 is removably attached to the canopy.

The compartment 218 may be displaceable from the front and/or rear side of the back wall 121 to allow removal thereof.

Movement/removal of the compartment 218 decreases the effective depth of the workbench. This allows the workbench to obtain a more compact configuration, for example, to allow transportation through a narrow doorway.

The compartment 218 comprises a securing mechanism 220 to secure the compartment within the aperture 216 (i.e. to prevent movement/removal thereof).

The securing mechanism 220 comprises a pin 222 or the like which extends through the compartment 218 (e.g. an upper or lower wall thereof) and the backwall 121 adjacent the aperture to form a connection therebetween. The pin 222 can then be disengaged from the backwall 121 and/or the compartment 218 to allow removal of the compartment 218. The pin comprises a handle 224 (e.g. a ring or the like) to allow the user to grip the pin.

Where the compartment 218 is removably attached, a plurality of securing mechanisms 220 may be provided on each side of the compartment 218 (e.g. each lateral side and/or top and bottom side) A plurality of different compartments 218 may be provided, different compartments may be shaped to accommodate correspondingly-sized tools. The compartment may be replaceable with a flat panel section for the back wall if needed.

The compartment 218 comprises at least one handle (not shown) in order to aid the user in removing the compartment from the back wall 121. The handle may be located one or both of the lateral sides of the compartment. The handle extends inwards into the compartment 218 and/or parallel to the back wall 121, such that the handle does not into the work area.

In other embodiments, the compartment 218 is integrally formed with the back wall 121 of the canopy.

The compartment 218 and/or interior of the canopy as a whole may comprise a noise reducing layer. The noise reducing layer may comprise a noise reducing lining provided on the inner surface of the compartment.

In Figures 8 and 9, there is shown an example construction of the back wall 121 and side walls 122, 123. A portion of the back wall 121 and one side wall may be formed out of a single sheet, which is folded to provide the corner between the back wall and side wall. In the example of Figs. 8 and 9 half of the back wall 121A and side wall 122 are formed from a single sheet cutout and the other half of the back wall 121 B and the side wall 123 is formed form a further sheet cutout. The back wall portions 121A and 121 B are joined at opposing edges to form the complete back wall. In this manner a portion 216A of the aperture 216 is provided in on sheet and the other portion 216B of the aperture 216 is provided in the other sheet cutout.

The fold lines 226 are used to form the three-dimensional profile of the canopy back and side walls.

As shown in figure 10, in some embodiments, the workbench 101 comprises a guard 228. The guard is configured to prevent unauthorised users entering the area around the workbench 101. The guard 228 is movable between an extended position in which the guard 228 is extended away from the workbench 101, as shown in figure 10, and a retracted position in which the guard 228 is in a compact configuration toward the workbench 101. The guard 228 can therefore selectively increase/decrease the effective safe work area surrounding the workbench.

The guard 228 comprises an end portion 230 configured to engage the ground and support the guard 228 in use. The end portion 230 is connected to the workbench via an extensible mechanism, such as a scissor mechanism 232. The scissor mechanism 232 allows movement of the end portion 230 away from the workbench 101 whilst providing a barrier itself.

The end portion 230 comprises a handle 234 to allow the operator to grasp the end portion 230. A wheel 236 (e.g. a castor) is provided on a lower end of the end of the end portion 230, thus increasing the ease of movement thereof.

The guard 228 is provided on the side 116 of the workbench, for example, at a portion of the side wall 116 adjacent the back wall 114. The guards 228 therefore extend laterally outward (i.e. in a direction parallel to the back wall 121. Although only a single guard 228 is shown in figure 10, it can be appreciated that in most embodiments, a guard 228 will be provided either side of the workbench 101.

In some embodiments, one or more guard 228 may be provided on a front side of the workbench, such that they at least partially enclose the operator in use In the retracted position, the end portion 230 is proximal or adjacent the workbench in use. The end portion 230 may be selectively attached to the workbench via a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism thus maintains the end portion 230 in place and prevents unintentional extension of the guard 228.

The end portion 230 is extendable such that the wheel 236 may be raised above the ground when in the retracted position. The end portion 230 comprises a first portion 238 and a second portion 240, the second portion 240 telescopically received within the first portion 238 (i.e. slidably received therein). A locking mechanism 242 secures the second portion 240 in position. The locking mechanism 242 may comprises a clamping member or the like, for example, a screw clamp configured to engage the second portion 240.

Claims

Claims: 1. A free-standing work bench comprising: a work surface supported by a support structure above ground level, wherein a portion of the support structure extends above the work surface so as to define a canopy partially enclosing the work surface and having a back wall and/or side wall supporting a roof member, the roof member being vertically spaced from the work surface and spanning an area over the work surface, and wherein a portion of the workbench is selectively extendable and retractable to vary an effective work area defined by the workbench beyond the perimeter of the work surface.
2. A work bench according to any of claim 1, where the extendible portion of the workbench comprises a portion of the canopy.
3. A work bench according to claim 2, where the extendible portion of the canopy is extendable from a retracted position in which the canopy spans an area that is less than or equal to an area of the work surface, to an extended position in 20 which the canopy spans an area that is greater than the area of the work surface.
4. A work bench according to any of claims 2 or 3, where the canopy comprises a fixed portion and the extendable portion is movable relative to the fixed portion.
5. A work bench according to any of claims 2-4, where the extendible portion of the canopy comprises a roof member of the canopy.
6. A work bench according to claim 5, where in a retracted position the movable roof member overlies a fixed roof portion of the canopy and in an extended position the movable canopy portion extends past a forward edge of the fixed roof portion.
7. A work bench according to any of claims 2-6, where a length/width dimension of the extendable portion is greater than or equal to a length/width dimension of the work surface.
8. A work bench according to any of claims 2-7, where the extendable canopy portion is linearly moveable from the retracted position to the extended position.
9. A work bench according to any of claims 2-8, where the extendable canopy portion comprises a side flange and/or front flange.
10. A work bench according to any of claims 2-9, where the canopy comprises a sound-damping/insulating material.
11. A work bench according to any of claims 2-10, where the extendable canopy portion comprises an extendable side wall portion of the canopy.
12. A work bench according to any of claims 2-11, where the extendable side wall portion overlies an edge of the work surface when in a retracted condition.
13. A work bench according to any of claims 11 or 12, where the extendable side wall portion extends substantially the full height of the work station and/or canopy.
14. A work bench according to any of claims 11-13, where the extendable side wall portion is flexible.
15. A work bench according to any of claims 11-14, where the extendable side wall portion is detachable from the roof member.
16. A work bench according to any of claims 11 to 15, where the side wall of the canopy comprises a fixed side wall portion and the extendable side wall portion in a retracted condition overlies the fixed side wall portion.
17. A work bench according to any preceding claim, where the back wall comprises an aperture or concavity to allow a portion of a tool support atop the work surface to pass therethrough.
18. A work bench according to claim 17, where extendible portion of the 10 workbench comprises a compartment mounted about the aperture in the back wall of the canopy and protruding away from work surface.
19. A work bench according to claim 18, where the compartment comprises a curved or arched shape.
20. A work bench according to any of claims 18 or 19, where the compartment comprises a securing mechanism to secure the compartment within/over the aperture.
21. A work bench according to any of claims 17-20, where the compartment is hingedly mounted on the back wall.
22. A work bench according to any preceding claim, where the extendible portion of the workbench comprises guard movable between an extended state 25 away from the workbench and a retracted state toward the workbench.
23. A work bench according to claim 22, where the guard comprises a ground engaging end portion operatively connected to the workbench via an extensible mechanism.
24. A work bench according to any of claims 22 or 23, where the end portion is extensible such that a ground engaging portion thereof may be retracted away from the ground in use.
25. A work bench according to any of claims 22-24, where guard is mounted to a lateral side of the workbench.