GB2264257A - Workbench with clamping arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The workbench comprises a support frame (11, 12), an elongate work surface (24) supported by said frame (11, 12), an elongate rigid clamping strip (32) substantially equal in length to said elongate work surface (24), and, adjustable clamping means (33, 34 and 50 Fig. 5, not shown) co-operable with opposite end regions of the clamping strip (32) and the work surface (24) whereby a workpiece supported on the work surface (24) can be clamped to the work surface. The workbench may also be used where the workpiece is supported vertically between the limbs of the U-shaped end supports (11) (Fig. 3, not shown). <IMAGE>

Description

WORKBENCH This invention relates to a workbench primarily, but not exclusively, intended for domestic or light industrial use.

A difficulty experienced with known workbench designs is that of securing an elongate workpiece to the work surface of the bench along its length to facilitate, for example, sawing along the length of the workpiece, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a workbench wherein this disadvantage is obviated.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a workbench comprising a support frame, an elongate work surface supported by said frame, an elongate rigid clamping strip substantially equal in length to said elongate work surface, and, adjustable clamping means co-operable with opposite end regions of the clamping strip and the work surface whereby a workpiece supported on the work surface can be clamped to the work surface.

Preferably said clamping strip and said adjustable clamping means are moveable relative to the work surface in a direction at right angles to the length of the work surface to vary the position, widthwise of the work surface, at which clamping occurs.

Desirably the workbench is provided with a second work surface parallel to, and coplanar with the first mentioned work surface, said first and second work surfaces being spaced apart to provide an elongate gap to accommodate a saw blade or the like when sawing along the length of a workpiece supported on both work surfaces.

Preferably the second work surface has associated therewith a similar elongate rigid clamping strip and respective adjustable clamping means.

Desirably the support frame of the workbench is collapsible to facilitate transport and storage of the workbench.

It is also desirable to be able to support elongate workpieces, which may be longer than the bench itself, in a vertical plane to permit work to be performed on a horizontal or horizontally presented surface of the workpiece, for example a longitudinal edge of door.

Conveniently therefore the workbench includes a further clamping arrangement supported by the frame adjacent a longitudinal edge of the work surface and adjustable towards and away from said work surface edge for clamping purposes.

Desirably said support frame includes opposite end supports each of which has a U-configuration adjacent one edge, one limb of the U-configuration supporting the work surface and the other limb supporting said clamping arrangement, so that the workpiece can be accommodated between said limbs of each end support.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a workbench comprising a support frame including opposite end supports each of which has a U-configuration adjacent one edge, an elongate work surface supported in a generally horizontal orientation in use, by one limb of said U-configuration of each of said end supports, and a clamping arrangement supported by the other limb of said U-configuration of each of said end supports adjacent a longitudinal edge of said work surface so that in use a workpiece can be accommodated between the limbs of each U-configuration, and, said clamping arrangement being adjustable towards and away from said work surface edge for clamping purposes.

Conveniently the clamping arrangement includes an elongate clamping strip extending between said other limbs of the end supports and adjustable clamping means on each other limb for moving said strip to effect clamping.

Preferably the or each adjustable clamping means is detachable from the frame.

Desirably the or each adjustable clamping means includes a screw adjuster.

Alternatively the or each adjustable clamping means includes a quick release clamp.

A further desirable feature is the ability to use the workbench as a safe platform for an operator to stand on.

Desirably therefore there is provided detachable handrail means extending above the work surface.

Preferably said handrail means is detachably securable to said other limbs of end supports.

It is to be understood that the horizontal clamping facility and the vertical clamping facility, can both be utilized in a common workbench or can be separate features of individual workbenches.

The term "quick release clamp" as used herein denotes a clamp mechanism in which a clamping rod is driven to clamping position by movement of a manually operable lever and can be freed for return movement by operation of release member.

One example of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a workbench, Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 illustrating two additional accessories, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the workbench assembled and incorporating the first of the accessories shown in Figure 2, Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 but illustrating the use of the second of the accessories shown in Figure 2, and, Figures 5 and 6 illustrate clamping means alternative to the screw adjusters illustrated in Figures 1 to 4.

Throughout this description references to "horizontal" and "vertical", "upper" and "lower" refer to the normal usage of the workbench, when the workbench is assembled and fully erected standing on a horizontal floor.

Referring first to Figure 1 of the drawings the workbench comprises first and second fabricated metal end supports 11 which are substantially mirror-images of one another, and which are interconnected by a pair of elongate, parallel bearers 12 formed from metal tube, or channel, of rectangular cross-section. Each of the end supports 11 comprises a horizontal base 13 formed from metal tube of square cross-section. Extending downwardly from opposite ends of one of the bases 13 are short legs 14 terminated in plastic or rubber feet 15. The base 13 of the opposite end support 11 has downwardly extending channel-shaped brackets 16 which pivotally support wheels or rollers 17 whereby in use the workbench can easily be moved by lifting the end having the feet 15 and rolling the workbench on the wheels or rollers 17.The shaping of the brackets 16 is such that in the horizontal erected position of the workbench the brackets themselves engage the floor so as to provide a stable "ground" engagement.

Lifting the workbench at the end having the feet 15 pivots the bench sufficiently far for the wheels or rollers 17 to contact the floor to facilitate movement of the workbench. Extending upwardly from each base 13, adjacent one end thereof is a channel-section upright 18 positioned with the base wall of its channel vertical.

The depth of the channel tapers from a maximum adjacent the base to a minimum at the free end of the upright and the open face of the channel of each upright 18 faces outwardly from its respective base 13.

Intermediate its ends each base 13 has upstanding therefrom a first work surface support 19 in the form of a relatively wide channel-section, the width dimension of the channel-section being parallel to the length of the respective base 13 so that the open face of the channelsection is presented at right angles to the length of the base 13. The base wall of each support 19 is coplanar with a vertical face of the respective base 13 and the height of the side walls of each channel is equal to the width dimension of the respective base 13. Within the channel-section of each support 19, at the uppermost, free end thereof, there is secured an L-shaped bracket 21, one limb of each bracket 21 and the parallel side wall of the channel of the support 19 receiving between them one end of a respective bearer 12, a captive pivot pin 22 extending through the channel side wall, the end region of the bearer 12, and the limb of the bracket 21 pivotally to interconnect the end of the bearer 12 and the support 19.

Extending outwardly from the upper free edge of each support 19 (that is to say extending in a direction opposite to the channel side walls) is a horizontal bracket 23 slightly narrower in width than the width of a work surface member 24 to be supported thereon. The side wall of each support 19 presented to the respective upright 18 is longitudinally slotted, and is parallel to the base wall of the respective upright 18.

At the opposite end of each base 13 from the upright 18 there is provided a second work surface support 25. The work surface supports 25 are of channel-section with their channels presented in the same direction as the respective supports 19. The width of the channel-section of each support 25 tapers from a maximum at the point of connection with the respective base 13 to a minimum at the free, upper end of the support 25, and adjacent the free end of the support 25 the side walls of the channel, in their region of minimum spacing, are parallel. As with the supports 19, the depth of the channel of the supports 25 is equal to the width of the base 13.The minimum width of the channel of the supports 25 is sufficient to permit the end region of a bearer 12 to extend therebetween, a captive pivot pin 22 extending through the side walls of the support 25 and the end region of the bearer 12 positioned therebetween, pivotally to interconnect the end region of the bearer 12 and the respective support 25. It will be recognised that the pivot axes of the pivot pins 22 associated with an end support 11 are coextensive so that each end support 11 can each be pivoted inwardly relative to the bearers 12 from a position in which the end supports is vertical, to a position in which it engages the undersurface of the bearers 12.

In order to retain the workbench in an erect, rigid configuration there is provided a pair of stays 26 of V-shaped form. Each of the stays 26 is formed from a pair of metal rods of circular cross-section positioned in the form of a V and welded, at the apex of the V, to the upright limb of an L-shaped metal bracket 27. The free ends of the rods are turned outwardly to define pivot pins 28 received in horizontally extending bores in the bearers 12 respectively. When the stays 26 are pivotally mounted, by virtue of their integral pivot pins 28, to the parallel bearers 12 then the axes of pivotal movement of the stays 26 are parallel to the axes of pivotal movement of the end supports 11 relative to the bearers 12, and are spaced apart equally on opposite sides of the midpoint of the length of the bearers 12.

The stays 26 can be pivoted relative to the bearers 12 to a position in which the outwardly projecting limbs of the brackets 27 engage beneath the base 13 of their respective end support 11 and a bolt or other fastening device 29 can be engaged through an aperture in the outwardly projecting limb of the bracket 27 with a captive nut, or screw-threaded bore in the underside of the base 13, to anchor the lower ends of the stays to the end supports 11 and thus lock the assembly of end supports 11, bearers 12, and stays 26 in an erect configuration with the end supports 11 vertical and the bearers 12 horizontal.

The upper surface of the bearer 12 extending between the supports 19 is, in the erect configuration of the workbench, coplanar with the upper surfaces of the brackets 23. The upper surface of the other bearer 12, and the upper surface of brackets 23 carried at the upper ends of the supports 25 also lie in the same plane. A first work surface 24a is defined by an elongate rectangular wooden board 24 seated on the brackets 23 of the supports 25 and the associated bearer 12, and secured in position by three screws or bolts which extend through the board and into screw-threaded bores or captive nuts of the bearer 12. The heads of the screws or bolts are recessed into the surface of the board. A second work surface 24b is defined by a second, identical board supported on the brackets 23 of the supports 19 and the associated bearer 12 and similarly secured to the bearer 12.The length of the boards 24 is such that they project, at their ends, beyond the outer edges of the brackets 23 and extending transversely of the length of each board, in the underside of the projecting portion at the end of each board is a rectangular groove 29.

The width of each of the boards 24 is such that a parallel sided gap 31 is defined between their mutually presented longitudinal edges. The gap 31 aligns with the gap between the adjacent ends of the brackets 23 of each end support 11, and also aligns with the V-formation of the stays 26. Thus in the erect workbench there is no component which would obstruct a saw blade passing through the gap 31 when sawing along the length of a workpiece supported on the work surfaces 24.

In order to clamp a workpiece to the work surface 24a along the length thereof there is provided an elongate, rigid, clamping strip 32 in the form of a length of metal channel of rectangular cross-section positioned with its open face uppermost and its base presented downwardly to the work surface 24a. The length of the strip 32 slightly exceeds the length of the work surface 24a, and as with the bearers 12 and the boards defining the work surfaces 24a, 24b, the clamping strip 32 is rectilinear.

First and second hand operable clamping bolts 33 extend through respective apertures in the end regions of the base wall of the strip 32 projecting beyond the ends of the work surface 24a. The bolts 33 extend downwardly into screw-threaded engagement with respective metal clamping members 34 (see Figure 2) each of which is in the form of a rigid metal strip having a horizontal limb 34a having a screw-threaded aperture 34b (or a captive nut) for receiving the bolt 33. One end of the limb 34a is free, and at the opposite end is integral with a vertically downwardly extending limb 34c. The lower end of the limb 34c is integrally connected with one end of a limb 34d extending parallel to, but in the opposite direction from the limb 34a. An upturned region 34e at the opposite end of the limb 34d lies parallel to the limb 34c but does not extend through the full height of the limb 34c.In use, the limb 34 extends beneath the free end region of the board defining the work surface 24a and the upturned region 34e extends into the respective groove 29. Thus when the respective clamping bolt 33 is tightened the limb 34d is pulled upwardly into engagement with the undersurface of the board, the region 34e is pulled into engagement with the side wall of the channel 29, and the clamping member 34 thus forms a rigid anchor whereby the bolt 33 presses the clamping strip 32 towards the work surface 24a. The grooves 29 extend through the full width of the boards, and thus when the bolts 33 are slackened the assembly of the strip 32, the bolts 33 and the clamping members 34 can be slid across the width of the work surface 24a, and thus can provide full length clamping at any point across the width of the work surface. Since the grooves 29 are at right angles to the length of the work surface then the clamping strip 32 is maintained generally in an orientation parallel to the length of the work surface.

The clamping strip 32 is particularly advantageous where it is necessary to position a workpiece for sawing either along the gap 31 or along the opposite edge of the work surface 24a since the strip can clamp the workpiece parallel to the appropriate edge of the work surface and along the whole length thereof.

Desirably a second, identical assembly of clamping strip 32, bolts 33 and clamping members 34 will be associated with the work surface 24b it being understood that either or both clamping strips can be removed by sliding the clamping members 34 beyond the ends of the grooves 29 when necessary. Although preferably the assembly will be removed by loosening the bolts 33 sufficiently to permit disengagement of the members 34 from the grooves 29 and then rotating and tilting the bolts and clamping members to permit the strip, bolts, and clamping members to be lifting from the workpiece or work surface.

The workbench described so far lends itself particularly to supporting workpieces in a horizontal plane, and clamping them horizontally on the work surfaces 24.

However, there are occasions when it is necessary to support a workpiece in a vertical plane, for example when performing operations on an edge of a door or the like.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an accessory for the workbench to facilitate such operations. It will be recalled that at one end of each base 13 there is an upright 18 defining with the adjacent edge of the support 19 a parallel sided gap. The open top of this gap is not obscured by the work surface 24b and thus a workpiece can be positioned in a vertical plane within the gap. The side wall of each support 19 forming one side of the gap is slotted, and can receive vertically adjustable pressure pads, for example formed from rubber or plastics materials.

The upper free end region of the base wall of each channel-section upright 18 is formed with an open ended, vertically extending slot within which a captive nut assembly 35 can be received. Engageable with each of the captive nuts 35 is a respective manually rotatable bolt 36 the end of the shank of each bolt 36 being rotatably secured to an elongate rigid clamping strip 37 similar to the clamping strips 32 described above.It will be recognised that rotation of the bolts 36 relative to the nuts 35 will move the clamping strip 37 towards or away from the supports 19 and thus an elongate workpiece, which may be considerably longer than the workbench itself, can be engaged in the gaps between the uprights 18 and their associated support 19 and can be clamped against the supports 19 (or against pressure pads if fitted) by the clamping strip 37 under the screw action of the bolts 36 and captive nuts 35. The face of the clamping strip 37 presented towards the workpiece can, if desired, be provided with a "soft jaw" 38 in the form of a strip of resilient material so as to minimise the risk of damage or marking when clamping the vertically orientated workpiece.Conveniently the outer edge of the board 24 defining the work surface 24k is flush with, or slightly proud of, the side walls of the supports 19 and the height of the uprights 18 is such that the clamping strip 37 is horizontally aligned with the edge of the board 24, whereby the clamping action of the strip 37 clamps the workpiece against the edge of the board defining the work surface 24b. It will be recognised that in these circumstances no pressure pads are fitted to the side walls of the supports 19. If desired a similar clamping strip 37 operable by hand operated bolts 36 could be provided adjacent the bottom of the uprights 18, the captive nuts associated therewith being permanently in place. Generally however such a lower clamping strip is not needed.

There may be occasions when it is desirable to use the workbench as a platform for an operator to stand on, for example when working on high walls, or ceilings. Figures 2 and 4 show a further accessory to facilitate such usage.

The assembly of clamping strip 37, bolts 36 and captive nuts 35 is detached from the uprights 18 and rectilinear extension pieces 41, in the form of metal tube of square cross-section, are engaged respectively with the uprights 18. Each extension piece 41 fits within the channelsection of the respective upright 18 and engages, at its lower end, within a support seating 42 welded within the channel-section of each upright 18. Each extension 41 is secured to each respect upright 18 by a respective bolt 43 the shank of which extends through the slot in the base wall of each upright 18 and into screw-threaded engagement with a captive nut or screw-threaded bore in the respective extension 41. The combination of the nut and bolt fixing, together with the seating 42 and the channel-section of the upright 18 ensures that the extensions 41 are rigid extensions of the uprights 18.A handrail 44 is bolted at its ends to the upper ends of the extensions 41 and if desired a tool supporting tray 45 can be attached to the handrail 44.

It will be recognised that the end supports 11 can conveniently be fabricated welding metal components together. Where tubular metal components are utilised, for example in the base 13 of each end support and in the extensions 41 then exposed tube ends can be fitted with plastics closures in the form of force-fitted moulded plugs.

It will be recognised that the clamping strip assembly 35, 36, 37, 38 and the handrail assembly 41, 43, 44, 45 cannot be used simultaneously. Desirably the workbench will be marketed with one or more horizontal clamping assembles 32, 33, 34; the vertical clamping assembles 35, 36, 37, 38; and; the handrail extensions 41, 43, 44, 45, but it is to be understood that the workbench could be supplied with any one or any pair of these three facilities.

In alternative embodiments, the clamping strips 32, 37 may be releasably secured to the workbench by means of quick release clamps 50 rather than the screw adjusters comprising bolts 33 and clamping members 34 associated with the clamping strip 32, and the bolts 36 and captive nuts 35 associated with the clamping strip 37.

A pair of clamps 50 (Figures 5 and 6) are used to secure each clamping strip 32, 37 to the workbench, the clamps 50 used to secure the clamping strip 32 being identical to those used to secure the clamping strip 37, and hence being interchangeable.

As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, each clamp 50 comprises a generally L-shaped clamp body 52 one limb of which is shaped so as to form a handle 54, and a clamp rod 56 arranged to be carried by the other limb of the body 52. The body 52 includes a region 52a arranged to engage against the lower surface of the board 24 defining the work surface 24a when the clamping strip 32 is being used, and a region 52b shaped so as to rigidly connect the clamp 50 to an upright 18 of the workbench when the clamping strip 37 is being used. The rod 56 is carried by the body 52 in such a manner as to permit axial movement of the rod 56 with respect to the body 52. The ends of the rod 56 are arranged such that, in use, a clamping strip 32, 37 may be attached thereto, a first end 56a of the rod 56 being bent by 900 to engage with the clamping strip 32. The end of the rod 56 to which the clamping strip 32, 37 is attached is dependant upon the intended use of the clamping strip 32, 37, ie whether it is to form a clamping strip 32 or a clamping strip 37.

A locking member 58 is pivotally mounted to the body 52, the locking member 58 including an aperture of diameter slightly larger than that of the rod 56, through which the rod 56 extends. The locking member 58 is arranged such that axial movement of the rod 56 in one direction results in the locking member 58 tending to be pivoted away from the body 52 to a position in which the rod 56 engages with the locking member 58 preventing further movement of the rod 56 in that direction. A spring 60 is provided between the locking member 58 and the body 52 to bias the locking member 58 towards its locked position.

Movement of the rod 56 in the other axial direction results in the locking member 58 being pivoted towards the body 52, out of the locked position, to a position close to perpendicular to the rod wherein such movement of the rod 56 is permitted.

An actuator 62 is also carried by the body 52, the actuator 62 comprising an annular disc, the aperture of which has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the rod 56, the rod 56 extending through the actuator 62.

A trigger 64 is pivotally mounted to the body 52 and arranged to engage the actuator 62 such that pivotal movement of the trigger 64 towards the handle 54 of the body 52 results in the actuator 62 taking a tilted position on the rod 56, the engagement between the actuator 62 and the rod 56 being such that further movement of the trigger 64 towards the handle 52 results in the actuator 62 gripping the rod 56 and moving it in the direction permitted by the locking member 58. On the release of the trigger 64, movement of the rod 56 in the non-permitted direction is prevented by the locking member 58, the actuator 62 and the trigger 64 returning to their original positions under the action of a spring 66. Repeated squeezing and releasing of the trigger 64 therefore results in the rod 56 moving through the body 52 in the permitted direction.

When it is desired to release the clamp 50, the locking member 58 is pivoted manually towards the body 52, out of its locked position, thus permitting the rod to be withdrawn freely through the body 52.

In use, when it is desired to clamp a workpiece to a workbench using a clamping strip 32, the first, bent end 56a of the rod 56 of each clamp 50 is passed through a respective aperture formed in the base region of the channel shaped clamping strip 32, the remainder of each clamp 50 being arranged such that the region 52a thereof engages with the lower surface of the board 24. The workpiece is then clamped to the workbench by repeatedly squeezing and releasing the trigger 64. When it is desired to release the workpiece, the locking member 58 is pivoted towards the body 52, the rod 56 and clamping strip 32 then being free to be moved by a distance great enough to allow the workpiece to be removed from the workbench.

If a workpiece is to be clamped using a clamping strip 37, the clamps 50 are attached to the upper ends of the uprights 18 using regions 52b, the clamping strip 37 being attached to the second end of each rod 56. The workpiece is positioned between the clamping strip 37 and the board 24 and the triggers 64 repeatedly squeezed and released until the workpiece is securely clamped in position. Again, to release the workpiece, the locking member 58 is pivoted towards the body 52 allowing the rod and clamping strip 37 to be moved to a position in which the workpiece can be withdrawn.

Claims (15)

1. A workbench comprising a support frame, an elongate work surface supported by said frame, an elongate rigid clamping strip substantially equal in length to said elongate work surface, and, adjustable clamping means co-operable with opposite end regions of the clamping strip and the work surface whereby a workpiece supported on the work surface can be clamped to the work surface.

2. A workbench as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said clamping strip and said adjustable clamping means are moveable relative to the work surface in a direction at right angles to the length of the work surface to vary the position, widthwise of the work surface, at which clamping occurs.

3. A workbench is claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein there is provided a second work surface parallel to, and coplanar with the first mentioned work surface, said first and second work surfaces being spaced apart to provide an elongate gap to accommodate a saw blade or the like when sawing along the length of a workpiece supported on both work surfaces.

4. A workbench as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the second work surface has associated therewith a similar elongate rigid clamping strip and respective adjustable clamping means.

5. A workbench as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said support frame is collapsible to facilitate transport and storage of the workbench.

6. A workbench as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, including a further clamping arrangement supported by the frame adjacent a longitudinal edge of the work surface and adjustable towards and away from said work surface edge for clamping purposes.

7. A workbench as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said support frame includes opposite end supports each of which has a U-configuration adjacent one edge, one limb of the U-configuration supporting the work surface and the other limb supporting said clamping arrangement, so that the workpiece can be accommodated between said limbs of said end supports.

8. A workbench comprising a support frame including opposite end supports each of which has a U-configuration adjacent one edge, an elongate work surface supported in a generally horizontal orientation in use, by one limb of said U-configuration of each of said end supports, and a clamping arrangement supported by the other limb of said U-configuration of each of said end supports adjacent a longitudinal edge of said work surface so that in use a workpiece can be accommodated between the limbs of each U-configuration, and, said clamping arrangement being adjustable towards and away from said work surface edge for clamping purposes.

9. A workbench as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein said clamping arrangement includes an elongate clamping strip extending between said other limbs of said end supports and adjustable clamping means on each other limb for moving the strip to effect clamping.

10. A workbench as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each adjustable clamping means is detachable.

11. A workbench as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each adjustable clamping means includes a screw adjuster.

12. A workbench as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each adjustable clamping means includes a quick release clamp.

13. A workbench as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including detachable handrail means extending above said work surface in use.

14. A workbench as claimed in Claim 13 where dependent upon Claim 7 and Claim 8 and wherein said handrail means is detachably securable to said other limbs of said end supports.

15. A workbench substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.