US20190358783A1 - Work table with magnet - Google Patents
Work table with magnet Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190358783A1 US20190358783A1 US16/420,962 US201916420962A US2019358783A1 US 20190358783 A1 US20190358783 A1 US 20190358783A1 US 201916420962 A US201916420962 A US 201916420962A US 2019358783 A1 US2019358783 A1 US 2019358783A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- magnetic assembly
- permanent magnet
- magnetic
- recess
- assembly
- 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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- 230000005294 ferromagnetic effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 239000003302 ferromagnetic material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 8
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B1/00—Vices
- B25B1/24—Details, e.g. jaws of special shape, slideways
- B25B1/2484—Supports
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B11/00—Work holders not covered by any preceding group in the subclass, e.g. magnetic work holders, vacuum work holders
- B25B11/002—Magnetic work holders
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B1/00—Vices
- B25B1/02—Vices with sliding jaws
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B1/00—Vices
- B25B1/06—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws
- B25B1/10—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws using screws
- B25B1/103—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws using screws with one screw perpendicular to the jaw faces, e.g. a differential or telescopic screw
-
- 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
- B25H1/0021—Stands, supports or guiding devices for positioning portable tools or for securing them to the work
- B25H1/0057—Devices for securing hand tools to the work
- B25H1/0064—Stands attached to the workpiece
- B25H1/0071—Stands attached to the workpiece by magnetic means
-
- 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
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B1/00—Devices for securing together, or preventing relative movement between, constructional elements or machine parts
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H36/00—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
- H01H36/0073—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding actuated by relative movement between two magnets
-
- F16B2001/0035—
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2200/00—Constructional details of connections not covered for in other groups of this subclass
- F16B2200/83—Use of a magnetic material
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to the retention of a work piece on a work table or work surface. More specifically, the disclosure relates to tables for use in retaining work pieces to be manufactured in a desired position on a work table or work surface.
- Work pieces can typically be placed on a work table or work surface as the work piece is being cut, sawed, milled, drilled, nailed, painted, or otherwise worked on, manufactured, or fabricated. It is often desirable to retain the work piece in a desired position on a work table or work surface, or generally prevent movement of the work piece during the manufacturing or fabrication process, as movement of the work piece can produce undesirable errors or flaws in the finished product. Securing work pieces on a work table or work surface during the manufacturing process can be difficult as work pieces can come in a variety of differing shapes, sizes, and materials. Additionally, work pieces may need to be held in varying orientations and positions on a work table or work surface during the manufacturing process to produce a desired hole, cut, etc.
- Common ways of retaining a work piece on a work surface include a user manually holding the work piece in a desired position, which can be cumbersome for the user. Manual pressure to hold the work piece in place is often times not sufficient to maintain the work piece in a desired position once the work piece is engaged by a tool. Mechanical fasteners such as clamps and bolts can also be used to secure the work piece in a desired position on a work surface. Work tables and work surfaces can also include custom stops or guide blocks specifically designed to engage or retain certain types of work pieces, the stop or guide blocks being built into such work surfaces.
- Vises can be used to retain a work piece in a desired position on a work table or work surface while the user works on the work piece.
- a work piece may be placed in a gap between opposing jaws of the vise. The opposing jaws can be moved towards and away from each other to and clamp the work piece between the jaws. This allows a user to retain a work piece in a desired position while the desired procedures are being performed on the work piece.
- vises are solid and heavy devices, some consisting of large amounts of heavy metal. Vises can be designed to be heavy such that they resist movement of the vise and thus the work piece while the work piece is being worked on. Vises can be placed on a work surface and anchored by the weight of the vise. The weight of the vises can make them difficult to handle or maneuver, which is undesirable.
- the vise may be mechanically secured to the work surface by mechanical fasteners, such as bolts or screws. Using mechanical fasteners to secure the vise to the work surface can be cumbersome and time consuming and can limit the possible orientations of the vise, and thus the work piece, on the work surface. Such vises may also require special holes to be formed in the work surface.
- One aspect of the disclosure is a work table apparatus for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus including a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object.
- a magnetic assembly can be positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field extending exterior to the magnetic assembly 50 , and in some embodiments beyond the first side of the table, to secure a ferromagnetic object in a desired position on the table.
- the magnetic assembly can be configured to alternate between an active mode where the magnetic field is produced and an inactive mode wherein magnetic fields produced by the magnetic assembly are retained within the magnetic assembly.
- the magnetic assembly can include a magnetic assembly housing, a first permanent magnet rotatably disposed on the magnetic assembly housing, and a second permanent magnet fixedly connected to the magnetic assembly housing. Rotation of the first permanent magnet can alternate the magnetic assembly between the active mode and the inactive mode.
- the magnetic assembly can include an electromagnet which can be selectively actuated to alternate the magnetic assembly between the active and inactive modes.
- One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a work table apparatus with a magnetic assembly for securing ferromagnetic objects on the table apparatus with a simple actuation method.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a work table apparatus of the present disclosure mounted on a drill press.
- FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the work table apparatus of FIG. 1 , with a magnetic assembly in an inactive mode.
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the work table apparatus of FIG. 1 , with a magnetic assembly in an active mode.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of work table apparatus of the present disclosure with a magnetic assembly in an inactive mode.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table of a work table apparatus with a rail system with flanges for supporting a magnetic assembly.
- FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic assembly for use on a work table apparatus with a rail system having flanges.
- FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the magnetic assembly of FIG. 7 installed on a table of the work table apparatus of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table for a work table apparatus with an adjustable rail system.
- FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic assembly for use on a work table apparatus with an adjustable rail system and the magnetic assembly has an actuator disposed on a side of the magnetic assembly.
- FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic assembly for use on a work table apparatus with an adjustable rail system and the magnetic assembly has an actuator disposed beneath the magnetic assembly.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table for a work table apparatus with a recessed portion for receiving a magnetic assembly.
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the work table apparatus of FIG. 12 .
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the work table apparatus of FIG. 14 .
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a table for a work table apparatus having a recess with a retention lip for receiving and supporting a magnetic assembly.
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the work table apparatus of FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a work table apparatus having a hanging receiver.
- FIG. 20 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a magnetic assembly of the present disclosure having permanent magnet assemblies with radially oriented permanent magnet elements.
- FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a work table apparatus of the present disclosure including a magnetic assembly with an electromagnetic.
- a magnetic assembly 50 can be positioned on the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 can be configured to produce a magnetic field which can extend beyond the first side 22 of the table 20 to interact with ferromagnetic objects, such as work pieces or securement devices such as a vise, positioned on the first side 22 of the table 20 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 can include a permanent magnet configured to produce a constant magnetic field extending beyond the first side 22 of the table 20 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 can be operable to alternate or switch between an active mode and an inactive mode.
- the magnetic assembly 50 When the magnetic assembly 50 is in the active mode, a magnetic field is produced by the magnetic assembly 50 that extends exterior to the magnetic assembly 50 and beyond the first side 22 of the table 20 , allowing the magnetic assembly 50 to produce a magnetic force on ferromagnetic objects positioned on the first side 22 of the table 20 and within the magnetic field produced by the magnetic assembly 50 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 When the magnetic assembly 50 is in the inactive mode, the resulting magnetic field is substantially contained within the magnetic assembly 50 and interaction of the magnetic field with ferromagnetic objects placed on the first side 22 of the table 20 is reduced.
- the work table apparatus 10 can include a drill press mounting assembly 15 extending from the table 20 , the drill press mounting assembly 15 operable to mount the work table apparatus 10 on a drill press.
- the drill press mounting assembly 15 includes a mounting frame 17 with a through hole for receiving the column 14 of the drill press, and a clamping mechanism 19 for securing the work table apparatus 10 to the drill press column 14 beneath the spindle 18 of the drill press.
- Such a drill press mounting assembly 15 can allow a work table apparatus 10 of the present disclosure to be retrofitted onto existing drill press machines by removing the current drill press table and mounting the work table apparatus 10 to the drill press via the drill press mounting assembly 15 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 can be fixedly secured to the second side 24 of the table 20 , for instance by welding, adhering, or bolting the magnetic assembly 50 to the table 20 .
- the magnetic assembly 20 can be removable or adjustable on the table 20 .
- the second side 24 of the work table 20 can include a receiver 26 configured to receive and retain a magnetic assembly 50 on the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- a variety of work tables 20 having a receiver 26 are contemplated in this disclosure and will be discussed in further detail.
- the receiver 26 may actively engage a magnetic assembly 50 or the receiver 26 may be configured to passively retain the magnetic assembly 50 in a desired configuration or position on the table 20 .
- tables 20 may have a variety of shapes and sizes, including rectangular, square, circular, oval, polygonal, or any other shape readily apparent to one of skill in the art.
- the table 20 itself and/or the dividers 28 can be made of a ferromagnetic material such that the magnetic assembly 50 can be placed against the second side 24 of the table 20 and placed in the active mode, and the magnetic assembly 50 may be retained adjacent the second side 24 of the table 20 via the magnetic force on the table 20 and/or the dividers 28 associated with the magnetic field produced by the magnetic assembly 50 .
- the dividers 28 can also provide a surface to which the magnetic assembly 50 can be attached (via clamps, adhesives, etc.).
- the receiver 26 may include a rail system 36 for positioning the magnetic assembly 50 on the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- the rail system 36 may include a plurality of rails 30 attached to or extending from the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- Each rail 30 may include a support column 32 and a flange 34 .
- the support column 32 may extend perpendicularly from the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- the support columns 32 may be spaced apart from one another across the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- Flanges 34 can extend transversely to the support column 32 .
- the flanges 34 can be substantially parallel to the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- the rails 30 as shown in FIGS. 6-8 allow for a magnetic assembly 50 to be retained on the table 20 by sliding the magnetic assembly 50 between adjacent rails 30 of the table 20 .
- FIGS. 6-8 an embodiment of a magnetic assembly 50 is provided which is capable of engaging with the rails 30 of the table 20 as depicted in FIG. 6 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 has a magnetic assembly housing 52 , an actuator 54 for switching the magnetic assembly 50 between an active mode and an inactive mode, and guides 56 a and 56 b extending from the magnetic assembly body 52 .
- the guides 56 can engage or rest on flanges 34 of adjacent rails 30 of the table 20 .
- the first guide 56 a may be inserted between a first flange 34 a and the table 20 and a second guide 56 b may be inserted between a second flange 34 b and the table 20 .
- the guides 56 a and 56 b may slide along the flanges 34 a and 34 b respectively, allowing a user to position the magnetic assembly 50 along the rail system of the table 20 .
- a variety of guides may be implemented in various embodiments, including tabs, notches, slits, channels or any other system for engaging the flanges 34 of the rail system as would be readily recognizable to one of skill in the art.
- the second side 24 of the table 20 includes a receiver 26 configured to receive and retain a magnetic assembly 50 , wherein the receiver 26 comprises a moveable rail system 36 including a plurality of opposing rails 30 and plurality of cross support members 38 movably supported on the rails 30 .
- the table 20 can have at least a first pair 30 a of opposing rails 30 extending from the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- each pair of opposing rails 30 can be positioned on opposing edges of the second side 24 of the table 20 and can be perimetric rails 30 .
- Support columns 32 on each opposing rail 30 can extend perpendicularly from the second side 24 of the table 20 and flanges 34 on each pair of opposing rails 30 can extend transversely or perpendicularly from the support columns 32 and toward one another.
- a first pair 38 a of cross support members 38 may span across and be movable on the first pair 30 a of opposing rails 30 on the table 20 . Ends of the first pair 38 a of cross support members 38 can be positioned between the flanges 34 of the first pair 30 a of opposing rails 30 and the table 20 to retain the first pair 38 a of cross support members 38 beneath the table 20 .
- a magnetic assembly 50 can be received on and suspended from the first pair 38 a of cross support members 38 to retain the magnetic assembly 50 in a desired position adjacent the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- the table 20 can include a second pair 30 b of opposing rails 30 oriented transversely to the first pair 30 a of opposing rails.
- the two pairs of opposing rails 30 a and 30 b can be considered perimetric rails with respective pairs of opposing rails 30 spanning at least a majority of the length and width of the table 20 .
- a second pair 38 b of cross support members 38 can span across and be movable on the second pair 30 b of opposing rails 30 on the table 20 , the second pair 38 b of cross support members 38 oriented transversely to the first pair 30 a of cross support members 38 .
- a first pair 38 a of cross support members 38 may span between the first pair 30 a of opposing rails 30 in a lengthwise direction of the table 20 and are translatable along the width of the table 20 and a second pair 38 b of cross support members 38 may span between the second pair 30 a of opposing rails 30 in a widthwise direction of the table 20 and are translatable along the length of the table 20 .
- a magnetic assembly 50 may be received on one or more pairs of cross support members 38 such that the magnetic assembly 50 can be positioned and retained near the surface of the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- adjustable or movable cross support members 38 can allow the position of a magnetic assembly 50 beneath the table 20 to be varied, or the adjustable or movable cross support members 38 can allow for magnetic assemblies 50 of varying sizes and strengths to be retained on the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- FIG. 10 An embodiment of a magnetic assembly 50 that may be used with the table 20 of FIG. 9 is depicted in FIG. 10 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 is receivable on the cross members 38 of the receiver 26 of the table 20 in FIG. 9 .
- guides 56 extending laterally from the magnetic assembly housing 52 may include a downwardly extending lip 57 , such that the guides 56 form a sleeve or channel 58 .
- the sleeve 58 is formed such that the cross members 38 may be received in the sleeve 58 such that the cross support members 38 support the magnetic assembly 50 via the guides 56 when the magnetic assembly 50 is engaging or received on the receiver 26 .
- the lip 57 on the guides 56 can help keep the guides 56 from slipping off of the cross supports 38 or the cross supports 38 from moving out from under the guides 56 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 may be modified in a variety of ways to engage the receiver 26 .
- a table 20 has a receiver 26 formed on or adjacent to the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- a recess 40 can be defined on the second side 24 of the table 20 and shaped to receive at least a portion of the magnetic assembly 50 .
- a receiver 26 including a recess 40 can allow the magnetic assembly 50 to be positioned at a specific position on the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- the recess 40 can further allow an upper end 51 of the magnetic assembly 20 to be positioned closer to the first side 22 of the table 20 as the thickness of the table 20 at the recess 40 can be reduced compared to the full thickness of the table 20 so that the net magnetic field produced by the magnetic assembly 50 can have a shorter distance to travel before extending beyond the first side 22 of the table 20 and interacting with a ferromagnetic object placed on the first side 22 of the table 20 .
- a recess 40 can help maximize the magnetic force applied by the magnetic assembly 50 on the ferromagnetic object, while maintaining the strength and durability of the table 20 elsewhere on the table 20 .
- a recess 40 can be formed in or on the second side 24 of a table 20 .
- the recess 40 may extend inward towards the first side 22 of the table 20 .
- the thickness of the table 20 at the recess 40 is thinner than the full, overall, or normal thickness of the table 20 .
- a table 20 can have a first thickness 44 and a second thickness 46 , the first thickness 44 representative of the thickness of the table 20 between the first side 22 and the second side 24 of the table 20 , the second thickness 46 representative of the thickness of the table 20 between an inside surface of the recess 40 and the first side 22 of the table 20 .
- the first thickness 44 will be greater than the second thickness 46 .
- a plurality of fastener receivers 42 can be defined in the second side 24 of the table 20 adjacent the recess 40 .
- a connection flange 43 can extend laterally from a magnetic assembly 50 such that the connection flange 53 is positionable over the fastener receivers 42 when at least a portion of the magnetic assembly 50 is positioned in the recess 40 .
- Fasteners 43 such as bolts or screws can be extended through the connection flange and engage the fastener receivers 42 to secure the magnetic assembly 50 to the table 20 .
- the fastener receivers 42 can be threaded bores.
- FIGS. 16-17 show an embodiment of the receiver 26 in which the recess 40 can be defined in the second side 24 of the table 20 and be open to a front or lateral edge of the table 20 , the recess 40 including tracks 49 along which guides 56 extending from a magnetic assembly 50 , such as the one shown in FIG. 7 , may be inserted.
- a recess lip 48 can be formed along opposing sides of the recess 40 .
- the recess lip 48 can have a thickness less than the depth of the recess 40 and the recess lip 48 can extend substantially parallel to the second side 24 of the table 20 .
- the recess lip 48 can provide a recess track 49 which is configured to receive at least a portion of the magnetic assembly 50 , for instance the guides 56 a and 56 b shown in FIG. 7 .
- the guides 56 can slide into the recess track 49 such that the recess lip 48 can support the magnetic assembly 50 via the guides 56 with a portion of the magnetic assembly 50 positioned in the recess 40 .
- the recess 40 may extend across an entire length or width of the table 20 or may only extend across a portion of the length or width of the table 20 .
- FIG. 18 An alternate embodiment is demonstrated in FIG. 18 , wherein the recess lip 48 includes an inwardly angled surface 48 a , which could be engaged by an outward angled guide member on a magnetic assembly. It is within the scope of this disclosure that any means or system for retaining the magnetic assembly 50 on, in, or adjacent to the second side 24 the table 20 and in the recess 40 may be implemented as one of skill in the art would recognize.
- FIG. 19 demonstrates another exemplary embodiment of a receiver 26 .
- the receiver of FIG. 19 may include side walls 45 extending from the second side 24 of the table 20 and a floor 47 which extends and/or spans between the side walls 45 .
- the receiver 26 of FIG. 7 can be sized to receive an entire magnetic assembly, as opposed to only a flange or tab on the magnetic assembly.
- Embodiments implementing a receiver 26 as shown in FIG. 19 may include an interior cavity 41 within the receiver 26 which can be recessed into the second side 24 of the table 20 to provide a thinner portion on the table 20 proximate the interior cavity 41 in which a magnetic assembly is received.
- the internal cavity of the receiver 26 in FIG. 19 may extend across the entire length or width of the table 20 or may only partially extend across the length or width of the table 20 .
- the receiver 26 may be removably coupled to the table 20 .
- the receiver 26 may be formed such that a magnetic assembly 50 such as the one shown in FIG. 1 may be accessible or operable while the magnetic assembly 50 is received in the receiver 26 , including access to the actuator 54 for actuating the magnetic assembly 50 .
- the recess 40 may be provided in the table 20 such that the magnetic assembly 50 is positioned in the recess.
- the recess 40 can provide a thinner portion of the table 20 through which the magnetic fields produced by the magnetic assembly 50 pass or penetrate when the magnetic assembly 50 is in an active mode.
- the magnetic field produced by the magnetic assembly 50 may extend beyond the first side 22 of the table 20 such that ferromagnetic objects positioned on the first side 22 of the table 20 may be retained on the table 20 by magnetic forces produced by the magnetic assembly 50 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 can magnetize a ferromagnetic table 20 , thus effectively making the entire table 20 a magnet for attracting ferromagnetic objects such as ferromagnetic work pieces, vises, etc.
- a magnetic assembly can be activated on or near a ferromagnetic table 20 without a receiver, thereby securing the magnetic assembly to the table 20 , and either producing a magnetic field that extends beyond the first side of the ferromagnetic table 20 or producing a magnetic field that magnetizes the ferromagnetic table 20 to attract ferromagnetic objects positioned on the table 20 .
- a magnetic assembly 50 may be implemented in connection with the table 20 in order to produce a magnetic field above the table 20 which can interact with a ferromagnetic work piece or another ferromagnetic object such as a vise.
- the magnetic assembly 50 generally includes a magnetic assembly housing 52 , an actuator 54 for switching the magnetic assembly 50 between an active mode and an inactive mode, and components which in some embodiments selectively produce, propagate, or extend a magnetic field beyond the first side 22 of the table 20 .
- the actuator 54 in some embodiments can extend from a front side of the magnetic assembly housing 52 in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 , and can be actuated by rotating the actuator 54 via handle 55 along a generally vertical plane.
- the actuator 54 can extend from below the magnetic assembly housing 52 , as shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 7-8 , and can be actuated by rotating the actuator 54 via handle 55 along a generally horizontal plane. In either orientation the handle 55 of the actuator 54 can be easily accessible from a front of the table 20 where an operator would be located.
- the magnetic field produced by the magnetic assembly 50 can be the result of a plurality of permanent magnets moveable relative to one another within the magnetic assembly housing 52 , which can result in a switching effect for the magnetic assembly 50 between an active mode and an inactive mode as different magnetic fields can be produced based on the positioning of the permanent magnets relative to one another.
- the magnetic assembly 50 can include an electromagnet which can be operable to selectively produce a magnetic field which extends beyond the first side 22 of the table 20 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 can include two or more permanent magnets 66 and 68 positioned within the magnetic assembly housing 52 .
- a first permanent magnet 66 can be rotatably disposed within the magnetic assembly housing 52 and a second permanent magnet 68 can be fixedly connected to the magnetic assembly housing 52 , such that the first permanent magnet 66 can rotate relative to the second permanent magnet 68 within the magnetic assembly housing 52 .
- the magnetic assembly housing 52 may be shaped to receive the permanent magnets 66 and 68 .
- the magnetic assembly housing 52 can be in the shape of a block having a hollow passage 60 disposed along a rotational axis 59 of the magnetic assembly housing 56 , the first permanent magnet 66 rotating about the rotational axis 59 .
- the hollow passage 60 may be in the shape of a cylinder or any other shape suitable to receive and house the permanent magnets 66 and 68 .
- the magnetic assembly housing 52 may also have a variety of shapes and sizes as will be obvious to one of skill in the art.
- the magnetic assembly 50 can be positioned adjacent the second side 24 of the table 20 with the rotational axis 59 oriented in a generally horizontal direction.
- the magnetic assembly 50 can be positioned adjacent the second side 24 of the table 20 with the rotational axis 59 oriented in a generally vertical direction.
- the magnetic assembly housing 52 may comprise ferromagnetic materials such that the magnetic assembly housing 52 can accommodate the magnetic fields and magnetic fluxes produced by the permanent magnets 66 and 68 within the magnetic assembly housing 52 .
- the magnetic assembly housing 52 can be made from a material with low magnetic permeability and the magnetic assembly 50 can include additional ferromagnetic elements contained within the magnetic assembly housing 52 for accommodating and directing the magnetic fields and magnetic fluxes produced by the permanent magnets 66 and 68 .
- the magnetic assembly housing 52 may comprise pole pieces which have high magnetic permeability and can accommodate the magnetic fields produced by the permanent magnets 66 and 68 .
- the first permanent magnet 66 can be rotatable within the magnetic assembly housing 52 about the rotational axis 59 when the first permanent magnet 66 is positioned in the hollow passage 60 .
- the rotation of the first permanent magnet 66 relative to the second permanent magnet 68 provides the ability for the magnetic assembly 50 to alternate between an active and an inactive mode.
- first and second permanent magnets 66 and 68 can have the same polar orientation.
- a north pole of the first permanent magnet 66 and a north pole of the second permanent magnet 68 can be facing or oriented in a first direction and a south pole of the first permanent magnet 66 and a south pole of the second permanent magnet 68 can be facing or oriented in a second opposing direction.
- Magnetic fields 62 produced by the two permanent magnets 66 and 68 in such orientations are additive or have a cumulative effect to produce a magnetic field 62 exterior to the magnetic assembly 50 , as the magnetic fields produced by the north pole of the first permanent magnet 66 are repelled by the north pole of the second permanent magnet 68 and vice versa.
- the magnetic fields 62 produced by the permanent magnets 66 and 68 can be directed out of the axial ends of the magnetic assembly 112 , as well as various other directions, and toward the attractive south poles of the first and second permanent magnets 66 and 68 .
- the magnetic fields 62 of the first and second permanent magnets 66 and 68 are cumulative and can extend out from the magnetic assembly 50 and potentially beyond the first side 22 of the table 20 .
- the magnetic fields 62 produced when the magnetic assembly 50 is in the active mode can interact with ferromagnetic objects positioned on the first side 22 of the table 20 to secure the ferromagnetic objects in a desired location on the table 20 .
- poles of the first permanent magnet 66 and the second permanent magnet 68 are oriented in opposite directions, or the permanent magnets 66 and 68 have opposite polar orientations.
- a north pole of the first permanent magnet 66 and a south pole of the second permanent magnet 68 can face or be oriented toward a first direction and a north pole of the first permanent magnet 66 and a south pole of the second permanent magnet 68 can face or be oriented towards a second direction.
- a ferromagnetic object such as a work piece or a vise for holding a work piece
- the actuator 54 can be rotated to return the magnetic assembly 50 to the active mode and magnetically secure the ferromagnetic object in a desired position on the table 20 .
- the actuator 54 which can be coupled to the first permanent magnet 66 to rotate the first permanent magnet 66 between an active mode position and an inactive mode position can include a lever arm on which handle 55 is located which extends from the magnetic assembly 50 transverse to the rotational axis 59 , the lever arm providing leverage in rotating the actuator 54 about the rotational axis 59 .
- the farther the actuator 54 extends from the central axis 59 the greater the moment arm possible when applying a force to the actuator 54 to rotate the first permanent magnet 66 with respect to the second permanent magnet 68 .
- a longer moment arm may be needed depending on the strength of the permanent magnets 66 and 68 to overcome the attractive magnetic forces of the permanent magnets 66 and 68 in the inactive mode and place the magnetic assembly 50 in the active mode.
- the actuator 54 may be connected to the first permanent magnet 66 such that rotation of the actuator 54 about the rotational axis 59 results in a rotation of the first permanent magnet 66 about the rotational axis 59 , rotating the first permanent magnet 66 relative to the second permanent magnet 68 and alternating the magnetic assembly 50 between an active mode and an inactive mode.
- the actuator 54 can be configured to rotate the first permanent magnet 66 through about 180 degrees of rotation to reverse the polar orientation of the first permanent magnet 66 on the magnetic assembly 50 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 can include first and second permanent magnet assemblies 100 and 102 , each permanent magnet assembly 100 and 102 including a permanent magnet assembly housing 104 and a plurality of permanent magnet elements 106 , the permanent magnet elements 106 on each permanent magnet housing 104 being spaced radially about the rotational axis 59 of the magnetic assembly 50 .
- the permanent magnet elements 106 can be spaced radially symmetrically about the rotational axis 59 of the magnetic assembly 50 .
- the permanent magnet elements 106 can be oriented with their polarities in a radial direction, and the permanent magnet elements 106 can have alternating polar orientations.
- each permanent magnet element 106 in the first permanent magnet assembly 100 can be the same as an aligned corresponding permanent magnet element 106 in the second permanent magnet assembly 102 .
- the permanent magnet assembly housing 104 of the first permanent magnet assembly 100 can then be rotated until the permanent magnetic assemblies 100 and 102 are oriented with each aligned corresponding pair of permanent magnet elements 162 on the first and second permanent magnet assemblies 100 and 102 having opposite polar orientations, to place the magnetic assembly 50 in the inactive mode.
- Each corresponding pair of aligned permanent magnet elements 106 can produce similar magnetic field interactions as shown in FIGS. 2-5 , depending on whether the magnetic assembly 50 is in the active or inactive mode.
- the first permanent magnet assembly 100 and thus the actuator 54 , may only need to be rotated through a smaller angular rotation, such as 120, 90, 60, etc. degrees, depending on the number of permanent magnet elements 106 in each permanent magnet assembly, to alternate the magnetic assembly 50 between the inactive and inactive mode, which can be beneficial in applications where space to maneuver the actuator 54 is limited.
- a smaller angular rotation such as 120, 90, 60, etc. degrees, depending on the number of permanent magnet elements 106 in each permanent magnet assembly, to alternate the magnetic assembly 50 between the inactive and inactive mode, which can be beneficial in applications where space to maneuver the actuator 54 is limited.
- the magnetic assembly 50 can include an electromagnet 110 .
- the electromagnet 110 may include an electromagnetic core 70 , an electrical wire 72 coiled around the electromagnetic core 70 , and a power source 76 in electrical communication with the wire 72 .
- a switch actuator 78 can selectively complete the electrical circuit between the power source 76 and the electrical wire 72 to supply power from the power source 76 to the electrical wire 72 .
- a magnetic field 62 can be produced by the current in the wire 72 which magnetizes the core 70 and places the magnetic assembly 50 in the active mode.
- the magnetized core 70 can than then be used to apply magnetic forces on a ferromagnetic object placed on a first side 22 of the table 20 .
- the switch actuator 78 can simply be flipped to break the circuit and place the magnetic assembly 50 back in an inactive mode.
- the active and inactive modes of the magnetic assembly can allow a user to selectively engage or attract ferromagnetic objects or vises on a table 20 , while using a drill press, saw, or other tooling, to secure a ferromagnetic object directly to the table 20 without having to use additional clamps or devices resting on or connected to the first side 22 of the table 20 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 can simply be placed beneath the table 20 or on a second side 24 of the table 20 and placed in an active mode to secure the ferromagnetic object to the table 20 .
- the magnetic assembly 50 may be placed in the inactive mode which allows the ferromagnetic object to be moved freely on the table 20 and with minimal magnetic interference.
- a magnetic assembly can be used to selectively secure a ferromagnetic work piece to a table, or secure a magnetic work piece holding device, such as a vise, directly to the table, and release the ferromagnetic object when the object is to be removed and/or manipulated on the table.
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Abstract
A work table apparatus is disclosed for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus including a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object. A magnetic assembly can be positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field extending exterior to the magnetic assembly to secure a ferromagnetic object in a desired position on the table. The magnetic assembly can be configured to alternate between an active mode where the magnetic field is produced and an inactive mode wherein magnetic fields produced by the magnetic assembly are retained within the magnetic assembly.
Description
- This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/675,202 filed May 23, 2018 entitled WORK TABLE AND CLAMPING VISE WITH MAGNETIC ASSEMBLY, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entireties.
- A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- The present disclosure relates generally to the retention of a work piece on a work table or work surface. More specifically, the disclosure relates to tables for use in retaining work pieces to be manufactured in a desired position on a work table or work surface.
- Work pieces can typically be placed on a work table or work surface as the work piece is being cut, sawed, milled, drilled, nailed, painted, or otherwise worked on, manufactured, or fabricated. It is often desirable to retain the work piece in a desired position on a work table or work surface, or generally prevent movement of the work piece during the manufacturing or fabrication process, as movement of the work piece can produce undesirable errors or flaws in the finished product. Securing work pieces on a work table or work surface during the manufacturing process can be difficult as work pieces can come in a variety of differing shapes, sizes, and materials. Additionally, work pieces may need to be held in varying orientations and positions on a work table or work surface during the manufacturing process to produce a desired hole, cut, etc.
- Common ways of retaining a work piece on a work surface include a user manually holding the work piece in a desired position, which can be cumbersome for the user. Manual pressure to hold the work piece in place is often times not sufficient to maintain the work piece in a desired position once the work piece is engaged by a tool. Mechanical fasteners such as clamps and bolts can also be used to secure the work piece in a desired position on a work surface. Work tables and work surfaces can also include custom stops or guide blocks specifically designed to engage or retain certain types of work pieces, the stop or guide blocks being built into such work surfaces. However, these solutions can typically provide a limited number of positions on the work surface where a work piece can be retained and/or cumbersome fixation mechanisms to secure a clamp, vise, or other retaining member to various positions on the work surface. Such custom work surfaces or work tables can also be costly to manufacture.
- Vises can be used to retain a work piece in a desired position on a work table or work surface while the user works on the work piece. A work piece may be placed in a gap between opposing jaws of the vise. The opposing jaws can be moved towards and away from each other to and clamp the work piece between the jaws. This allows a user to retain a work piece in a desired position while the desired procedures are being performed on the work piece.
- Traditionally, vises are solid and heavy devices, some consisting of large amounts of heavy metal. Vises can be designed to be heavy such that they resist movement of the vise and thus the work piece while the work piece is being worked on. Vises can be placed on a work surface and anchored by the weight of the vise. The weight of the vises can make them difficult to handle or maneuver, which is undesirable. Alternatively, the vise may be mechanically secured to the work surface by mechanical fasteners, such as bolts or screws. Using mechanical fasteners to secure the vise to the work surface can be cumbersome and time consuming and can limit the possible orientations of the vise, and thus the work piece, on the work surface. Such vises may also require special holes to be formed in the work surface.
- What is needed then are improvements in systems and methods for retaining work pieces on a work surface or work table.
- This Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
- One aspect of the disclosure is a work table apparatus for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus including a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object. A magnetic assembly can be positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field extending exterior to the
magnetic assembly 50, and in some embodiments beyond the first side of the table, to secure a ferromagnetic object in a desired position on the table. In some embodiments, the magnetic assembly can be configured to alternate between an active mode where the magnetic field is produced and an inactive mode wherein magnetic fields produced by the magnetic assembly are retained within the magnetic assembly. - In some embodiments, the magnetic assembly can include a magnetic assembly housing, a first permanent magnet rotatably disposed on the magnetic assembly housing, and a second permanent magnet fixedly connected to the magnetic assembly housing. Rotation of the first permanent magnet can alternate the magnetic assembly between the active mode and the inactive mode. In other embodiments, the magnetic assembly can include an electromagnet which can be selectively actuated to alternate the magnetic assembly between the active and inactive modes.
- One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a work table apparatus with a magnetic assembly for securing ferromagnetic objects on the table apparatus with a simple actuation method.
- Numerous other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon a review of the following drawings and description of a preferred embodiment.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a work table apparatus of the present disclosure mounted on a drill press. -
FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the work table apparatus ofFIG. 1 , with a magnetic assembly in an inactive mode. -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the work table apparatus ofFIG. 1 , with a magnetic assembly in an active mode. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of work table apparatus of the present disclosure with a magnetic assembly in an inactive mode. -
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the work table apparatus ofFIG. 4 , with a magnetic assembly in an active mode. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table of a work table apparatus with a rail system with flanges for supporting a magnetic assembly. -
FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic assembly for use on a work table apparatus with a rail system having flanges. -
FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the magnetic assembly ofFIG. 7 installed on a table of the work table apparatus ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table for a work table apparatus with an adjustable rail system. -
FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic assembly for use on a work table apparatus with an adjustable rail system and the magnetic assembly has an actuator disposed on a side of the magnetic assembly. -
FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic assembly for use on a work table apparatus with an adjustable rail system and the magnetic assembly has an actuator disposed beneath the magnetic assembly. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table for a work table apparatus with a recessed portion for receiving a magnetic assembly. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the work table apparatus ofFIG. 12 . -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table for a work table apparatus, the table including a recessed portion for receiving a magnetic assembly, the table having fastener receivers for securing the magnetic assembly to the table with the magnetic assembly positioned in the recess. -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the work table apparatus ofFIG. 14 . -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a table for a work table apparatus having a recess with a retention lip for receiving and supporting a magnetic assembly. -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the work table apparatus ofFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a table for a work table apparatus having a recess with sloped side walls for receiving and supporting a magnetic assembly. -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a work table apparatus having a hanging receiver. -
FIG. 20 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a magnetic assembly of the present disclosure having permanent magnet assemblies with radially oriented permanent magnet elements. -
FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a work table apparatus of the present disclosure including a magnetic assembly with an electromagnetic. - While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that are embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific apparatus and methods described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.
- In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing, for the sake of clarity. In addition, positional terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” etc. refer to the apparatus when in the orientation shown in the drawing. A person of skill in the art will recognize that the apparatus can assume different orientations when in use.
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FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of awork table apparatus 10 of the present disclosure. Thework table apparatus 10 can include a table 20 having afirst side 22 and asecond side 24. The table 20 can be positioned such that thefirst side 22 is generally oriented facing upward to support a ferromagnetic object such as a work piece, tooling, or securement mechanism. For example, when the table 20 is used in conjunction with a tooling machine, thefirst side 22 of the table 20 can be oriented toward the tooling such that the tooling can engage a work piece being supported on thefirst side 22 of the table 20. Thefirst side 22 may also support other objects such as a vise for securing other work pieces for use with a tooling machine. - Referring further to
FIG. 1 , amagnetic assembly 50 can be positioned on thesecond side 24 of the table 20. Themagnetic assembly 50 can be configured to produce a magnetic field which can extend beyond thefirst side 22 of the table 20 to interact with ferromagnetic objects, such as work pieces or securement devices such as a vise, positioned on thefirst side 22 of the table 20. In some embodiments, themagnetic assembly 50 can include a permanent magnet configured to produce a constant magnetic field extending beyond thefirst side 22 of the table 20. In other embodiments, themagnetic assembly 50 can be operable to alternate or switch between an active mode and an inactive mode. When themagnetic assembly 50 is in the active mode, a magnetic field is produced by themagnetic assembly 50 that extends exterior to themagnetic assembly 50 and beyond thefirst side 22 of the table 20, allowing themagnetic assembly 50 to produce a magnetic force on ferromagnetic objects positioned on thefirst side 22 of the table 20 and within the magnetic field produced by themagnetic assembly 50. When themagnetic assembly 50 is in the inactive mode, the resulting magnetic field is substantially contained within themagnetic assembly 50 and interaction of the magnetic field with ferromagnetic objects placed on thefirst side 22 of the table 20 is reduced. - The
work table apparatus 10 is disclosed inFIG. 1 associated with a drill press, though thework table apparatus 10 of the present disclosure can be utilized in a variety of applications, including but not limited to conventional work tables, welding tables, band saw tables, milling machines tables, work benches, saw horses, etc. A drill press can include a base (not shown), acolumn 14 having a first end received on or coupled to the base, thecolumn 14 extending upward from the base, ahead 16 coupled to thecolumn 14 at a second end of thecolumn 14, aspindle 18 extending downward from thehead 16. Awork table apparatus 10, and specifically a table 20 thereof, can be mounted to thecolumn 14 between the first end and the second end of thecolumn 14. The table 20 may be integrally formed on thecolumn 14 or in other embodiments may be mountable and/or adjustable on thecolumn 14. - In some embodiments, the
work table apparatus 10 can include a drillpress mounting assembly 15 extending from the table 20, the drillpress mounting assembly 15 operable to mount thework table apparatus 10 on a drill press. InFIG. 1 , the drillpress mounting assembly 15 includes a mountingframe 17 with a through hole for receiving thecolumn 14 of the drill press, and aclamping mechanism 19 for securing thework table apparatus 10 to thedrill press column 14 beneath thespindle 18 of the drill press. Such a drillpress mounting assembly 15 can allow awork table apparatus 10 of the present disclosure to be retrofitted onto existing drill press machines by removing the current drill press table and mounting thework table apparatus 10 to the drill press via the drillpress mounting assembly 15. - In some embodiments, the
magnetic assembly 50 can be fixedly secured to thesecond side 24 of the table 20, for instance by welding, adhering, or bolting themagnetic assembly 50 to the table 20. In other embodiments, themagnetic assembly 20 can be removable or adjustable on the table 20. In some embodiments, thesecond side 24 of the work table 20 can include areceiver 26 configured to receive and retain amagnetic assembly 50 on thesecond side 24 of the table 20. A variety of work tables 20 having areceiver 26 are contemplated in this disclosure and will be discussed in further detail. Thereceiver 26 may actively engage amagnetic assembly 50 or thereceiver 26 may be configured to passively retain themagnetic assembly 50 in a desired configuration or position on the table 20. Furthermore, tables 20 may have a variety of shapes and sizes, including rectangular, square, circular, oval, polygonal, or any other shape readily apparent to one of skill in the art. - As demonstrated in
FIG. 1 , the table 20 may have asecond side 24 including a plurality ofdividers 28 extending along or across a surface of thesecond side 24. Thedividers 28 may be integrally formed on the table 20 or may be attached to the table 20 by a variety of attachment mechanisms including welding, fasteners, or any other mode of attachment as contemplated by one of skill in the art. Thedividers 28 are configured such that amagnetic assembly 50 can be inserted between a set ofdividers 28. In some embodiments, the table 20 itself and/or thedividers 28 can be made of a ferromagnetic material such that themagnetic assembly 50 can be placed against thesecond side 24 of the table 20 and placed in the active mode, and themagnetic assembly 50 may be retained adjacent thesecond side 24 of the table 20 via the magnetic force on the table 20 and/or thedividers 28 associated with the magnetic field produced by themagnetic assembly 50. Thedividers 28 can also provide a surface to which themagnetic assembly 50 can be attached (via clamps, adhesives, etc.). - Now referring to
FIGS. 6-8 , thereceiver 26 may include arail system 36 for positioning themagnetic assembly 50 on thesecond side 24 of the table 20. Therail system 36 may include a plurality ofrails 30 attached to or extending from thesecond side 24 of the table 20. Eachrail 30 may include asupport column 32 and aflange 34. Thesupport column 32 may extend perpendicularly from thesecond side 24 of the table 20. Thesupport columns 32 may be spaced apart from one another across thesecond side 24 of the table 20.Flanges 34 can extend transversely to thesupport column 32. In some embodiments, theflanges 34 can be substantially parallel to thesecond side 24 of the table 20. Therails 30 as shown inFIGS. 6-8 allow for amagnetic assembly 50 to be retained on the table 20 by sliding themagnetic assembly 50 betweenadjacent rails 30 of the table 20. - Still referring to
FIGS. 6-8 , an embodiment of amagnetic assembly 50 is provided which is capable of engaging with therails 30 of the table 20 as depicted inFIG. 6 . Themagnetic assembly 50 has amagnetic assembly housing 52, anactuator 54 for switching themagnetic assembly 50 between an active mode and an inactive mode, and guides 56 a and 56 b extending from themagnetic assembly body 52. Theguides 56 can engage or rest onflanges 34 ofadjacent rails 30 of the table 20. For example, thefirst guide 56 a may be inserted between a first flange 34 a and the table 20 and a second guide 56 b may be inserted between asecond flange 34 b and the table 20. Theguides 56 a and 56 b may slide along theflanges 34 a and 34 b respectively, allowing a user to position themagnetic assembly 50 along the rail system of the table 20. A variety of guides may be implemented in various embodiments, including tabs, notches, slits, channels or any other system for engaging theflanges 34 of the rail system as would be readily recognizable to one of skill in the art. - With reference to
FIGS. 9-11 , an alternative embodiment of a table 20 is depicted. In this embodiment, thesecond side 24 of the table 20 includes areceiver 26 configured to receive and retain amagnetic assembly 50, wherein thereceiver 26 comprises amoveable rail system 36 including a plurality of opposingrails 30 and plurality ofcross support members 38 movably supported on therails 30. The table 20 can have at least afirst pair 30 a of opposingrails 30 extending from thesecond side 24 of the table 20. In some embodiments each pair of opposingrails 30 can be positioned on opposing edges of thesecond side 24 of the table 20 and can be perimetric rails 30.Support columns 32 on each opposingrail 30 can extend perpendicularly from thesecond side 24 of the table 20 andflanges 34 on each pair of opposingrails 30 can extend transversely or perpendicularly from thesupport columns 32 and toward one another. A first pair 38 a ofcross support members 38 may span across and be movable on thefirst pair 30 a of opposingrails 30 on the table 20. Ends of the first pair 38 a ofcross support members 38 can be positioned between theflanges 34 of thefirst pair 30 a of opposingrails 30 and the table 20 to retain the first pair 38 a ofcross support members 38 beneath the table 20. Amagnetic assembly 50 can be received on and suspended from the first pair 38 a ofcross support members 38 to retain themagnetic assembly 50 in a desired position adjacent thesecond side 24 of the table 20. - In some embodiments, the table 20 can include a second pair 30 b of opposing
rails 30 oriented transversely to thefirst pair 30 a of opposing rails. In some embodiments, the two pairs of opposingrails 30 a and 30 b can be considered perimetric rails with respective pairs of opposingrails 30 spanning at least a majority of the length and width of the table 20. A second pair 38 b ofcross support members 38 can span across and be movable on the second pair 30 b of opposingrails 30 on the table 20, the second pair 38 b ofcross support members 38 oriented transversely to thefirst pair 30 a ofcross support members 38. For example, a first pair 38 a ofcross support members 38 may span between thefirst pair 30 a of opposingrails 30 in a lengthwise direction of the table 20 and are translatable along the width of the table 20 and a second pair 38 b ofcross support members 38 may span between thesecond pair 30 a of opposingrails 30 in a widthwise direction of the table 20 and are translatable along the length of the table 20. Amagnetic assembly 50 may be received on one or more pairs ofcross support members 38 such that themagnetic assembly 50 can be positioned and retained near the surface of thesecond side 24 of the table 20. Having adjustable or movablecross support members 38 can allow the position of amagnetic assembly 50 beneath the table 20 to be varied, or the adjustable or movablecross support members 38 can allow formagnetic assemblies 50 of varying sizes and strengths to be retained on thesecond side 24 of the table 20. - An embodiment of a
magnetic assembly 50 that may be used with the table 20 ofFIG. 9 is depicted inFIG. 10 . Themagnetic assembly 50 is receivable on thecross members 38 of thereceiver 26 of the table 20 inFIG. 9 . In themagnetic assembly 50 ofFIG. 10 , guides 56 extending laterally from themagnetic assembly housing 52 may include a downwardly extendinglip 57, such that theguides 56 form a sleeve orchannel 58. Thesleeve 58 is formed such that thecross members 38 may be received in thesleeve 58 such that thecross support members 38 support themagnetic assembly 50 via theguides 56 when themagnetic assembly 50 is engaging or received on thereceiver 26. Thelip 57 on theguides 56 can help keep theguides 56 from slipping off of the cross supports 38 or the cross supports 38 from moving out from under theguides 56. However, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that themagnetic assembly 50 may be modified in a variety of ways to engage thereceiver 26. - Now referring to
FIGS. 12-18 , alternative embodiments are depicted in which a table 20 has areceiver 26 formed on or adjacent to thesecond side 24 of the table 20. In some embodiments, arecess 40 can be defined on thesecond side 24 of the table 20 and shaped to receive at least a portion of themagnetic assembly 50. Areceiver 26 including arecess 40 can allow themagnetic assembly 50 to be positioned at a specific position on thesecond side 24 of the table 20. Therecess 40 can further allow an upper end 51 of themagnetic assembly 20 to be positioned closer to thefirst side 22 of the table 20 as the thickness of the table 20 at therecess 40 can be reduced compared to the full thickness of the table 20 so that the net magnetic field produced by themagnetic assembly 50 can have a shorter distance to travel before extending beyond thefirst side 22 of the table 20 and interacting with a ferromagnetic object placed on thefirst side 22 of the table 20. Arecess 40 can help maximize the magnetic force applied by themagnetic assembly 50 on the ferromagnetic object, while maintaining the strength and durability of the table 20 elsewhere on the table 20. - For example, referring to
FIGS. 12-15 , arecess 40 can be formed in or on thesecond side 24 of a table 20. Therecess 40 may extend inward towards thefirst side 22 of the table 20. Thus the thickness of the table 20 at therecess 40 is thinner than the full, overall, or normal thickness of the table 20. Thus a table 20 can have afirst thickness 44 and asecond thickness 46, thefirst thickness 44 representative of the thickness of the table 20 between thefirst side 22 and thesecond side 24 of the table 20, thesecond thickness 46 representative of the thickness of the table 20 between an inside surface of therecess 40 and thefirst side 22 of the table 20. In this embodiment, thefirst thickness 44 will be greater than thesecond thickness 46. - In some embodiments, as shown in
FIGS. 14-15 , a plurality offastener receivers 42 can be defined in thesecond side 24 of the table 20 adjacent therecess 40. In such embodiments, aconnection flange 43 can extend laterally from amagnetic assembly 50 such that theconnection flange 53 is positionable over thefastener receivers 42 when at least a portion of themagnetic assembly 50 is positioned in therecess 40.Fasteners 43 such as bolts or screws can be extended through the connection flange and engage thefastener receivers 42 to secure themagnetic assembly 50 to the table 20. In some embodiments, thefastener receivers 42 can be threaded bores. -
FIGS. 16-17 show an embodiment of thereceiver 26 in which therecess 40 can be defined in thesecond side 24 of the table 20 and be open to a front or lateral edge of the table 20, therecess 40 includingtracks 49 along which guides 56 extending from amagnetic assembly 50, such as the one shown inFIG. 7 , may be inserted. Arecess lip 48 can be formed along opposing sides of therecess 40. Therecess lip 48 can have a thickness less than the depth of therecess 40 and therecess lip 48 can extend substantially parallel to thesecond side 24 of the table 20. Therecess lip 48 can provide arecess track 49 which is configured to receive at least a portion of themagnetic assembly 50, for instance theguides 56 a and 56 b shown inFIG. 7 . Theguides 56 can slide into therecess track 49 such that therecess lip 48 can support themagnetic assembly 50 via theguides 56 with a portion of themagnetic assembly 50 positioned in therecess 40. Therecess 40 may extend across an entire length or width of the table 20 or may only extend across a portion of the length or width of the table 20. - An alternate embodiment is demonstrated in
FIG. 18 , wherein therecess lip 48 includes an inwardly angled surface 48 a, which could be engaged by an outward angled guide member on a magnetic assembly. It is within the scope of this disclosure that any means or system for retaining themagnetic assembly 50 on, in, or adjacent to thesecond side 24 the table 20 and in therecess 40 may be implemented as one of skill in the art would recognize. -
FIG. 19 demonstrates another exemplary embodiment of areceiver 26. - The receiver of
FIG. 19 may includeside walls 45 extending from thesecond side 24 of the table 20 and afloor 47 which extends and/or spans between theside walls 45. Thereceiver 26 ofFIG. 7 can be sized to receive an entire magnetic assembly, as opposed to only a flange or tab on the magnetic assembly. Embodiments implementing areceiver 26 as shown inFIG. 19 may include an interior cavity 41 within thereceiver 26 which can be recessed into thesecond side 24 of the table 20 to provide a thinner portion on the table 20 proximate the interior cavity 41 in which a magnetic assembly is received. The internal cavity of thereceiver 26 inFIG. 19 may extend across the entire length or width of the table 20 or may only partially extend across the length or width of the table 20. Thereceiver 26 inFIG. 19 may be integrally formed on the table 20 or may be fastened or coupled to the table 20. In some embodiments thereceiver 26 may be removably coupled to the table 20. Thereceiver 26 may be formed such that amagnetic assembly 50 such as the one shown inFIG. 1 may be accessible or operable while themagnetic assembly 50 is received in thereceiver 26, including access to theactuator 54 for actuating themagnetic assembly 50. - The
recess 40 may be provided in the table 20 such that themagnetic assembly 50 is positioned in the recess. Therecess 40 can provide a thinner portion of the table 20 through which the magnetic fields produced by themagnetic assembly 50 pass or penetrate when themagnetic assembly 50 is in an active mode. Thus, the magnetic field produced by themagnetic assembly 50 may extend beyond thefirst side 22 of the table 20 such that ferromagnetic objects positioned on thefirst side 22 of the table 20 may be retained on the table 20 by magnetic forces produced by themagnetic assembly 50. In other embodiments, themagnetic assembly 50 can magnetize a ferromagnetic table 20, thus effectively making the entire table 20 a magnet for attracting ferromagnetic objects such as ferromagnetic work pieces, vises, etc. - While it is contemplated that
various receivers 26 may be utilized on asecond side 24 of the table 20, it is also contemplated that a magnetic assembly can be activated on or near a ferromagnetic table 20 without a receiver, thereby securing the magnetic assembly to the table 20, and either producing a magnetic field that extends beyond the first side of the ferromagnetic table 20 or producing a magnetic field that magnetizes the ferromagnetic table 20 to attract ferromagnetic objects positioned on the table 20. - A
magnetic assembly 50 may be implemented in connection with the table 20 in order to produce a magnetic field above the table 20 which can interact with a ferromagnetic work piece or another ferromagnetic object such as a vise. Themagnetic assembly 50 generally includes amagnetic assembly housing 52, anactuator 54 for switching themagnetic assembly 50 between an active mode and an inactive mode, and components which in some embodiments selectively produce, propagate, or extend a magnetic field beyond thefirst side 22 of the table 20. Theactuator 54 in some embodiments can extend from a front side of themagnetic assembly housing 52 in some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6 , and can be actuated by rotating theactuator 54 viahandle 55 along a generally vertical plane. In other embodiments, theactuator 54 can extend from below themagnetic assembly housing 52, as shown inFIGS. 4-5 and 7-8 , and can be actuated by rotating theactuator 54 viahandle 55 along a generally horizontal plane. In either orientation thehandle 55 of theactuator 54 can be easily accessible from a front of the table 20 where an operator would be located. - In some embodiments, the magnetic field produced by the
magnetic assembly 50 can be the result of a plurality of permanent magnets moveable relative to one another within themagnetic assembly housing 52, which can result in a switching effect for themagnetic assembly 50 between an active mode and an inactive mode as different magnetic fields can be produced based on the positioning of the permanent magnets relative to one another. In other embodiments, themagnetic assembly 50 can include an electromagnet which can be operable to selectively produce a magnetic field which extends beyond thefirst side 22 of the table 20. - As shown in
FIGS. 2-5 , in some embodiments themagnetic assembly 50 can include two or morepermanent magnets magnetic assembly housing 52. A firstpermanent magnet 66 can be rotatably disposed within themagnetic assembly housing 52 and a secondpermanent magnet 68 can be fixedly connected to themagnetic assembly housing 52, such that the firstpermanent magnet 66 can rotate relative to the secondpermanent magnet 68 within themagnetic assembly housing 52. Themagnetic assembly housing 52 may be shaped to receive thepermanent magnets magnetic assembly housing 52 can be in the shape of a block having ahollow passage 60 disposed along arotational axis 59 of themagnetic assembly housing 56, the firstpermanent magnet 66 rotating about therotational axis 59. Thehollow passage 60 may be in the shape of a cylinder or any other shape suitable to receive and house thepermanent magnets magnetic assembly housing 52 may also have a variety of shapes and sizes as will be obvious to one of skill in the art. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 2-3 , themagnetic assembly 50 can be positioned adjacent thesecond side 24 of the table 20 with therotational axis 59 oriented in a generally horizontal direction. In other embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 4-5 , themagnetic assembly 50 can be positioned adjacent thesecond side 24 of the table 20 with therotational axis 59 oriented in a generally vertical direction. - In some embodiments, the
magnetic assembly housing 52 may comprise ferromagnetic materials such that themagnetic assembly housing 52 can accommodate the magnetic fields and magnetic fluxes produced by thepermanent magnets magnetic assembly housing 52. In other embodiments, themagnetic assembly housing 52 can be made from a material with low magnetic permeability and themagnetic assembly 50 can include additional ferromagnetic elements contained within themagnetic assembly housing 52 for accommodating and directing the magnetic fields and magnetic fluxes produced by thepermanent magnets magnetic assembly housing 52 may comprise pole pieces which have high magnetic permeability and can accommodate the magnetic fields produced by thepermanent magnets - The first
permanent magnet 66 can be rotatable within themagnetic assembly housing 52 about therotational axis 59 when the firstpermanent magnet 66 is positioned in thehollow passage 60. The rotation of the firstpermanent magnet 66 relative to the secondpermanent magnet 68 provides the ability for themagnetic assembly 50 to alternate between an active and an inactive mode. - When the
magnetic assembly 50 is in an active mode, like poles of the firstpermanent magnet 66 and the secondpermanent magnet 68 are oriented in or towards the same direction, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5 , or the first and secondpermanent magnets permanent magnet 66 and a north pole of the secondpermanent magnet 68 can be facing or oriented in a first direction and a south pole of the firstpermanent magnet 66 and a south pole of the secondpermanent magnet 68 can be facing or oriented in a second opposing direction.Magnetic fields 62 produced by the twopermanent magnets magnetic field 62 exterior to themagnetic assembly 50, as the magnetic fields produced by the north pole of the firstpermanent magnet 66 are repelled by the north pole of the secondpermanent magnet 68 and vice versa. Themagnetic fields 62 produced by thepermanent magnets permanent magnets permanent magnets magnets magnetic assembly 50, themagnetic fields 62 of the first and secondpermanent magnets magnetic assembly 50 and potentially beyond thefirst side 22 of the table 20. Themagnetic fields 62 produced when themagnetic assembly 50 is in the active mode can interact with ferromagnetic objects positioned on thefirst side 22 of the table 20 to secure the ferromagnetic objects in a desired location on the table 20. - When the
magnetic assembly 50 is in an inactive mode, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 4 , like poles of the firstpermanent magnet 66 and the secondpermanent magnet 68 are oriented in opposite directions, or thepermanent magnets permanent magnet 66 and a south pole of the secondpermanent magnet 68 can face or be oriented toward a first direction and a north pole of the firstpermanent magnet 66 and a south pole of the secondpermanent magnet 68 can face or be oriented towards a second direction. When like poles of the first and secondpermanent magnets permanent magnets magnetic fields 62 produced by a north pole of one permanent magnet will be attracted to the south pole of the other permanent magnet oriented in the same direction, and vice versa, such that themagnetic fields 62 produced by the first and secondpermanent magnets magnetic assembly 50 without extending exterior to themagnetic assembly 50 and beyond thefirst side 22 of the table 20. - In an inactive mode, a ferromagnetic object, such as a work piece or a vise for holding a work piece, can be easily removed from or repositioned on the table 20 with minimal magnetic interference from the
magnetic assembly 50. Once the ferromagnetic object is placed in a new desired position or orientation, or a second ferromagnetic object is placed on the table 20, theactuator 54 can be rotated to return themagnetic assembly 50 to the active mode and magnetically secure the ferromagnetic object in a desired position on the table 20. - In some embodiments, the
actuator 54 which can be coupled to the firstpermanent magnet 66 to rotate the firstpermanent magnet 66 between an active mode position and an inactive mode position can include a lever arm on which handle 55 is located which extends from themagnetic assembly 50 transverse to therotational axis 59, the lever arm providing leverage in rotating the actuator 54 about therotational axis 59. Thus the farther theactuator 54 extends from thecentral axis 59, the greater the moment arm possible when applying a force to theactuator 54 to rotate the firstpermanent magnet 66 with respect to the secondpermanent magnet 68. A longer moment arm may be needed depending on the strength of thepermanent magnets permanent magnets magnetic assembly 50 in the active mode. Theactuator 54 may be connected to the firstpermanent magnet 66 such that rotation of theactuator 54 about therotational axis 59 results in a rotation of the firstpermanent magnet 66 about therotational axis 59, rotating the firstpermanent magnet 66 relative to the secondpermanent magnet 68 and alternating themagnetic assembly 50 between an active mode and an inactive mode. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 4-5 , theactuator 54 can be configured to rotate the firstpermanent magnet 66 through about 180 degrees of rotation to reverse the polar orientation of the firstpermanent magnet 66 on themagnetic assembly 50. - In still other embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 20 , themagnetic assembly 50 can include first and secondpermanent magnet assemblies permanent magnet assembly magnet assembly housing 104 and a plurality ofpermanent magnet elements 106, thepermanent magnet elements 106 on eachpermanent magnet housing 104 being spaced radially about therotational axis 59 of themagnetic assembly 50. In some embodiments, thepermanent magnet elements 106 can be spaced radially symmetrically about therotational axis 59 of themagnetic assembly 50. Thepermanent magnet elements 106 can be oriented with their polarities in a radial direction, and thepermanent magnet elements 106 can have alternating polar orientations. - In an active mode, the polar orientation of each
permanent magnet element 106 in the firstpermanent magnet assembly 100 can be the same as an aligned correspondingpermanent magnet element 106 in the secondpermanent magnet assembly 102. The permanentmagnet assembly housing 104 of the firstpermanent magnet assembly 100 can then be rotated until the permanentmagnetic assemblies permanent magnet assemblies magnetic assembly 50 in the inactive mode. Each corresponding pair of alignedpermanent magnet elements 106 can produce similar magnetic field interactions as shown inFIGS. 2-5 , depending on whether themagnetic assembly 50 is in the active or inactive mode. In such an embodiment, the firstpermanent magnet assembly 100, and thus theactuator 54, may only need to be rotated through a smaller angular rotation, such as 120, 90, 60, etc. degrees, depending on the number ofpermanent magnet elements 106 in each permanent magnet assembly, to alternate themagnetic assembly 50 between the inactive and inactive mode, which can be beneficial in applications where space to maneuver theactuator 54 is limited. - In other embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 20 , themagnetic assembly 50 can include an electromagnet 110. The electromagnet 110 may include an electromagnetic core 70, an electrical wire 72 coiled around the electromagnetic core 70, and apower source 76 in electrical communication with the wire 72. Aswitch actuator 78 can selectively complete the electrical circuit between thepower source 76 and the electrical wire 72 to supply power from thepower source 76 to the electrical wire 72. When a current is running through the wire 72, amagnetic field 62 can be produced by the current in the wire 72 which magnetizes the core 70 and places themagnetic assembly 50 in the active mode. The magnetized core 70 can than then be used to apply magnetic forces on a ferromagnetic object placed on afirst side 22 of the table 20. Theswitch actuator 78 can simply be flipped to break the circuit and place themagnetic assembly 50 back in an inactive mode. - For the various embodiments discussed herein, the active and inactive modes of the magnetic assembly can allow a user to selectively engage or attract ferromagnetic objects or vises on a table 20, while using a drill press, saw, or other tooling, to secure a ferromagnetic object directly to the table 20 without having to use additional clamps or devices resting on or connected to the
first side 22 of the table 20. Themagnetic assembly 50 can simply be placed beneath the table 20 or on asecond side 24 of the table 20 and placed in an active mode to secure the ferromagnetic object to the table 20. When the ferromagnetic object needs to be removed or adjusted on the table 20, themagnetic assembly 50 may be placed in the inactive mode which allows the ferromagnetic object to be moved freely on the table 20 and with minimal magnetic interference. Thus, a magnetic assembly can be used to selectively secure a ferromagnetic work piece to a table, or secure a magnetic work piece holding device, such as a vise, directly to the table, and release the ferromagnetic object when the object is to be removed and/or manipulated on the table. - Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful WORK TABLE WITH MAGNET, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention.
Claims (20)
1. A work table apparatus for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus comprising:
a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object; and
a magnetic assembly positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field extending exterior to the magnetic assembly.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic assembly is operable to selectively alternate between an active mode and an inactive mode, the magnetic assembly producing the magnetic field when the magnetic assembly is in the active mode.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the magnetic assembly includes a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet, the first permanent magnet rotatable relative to the second permanent magnet to alternate the magnetic assembly between the active mode and the inactive mode.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein:
the first permanent magnet has a first north pole and an opposing first south pole;
the second permanent magnet has a second north pole and an opposing second south pole; and
the magnetic assembly is in an active mode when the first north pole of the first permanent magnet is oriented in the same direction as the second north pole of the second permanent magnet.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the magnetic assembly is placed in an inactive mode when the first permanent magnet is rotated such that the first north pole on the first permanent magnet and the second north pole of the second permanent magnet are oriented in opposite directions from one another.
6. The apparatus of claim 3 , further comprising an actuator connected to the first permanent magnet, the actuator being rotatable to rotate the first permanent magnet on the magnetic assembly to alternate the magnetic assembly between the active mode and the inactive mode.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the actuator includes a lever arm configured to rotate the first permanent magnet through 180 degrees of rotation to reverse the polar orientation of the first permanent magnet.
8. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the magnetic assembly includes an electromagnet further comprising:
a magnetic core;
a power source; and
an electrical wire connected to the power source and wound around the magnetic core; and
a switch configured to selectively supply power from the power source to the electrical wire to magnetize the magnetic core and place the magnetic assembly in the active mode.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a magnetic assembly receiver positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly receivable within the magnetic assembly receiver.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the magnetic assembly receiver is a recess defined in the second side of the table, the recess sized to receive at least a portion of the magnetic assembly.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the table has a front side and the recess is open to a front side of the table.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the table has an overall thickness and a thickness at the recess, and the overall thickness of the table is larger than the thickness of the table at the recess.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 , further comprising:
a plurality of fastener receivers extending into the second side of the table adjacent the recess in the table;
a connection flange extending from the magnetic assembly, the connection flange positionable over the plurality of fastener receivers when the magnetic assembly is received in the recess; and
a plurality of fasteners extendable through the connection flange and engageable with corresponding fastener receivers to secure the magnetic assembly to the table.
14. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein:
the magnetic assembly receiver comprises one or more guide rails extending from the second side of the table; and
the magnetic assembly includes a magnetic assembly housing and one or more guides extending from the magnetic assembly housing, the one or more guides sized to slide on the one or more guides rails to position and retain the magnetic assembly adjacent the second side of the table.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured for use with a drill press, and the table includes a drill press mounting assembly configured to selectively mount the table to the drill press.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the table comprises a ferromagnetic material.
17. A work table apparatus for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus comprising:
a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object;
a magnetic assembly positioned adjacent the second side of the table; and
a magnetic assembly receiver positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly receivable within the magnetic assembly receiver,
wherein the magnetic assembly is operable to selectively alternate between an inactive mode and an active mode, the magnetic assembly producing a magnetic field that extends beyond the first side of the table when the magnetic assembly is in the active mode.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein:
the magnetic assembly includes a first permanent magnet and second permanent magnet, the first permanent magnet rotatable relative to the second permanent magnet to alternate the magnetic assembly between the active and inactive modes; and
when the magnetic assembly is in the inactive mode, the first and second permanent magnets are oriented such that the magnetic field produced by the first permanent magnet is attracted to and collapses into the second permanent magnet without extending beyond the first side of the table, and vice versa.
19. A work table apparatus for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus comprising:
a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object;
a magnetic assembly positioned adjacent the second side of the table; and
a magnetic assembly recess defined in the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly receivable within the magnetic assembly recess, the table having an overall thickness that is greater than a thickness of the table at the recess;
wherein the magnetic assembly is operable to selectively alternate between an inactive mode and an active mode, the magnetic assembly producing a magnetic field that extends exterior to the magnetic assembly when the magnetic assembly is in the active mode.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the magnetic assembly further comprises:
a magnetic assembly housing;
a first permanent magnet rotatably disposed within the magnetic assembly housing; and
a second permanent magnet fixedly connected to the magnetic assembly housing;
wherein the first permanent magnet is rotatable relative to the second permanent magnet to alternate the magnetic assembly between the active mode and the inactive mode.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/420,962 US20190358783A1 (en) | 2018-05-23 | 2019-05-23 | Work table with magnet |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US201862675202P | 2018-05-23 | 2018-05-23 | |
US16/420,962 US20190358783A1 (en) | 2018-05-23 | 2019-05-23 | Work table with magnet |
Publications (1)
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US20190358783A1 true US20190358783A1 (en) | 2019-11-28 |
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ID=68614927
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US16/420,985 Active 2040-03-02 US11253974B2 (en) | 2018-05-23 | 2019-05-23 | Vise with magnet |
US16/420,962 Abandoned US20190358783A1 (en) | 2018-05-23 | 2019-05-23 | Work table with magnet |
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US16/420,985 Active 2040-03-02 US11253974B2 (en) | 2018-05-23 | 2019-05-23 | Vise with magnet |
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WO (2) | WO2019226901A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2019226901A1 (en) * | 2018-05-23 | 2019-11-28 | Jpw Industries Inc. | Vise with magnet |
DE202019103844U1 (en) * | 2019-07-12 | 2020-10-15 | C. & E. Fein Gmbh | Magnetic base and power tool |
DE202019106916U1 (en) * | 2019-12-12 | 2021-03-15 | C. & E. Fein Gmbh | Magnetic base |
CN111318977B (en) * | 2020-03-04 | 2021-09-21 | 泗水县特力工具有限公司 | Magnetic flat tongs |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3796506A (en) * | 1971-12-16 | 1974-03-12 | E Buck | Adjustable electromagnetic drill mount |
US4616796A (en) * | 1981-07-23 | 1986-10-14 | Inoue-Japax Research Incorporated | Magnetic retainer assembly |
JPS5914474A (en) * | 1982-07-16 | 1984-01-25 | 有限会社産信機工 | Vice |
JPS5986907U (en) | 1982-11-30 | 1984-06-12 | 株式会社三共組工業所 | Portable electromagnetic drilling machine |
US6361034B1 (en) | 1999-03-03 | 2002-03-26 | Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Magnetic insert in jaw plate for holding vise parallels |
AUPQ446699A0 (en) * | 1999-12-06 | 2000-01-06 | Kocijan, Franz | Switchable (variable) permanent magnet device |
WO2005092573A1 (en) | 2004-03-25 | 2005-10-06 | Twin Innovation Aps | Vice with electromagnetic attachment means |
PL2280803T5 (en) | 2008-04-22 | 2019-09-30 | Tecnomagnete S.P.A. | Monolithic magnetic apparatus and process for making said monolithic magnetic apparatus |
US9764438B2 (en) | 2014-03-07 | 2017-09-19 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Electromagnetic base for magnetic drill press |
US9561568B2 (en) * | 2014-04-25 | 2017-02-07 | Black & Decker Inc. | Magnetic drill press with alternate power source |
WO2019226901A1 (en) * | 2018-05-23 | 2019-11-28 | Jpw Industries Inc. | Vise with magnet |
-
2019
- 2019-05-23 WO PCT/US2019/033760 patent/WO2019226901A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-05-23 US US16/420,985 patent/US11253974B2/en active Active
- 2019-05-23 WO PCT/US2019/033771 patent/WO2019226905A1/en active Application Filing
- 2019-05-23 US US16/420,962 patent/US20190358783A1/en not_active Abandoned
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WO2019226905A1 (en) | 2019-11-28 |
US20190358778A1 (en) | 2019-11-28 |
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