US20150128781A1 - Multifunction work table - Google Patents
Multifunction work table Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150128781A1 US20150128781A1 US14/603,518 US201514603518A US2015128781A1 US 20150128781 A1 US20150128781 A1 US 20150128781A1 US 201514603518 A US201514603518 A US 201514603518A US 2015128781 A1 US2015128781 A1 US 2015128781A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tool
- guide
- tool guide
- members
- coupled
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D—PLANING; SLOTTING; SHEARING; BROACHING; SAWING; FILING; SCRAPING; LIKE OPERATIONS FOR WORKING METAL BY REMOVING MATERIAL, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23D47/00—Sawing machines or sawing devices working with circular saw blades, characterised only by constructional features of particular parts
- B23D47/02—Sawing machines or sawing devices working with circular saw blades, characterised only by constructional features of particular parts of frames; of guiding arrangements for work-table or saw-carrier
- B23D47/025—Sawing machines or sawing devices working with circular saw blades, characterised only by constructional features of particular parts of frames; of guiding arrangements for work-table or saw-carrier of tables
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
- B25H1/00—Work benches; Portable stands or supports for positioning portable tools or work to be operated on thereby
- B25H1/10—Work benches; Portable stands or supports for positioning portable tools or work to be operated on thereby with provision for adjusting holders for tool or work
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
- B25H1/00—Work benches; Portable stands or supports for positioning portable tools or work to be operated on thereby
- B25H1/02—Work benches; Portable stands or supports for positioning portable tools or work to be operated on thereby of table type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
- B25H1/00—Work benches; Portable stands or supports for positioning portable tools or work to be operated on thereby
- B25H1/14—Work benches; Portable stands or supports for positioning portable tools or work to be operated on thereby with provision for adjusting the bench top
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B27—WORKING OR PRESERVING WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES IN GENERAL
- B27B—SAWS FOR WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; COMPONENTS OR ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- B27B5/00—Sawing machines working with circular or cylindrical saw blades; Components or equipment therefor
- B27B5/16—Saw benches
- B27B5/22—Saw benches with non-feedable circular saw blade
- B27B5/26—Saw benches with non-feedable circular saw blade the table being adjustable according to depth or angle of cut
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T83/00—Cutting
- Y10T83/869—Means to drive or to guide tool
- Y10T83/8763—Convertible from tool path to another or from implement to machine
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to a multifunction work table. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a multifunction work table with support members that are removably attachable to a frame of the table and lockably positionable with respect to the frame along a length of the table to support a work piece.
- Work tables are often used to support a work piece when performing various operations (e.g., cutting, routing, sanding, etc.) on the work piece.
- such work tables consist of impromptu supports consisting of little more than a planar sheet of material (e.g., plywood sheets, fiber board sheets, particle board sheets, solid wood sheets, drywall sheets, etc.) supported by saw horses or other such structures.
- These impromptu work tables may provide improved access to the work piece (e.g., versus performing an operation on the work piece when in place or on the ground) and may provide improved ergonomics for a user performing the operation.
- operations may be performed on a work piece that is supported by the work table more easily with more consistent results.
- such work tables may not provide the ability to securely hold the work piece.
- operations performed on the work piece when supported by such work tables may lack precision or accuracy, especially when performing multiple operations on a work piece. In turn, the quality of the finished product may be diminished.
- miter saws may be used to cut relatively narrow work pieces in a more reliable manner as the work piece may be supported by a table, and the movement of the saw may be controlled to produce relatively precise and accurate cuts.
- miter saws are limited in regard to the width of the work piece.
- a miter saw or the like may not be practical to use in order to cut sheet material.
- a first aspect described herein includes a work table.
- the work table includes a frame including a tool guide retention member that extends along at least a portion the frame.
- the table also includes a plurality of support members that are removably attachable to longitudinally extending, opposing side members of the frame.
- the support members extend between the opposing side members.
- Each of the plurality of support members is lockably positionable along substantially an entire length of the opposing side members.
- the plurality of supports are adapted to support a work piece in a working plane when attached to the opposing side members along a length thereof.
- the work table may also include a tool guide that is engageable with the tool guide retention member so as to secure the tool guide to the frame.
- the work table may have a selectively positionable work piece indexing member attached to the frame.
- the work piece indexing member may have an extended position and a retracted position. When in the extended position, the work piece indexing member may extend through the working plane. In contrast, when in the retracted position the work piece indexing member may not extend through the working plane.
- the tool guide retention member may include a channel engaged by the tool guide to dispose a tool with respect to the frame.
- the tool guide may include first and second guide members that are each moveably engageable with the frame.
- the first guide member and second guide member may engage a tool track so that it is in turn disposed therebetween.
- the first and second guide members may include posts (e.g., extending through the working plane) that have a narrowed end that is engageable with the tool track to maintain the tool track in a relative position with respect to the work table.
- the tool guide may include a cantilevered tool track extending from a base member that is engaged with the channel to retain the tool guide against the frame.
- the cantilevered tool track may be disposable in a work position such that the cantilevered tool track extends in a plane substantially parallel to the working plane (e.g., the cantilevered tool track may lay flush against the surface of the work piece).
- the tool guide may include a pivot member to which the cantilevered tool track is attached. The cantilevered tool track may be moveable by the pivot member from the work position to an auxiliary position such that the cantilevered tool track extends away from the work plane.
- At least one support member of the plurality of support members may define a groove extending along at least a portion of the support member.
- a clamp may be provided that may include an attachment member engageable with the groove and a clamping member operatively connected to the attachment member. The clamping member may be contactable with the work piece to urge the work piece against the at least one support member.
- the tool guide may include a post member about which the tool is rotatable in a fixed regard with respect to the work piece.
- the plurality of support members may include a wooden work piece contact surface such that the support member has a surface adjacent to the working plane that has similar physical properties (e.g., hardness) as the work piece.
- a second aspect includes a collapsible work table.
- the collapsible work table includes a rectangular frame that has a slideable side that is slidingly engaged with a first and a second end member. The sliding side is positionable in a collapsed position and an extended position along the length of the opposing end members. The first and second end members are pivotal with respect to a second stationary side positioned opposite from the slideable side when the slideable side is in the collapsed position.
- the collapsible table also includes a plurality of support members that are attachable to the frame to extend between the slideable side and the stationary side of the frame when the slideable side is in the extended position. The plurality of support members are adapted to support a work piece in a working plane.
- the slideable side when in the collapsed position, the slideable side may be positioned adjacent to the stationary side. In contrast, when in the extended position, the slideable side may be positioned in a spaced apart fashion from the stationary side member.
- the slideable side may include hinges at opposing ends of the slideable side. The hinges may be slidingly engageable with channels provided on a respective one of the first and second end members.
- the collapsible table may also include a plurality of base members attached to the stationary side.
- the base members may be moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. Accordingly, when in the stowed position, the plurality of base members may be arranged substantially parallel and adjacent to the stationary side. In contrast, when in the deployed position, the plurality of base members may be substantially perpendicular to and extend away from the stationary side member.
- the collapsible table may include a plurality of projections extending from the slideable side. The projections may be received by respective ones of the plurality of base members when the plurality of base members are in the deployed position. The projections may locate the plurality of base members with respect to the slideable side.
- the base members may include a “V” shaped portion.
- This “V” shaped portion may be adapted to coordinate with a correspondingly shaped recess in a stand upon which the collapsible table may be positioned when then base members are in the deployed position.
- a third aspect of the present invention includes an attachment member, which includes a channel attachment member having a channel engagement member thereon.
- the channel engagement member is slideably disposable in a channel.
- the attachment member also includes a tool attachment member, which has a tool clamping portion to secure a tool base with respect to the tool attachment member.
- the channel attachment member and the tool attachment member are adjustably positionable to vary a position of the tool attachment member with respect to the channel engagement member.
- the channel engagement member may be deflectable with respect to the tool attachment member to secure the attachment member along a length of a channel in which the channel engagement member is disposed.
- the channel attachment member and the tool attachment member are adjustably positionable in a vertical dimension with respect to a work piece.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a work table.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one end of a support member.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the other end of the support member shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIGS. 4A-4D are cross sectional views of various embodiments of a support member.
- FIG. 5A is a side view of one embodiment of a clamp engaged with a support member to clampingly engage a work piece to the support member.
- FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view taken along section line A-A in FIG. 5A .
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a work table.
- FIG. 7 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIGS. 9-11 are top views showing a progression of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 from an extended position to a collapsed position.
- FIG. 12 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 , wherein a work piece is indexed with respect to the table and attachment members of an embodiment of a tool guide are attached to opposite ends of the table.
- FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of the portion of the tool guide shown in FIG. 12 taken along section line B-B.
- FIG. 14 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 with the tool guide in place.
- FIG. 15 is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is a top view of another embodiment of a tool guide attached to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIGS. 17A and 17B are end views of the embodiment of the tool guide shown in FIG. 16 in a work position and an auxiliary position, respectively.
- FIG. 18 is a top view of yet another embodiment of a tool guide as used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 19 is a top view of still another embodiment of a tool guide as used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 20 is a top view of a drop-in tool used in conjunction with the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 21 is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a tool attachment member.
- FIG. 22A is an end view of an embodiment of a longitudinal indexing member in a retracted position.
- FIG. 22B is an end view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 22A in an extended position.
- FIG. 23 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a table in a folded position.
- Some embodiments include a work table.
- the work table comprises a frame comprising longitudinally extending opposing side members and a tool guide retention member.
- the tool guide retention member extends along at least a portion of the frame.
- the work table comprises multiple support members configured to be removably and lockably coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members such that the multiple support members extend between the longitudinally extending opposing side members, and the work table comprises a first tool guide.
- the multiple support members can be configured to support a work piece in a working plane when the multiple support members are coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members.
- the first tool guide can be configured to be coupled with the tool guide retention member, and the first tool guide can be configured to receive a tool.
- the first tool guide When the first tool guide is coupled with the tool guide retention member, when the tool is received at the first tool guide, and when the multiple support members are supporting the work piece in the working plane, the first tool guide can limit movement of the tool with respect to the frame and can permit the tool to be operable on the work piece while the tool is received at the first tool guide.
- the work table comprises a frame comprising longitudinally extending opposing side members and a tool guide retention member.
- the tool guide retention member extends along at least a portion of the frame.
- the work table comprises opposing end members configured to couple together the longitudinally extending opposing side members, multiple support members configured to be removably and lockably coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members such that the multiple support members extend between the longitudinally extending opposing side members, a tool guide, and an indexing member attached to the frame.
- the multiple support members can be configured to support a work piece in a working plane when the multiple support members are coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members.
- the tool guide can be configured to be coupled with the tool guide retention member, and the tool guide can be configured to receive a tool.
- the tool guide retention member can comprise a channel defined in the frame.
- the tool guide when the tool guide is coupled with the tool guide retention member, when the tool is received at the tool guide, and when the multiple support members are supporting the work piece in the working plane, the tool guide can limit movement of the tool with respect to the frame and can permit the tool to be operable on the work piece while the tool is received at the tool guide.
- at least one support member of the multiple support members can comprise a groove extending along at least a portion of the at least one support member.
- the indexing member can be positionable in an extended position and a retracted position. When positioned in the extended position, the indexing member can extend through the working plane, and when positioned in the retracted position, the indexing member does not extend through the working plane.
- the work table comprises a frame comprising a slideable side member, a stationary side member, a first end member, and a second end member.
- the work table also comprises multiple support members.
- the slideable side member can be coupled to the first end member and the second end member, and the stationary side member can be coupled to the first end member and the second end member. Meanwhile, the slideable side member can be configured to be positioned at different times in a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration while the slideable side member and the stationary side member remain coupled to the first end member and the second end member.
- the slideable side member can be configured to be (a) positioned opposite from the stationary side member and between the first end member and the second end member when the slideable side member is in the extended configuration and (b) proximate to the stationary side member, between the stationary side member and the first end member, and between the stationary side member and the second end member when the slideable side member is in the collapsed configuration.
- the multiple support members are configured to be coupled to the frame when the slideable side member is configured in the extended configuration, to extend between the slideable side member and the stationary side member when coupled to the frame, and to be able to support a work piece in a working plane when coupled to the frame.
- the following disclosure begins by generally describing an embodiment of a work table that includes one or more support members that may be removably attachable to a frame of the work table.
- a support member having a locking mechanism to lockably attach a support member to a frame is also described.
- an embodiment of a collapsible work table is described that may similarly be engaged by one or more support members.
- a number of different embodiments of a tool guide are shown and described that may be used with a tool to perform various operations with respect to a work piece positioned on the work table. Any of the tool guides described herein may be used in any combination and with any embodiment of a table described herein or with other equivalent table embodiments.
- FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a work table 100 .
- the table 100 includes a frame 110 that defines a perimeter of the table 100 .
- the table 100 may have a generally rectangular shape, although other shapes (e.g. a triangular shape, a pentagonal shape, etc.) could also be provided. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the table 100 may be square.
- the frame 100 may, in one embodiment, be constructed from extruded aluminum so as to define channels, grooves or other features in the frame 110 . These channel or grooves may be provided on any or all faces of the members of the frame 110 , even though not shown as such in FIG. 1 . These grooves, channels, or other features may extend along an entire length of the respective sides and/or ends of the frame 110 .
- these grooves, channels, and the like may extend partially along the same.
- Other materials may be used to construct the frame such as, without limitation, wood, steel, a polymer, or some other suitable material.
- the table 100 may be supported by any appropriate means. For instance, the table 100 may be disposed on top of saw horses (not shown) to elevate and support the table 100 .
- the frame 110 may include opposing longitudinally extending sides 130 . Also, laterally extending end members 170 may extend between the longitudinally extending sides 130 at opposing ends of the frame 110 . One or both of the longitudinally extending sides 130 and/or one or both of the longitudinally extending end members 170 may include a tool guide retention member 145 .
- the tool guide retention member 145 may be defined as a channel extending along at least a portion of the frame 110 .
- the tool guide retention member 145 may engage one or more tool guides in a manner as discussed in greater detail below.
- the table 100 may also include a plurality of support members 120 extending between the opposing longitudinally extending sides 130 .
- the support members 120 may be removably attached to the frame 110 .
- the support members 120 may also be lockably positionable along the length of the longitudinally extending sides 130 .
- the support members 120 may have tabs at each end of the support member 120 that each engage a support member attachment channel 140 provided in a respective one of the longitudinally extending sides 130 of the frame 110 .
- the location of the support members 120 may be infinitely adjustable along the length of the sides 130 where the channel 140 is provided.
- a user may arbitrarily position the support members 120 where desired and is not limited to discrete positions for the support members 120 .
- the support members 120 may have a locking mechanism used to secure the support members 120 to the frame 110 , an embodiment of which will be discussed in greater detail below.
- Top surfaces 122 of the support members 120 may coordinate to support a work piece above the table 100 .
- the top surfaces 122 of the support members 120 may all lie in or adjacent to a common working plane 150 , in which the work piece (not shown in FIG. 1 ) is disposed when supported by the table 100 . That is, the working plane 150 may define a plane extending along an interface of a work piece and the support members 120 .
- the support members 120 may include a portion adjacent to the working plane 150 that may be constructed of a material having similar physical properties as the work piece. That is, the portion may have similar characteristics (e.g., hardness) as the work piece. Thus, in the event the portion of the support member 120 adjacent to the work plane 150 is contacted by a tool, damage to the tool may be avoided.
- the portion of the support members 120 may be replaced or resurfaced with minimal effort and cost.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 depict one embodiment of a locking mechanism that may be used to secure a support member 120 to a frame 110 .
- the support member 120 may include a locking mechanism that may coordinate with a support member attachment channel 140 to lockably position a support member 120 to the frame 110 .
- a first end of the support member 120 may be positioned such that a tab 124 is disposable within a channel 140 in a longitudinally extending side member 130 .
- the tab 124 may include a contour 125 that corresponds to the channel 140 so as to fit with a lip 142 of the channel 140 .
- this first end of the support member 120 may include a locking mechanism as shown and described in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 3 An opposite end of the support member 120 is shown in FIG. 3 .
- a tab 124 on this end of the support member 120 may be disposed in a support member attachment channel 140 of the longitudinally extending side member 130 .
- a locking wedge 126 may be provided on this end of the support member 120 .
- the locking wedge 126 may have a generally tapered body and may pivot about a pin 138 . As such, the locking wedge 126 may be pivoted about the pin 138 such that a narrow end of the locking wedge 126 is disposed into the channel 140 adjacent to the tab 124 .
- the locking wedge 126 and tab 124 may act upon the channel 140 to lock the support member 120 in place along the channel 140 .
- a groove 160 which is defined in the support member 120 .
- the groove 160 may have a sleeve 162 fitted therein.
- the sleeve 162 may provide additional support to the groove 160 .
- the groove 160 may include opposing projections 164 that define a shoulder 166 .
- a clamp may be provided that coordinates with the groove 160 to impart a clamping force on the shoulder 166 and a work piece (not shown) to hold a work piece against the support member 120 as will be described in more detail below.
- the locking wedge 124 may not interfere with the nd of the channel 160 when the locking wedge 124 is disposed into the channel 140 to lock the support member 120 to the to the side member 130 .
- a top surface of the locking wedge 124 may be disposed below the level of the channel 160 such that access to the channel 160 at the end of the support member 120 adjacent to the locking wedge 126 is maintained.
- the locking wedge 126 may include a correspondingly shaped notch or other recess that allows the channel 160 to be accessed without interference from the locking wedge 126 when in the locked position.
- FIGS. 4A-4D depict a number of embodiments of a support members designated as 120 A, 120 B, 120 C, and 120 D.
- a support member 120 A is shown.
- the support member 120 A may include a support member body 400 in which a channel 160 is defined.
- the channel 160 may include a projecting shoulder 166 which contains a sleeve 162 fitted in the channel 160 .
- the sleeve 162 may be attached to the support member body 400 by way of a fastener 422 .
- the top surface 122 of the support member 120 A may be made of a similar material as the work piece.
- the sleeve 162 may be constructed from, for example, aluminum, steel, polymer, wood, or another appropriate material.
- a support member 120 B is shown.
- the support member 120 B includes a replaceable portion 410 .
- the replaceable portion 410 may include a continuous top surface 122 ′. As such, a support member 120 B may not include a channel.
- the replaceable portion 410 may be constructed of a material with similar properties as the work piece as discussed above.
- the replaceable portion 410 may be removably attached to a support member base 420 .
- a fastener 422 may be provided to selectively attach the removable portion 410 to the support member base 420 .
- the fastener 422 may be a screw, bolt, nail, or other appropriate type of fastener.
- Other arrangements may be provided to facilitate removal and attachment of the removable portion 410 from the support member base 420 (e.g. through coordinating projections and slots, hook and loop fasteners, or other mechanisms for removably attaching the two members).
- FIG. 4C depicts a cross section of an alternate embodiment of a support member 120 C.
- the support member 120 C includes a removable portion 510 that defines a groove 160 in the support member 120 C.
- the groove 160 of the support member 120 C may also have a sleeve 162 fitted therein to provide additional structural rigidity to opposing projections 164 that define a shoulder 166 .
- the removable portion 510 may be removably attachable to a support member base 520 (e.g., by way of a fastener 522 ).
- FIG. 4D depicts another embodiment of support member 120 D.
- the support member 120 D may include a base member 520 ′ to which a sleeve 162 is attached by way of a fastener 522 .
- a first removable portion 510 A and a second removable portion 510 B may be secured to the support member base 520 ′ by way of fasteners 522 .
- the first and second removable portions 510 A and 510 B may each include a shoulder portion 166 that in turn defines a channel 160 .
- a support member 120 that includes a groove 160 may receive a clamp 600 to clamp a work piece 200 against the support member 120 .
- a clamp 600 may have an attachment portion 602 adapted to fit in the groove 160 that engages engage a shoulder 166 of the groove 160 .
- the attachment portion 602 may be attached to a clamp mast 604 extending from the attachment portion 602 which extends away from the support member 120 .
- the mast 604 may be narrower than the attachment portion 602 so as to pass through the narrowest portion of the groove 160 (i.e., the opening between the shoulders 166 ).
- the mast 604 may engage a clamp arm 606 .
- the clamp arm 606 may be positioned along the mast 604 by way of friction, a ratchet, or other suitable mechanism.
- the clamp arm 606 may support a shank 608 .
- the shank 608 may be threadably engaged with the clamp arm 606 such that the shank 608 may be advanced or retracted with respect to the work piece 200 .
- a handle 610 may be provided on an end of the shank 608 .
- the handle 610 may allow a user to selectively advance and/or retract the shank 608 with respect to the work piece 200 .
- a clamping pad 612 may be provided at the opposite end of the shank 608 .
- the clamping pad 612 may be constructed of an appropriate material (e.g., one softer than the work piece 200 ) so as reduce the likelihood of damage (e.g., a scratch, a scuff, etc.) to the work piece 200 . Additionally, the clamping pad 612 may distribute the clamping force applied to the work piece 200 to further reduce the likelihood of damage to the work piece 200 .
- the clamp 600 may be positioned such that the attachment member 602 is disposed within the groove 160 as shown best in FIG. 5A .
- the arm 606 may be lowered such that the clamping pad 612 contacts the work piece 200 .
- the shank 608 may be threadably advanced toward the work piece 200 by rotation of the handle 610 .
- the force applied by the clamping pad 612 may be countered by engagement of the attachment member 602 with the shoulders 166 of the groove 160 .
- the work piece 200 may be clamped to the support member 120 .
- Other appropriate types of clamps may be provided including other styles of clamps that may coordinate with the groove 600 (e.g., ratchet-type quick release clamps etc.).
- clamps may be employed that engage a bottom surface of the support member 120 to clamp a work piece 200 to the top of the support member 120 (e.g., in the case of a support member lacking a groove).
- FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment of a multifunction table 700 .
- a top view of the table is shown in FIG. 7 .
- the table 700 may be collapsible such that, for instance, the table 700 may be more easily transported or stored.
- the table 700 may include a stationary side member 710 .
- Extension members 732 and 734 may be provided on opposing ends of the stationary side member 710 .
- the extension members 732 and 734 may be attached to the stationary side member 710 , for instance, using bolts, welding, or any other appropriate joining technique.
- the extension members 732 and 734 may extend perpendicularly with respect to the stationary side member 710 .
- the extension members 732 and 734 may define a slot 736 (shown in FIG. 6 ) extending along substantially all of an interior face of the extension members 732 and 734 .
- a first hinge 742 may be attached to the extension member 732 by engagement of the first hinge 742 with the slot 736 provided on an interior face of the extension member 732 .
- the first hinge 742 may be slideably moveable along the interior face of the extension member 732 .
- the first hinge 742 may include a pivot 735 that slides along with the remainder of the first hinge 742 .
- the hinge 742 may be slideable along the extension member 732 and may facilitate pivotal movement about the pivot 735 .
- the hinge 742 may be attached to or provided integrally with a first folding end member 730 .
- a second hinge 744 may be slideably moveable along an interior face of the extension member 734 .
- the second hinge 744 may facilitate pivotal movement about a pivot 745 such that an attached second folding end member 740 is slideably moveable and pivotally moveable with respect to the extension member 734 and pivot 745 , respectively.
- a sliding side member 720 may be provided opposite from and parallel to the stationary side member 710 .
- the sliding side member 720 may have a third hinge 722 and a fourth hinge 724 at opposite ends of the sliding side member 720 .
- the third and fourth hinges 722 and 724 in addition to being attached to the sliding side member 720 , may slide along a length of the first and second folding end members 730 and 740 as will be discussed in greater detail below.
- the stationary side member 710 may have attached thereto at least two base members 750 .
- the base members 750 may be moveably attached to an attachment portion 754 , which is provided on the stationary side member 710 .
- the base members 750 may be moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When in the deployed position, the base members 750 span substantially the entire width of the table 700 so as to be disposed adjacent to the slideable side member 720 in the expanded position (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 ).
- the base member 750 for instance, may be rotatable with respect to the attachment portions 754 at pivots 755 such that they may be rotated from the deployed position shown in FIG. 7 to a stowed position.
- FIG. 9 shows the base members 750 in an intermediate position between the deployed position and stowed position.
- the base members 750 are in the stowed position.
- the base members 750 may be parallel and adjacent to the stationary side member 710 in the stowed position.
- the base members 750 may be arranged as shown in FIG. 10 such that the base members 750 are parallel and adjacent to each other when in the stowed position.
- a generally “V” shaped portion 752 may also be provided on the base members 750 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the “V” shaped portion 752 may coordinate with correspondingly shaped projection 760 operatively attached to the sliding side member 720 . The “V” shaped portion 752 may be correspondingly shaped to receive the projection 760 . The projection 760 may be adjustably moveable along the length of the slideable side member 720 . For instance, the projection 760 may be provided with a sliding attachment 762 that coordinates with a slot provided on the underside of the sliding side member 720 .
- the “V” shaped portion 752 may receive the projection 760 to provide a suitably stable platform for the table 700 when resting upon one or more supports to support the table 700 .
- one or more saw horses 764 or other structures with a correspondingly shaped depression 766 may receive the “V” shaped channel 752 of the base members 750 .
- the nature of the “V” shaped channels 752 may help reduce the potential the table 700 would slide with respect to the saw horses 764 . This may be because sliding forces that would otherwise cause the table 700 to move or slide with respect to the saw horse 764 would require an additional uplifting force to unseat the “V” shaped portion 752 from the correspondingly shaped depression 766 on the saw horses 764 .
- this particular arrangement is shown for demonstrative purposes such that any arbitrary matching shape for the base member 750 and correspondingly shaped depression 166 of the supporting structure may be used.
- the base members 750 may be rotated with respect to the attachment portion 754 . As such, the base members 750 may be pivoted such that they are substantially parallel with the static side member 710 as depicted in FIG. 10 when in the stowed position. Also in FIG. 10 , the slideable side member 720 has been moved along with the third and fourth hinges 722 and 724 toward the stationary side member 710 . As such, the slideable side member 720 may be moved between an extended position (shown in FIG. 7 ) and a collapsed position (shown in FIG. 10 ). The slideable side member 720 may be spaced apart from the stationary side member 710 in the extended position and adjacent to the stationary side member 710 in the collapsed position.
- first and second hinges 722 and 724 may slideably engage a slot 768 (shown in FIG. 6 ) on an interior face of the first and second folding end members 730 and 740 .
- first and second folding end members 730 and 740 may be pivoted to a folded position as shown in FIG. 11 .
- the table 700 may be collapsed for eased transport or storage.
- the folding end members 730 and 740 may partially overlap rather than abut one another when in the folded position as shown in FIG. 23 . Accordingly, the folding end members 730 and 740 may be offset along a length of the extension members 732 and 734 when in the folded position.
- a spacer 725 may be provided on one of the hinges 722 or 724 . For instance, as shown in FIG. 23 , the spacer 725 may be provided at hinge 724 .
- alternate hinge designs may be employed that allow the sliding side member 720 span between the offset folding end members 732 and 734 without the use of a spacer 725 .
- differently sized tables e.g., a square table
- folding end members 730 and 740 that have lengths representing a larger portion of the stationary side member 710 may be provided that still allow the folding end members to be moved to a folded position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 23 ).
- the tool guide member 202 may generally include two posts 212 supported by corresponding attachment members 210 .
- the attachment members 210 may be slideably engaged with a respective tool guide retention member 145 provided in the first and second folding end members 730 and 740 .
- FIG. 13 is a cross section view taken along section line B-B in FIG. 12 .
- the second folding end member 740 may define a tool guide retention member 145 .
- the shoulder of an attachment bolt 216 may be disposed within the tool guide retention member 145 .
- a fastener such as an adjustable handle, nut, or the like, may be engaged with the attachment bolt 216 to tighten the attachment bolt 216 with respect to the tool guide retention member 145 to secure the attachment member 210 to the folding end member 740 .
- One or more attachment bolts 216 may be provided.
- the post 212 may be attached to the attachment members 210 such that the height of the post 212 may be adjusted depending on the thickness of the work piece 200 . As such, the post 212 may be engaged by a clamping action of the attachment member 210 (e.g., by way of a set screw 218 or the like).
- a narrowed end 214 of the post 212 may include a point, a ridge, or other narrowed shape (e.g., a frustoconical shape) at one end of the post 212 .
- the narrowed end 214 of a respective one of the posts 212 may engage a tool guide track 220 (as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 ).
- a crease 222 may be provided on the tool guide track 220 such that the narrowed ends 214 engage the underside of the crease 222 to locate the tool guide track 220 with respect to the work piece 200 . This may prevent the tool guide track from moving laterally with respect to the work piece 200 .
- the crease 222 may also project on the top side of the tool guide track 220 .
- a corresponding tool base may be provided that engages the crease 222 on the top side of the tool track 220 to guide a tool (not shown) along the length of the tool guide track 220 .
- the tool may be guided along the tool track 220 with respect to the work piece 200 to perform an operation (e.g., a cutting operation, a routing operation, etc.) on the work piece 200 .
- the work piece 200 may be indexed on the table 700 with one or more lateral indexing members 712 and one or more longitudinal index members 714 . As such, the work piece 200 may be positioned in a known relative location with respect to the table 700 .
- the lateral index members 712 may comprise a stanchion that projects through a working plane defined by the top surfaces 122 of the support members 120 .
- the lateral index members 712 may be arranged on the stationary side member 710 such that the work piece 200 may be abutted against the lateral index members 712 when the lateral index members 712 are arranged so as to extend through the work plane.
- the work piece 200 may be indexed laterally with respect to the stationary side member 710 (e.g., to be substantially parallel thereto).
- the longitudinal index member 714 may also be attached to the stationary side member 710 .
- the longitudinal index member 714 may extend laterally beyond the lateral index members 712 , such that a longitudinal end of the work piece 200 may be abutted against the longitudinal index member 714 . As such, the work piece may be indexed against a known position of the longitudinal index member 714 as well.
- the lateral index members 712 may be rotatable such that the lateral index members 712 are rotatable into a position such that they do not project through the work plane 150 .
- the lateral index members 712 may engage a slot on an interior face of the stationary side 710 .
- an attachment bolt may secure the lateral index members 712 to the stationary side 710 .
- the lateral index members 712 may be rotated about the attachment bolt between an extended and retracted position.
- the lateral index members 712 may be provided in a retracted position when not in use such that the work piece 200 may be supported on the table 700 in any manner without contacting the lateral indexing members 712 .
- the lateral index members 712 may be adjustably rotated when in an extended position such that the portion of the lateral index members 712 extending beyond the work plane 150 may be adjusted.
- the height of the lateral index members 712 may be adjusted to accommodate work pieces 200 of various thicknesses.
- FIGS. 22A and 22B depict in greater detail the longitudinal index member 714 .
- the longitudinal index member 714 may generally include a stanchion 2200 which is pivotable about a pivot member 2212 between an extended and a retracted position. The retracted position is depicted in FIG. 22A and the extended position is depicted in 22 B.
- the longitudinal index member 714 may include a slot engagement member 2220 which includes a hooked portion 2222 that engages a slot 2224 provided on the stationary side member 710 . Attached to the slot engagement member 2220 may be an angle member 2210 .
- the angle member 2210 may include the pivot member 2212 such that the stanchion 2200 is pivotal thereabout. In this regard, when in the retracted position shown in FIG. 22A , the stanchion 2200 may not extend above the support member 120 . However, when pivoted to the position shown in FIG. 22B , the stanchion 2200 may extend above support member 120 .
- a work piece 200 which is laterally indexed to an interior portion of the stationary side member 710 may abut the stanchion 2200 at a longitudinal end thereof.
- the hooked portion 2222 may allow for rapid engagement and disengagement with the slot 2224 such that the longitudinal index member 714 may be positioned anywhere along the length of the stationary member 710 .
- the longitudinal index member 714 may be easily moved out of the way so as not to interfere with the work piece if so desired.
- FIGS. 16 , 17 A, and 17 B Another embodiment of a tool guide 300 is shown in FIGS. 16 , 17 A, and 17 B.
- the tool guide 300 may include an attachment member 310 secured to the stationary side member 710 .
- the attachment member 310 may include an attachment bolt 316 that engages a tool guide retention member 145 provided in the stationary side member 710 .
- the tool guide retention member 145 may be a slot against which a shoulder of the attachment bolt 316 is engaged upon tightening of an adjustable handle 314 , a nut, or other appropriate fastener. Accordingly, the tool guide 300 may be secured anywhere along substantially an entire length of the stationary side member 710 along which the tool guide retention member 145 extends.
- the attachment member 310 may connect to a first pivot 312 .
- a pivot arm 320 may also connect to the first pivot 312 such that the pivot arm 320 is disposed for pivotal movement with respect to the attachment member 310 .
- the pivot arm 320 may also be attached to a track support 330 at a second pivot 332 so as to facilitate relative pivotal movement between the pivot arm 320 and the track support 330 .
- a cantilevered tool guide track 302 may be attached to the track support 330 . As such, the relative pivotal movement of the attachment member 310 , pivot arm 320 , and track support 330 may allow the cantilevered tool guide track 302 to be positioned flush against the work piece 200 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17A .
- An adjustment bolt 334 may be provided that threadably engages the pivot arm 320 .
- the track support 330 may contact the head of the adjustment bolt 334 and limit the pivotal movement of the track support 330 with regard to the pivot arm 320 .
- adjustment of the height of the adjustment bolt 334 may allow for different thicknesses of materials while maintaining the guide track 302 flushed with the work piece 200 .
- unthreading the adjustment bolt 334 with respect to the pivot arm 320 may provide for a thicker work piece 200 whereas threadably engaging more of the adjustment bolt 334 with the pivot arm 320 may allow for a thinner work piece 200 .
- the adjustable bolt 334 may also be provided on the attachment member 310 , and/or the track support 330 to adjust the height at which the cantilevered tool track 302 is positioned with respect to the work piece (i.e., to adjust for different work piece thicknesses).
- a crease 322 may be provided that may engage a corresponding tool base to guide a tool along the cantilevered tool guide track 302 to perform an operation on the work piece 200 .
- the track support 330 may include a projection which coordinates with the crease 322 so as to prevent rotational movement of the guide track 302 with respect to the track support 330 .
- the track 302 may be attached to the track support 330 by any appropriate means.
- the track support 330 may be bolted to the cantilevered track such that the bolt engages the crease 322 , passes through the track support 330 , and is tightened so as to bolt the cantilevered tool track to the track support 330 .
- FIG. 17B depicts the cantilevered tool guide track 302 in an auxiliary position wherein the tool guidetrack 302 is disposed away from the work piece 300 . That is, the cantilevered tool guide track 302 extends away from the working plane. This may facilitate improved access to the work piece 200 .
- the cantilevered tool guide track 302 may be positioned in a work position (shown in FIGS. 16 and 17A ) or the auxiliary position shown in FIG. 17B .
- the work piece 200 may be retrieved or positioned when the tool guide 300 is in the auxiliary position without having to move or remove the tool guide 300 from the desired position along the stationary side member 710 .
- the lateral index members 712 may be adjusted with respect to the work plane 150 (e.g., such that less of the index member 712 is provided above the work plane 150 ) to prevent interference with the tool guide track 302 .
- FIG. 18 Yet another embodiment of a tool guide 800 is shown in FIG. 18 .
- the tool guide 800 may provide a guide to perform and operation through an arc 850 with respect to the work piece 200 .
- the tool guide 800 may include a similar attachment member 210 as was described above with respect to the tool guide 202 .
- the attachment member 210 may be attached to either of the first or second folding end members 730 or 740 , the stationary side member 710 or the sliding side member 720 depending upon the operation needed.
- the ends of the table have a non-continuous surface due to the junction of the extension members 732 and 734 with the foldable end members 730 and 740 , respectively. It may be desirable to attach a tool guide 210 in a manner that spans this non-continuous junction. Such an arrangement as shown in FIG. 18 , where a supplemental support piece 860 may be attached to the second end member 740 adjacent to the junction of the extension member 734 and the second folding end member 740 .
- the supplemental support 860 may also include a tool guide attachment member 145 that is spaced away from the end member 740 in a manner so as to align the tool guide attachment member 145 on the supplemental support piece 860 with a tool guide attachment member 145 on the extension member 734 .
- a tool guide 210 may be attached to the extension member 732 and supplemental support piece 860 in an instance wherein the tool guide 210 would otherwise overlap the junction between the non-continuous surfaces.
- the attachment member 210 may also support a post 212 as described above.
- the post 212 used in the tool guide 800 may be substantially cylindrical adjacent to the intersection of the post 212 and the working plane.
- the attachment member 210 described above with respect to the tool guide 202 may be flipped and the narrowed end 214 thereof may not be employed.
- the post 212 may be engaged by a pivot guide 814 .
- the pivot guide 814 may include a collar that surrounds the post 212 and facilitates pivotal movement of the pivot guide 814 with respect to the post 212 .
- Attached to the pivot guide 814 may be an arm 810 .
- the arm 810 may define a channel 812 that may receive one or more bolts 826 .
- the one or more bolts 826 may also pass through one or more corresponding brackets 824 that are secured to a tool base 820 .
- a tool 822 may be guided along the arc 850 upon rotational movement of the pivot guide 814 with respect to the post 212 .
- a number of clamps 600 may be provided to hold the work piece 200 in place against the support members 120 .
- the clamps 600 may cooperate with a groove 160 defined in the support members 120 to clamp a work piece 200 to the support member 120 .
- FIG. 19 This arrangement wherein clamps 600 are used to secure a work piece 200 to the support members 120 is also shown in FIG. 19 .
- the tool guide 900 includes a beam 910 defining a channel 912 .
- the channel 912 may engage one or more beam attachment bolts 918 that in turn engage one or more brackets 914 .
- the brackets 914 may also engage a support member attachment bolt 916 that engages a channel 160 of the support member 120 .
- the beam 910 may be secured in place with respect to the work piece 200 .
- the attachment bolts 914 and 916 may be slideably adjusted with respect to the beam 910 and support members 120 , the beam 910 may be positioned in any angle with respect to the table 700 .
- the channel 912 of the beam 910 may also receive an attachment member 2100 .
- the attachment member 2100 may be attached to a tool base 920 .
- the tool 920 may be slideably attached to the beam 910 .
- the beam 910 may guide the tool 922 in a desired path along the length of the beam 910 to perform an operation on the work piece 200 .
- a drop-in tool 1000 may be used in conjunction with a multifunction table according to present disclosure. Such a drop-in tool 1000 is depicted in FIG. 20 .
- the drop-in tool 1000 may be a router, table saw, miter saw, or any other appropriate tool.
- the drop-in tool 1000 may be a router having a router bit 1020 extending through an opening 1022 .
- the router bit 1020 may in turn extend through the working plane.
- alternative tools such as table saws, miter saws, etc. may be used as well.
- a fence 1010 may be provided on the drop-in tool 1000 .
- the fence 1010 may be adjustable to accommodate different operations as needed.
- the drop-in tool 1000 may be positioned between adjacent support members 120 .
- two adjacent support members 120 may be positioned such that the span between the two adjacent support members 120 is roughly the width of the drop-in tool 1000 .
- the drop in tool 1000 may have wings 1002 which extend over the adjacent support members 120 and support the drop-in tool 1000 on the support members 120 .
- the space between the adjacent support members 120 may accommodate the drop-in tool such that a portion of the drop-in tool 1000 between the wings 1002 extends downward between the support members 120 .
- the body of the drop-in tool 1000 (including the motor, mechanisms, tool chassis, etc.) may be disposed between the adjacent support members 120 .
- the drop-in tool 1000 may allow the multifunction table 700 to function as a table router, table saw, miter saw, etc., depending on the nature of the drop-in tool 1000 .
- sheet material 1050 may be positioned generally between adjacent support members 120 to form a solid table top for the multifunction table 700 .
- the sheet material 1050 may be of a thickness such that the sheet material 1050 rests on the support member 120 and forms a substantially continuous surface with the support member 120 .
- the top surface of the sheet material 1050 may also lie in the working plane 150 .
- the thickness of the sheet material 1050 may be selected to be above or below the level of the working plane.
- FIG. 21 depicts greater detail of the attachment member 2100 shown in FIG. 19 for securing a tool to a beam, pivot arm, or the like (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19 ).
- the attachment member 2100 may include a channel attachment block 2110 affixed to a tool attachment block 2120 by way of a number of bolts 2112 .
- the bolts 2112 may pass through slotted holes 2114 provided on the tool attachment block 2120 such that the relative height of the channel attachment block 2110 and the tool attachment block 2120 may be changed.
- the bolt 2112 may pass through a portion of the channel attachment block 2110 and tighten against an interior face of a cut 2130 .
- the cut 2130 may allow for some deflection of the channel engagement member 2116 with respect to the tool attachment block 2120 .
- the bolts 2112 may pass through a portion of the channel attachment block 2110 so that tightening of the bolts 2112 to secure the channel attachment block 2110 to the tool attachment block 2120 does not result in deflection of the channel engagement member 2116 with respect to the tool attachment block 2110 .
- the channel engagement member 2116 may be shaped to fit into a channel (e.g., channel 912 as shown in FIG. 19 ) provided on a beam, pivot arm, or the like. As such, the channel engagement member 2116 may slide along the length of the channel when the channel engagement member 2116 is in the neutral position with respect to the tool attachment block 2120 . That is, when the channel engagement member 2116 is not deflected towards the tool attachment block 2120 , the attachment member 2100 may slide smoothly along the channel.
- a deflection bolt 2132 may be provided that threadably engages the channel attachment block 2110 on opposing sides of the cut 2130 .
- the cut 2130 may be pinched together.
- the channel engagement member 2116 may be deflected towards the tool attachment block 2120 .
- this may cause this deflection of the channel engagement member 2116 toward the tool attachment block 2120 to cause the channel engagement member 2116 to bind with respect to the channel such that movement along the channel may be limited.
- the deflection bolt 2132 may be tightened to secure the attachment member 2100 along the length of the channel.
- loosening or removal of the deflection bolt 2132 may allow the attachment member 2100 to slide freely along the length of the channel.
- the tool attachment block 2120 may also include a bottom plate 2118 which is clampingly engageable with the tool attachment block 2120 by way of a number of cammed bolts 2122 that pass through holes 2124 provided through the tool attachment block 2120 to engage the bottom plate 2118 .
- the cammed bolts 2122 may adjust the gap between the bottom plate 2118 and the tool attachment block 2120 .
- the cammed bolts 2122 may cam against the top surface 2126 of the tool attachment block 2120 in order to clamp the bottom plate 2118 towards the tool attachment block 2120 .
- a tool base may be clampingly secured between the bottom plate 2118 and the tool attachment block 2120 .
- the bolts 2112 and slotted holes 2114 may be used to adjust the height of the tool such that the tool base may be disposed in an appropriate level with respect to the work piece.
- reference marks may be provided at various locations on an embodiment of a table.
- a scale may be provided on the stationary side, the foldable end members, or the sliding side. Such a scale may be provided on any surface thereof to assist in performing an operation.
- the scale may be calibrated to an indexed position (e.g., as defined by indexing members) or other point (e.g., the table edge).
- the tool guides may include scales or other reference marks. This may include, without limitation, a scale on the support members, a beam or arm of a tool guide, a tool guide track, or other appropriate location. These reference marks and scales may provide distances or angle measurements to an indexed position of the work piece.
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Abstract
Some embodiments include a work table. The work table includes a frame having longitudinally extending opposing side members and a tool guide retention member, multiple support members configured to be removably and lockably coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members such that the multiple support members extend between the longitudinally extending opposing side members, and a first tool guide. The tool guide retention member extends along at least a portion of the frame, the multiple support members are configured to support a work piece in a working plane when the multiple support members are coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members, the first tool guide is configured to be coupled with the tool guide retention member, and the first tool guide is configured to receive a tool. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.
Description
- This application is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/985,008, filed Jan. 5, 2011. U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/985,008 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present disclosure generally relates to a multifunction work table. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a multifunction work table with support members that are removably attachable to a frame of the table and lockably positionable with respect to the frame along a length of the table to support a work piece.
- Work tables are often used to support a work piece when performing various operations (e.g., cutting, routing, sanding, etc.) on the work piece. Oftentimes, such work tables consist of impromptu supports consisting of little more than a planar sheet of material (e.g., plywood sheets, fiber board sheets, particle board sheets, solid wood sheets, drywall sheets, etc.) supported by saw horses or other such structures. These impromptu work tables may provide improved access to the work piece (e.g., versus performing an operation on the work piece when in place or on the ground) and may provide improved ergonomics for a user performing the operation. As such, operations may be performed on a work piece that is supported by the work table more easily with more consistent results. However, such work tables may not provide the ability to securely hold the work piece. As such, operations performed on the work piece when supported by such work tables may lack precision or accuracy, especially when performing multiple operations on a work piece. In turn, the quality of the finished product may be diminished.
- In turn, tool guides have been developed in a number of different forms. For example, miter saws may be used to cut relatively narrow work pieces in a more reliable manner as the work piece may be supported by a table, and the movement of the saw may be controlled to produce relatively precise and accurate cuts. However, miter saws are limited in regard to the width of the work piece. In turn, a miter saw or the like may not be practical to use in order to cut sheet material.
- In turn, other types of tool guides have been developed that may be clamped directly to the work piece to guide a tool to perform an operation. In this regard, sheet materials may have operations performed on the sheet in a more reliable manner by using such guides. While these guides may improve the quality of the operation on the work piece, the requirement that the tool guide be clamped to each successive work piece may reduce the repeatability of operations to multiple work pieces. Also, this may require additional time to perform the successive operations on multiple work pieces. Additionally, the act of clamping or otherwise securing the tool guide directly to the work piece may result in damage to the work piece when performing an operation thereon. All these factors may lead to a decrease in accuracy and precision in the final product or an increased cost associated with the goods produced using such tables and guides.
- A first aspect described herein includes a work table. The work table includes a frame including a tool guide retention member that extends along at least a portion the frame. The table also includes a plurality of support members that are removably attachable to longitudinally extending, opposing side members of the frame. The support members extend between the opposing side members. Each of the plurality of support members is lockably positionable along substantially an entire length of the opposing side members. The plurality of supports are adapted to support a work piece in a working plane when attached to the opposing side members along a length thereof.
- A number of feature refinements and additional features may be provided with the foregoing aspect. These features may, but need not, be used in any particular combination with any other features or aspects provided herein.
- For instance, the work table may also include a tool guide that is engageable with the tool guide retention member so as to secure the tool guide to the frame. Additionally, the work table may have a selectively positionable work piece indexing member attached to the frame. The work piece indexing member may have an extended position and a retracted position. When in the extended position, the work piece indexing member may extend through the working plane. In contrast, when in the retracted position the work piece indexing member may not extend through the working plane.
- In one embodiment, the tool guide retention member may include a channel engaged by the tool guide to dispose a tool with respect to the frame. The tool guide may include first and second guide members that are each moveably engageable with the frame. The first guide member and second guide member may engage a tool track so that it is in turn disposed therebetween. The first and second guide members may include posts (e.g., extending through the working plane) that have a narrowed end that is engageable with the tool track to maintain the tool track in a relative position with respect to the work table.
- In another embodiment, the tool guide may include a cantilevered tool track extending from a base member that is engaged with the channel to retain the tool guide against the frame. The cantilevered tool track may be disposable in a work position such that the cantilevered tool track extends in a plane substantially parallel to the working plane (e.g., the cantilevered tool track may lay flush against the surface of the work piece). Additionally, the tool guide may include a pivot member to which the cantilevered tool track is attached. The cantilevered tool track may be moveable by the pivot member from the work position to an auxiliary position such that the cantilevered tool track extends away from the work plane.
- In another embodiment, at least one support member of the plurality of support members may define a groove extending along at least a portion of the support member. A clamp may be provided that may include an attachment member engageable with the groove and a clamping member operatively connected to the attachment member. The clamping member may be contactable with the work piece to urge the work piece against the at least one support member.
- In still another embodiment, the tool guide may include a post member about which the tool is rotatable in a fixed regard with respect to the work piece.
- In still a further embodiment, the plurality of support members may include a wooden work piece contact surface such that the support member has a surface adjacent to the working plane that has similar physical properties (e.g., hardness) as the work piece.
- A second aspect includes a collapsible work table. The collapsible work table includes a rectangular frame that has a slideable side that is slidingly engaged with a first and a second end member. The sliding side is positionable in a collapsed position and an extended position along the length of the opposing end members. The first and second end members are pivotal with respect to a second stationary side positioned opposite from the slideable side when the slideable side is in the collapsed position. The collapsible table also includes a plurality of support members that are attachable to the frame to extend between the slideable side and the stationary side of the frame when the slideable side is in the extended position. The plurality of support members are adapted to support a work piece in a working plane.
- A number of feature refinements and additional features may be provided with the second aspect. These features may, but need not, be used in any particular combination with any other features or aspects provided herein.
- In one embodiment, when in the collapsed position, the slideable side may be positioned adjacent to the stationary side. In contrast, when in the extended position, the slideable side may be positioned in a spaced apart fashion from the stationary side member. The slideable side may include hinges at opposing ends of the slideable side. The hinges may be slidingly engageable with channels provided on a respective one of the first and second end members.
- In another embodiment, the collapsible table may also include a plurality of base members attached to the stationary side. The base members may be moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. Accordingly, when in the stowed position, the plurality of base members may be arranged substantially parallel and adjacent to the stationary side. In contrast, when in the deployed position, the plurality of base members may be substantially perpendicular to and extend away from the stationary side member. Also, the collapsible table may include a plurality of projections extending from the slideable side. The projections may be received by respective ones of the plurality of base members when the plurality of base members are in the deployed position. The projections may locate the plurality of base members with respect to the slideable side.
- In yet another embodiment, the base members may include a “V” shaped portion. This “V” shaped portion may be adapted to coordinate with a correspondingly shaped recess in a stand upon which the collapsible table may be positioned when then base members are in the deployed position.
- A third aspect of the present invention includes an attachment member, which includes a channel attachment member having a channel engagement member thereon. The channel engagement member is slideably disposable in a channel. The attachment member also includes a tool attachment member, which has a tool clamping portion to secure a tool base with respect to the tool attachment member The channel attachment member and the tool attachment member are adjustably positionable to vary a position of the tool attachment member with respect to the channel engagement member.
- A number of feature refinements and additional features may be provided with the third aspect. These features may, but need not, be used in any particular combination with any other features or aspects provided herein.
- For instance, the channel engagement member may be deflectable with respect to the tool attachment member to secure the attachment member along a length of a channel in which the channel engagement member is disposed. Additionally, the channel attachment member and the tool attachment member are adjustably positionable in a vertical dimension with respect to a work piece.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a work table. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one end of a support member. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the other end of the support member shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIGS. 4A-4D are cross sectional views of various embodiments of a support member. -
FIG. 5A is a side view of one embodiment of a clamp engaged with a support member to clampingly engage a work piece to the support member. -
FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view taken along section line A-A inFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a work table. -
FIG. 7 is a top view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIGS. 9-11 are top views showing a progression of the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 from an extended position to a collapsed position. -
FIG. 12 is a top view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 , wherein a work piece is indexed with respect to the table and attachment members of an embodiment of a tool guide are attached to opposite ends of the table. -
FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of the portion of the tool guide shown inFIG. 12 taken along section line B-B. -
FIG. 14 is a top view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 12 with the tool guide in place. -
FIG. 15 is an end view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is a top view of another embodiment of a tool guide attached to the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIGS. 17A and 17B are end views of the embodiment of the tool guide shown inFIG. 16 in a work position and an auxiliary position, respectively. -
FIG. 18 is a top view of yet another embodiment of a tool guide as used in conjunction with the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 19 is a top view of still another embodiment of a tool guide as used in conjunction with the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 20 is a top view of a drop-in tool used in conjunction with the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 21 is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a tool attachment member. -
FIG. 22A is an end view of an embodiment of a longitudinal indexing member in a retracted position. -
FIG. 22B is an end view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 22A in an extended position. -
FIG. 23 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a table in a folded position. - Some embodiments include a work table. The work table comprises a frame comprising longitudinally extending opposing side members and a tool guide retention member. The tool guide retention member extends along at least a portion of the frame. Meanwhile, the work table comprises multiple support members configured to be removably and lockably coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members such that the multiple support members extend between the longitudinally extending opposing side members, and the work table comprises a first tool guide. The multiple support members can be configured to support a work piece in a working plane when the multiple support members are coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members. Further, the first tool guide can be configured to be coupled with the tool guide retention member, and the first tool guide can be configured to receive a tool. When the first tool guide is coupled with the tool guide retention member, when the tool is received at the first tool guide, and when the multiple support members are supporting the work piece in the working plane, the first tool guide can limit movement of the tool with respect to the frame and can permit the tool to be operable on the work piece while the tool is received at the first tool guide.
- Other embodiments include a work table. The work table comprises a frame comprising longitudinally extending opposing side members and a tool guide retention member. The tool guide retention member extends along at least a portion of the frame. Meanwhile, the work table comprises opposing end members configured to couple together the longitudinally extending opposing side members, multiple support members configured to be removably and lockably coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members such that the multiple support members extend between the longitudinally extending opposing side members, a tool guide, and an indexing member attached to the frame. The multiple support members can be configured to support a work piece in a working plane when the multiple support members are coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members. Further, the tool guide can be configured to be coupled with the tool guide retention member, and the tool guide can be configured to receive a tool. Further still, the tool guide retention member can comprise a channel defined in the frame. When the tool guide is coupled with the tool guide retention member, when the tool is received at the tool guide, and when the multiple support members are supporting the work piece in the working plane, the tool guide can limit movement of the tool with respect to the frame and can permit the tool to be operable on the work piece while the tool is received at the tool guide. Meanwhile, at least one support member of the multiple support members can comprise a groove extending along at least a portion of the at least one support member. Likewise, the indexing member can be positionable in an extended position and a retracted position. When positioned in the extended position, the indexing member can extend through the working plane, and when positioned in the retracted position, the indexing member does not extend through the working plane.
- Further embodiments include a work table. The work table comprises a frame comprising a slideable side member, a stationary side member, a first end member, and a second end member. The work table also comprises multiple support members. The slideable side member can be coupled to the first end member and the second end member, and the stationary side member can be coupled to the first end member and the second end member. Meanwhile, the slideable side member can be configured to be positioned at different times in a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration while the slideable side member and the stationary side member remain coupled to the first end member and the second end member. Further, the slideable side member can be configured to be (a) positioned opposite from the stationary side member and between the first end member and the second end member when the slideable side member is in the extended configuration and (b) proximate to the stationary side member, between the stationary side member and the first end member, and between the stationary side member and the second end member when the slideable side member is in the collapsed configuration. The multiple support members are configured to be coupled to the frame when the slideable side member is configured in the extended configuration, to extend between the slideable side member and the stationary side member when coupled to the frame, and to be able to support a work piece in a working plane when coupled to the frame.
- While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
- The following disclosure begins by generally describing an embodiment of a work table that includes one or more support members that may be removably attachable to a frame of the work table. One embodiment of a support member having a locking mechanism to lockably attach a support member to a frame is also described. Additionally, an embodiment of a collapsible work table is described that may similarly be engaged by one or more support members. Also, a number of different embodiments of a tool guide are shown and described that may be used with a tool to perform various operations with respect to a work piece positioned on the work table. Any of the tool guides described herein may be used in any combination and with any embodiment of a table described herein or with other equivalent table embodiments.
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FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a work table 100. The table 100 includes aframe 110 that defines a perimeter of the table 100. The table 100 may have a generally rectangular shape, although other shapes (e.g. a triangular shape, a pentagonal shape, etc.) could also be provided. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the table 100 may be square. Theframe 100 may, in one embodiment, be constructed from extruded aluminum so as to define channels, grooves or other features in theframe 110. These channel or grooves may be provided on any or all faces of the members of theframe 110, even though not shown as such inFIG. 1 . These grooves, channels, or other features may extend along an entire length of the respective sides and/or ends of theframe 110. Additionally or alternatively, these grooves, channels, and the like may extend partially along the same. Other materials may be used to construct the frame such as, without limitation, wood, steel, a polymer, or some other suitable material. The table 100 may be supported by any appropriate means. For instance, the table 100 may be disposed on top of saw horses (not shown) to elevate and support the table 100. - The
frame 110 may include opposing longitudinally extendingsides 130. Also, laterally extendingend members 170 may extend between the longitudinally extendingsides 130 at opposing ends of theframe 110. One or both of thelongitudinally extending sides 130 and/or one or both of the longitudinally extendingend members 170 may include a toolguide retention member 145. The toolguide retention member 145 may be defined as a channel extending along at least a portion of theframe 110. The toolguide retention member 145 may engage one or more tool guides in a manner as discussed in greater detail below. - The table 100 may also include a plurality of
support members 120 extending between the opposing longitudinally extendingsides 130. Thesupport members 120 may be removably attached to theframe 110. Thesupport members 120 may also be lockably positionable along the length of thelongitudinally extending sides 130. For instance, thesupport members 120 may have tabs at each end of thesupport member 120 that each engage a supportmember attachment channel 140 provided in a respective one of thelongitudinally extending sides 130 of theframe 110. Thus, the location of thesupport members 120 may be infinitely adjustable along the length of thesides 130 where thechannel 140 is provided. In turn, a user may arbitrarily position thesupport members 120 where desired and is not limited to discrete positions for thesupport members 120. Thesupport members 120 may have a locking mechanism used to secure thesupport members 120 to theframe 110, an embodiment of which will be discussed in greater detail below. -
Top surfaces 122 of thesupport members 120 may coordinate to support a work piece above the table 100. The top surfaces 122 of thesupport members 120 may all lie in or adjacent to a common workingplane 150, in which the work piece (not shown inFIG. 1 ) is disposed when supported by the table 100. That is, the workingplane 150 may define a plane extending along an interface of a work piece and thesupport members 120. Thesupport members 120 may include a portion adjacent to the workingplane 150 that may be constructed of a material having similar physical properties as the work piece. That is, the portion may have similar characteristics (e.g., hardness) as the work piece. Thus, in the event the portion of thesupport member 120 adjacent to thework plane 150 is contacted by a tool, damage to the tool may be avoided. Also, damage to the work piece (e.g., scratching, scuffing, etc.) caused by a harder material contacting the work piece may be avoided Once such a portion of thesupport member 120 has been sufficiently damaged or degraded, the portion of thesupport members 120 may be replaced or resurfaced with minimal effort and cost. -
FIGS. 2 and 3 depict one embodiment of a locking mechanism that may be used to secure asupport member 120 to aframe 110. Thesupport member 120 may include a locking mechanism that may coordinate with a supportmember attachment channel 140 to lockably position asupport member 120 to theframe 110. As shown inFIG. 2 , a first end of thesupport member 120 may be positioned such that atab 124 is disposable within achannel 140 in a longitudinally extendingside member 130. Thetab 124 may include acontour 125 that corresponds to thechannel 140 so as to fit with alip 142 of thechannel 140. Alternatively, this first end of thesupport member 120 may include a locking mechanism as shown and described inFIG. 3 . - An opposite end of the
support member 120 is shown inFIG. 3 . Atab 124 on this end of thesupport member 120 may be disposed in a supportmember attachment channel 140 of the longitudinally extendingside member 130. A lockingwedge 126 may be provided on this end of thesupport member 120. The lockingwedge 126 may have a generally tapered body and may pivot about a pin 138. As such, the lockingwedge 126 may be pivoted about the pin 138 such that a narrow end of the lockingwedge 126 is disposed into thechannel 140 adjacent to thetab 124. Upon advancement of the lockingwedge 126 into thechannel 140, the lockingwedge 126 andtab 124 may act upon thechannel 140 to lock thesupport member 120 in place along thechannel 140. - Also depicted in
FIGS. 2 and 3 is agroove 160, which is defined in thesupport member 120. Thegroove 160 may have asleeve 162 fitted therein. Thesleeve 162 may provide additional support to thegroove 160. As shown, thegroove 160 may include opposingprojections 164 that define ashoulder 166. As such, a clamp may be provided that coordinates with thegroove 160 to impart a clamping force on theshoulder 166 and a work piece (not shown) to hold a work piece against thesupport member 120 as will be described in more detail below. - The locking
wedge 124 may not interfere with the nd of thechannel 160 when the lockingwedge 124 is disposed into thechannel 140 to lock thesupport member 120 to the to theside member 130. In this regard, a top surface of the lockingwedge 124 may be disposed below the level of thechannel 160 such that access to thechannel 160 at the end of thesupport member 120 adjacent to the lockingwedge 126 is maintained. Alternatively or additionally, the lockingwedge 126 may include a correspondingly shaped notch or other recess that allows thechannel 160 to be accessed without interference from the lockingwedge 126 when in the locked position. -
FIGS. 4A-4D depict a number of embodiments of a support members designated as 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D. For example, inFIG. 4A asupport member 120A is shown. Thesupport member 120A may include asupport member body 400 in which achannel 160 is defined. Thechannel 160 may include a projectingshoulder 166 which contains asleeve 162 fitted in thechannel 160. Thesleeve 162 may be attached to thesupport member body 400 by way of afastener 422. Thetop surface 122 of thesupport member 120A may be made of a similar material as the work piece. Thesleeve 162 may be constructed from, for example, aluminum, steel, polymer, wood, or another appropriate material. - In
FIG. 4B , asupport member 120B is shown. Thesupport member 120B includes areplaceable portion 410. Thereplaceable portion 410 may include a continuoustop surface 122′. As such, asupport member 120B may not include a channel. Thereplaceable portion 410 may be constructed of a material with similar properties as the work piece as discussed above. Thereplaceable portion 410 may be removably attached to asupport member base 420. As such, afastener 422 may be provided to selectively attach theremovable portion 410 to thesupport member base 420. Thefastener 422 may be a screw, bolt, nail, or other appropriate type of fastener. Other arrangements may be provided to facilitate removal and attachment of theremovable portion 410 from the support member base 420 (e.g. through coordinating projections and slots, hook and loop fasteners, or other mechanisms for removably attaching the two members). -
FIG. 4C depicts a cross section of an alternate embodiment of asupport member 120C. Thesupport member 120C includes aremovable portion 510 that defines agroove 160 in thesupport member 120C. Thegroove 160 of thesupport member 120C may also have asleeve 162 fitted therein to provide additional structural rigidity to opposingprojections 164 that define ashoulder 166. Theremovable portion 510 may be removably attachable to a support member base 520 (e.g., by way of a fastener 522). -
FIG. 4D depicts another embodiment ofsupport member 120D. Thesupport member 120D may include abase member 520′ to which asleeve 162 is attached by way of afastener 522. A firstremovable portion 510A and a secondremovable portion 510B may be secured to thesupport member base 520′ by way offasteners 522. In this regard, the first and secondremovable portions shoulder portion 166 that in turn defines achannel 160. - With additional reference to
FIGS. 5A and 5B , asupport member 120 that includes agroove 160 may receive aclamp 600 to clamp awork piece 200 against thesupport member 120. Aclamp 600 may have anattachment portion 602 adapted to fit in thegroove 160 that engages engage ashoulder 166 of thegroove 160. Theattachment portion 602 may be attached to aclamp mast 604 extending from theattachment portion 602 which extends away from thesupport member 120. Themast 604 may be narrower than theattachment portion 602 so as to pass through the narrowest portion of the groove 160 (i.e., the opening between the shoulders 166). Themast 604 may engage aclamp arm 606. Theclamp arm 606 may be positioned along themast 604 by way of friction, a ratchet, or other suitable mechanism. Theclamp arm 606 may support ashank 608. Theshank 608 may be threadably engaged with theclamp arm 606 such that theshank 608 may be advanced or retracted with respect to thework piece 200. - Accordingly, a
handle 610 may be provided on an end of theshank 608. Thehandle 610 may allow a user to selectively advance and/or retract theshank 608 with respect to thework piece 200. Aclamping pad 612 may be provided at the opposite end of theshank 608. Theclamping pad 612 may be constructed of an appropriate material (e.g., one softer than the work piece 200) so as reduce the likelihood of damage (e.g., a scratch, a scuff, etc.) to thework piece 200. Additionally, theclamping pad 612 may distribute the clamping force applied to thework piece 200 to further reduce the likelihood of damage to thework piece 200. - As such, the
clamp 600 may be positioned such that theattachment member 602 is disposed within thegroove 160 as shown best inFIG. 5A . Thearm 606 may be lowered such that theclamping pad 612 contacts thework piece 200. Theshank 608 may be threadably advanced toward thework piece 200 by rotation of thehandle 610. As such, the force applied by theclamping pad 612 may be countered by engagement of theattachment member 602 with theshoulders 166 of thegroove 160. In turn, thework piece 200 may be clamped to thesupport member 120. Other appropriate types of clamps may be provided including other styles of clamps that may coordinate with the groove 600 (e.g., ratchet-type quick release clamps etc.). Further still, clamps may be employed that engage a bottom surface of thesupport member 120 to clamp awork piece 200 to the top of the support member 120 (e.g., in the case of a support member lacking a groove). -
FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment of a multifunction table 700. A top view of the table is shown inFIG. 7 . The table 700 may be collapsible such that, for instance, the table 700 may be more easily transported or stored. The table 700 may include astationary side member 710.Extension members stationary side member 710. Theextension members stationary side member 710, for instance, using bolts, welding, or any other appropriate joining technique. Theextension members stationary side member 710. Theextension members FIG. 6 ) extending along substantially all of an interior face of theextension members - A
first hinge 742 may be attached to theextension member 732 by engagement of thefirst hinge 742 with theslot 736 provided on an interior face of theextension member 732. Thefirst hinge 742 may be slideably moveable along the interior face of theextension member 732. Additionally, thefirst hinge 742 may include apivot 735 that slides along with the remainder of thefirst hinge 742. As such, thehinge 742 may be slideable along theextension member 732 and may facilitate pivotal movement about thepivot 735. Thehinge 742 may be attached to or provided integrally with a firstfolding end member 730. In a like regard, asecond hinge 744 may be slideably moveable along an interior face of theextension member 734. Thesecond hinge 744 may facilitate pivotal movement about apivot 745 such that an attached secondfolding end member 740 is slideably moveable and pivotally moveable with respect to theextension member 734 andpivot 745, respectively. - A sliding
side member 720 may be provided opposite from and parallel to thestationary side member 710. The slidingside member 720 may have athird hinge 722 and afourth hinge 724 at opposite ends of the slidingside member 720. The third andfourth hinges side member 720, may slide along a length of the first and secondfolding end members - Additionally, the
stationary side member 710 may have attached thereto at least twobase members 750. Thebase members 750 may be moveably attached to anattachment portion 754, which is provided on thestationary side member 710. Thebase members 750 may be moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When in the deployed position, thebase members 750 span substantially the entire width of the table 700 so as to be disposed adjacent to theslideable side member 720 in the expanded position (as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 ). Thebase member 750, for instance, may be rotatable with respect to theattachment portions 754 atpivots 755 such that they may be rotated from the deployed position shown inFIG. 7 to a stowed position.FIG. 9 shows thebase members 750 in an intermediate position between the deployed position and stowed position. InFIG. 10 , thebase members 750 are in the stowed position. In this regard, thebase members 750 may be parallel and adjacent to thestationary side member 710 in the stowed position. As thepivots 755 are offset with respect to theattachment members 754, thebase members 750 may be arranged as shown inFIG. 10 such that thebase members 750 are parallel and adjacent to each other when in the stowed position. - With additional reference to
FIG. 8 , a side view of the table 700 is shown. A generally “V” shapedportion 752 may also be provided on thebase members 750. As shown inFIG. 8 , the “V” shapedportion 752 may coordinate with correspondingly shapedprojection 760 operatively attached to the slidingside member 720. The “V” shapedportion 752 may be correspondingly shaped to receive theprojection 760. Theprojection 760 may be adjustably moveable along the length of theslideable side member 720. For instance, theprojection 760 may be provided with a slidingattachment 762 that coordinates with a slot provided on the underside of the slidingside member 720. - As such, the “V” shaped
portion 752 may receive theprojection 760 to provide a suitably stable platform for the table 700 when resting upon one or more supports to support the table 700. For example, one or more sawhorses 764 or other structures with a correspondingly shapeddepression 766 may receive the “V” shapedchannel 752 of thebase members 750. The nature of the “V” shapedchannels 752 may help reduce the potential the table 700 would slide with respect to thesaw horses 764. This may be because sliding forces that would otherwise cause the table 700 to move or slide with respect to thesaw horse 764 would require an additional uplifting force to unseat the “V” shapedportion 752 from the correspondingly shapeddepression 766 on thesaw horses 764. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a “V” shapedportion 752, this particular arrangement is shown for demonstrative purposes such that any arbitrary matching shape for thebase member 750 and correspondingly shapeddepression 166 of the supporting structure may be used. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , and referenced above, thebase members 750 may be rotated with respect to theattachment portion 754. As such, thebase members 750 may be pivoted such that they are substantially parallel with thestatic side member 710 as depicted inFIG. 10 when in the stowed position. Also inFIG. 10 , theslideable side member 720 has been moved along with the third andfourth hinges stationary side member 710. As such, theslideable side member 720 may be moved between an extended position (shown inFIG. 7 ) and a collapsed position (shown inFIG. 10 ). Theslideable side member 720 may be spaced apart from thestationary side member 710 in the extended position and adjacent to thestationary side member 710 in the collapsed position. This may be facilitated as the first andsecond hinges FIG. 6 ) on an interior face of the first and secondfolding end members folding end members FIG. 11 . Thus, the table 700 may be collapsed for eased transport or storage. - While not shown in
FIG. 11 , thefolding end members FIG. 23 . Accordingly, thefolding end members extension members folding end members spacer 725 may be provided on one of thehinges FIG. 23 , thespacer 725 may be provided athinge 724. Alternatively, alternate hinge designs may be employed that allow the slidingside member 720 span between the offset foldingend members spacer 725. In this regard, differently sized tables (e.g., a square table) that includefolding end members stationary side member 710 may be provided that still allow the folding end members to be moved to a folded position (e.g., as shown inFIG. 23 ). - With additional reference to
FIGS. 12-15 , an embodiment of atool guide member 202 is shown as may be used in conjunction with the collapsible work table 700. However, the tool guides disclosed herein may also be used with other embodiments of a table. Thetool guide member 202 may generally include twoposts 212 supported by correspondingattachment members 210. Theattachment members 210 may be slideably engaged with a respective toolguide retention member 145 provided in the first and secondfolding end members - For instance,
FIG. 13 is a cross section view taken along section line B-B inFIG. 12 . The secondfolding end member 740 may define a toolguide retention member 145. The shoulder of anattachment bolt 216 may be disposed within the toolguide retention member 145. A fastener, such as an adjustable handle, nut, or the like, may be engaged with theattachment bolt 216 to tighten theattachment bolt 216 with respect to the toolguide retention member 145 to secure theattachment member 210 to thefolding end member 740. One ormore attachment bolts 216 may be provided. - The
post 212 may be attached to theattachment members 210 such that the height of thepost 212 may be adjusted depending on the thickness of thework piece 200. As such, thepost 212 may be engaged by a clamping action of the attachment member 210 (e.g., by way of aset screw 218 or the like). Anarrowed end 214 of thepost 212 may include a point, a ridge, or other narrowed shape (e.g., a frustoconical shape) at one end of thepost 212. - The
narrowed end 214 of a respective one of theposts 212 may engage a tool guide track 220 (as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 ). For instance, acrease 222 may be provided on thetool guide track 220 such that the narrowed ends 214 engage the underside of thecrease 222 to locate thetool guide track 220 with respect to thework piece 200. This may prevent the tool guide track from moving laterally with respect to thework piece 200. Thecrease 222 may also project on the top side of thetool guide track 220. A corresponding tool base may be provided that engages thecrease 222 on the top side of thetool track 220 to guide a tool (not shown) along the length of thetool guide track 220. Thus, the tool may be guided along thetool track 220 with respect to thework piece 200 to perform an operation (e.g., a cutting operation, a routing operation, etc.) on thework piece 200. - The
work piece 200 may be indexed on the table 700 with one or morelateral indexing members 712 and one or morelongitudinal index members 714. As such, thework piece 200 may be positioned in a known relative location with respect to the table 700. Thelateral index members 712 may comprise a stanchion that projects through a working plane defined by thetop surfaces 122 of thesupport members 120. Thelateral index members 712 may be arranged on thestationary side member 710 such that thework piece 200 may be abutted against thelateral index members 712 when thelateral index members 712 are arranged so as to extend through the work plane. Thus, thework piece 200 may be indexed laterally with respect to the stationary side member 710 (e.g., to be substantially parallel thereto). - The
longitudinal index member 714 may also be attached to thestationary side member 710. Thelongitudinal index member 714 may extend laterally beyond thelateral index members 712, such that a longitudinal end of thework piece 200 may be abutted against thelongitudinal index member 714. As such, the work piece may be indexed against a known position of thelongitudinal index member 714 as well. - The
lateral index members 712 may be rotatable such that thelateral index members 712 are rotatable into a position such that they do not project through thework plane 150. For instance, thelateral index members 712 may engage a slot on an interior face of thestationary side 710. As such, an attachment bolt may secure thelateral index members 712 to thestationary side 710. As the attachment bolt is loosened, thelateral index members 712 may be rotated about the attachment bolt between an extended and retracted position. As such, thelateral index members 712 may be provided in a retracted position when not in use such that thework piece 200 may be supported on the table 700 in any manner without contacting thelateral indexing members 712. Also, thelateral index members 712 may be adjustably rotated when in an extended position such that the portion of thelateral index members 712 extending beyond thework plane 150 may be adjusted. Thus, the height of thelateral index members 712 may be adjusted to accommodatework pieces 200 of various thicknesses. -
FIGS. 22A and 22B depict in greater detail thelongitudinal index member 714. Thelongitudinal index member 714 may generally include astanchion 2200 which is pivotable about apivot member 2212 between an extended and a retracted position. The retracted position is depicted inFIG. 22A and the extended position is depicted in 22B. Thelongitudinal index member 714 may include aslot engagement member 2220 which includes a hookedportion 2222 that engages aslot 2224 provided on thestationary side member 710. Attached to theslot engagement member 2220 may be anangle member 2210. Theangle member 2210 may include thepivot member 2212 such that thestanchion 2200 is pivotal thereabout. In this regard, when in the retracted position shown inFIG. 22A , thestanchion 2200 may not extend above thesupport member 120. However, when pivoted to the position shown inFIG. 22B , thestanchion 2200 may extend abovesupport member 120. - Additionally, because the
stanchion 2200 is provided to the inside of thestationary side member 710, awork piece 200 which is laterally indexed to an interior portion of thestationary side member 710 may abut thestanchion 2200 at a longitudinal end thereof. The hookedportion 2222 may allow for rapid engagement and disengagement with theslot 2224 such that thelongitudinal index member 714 may be positioned anywhere along the length of thestationary member 710. Additionally, in that thestanchion 2200 may be rapidly pivoted between the extended position and the retracted position, thelongitudinal index member 714 may be easily moved out of the way so as not to interfere with the work piece if so desired. - Another embodiment of a
tool guide 300 is shown inFIGS. 16 , 17A, and 17B. Thetool guide 300 may include anattachment member 310 secured to thestationary side member 710. In a similar fashion to theattachment member 210, theattachment member 310 may include anattachment bolt 316 that engages a toolguide retention member 145 provided in thestationary side member 710. The toolguide retention member 145 may be a slot against which a shoulder of theattachment bolt 316 is engaged upon tightening of anadjustable handle 314, a nut, or other appropriate fastener. Accordingly, thetool guide 300 may be secured anywhere along substantially an entire length of thestationary side member 710 along which the toolguide retention member 145 extends. - The
attachment member 310 may connect to afirst pivot 312. Apivot arm 320 may also connect to thefirst pivot 312 such that thepivot arm 320 is disposed for pivotal movement with respect to theattachment member 310. Thepivot arm 320 may also be attached to atrack support 330 at asecond pivot 332 so as to facilitate relative pivotal movement between thepivot arm 320 and thetrack support 330. A cantileveredtool guide track 302 may be attached to thetrack support 330. As such, the relative pivotal movement of theattachment member 310,pivot arm 320, andtrack support 330 may allow the cantileveredtool guide track 302 to be positioned flush against thework piece 200 as shown inFIGS. 16 and 17A . - An
adjustment bolt 334 may be provided that threadably engages thepivot arm 320. Thus, thetrack support 330 may contact the head of theadjustment bolt 334 and limit the pivotal movement of thetrack support 330 with regard to thepivot arm 320. As such, adjustment of the height of theadjustment bolt 334 may allow for different thicknesses of materials while maintaining theguide track 302 flushed with thework piece 200. For instance, unthreading theadjustment bolt 334 with respect to thepivot arm 320 may provide for athicker work piece 200 whereas threadably engaging more of theadjustment bolt 334 with thepivot arm 320 may allow for athinner work piece 200. Theadjustable bolt 334 may also be provided on theattachment member 310, and/or thetrack support 330 to adjust the height at which the cantileveredtool track 302 is positioned with respect to the work piece (i.e., to adjust for different work piece thicknesses). Acrease 322 may be provided that may engage a corresponding tool base to guide a tool along the cantileveredtool guide track 302 to perform an operation on thework piece 200. - In order to provide additional rigidity to the assembly, the
track support 330 may include a projection which coordinates with thecrease 322 so as to prevent rotational movement of theguide track 302 with respect to thetrack support 330. Thetrack 302 may be attached to thetrack support 330 by any appropriate means. For example, thetrack support 330 may be bolted to the cantilevered track such that the bolt engages thecrease 322, passes through thetrack support 330, and is tightened so as to bolt the cantilevered tool track to thetrack support 330. - Additionally,
FIG. 17B depicts the cantileveredtool guide track 302 in an auxiliary position wherein thetool guidetrack 302 is disposed away from thework piece 300. That is, the cantileveredtool guide track 302 extends away from the working plane. This may facilitate improved access to thework piece 200. As such, the cantileveredtool guide track 302 may be positioned in a work position (shown inFIGS. 16 and 17A ) or the auxiliary position shown inFIG. 17B . In turn, thework piece 200 may be retrieved or positioned when thetool guide 300 is in the auxiliary position without having to move or remove thetool guide 300 from the desired position along thestationary side member 710. As can be appreciated best inFIG. 17B , thelateral index members 712 may be adjusted with respect to the work plane 150 (e.g., such that less of theindex member 712 is provided above the work plane 150) to prevent interference with thetool guide track 302. - Yet another embodiment of a
tool guide 800 is shown inFIG. 18 . Thetool guide 800 may provide a guide to perform and operation through anarc 850 with respect to thework piece 200. Thetool guide 800 may include asimilar attachment member 210 as was described above with respect to thetool guide 202. As such, theattachment member 210 may be attached to either of the first or secondfolding end members stationary side member 710 or the slidingside member 720 depending upon the operation needed. - Also, in the embodiment as shown in
FIG. 18 , the ends of the table have a non-continuous surface due to the junction of theextension members foldable end members tool guide 210 in a manner that spans this non-continuous junction. Such an arrangement as shown inFIG. 18 , where asupplemental support piece 860 may be attached to thesecond end member 740 adjacent to the junction of theextension member 734 and the secondfolding end member 740. In turn, thesupplemental support 860 may also include a toolguide attachment member 145 that is spaced away from theend member 740 in a manner so as to align the toolguide attachment member 145 on thesupplemental support piece 860 with a toolguide attachment member 145 on theextension member 734. As such, atool guide 210 may be attached to theextension member 732 andsupplemental support piece 860 in an instance wherein thetool guide 210 would otherwise overlap the junction between the non-continuous surfaces. - The
attachment member 210 may also support apost 212 as described above. Unlike thetool guide 202, thepost 212 used in thetool guide 800 may be substantially cylindrical adjacent to the intersection of thepost 212 and the working plane. In this regard, theattachment member 210 described above with respect to thetool guide 202 may be flipped and thenarrowed end 214 thereof may not be employed. Thepost 212 may be engaged by apivot guide 814. Thepivot guide 814 may include a collar that surrounds thepost 212 and facilitates pivotal movement of thepivot guide 814 with respect to thepost 212. Attached to thepivot guide 814 may be anarm 810. Thearm 810 may define achannel 812 that may receive one ormore bolts 826. The one ormore bolts 826 may also pass through one or morecorresponding brackets 824 that are secured to atool base 820. As such, atool 822 may be guided along thearc 850 upon rotational movement of thepivot guide 814 with respect to thepost 212. As thebrackets 824, and in turn thetool base 820, may be slideably positioned along the length of thearm 810, the radius of thearc 850 may be adjusted as necessary. - As the various operations may generate forces tending to cause the
work piece 200 to slide or move in the working plane 150 (e.g., in a direction away from theindexing members 712 and 714), a number ofclamps 600 may be provided to hold thework piece 200 in place against thesupport members 120. As discussed above, theclamps 600 may cooperate with agroove 160 defined in thesupport members 120 to clamp awork piece 200 to thesupport member 120. - This arrangement wherein clamps 600 are used to secure a
work piece 200 to thesupport members 120 is also shown inFIG. 19 . Also shown inFIG. 19 is another embodiment of atool guide 900 that may be employed to perform an operation on thework piece 200. Thetool guide 900 includes abeam 910 defining achannel 912. Thechannel 912 may engage one or morebeam attachment bolts 918 that in turn engage one ormore brackets 914. Thebrackets 914 may also engage a supportmember attachment bolt 916 that engages achannel 160 of thesupport member 120. As such, upon tightening of thebeam attachment bolt 918 and the supportmember attachment bolt 916, thebeam 910 may be secured in place with respect to thework piece 200. As theattachment bolts beam 910 andsupport members 120, thebeam 910 may be positioned in any angle with respect to the table 700. - The
channel 912 of thebeam 910 may also receive anattachment member 2100. Theattachment member 2100 may be attached to atool base 920. Thus, thetool 920 may be slideably attached to thebeam 910. As such, thebeam 910 may guide thetool 922 in a desired path along the length of thebeam 910 to perform an operation on thework piece 200. - In still other embodiments, a drop-in
tool 1000 may be used in conjunction with a multifunction table according to present disclosure. Such a drop-intool 1000 is depicted inFIG. 20 . The drop-intool 1000 may be a router, table saw, miter saw, or any other appropriate tool. As shown, the drop-intool 1000 may be a router having arouter bit 1020 extending through anopening 1022. Therouter bit 1020 may in turn extend through the working plane. As stated above, alternative tools, such as table saws, miter saws, etc. may be used as well. Afence 1010 may be provided on the drop-intool 1000. Thefence 1010 may be adjustable to accommodate different operations as needed. - The drop-in
tool 1000 may be positioned betweenadjacent support members 120. In this regard, twoadjacent support members 120 may be positioned such that the span between the twoadjacent support members 120 is roughly the width of the drop-intool 1000. The drop intool 1000 may havewings 1002 which extend over theadjacent support members 120 and support the drop-intool 1000 on thesupport members 120. The space between theadjacent support members 120 may accommodate the drop-in tool such that a portion of the drop-intool 1000 between thewings 1002 extends downward between thesupport members 120. Thus, the body of the drop-in tool 1000 (including the motor, mechanisms, tool chassis, etc.) may be disposed between theadjacent support members 120. In this regard, the drop-intool 1000 may allow the multifunction table 700 to function as a table router, table saw, miter saw, etc., depending on the nature of the drop-intool 1000. - Additionally, as shown in
FIG. 20 ,sheet material 1050 may be positioned generally betweenadjacent support members 120 to form a solid table top for the multifunction table 700. Thesheet material 1050 may be of a thickness such that thesheet material 1050 rests on thesupport member 120 and forms a substantially continuous surface with thesupport member 120. Thus, the top surface of thesheet material 1050 may also lie in the workingplane 150. Alternatively, or additionally, the thickness of thesheet material 1050 may be selected to be above or below the level of the working plane. -
FIG. 21 depicts greater detail of theattachment member 2100 shown inFIG. 19 for securing a tool to a beam, pivot arm, or the like (e.g., as shown inFIG. 19 ). Theattachment member 2100 may include achannel attachment block 2110 affixed to atool attachment block 2120 by way of a number ofbolts 2112. Thebolts 2112 may pass through slottedholes 2114 provided on thetool attachment block 2120 such that the relative height of thechannel attachment block 2110 and thetool attachment block 2120 may be changed. Thebolt 2112 may pass through a portion of thechannel attachment block 2110 and tighten against an interior face of acut 2130. Thecut 2130 may allow for some deflection of thechannel engagement member 2116 with respect to thetool attachment block 2120. As such, thebolts 2112 may pass through a portion of thechannel attachment block 2110 so that tightening of thebolts 2112 to secure thechannel attachment block 2110 to thetool attachment block 2120 does not result in deflection of thechannel engagement member 2116 with respect to thetool attachment block 2110. - The
channel engagement member 2116 may be shaped to fit into a channel (e.g.,channel 912 as shown inFIG. 19 ) provided on a beam, pivot arm, or the like. As such, thechannel engagement member 2116 may slide along the length of the channel when thechannel engagement member 2116 is in the neutral position with respect to thetool attachment block 2120. That is, when thechannel engagement member 2116 is not deflected towards thetool attachment block 2120, theattachment member 2100 may slide smoothly along the channel. However, adeflection bolt 2132 may be provided that threadably engages thechannel attachment block 2110 on opposing sides of thecut 2130. As such, upon threadable advancement of thedeflection bolt 2132 with respect to thechannel attachment block 2110, thecut 2130 may be pinched together. As such, thechannel engagement member 2116 may be deflected towards thetool attachment block 2120. When engaged with a channel, this may cause this deflection of thechannel engagement member 2116 toward thetool attachment block 2120 to cause thechannel engagement member 2116 to bind with respect to the channel such that movement along the channel may be limited. In this regard, thedeflection bolt 2132 may be tightened to secure theattachment member 2100 along the length of the channel. In contrast, loosening or removal of thedeflection bolt 2132 may allow theattachment member 2100 to slide freely along the length of the channel. - The
tool attachment block 2120 may also include abottom plate 2118 which is clampingly engageable with thetool attachment block 2120 by way of a number ofcammed bolts 2122 that pass throughholes 2124 provided through thetool attachment block 2120 to engage thebottom plate 2118. As such, thecammed bolts 2122 may adjust the gap between thebottom plate 2118 and thetool attachment block 2120. In turn, thecammed bolts 2122 may cam against thetop surface 2126 of thetool attachment block 2120 in order to clamp thebottom plate 2118 towards thetool attachment block 2120. In this regard, a tool base may be clampingly secured between thebottom plate 2118 and thetool attachment block 2120. Thebolts 2112 and slottedholes 2114 may be used to adjust the height of the tool such that the tool base may be disposed in an appropriate level with respect to the work piece. - Other additional features or refinements may be provided to any of the foregoing embodiments. For example, reference marks may be provided at various locations on an embodiment of a table. For instance, a scale may be provided on the stationary side, the foldable end members, or the sliding side. Such a scale may be provided on any surface thereof to assist in performing an operation. The scale may be calibrated to an indexed position (e.g., as defined by indexing members) or other point (e.g., the table edge). Further still, the tool guides may include scales or other reference marks. This may include, without limitation, a scale on the support members, a beam or arm of a tool guide, a tool guide track, or other appropriate location. These reference marks and scales may provide distances or angle measurements to an indexed position of the work piece.
- While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character. For example, certain embodiments described hereinabove may be combinable with other described embodiments and/or arranged in other ways (e.g., process elements may be performed in other sequences). Accordingly, it should be understood that only the preferred embodiment and variants thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.
Claims (20)
1) A work table comprising:
a frame comprising longitudinally extending opposing side members and a tool guide retention member, the tool guide retention member extending along at least a portion of the frame;
multiple support members configured to be removably and lockably coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members such that the multiple support members extend between the longitudinally extending opposing side members; and
a first tool guide;
wherein:
the multiple support members are configured to support a work piece in a working plane when the multiple support members are coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members;
the first tool guide is configured to be coupled with the tool guide retention member, and the first tool guide is configured to receive a tool; and
when the first tool guide is coupled with the tool guide retention member, when the tool is received at the first tool guide, and when the multiple support members are supporting the work piece in the working plane, the first tool guide limits movement of the tool with respect to the frame and permits the tool to be operable on the work piece while the tool is received at the first tool guide.
2) The work table of claim 1 , further comprising:
opposing end members configured to couple together the longitudinally extending opposing side members.
3) The work table of claim 1 , wherein:
the tool guide retention member comprises a channel in the frame.
4) The work table of claim 1 , wherein:
the tool guide retention member is configured to receive one or more attachment bolts, each attachment bolt of the one or more attachment bolts comprising a shoulder and a fastener, the shoulder being disposable within the tool guide retention member and the fastener being configured to selectively secure the shoulder in place within the tool guide retention member.
5) The work table of claim 1 , further comprising:
the first tool guide comprises a first guide member, a second guide member, and a tool track;
the first tool guide is configured to be coupled with the tool guide retention member via the first guide member and the second guide member;
the first guide member and the second guide member are configured to be movable when coupled to the tool guide retention member; and
the tool track is configured to be engaged with the first guide member and the second guide member such that the tool track extends between the first guide member and the second guide member.
6) The work table of claim 5 , wherein:
the first guide member comprises a first post and the second guide member comprises a second post, the first post and the second post being configured to engage the tool track with the first guide member and the second guide member and to maintain the tool track in a relative position with respect to the work table when the first post and the second post engage the tool track with the first guide member and the second guide member.
7) The work table of claim 1 , wherein:
the first tool guide comprises a cantilevered tool track and a base member;
wherein:
the cantilevered tool track is configured to be coupled to the base member;
the base member is configured to couple the first tool guide with the tool guide retention member; and
the cantilevered tool track projects outward away from the base member when the cantilevered tool track is coupled to the base member.
8) The work table of claim 7 , wherein the first tool guide further comprises:
a pivot member configured to couple the cantilevered tool track to the base member and to permit the cantilevered tool track to be rotationally positioned with respect to the base member when the cantilevered tool track is coupled to the base member by the pivot member.
9) The work table of claim 8 , wherein:
the pivot member permits the cantilevered tool track to be rotationally positioned in a work position and an auxiliary position when the cantilevered tool track is coupled to the base member by the pivot member;
when the first tool guide is positioned in the work position, the cantilevered tool track is coupled to the base member, and the base member is coupled with the first tool guide retention member, the cantilevered tool track is positioned substantially parallel to the working plane; and
when the first tool guide is positioned in the auxiliary position, the cantilevered tool track is coupled to the base member, and the base member is coupled with the tool guide retention member, the cantilevered tool track is positioned outside of the working plane.
10) The work table of claim 1 , wherein:
the first tool guide comprises a side member and an arm;
the side member is configured to couple the first tool guide to the frame; and
the arm is configured to pivot in an arc about the side member.
11) The work table of claim 10 , wherein:
the side member is configured to be slidable along the frame when coupling the first tool guide to the frame.
12) The work table of claim 1 , further comprising:
a drop-in tool configured to be positioned between two support members of the multiple support members.
13) The work table of claim 12 , wherein:
the drop-in tool comprises one of a router, a table saw, or a miter saw.
14) The work table of claim 1 , wherein:
at least one support member of the multiple support members comprises a groove extending along at least a portion of the at least one support member.
15) The work table of claim 14 , wherein at least one of:
the groove is configured to receive a second tool guide;
the groove is configured to receive a clamp, the clamp comprising an attachment member configured to be received at the groove and a clamping member operatively coupled to the attachment member and contactable to secure the work piece to the at least one support member; or
the groove is configured to remain accessible when the at least one support member of the multiple support members is coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members.
16) The work table according to claim 1 , wherein:
at least one support member of the multiple support members comprises a work piece contact surface; and
at least one of (i) the work piece contact surface comprises a material having one or more physical properties of the work piece or (ii) the work piece contact surface is replaceable.
17) The work table of claim 1 , further comprising:
an indexing member attached to the frame;
wherein:
the indexing member is positionable in an extended position and a retracted position;
when positioned in the extended position, the indexing member extends through the working plane; and
when positioned in the retracted position, the indexing member does not extend through the working plane.
18) A work table, the work table comprising:
a frame comprising longitudinally extending opposing side members and a tool guide retention member, the tool guide retention member extending along at least a portion of the frame;
opposing end members configured to couple together the longitudinally extending opposing side members;
multiple support members configured to be removably and lockably coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members such that the multiple support members extend between the longitudinally extending opposing side members;
a tool guide; and
an indexing member attached to the frame;
wherein:
the multiple support members are configured to support a work piece in a working plane when the multiple support members are coupled to the longitudinally extending opposing side members;
the tool guide is configured to be coupled with the tool guide retention member, and the tool guide is configured to receive a tool;
the tool guide retention member comprises a channel defined in the frame;
when the tool guide is coupled with the tool guide retention member, when the tool is received at the tool guide, and when the multiple support members are supporting the work piece in the working plane, the tool guide limits movement of the tool with respect to the frame and permits the tool to be operable on the work piece while the tool is received at the tool guide;
at least one support member of the multiple support members comprises a groove extending along at least a portion of the at least one support member;
the indexing member is positionable in an extended position and a retracted position;
when positioned in the extended position, the indexing member extends through the working plane; and
when positioned in the retracted position, the indexing member does not extend through the working plane.
19) The work table of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of:
the work piece; or
the tool.
20) A work table comprising:
a frame comprising a slideable side member, a stationary side member, a first end member, and a second end member; and
multiple support members;
wherein:
the slideable side member is coupled to the first end member and the second end member;
the stationary side member is coupled to the first end member and the second end member;
the slideable side member is configured to be positioned at different times in a collapsed configuration and an extended configuration while the slideable side member and the stationary side member remain coupled to the first end member and the second end member;
the slideable side member is configured to be (a) positioned opposite from the stationary side member and between the first end member and the second end member when the slideable side member is in the extended configuration and (b) proximate to the stationary side member, between the stationary side member and the first end member, and between the stationary side member and the second end member when the slideable side member is in the collapsed configuration;
the multiple support members are configured to be coupled to the frame when the slideable side member is configured in the extended configuration;
the multiple support members are configured to extend between the slideable side member and the stationary side member when coupled to the frame; and
the multiple support members are configured to be able to support a work piece in a working plane when coupled to the frame.
Priority Applications (1)
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US14/603,518 US20150128781A1 (en) | 2011-01-05 | 2015-01-23 | Multifunction work table |
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US12/985,008 US8967607B2 (en) | 2011-01-05 | 2011-01-05 | Multifunction work table |
US14/603,518 US20150128781A1 (en) | 2011-01-05 | 2015-01-23 | Multifunction work table |
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US7604027B2 (en) | 2005-08-04 | 2009-10-20 | Thatcher John T | Retractable workbench |
US7628186B2 (en) | 2007-04-04 | 2009-12-08 | Gary Joseph Blum | Portable workbench |
GB0720771D0 (en) * | 2007-10-24 | 2007-12-05 | Gunn Peter G | Load Support |
WO2009148652A2 (en) | 2008-03-03 | 2009-12-10 | United States Government | Transportable modular configuration for holding panels |
US8302788B2 (en) * | 2009-01-20 | 2012-11-06 | Hardy Imports, Inc. | Demountable shelving unit |
DE102009009267A1 (en) | 2009-02-17 | 2010-08-19 | Esmo Ag | Tool unit, machining table |
US8403313B2 (en) | 2009-08-14 | 2013-03-26 | Hagar Tools, Inc. | Work table having elevated support members |
US8316781B1 (en) * | 2010-02-19 | 2012-11-27 | Stanley Barton Majors | Method and apparatus for modular furniture |
CN102884358B (en) | 2010-04-23 | 2015-08-26 | 普帝龙集成房屋技术(重庆)有限公司 | Quick connect structural system |
US8443992B2 (en) * | 2010-09-21 | 2013-05-21 | Whalen Furniture Manufacturing, Inc. a California corporation | Industrial frame rack support assembly |
US8967607B2 (en) * | 2011-01-05 | 2015-03-03 | Premysl-Uhrik, Llc | Multifunction work table |
US8882097B2 (en) | 2011-05-28 | 2014-11-11 | John Blick | Replaceable sawing surface device and method |
US8671644B2 (en) * | 2012-05-21 | 2014-03-18 | Tsung-Chieh Huang | Supporting frame |
-
2011
- 2011-01-05 US US12/985,008 patent/US8967607B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2015
- 2015-01-23 US US14/603,518 patent/US20150128781A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8967607B2 (en) | 2015-03-03 |
US20120169001A1 (en) | 2012-07-05 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |