[0001] The present invention relates to a workshop, a desk assembly and a method for installing
a workshop.
[0002] In the preferred embodiments, the invention relates to a work space for household
use. In particular, this invention is directed to a self-contained workshop that may
be installed at any location in a home.
[0003] Many people engage in "do-it-yourself" activities and/or craft activities in their
homes. Such activities generally require a comfortable work space and space for storing
the supplies and tools used in these activities.
[0004] Unfortunately, many homes do not have appropriate or adequate work spaces. As a result,
people tend to find any available table or desk to do the activities. Often, this
involves occupying the kitchen table, dining room table, or living room coffee table.
[0005] Using inappropriate work spaces can damage the temporary work surface, with scratches,
chemical abrasion or adhesives, for example. Craft and home repair supplies are also
left out creating an unsightly mess and posing danger to children and pets. Moreover,
it is difficult to use tools, such as screwdrivers, hammers, measuring tapes, knives,
or vices, in such temporary work spaces.
[0006] Thus, there is a need for a separate work space that can be easily installed at a
convenient location and that can be put away to prevent household disruption.
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a workshop
comprising a back portion having a mounting formation, a desk pivotally mounted to
the back portion and having a top work surface, wherein at least one of the back portion
and the desk includes a tool support, and at least one support leg secured to the
desk. By this arrangement, the desk is foldable against the back portion and the leg
is collapsible. Preferably, the workshop is formed substantially of plastic.
[0008] The workshop may also include a foldable top that opens over the desk and closes
adjacent the desk against the back portion.
[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a desk assembly
comprising a back having a fastener for fastening the desk assembly to a vertical
support surface and a surface for supporting a first accessory, a desk coupled to
the back with a pivoting joint, wherein the desk has a work surface and a formation
for supporting a second accessory, and a pair of legs. Each leg has a first end coupled
to the desk and a second end releasably securable to the vertical support surface.
The legs are collapsible and the desk is foldable against the back to form a generally
flat box on the vertical support surface.
[0010] The invention provides a convenient, yet unobtrusive work space.
[0011] Furthermore, a work space is provided that can be stowed when not in use.
[0012] The invention also provides a work space capable of supporting and storing tools
and accessories associated with do-it-yourself and craft activities.
[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method
for installing a workshop having a back, a folded desk, and collapsible legs. The
method comprises the steps of fastening a mounting hook on a vertical support surface,
hanging the workshop on the mounting hook, locating and fastening leg support brackets
on the vertical support surface, and unfolding the desk from the back and securing
the legs to the leg support brackets.
[0014] The invention provides a work space that is easily installed by a homeowner.
[0015] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent in view of the following
drawings and detailed disclosure of preferred embodiments.
[0016] Examples of embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the workshop in accordance with an example of
embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded condition;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the workshop of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a front view of the workshop of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a back view of the workshop of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a front view of the workshop of FIG. 1 in the folded condition;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the workshop of FIG. 5 shown spaced from the vertical support
surface;
FIG. 7 is a bottom partial view of the top of the workshop in accordance with an example
of an embodiment of the present invention; and,
FIG. 8 shows a step in the method of installation in accordance with an example of
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] A workshop 10 in accordance with an example of an embodiment of the invention is
shown in FIG. 1 mounted on a vertical support surface, such as a wall 12, and in an
open condition. The workshop 10 includes a back portion 14 that is mounted to the
wall 12, a desk 16, support legs 18 and a top 20.
[0018] The back portion 14 is formed as an open, shallow box. As seen in FIGs. 1-4, the
back portion 14 has a generally planar base 22 with a front surface 24 (seen in FIG.
3) and a back surface 26 (seen in FIG. 4.) Preferably, the base 22 has a plurality
of perforations 28, thus creating a peg board. Alternatively, the base 22 can have
a peg board insert. The back portion can be molded of plastic with reinforcing ribs
30, as seen in FIG. 4, on the back surface 26 of base 22. Of course, any rigid material
could be used, including wood or metal. The back surface 26 has a plurality of channels
32 that slidably receive a mounting bar 34, preferably made of metal and having a
series of apertures 36 therein. Spacers 33 may also be formed on the back surface
26 to create a gap between the back surface 26 and the vertical support surface to
accommodate the mounting structure and ensure that the workshop 10 is stably mounted.
Preferably, the spacers 33 are integrally molded tabs.
[0019] Back portion 14 also includes a pair of opposed side walls 36, a bottom side wall
38, and a top side wall 40 extending outwardly from the base 22. Side walls 36 preferably
include interior grooves 42 for mounting shelves. The outer surface of side walls
36 have a plurality of fastener formations 44 shaped as an ear with an aperture therethrough.
Of course, any known fastener formation can be used. Preferably, at least two of the
fastener formations 44 align with the apertures 36 in bar 34, as is explained in more
detail below.
[0020] Latches 46 are mounted on the outer surface of side walls 36 and can be formed as
a releasable handle. The outer surface also has notches 48 formed therein that function
as electrical cord passages. Of course, such notches 48 can be formed at any location
on the back portion 14, including the bottom side wall 38, if desired, and top side
wall 40 as shown in FIG. 1. It is preferred, although not necessary, that each side
wall 36 be mirror images of each other for economical manufacturing and to provide
versatility during installation.
[0021] The bottom side wall 38 forms a horizontal surface when the workshop 10 is mounted
on wall 12. Preferably, cubbies or compartments 50 are formed in the bottom side wall
38 to store items, such as hooks for the pegboard or any other type of accessory.
The compartments 50 may be of any shape or number and may have covers if desired.
[0022] The corner of each side wall 36 and the bottom side wall 38 define pivotal hinges
52 that connect to desk 16. A center hinge 54 may also be provided for stability.
[0023] Desk 16 is also preferably made from molded plastic with a bottom surface 56 having
reinforcing ribs 58, as seen in FIG. 5. The top surface 60, best seen in FIG. 1, preferably
has a sturdy, flat working surface 62. In a preferred embodiment, the working surface
62 is made as a replaceable wooden insert. The insert is preferably secured by adhesive,
but it may also be fastened by screws 64 or other fastening methods. The top surface
60 can also have a contoured niche 66 for holding a can or cup, an open compartment
68, and a compartment 70 with a cover. Of course, any configuration is possible, including
any number and combination of niches and compartments or an entirely flat surface.
A series of key holes 72 are also provided along each side of the desk 16. Each key
hole 72 is shaped as a notched circle so that different accessories can be inserted
into the hole and then turned to lock them in place.
[0024] One such accessory shown in FIG. 1 is a vice or clamp 74 having a first piece 76
that may be inserted in any one of the key holes 72 to create a fixed position and
an adjustable second piece 78 that may be inserted at the first key hole 72. The second
piece 78 has a crank that causes the end to move linearly to and from the first piece
76 in order to clamp an object in place. The vice 74 may be removed and stored in
compartment 70, if desired. In that case, compartment 70 may also have key holes 72
to prevent the vice 74 from moving within the compartment 70.
[0025] Desk 16 also preferably has a series of slots 80 on each side that receive hooks
82. Hooks 82 may be added as needed and stowed in any of the various compartments
50, 68 or 70. As seen in FIG. 6, hooks 82 can be left in place when the desk 16 is
in the folded condition to allow tools or the like to be hung when the workshop 10
is in the stowed position.
[0026] Each side of the desk 16 also has a cut out portion 84 that aligns with the latches
46 when the desk 16 is folded against the back portion 14. The latches 46 hook the
cut out portions 84 to securely hold the desk 16 in the folded position. The cut out
portions 84 also provide a hand hold for a user when maneuvering the desk 16 into
and out of the folded position.
[0027] At the top of the back portion 14, the top 20 is pivotally secured. Similar to the
desk 16, each corner of the side walls 36 and the top wall 40 has a pivotal hinge
86 that allows the cover 20 to open out and fold flat. The hinge 86 may be self locking
so that the cover 20 stays in an open position when pivoted beyond a certain point
until slight pressure is exerted on the cover 20 to fold it down. Alternatively, locking
hinge levers 87 can be provided as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2. Again, the cover 20 is
preferably formed of molded plastic.
[0028] As seen in FIG. 7, the interior of the cover 20 is hollow and may have a mounting
formation 89 for attachment of a light, for example a fluorescent light fixture. The
mounting formation 89 may be an integrally molded channel configured to receive a
fastener to mount a conventional fluorescent fixture or may be pre-molded aperture
or reinforced area for receiving a fastener. Preferably, the cover 20 includes a locking
portion 88 that interacts with the desk 16 when in the folded condition to lock the
desk 16 in place. The locking portion 88 is preferably a cut out with a slot designed
to receive a separate lock, but it may be another known type of securing mechanism.
When folded, the cover 20 can abut the desk 16 or a portion can be overlapped by a
lip on the desk. However, It is not necessary to include a top 20 and, if omitted,
the desk 16 can be enlarged to match the size of the back portion 14.
[0029] The legs 18 are pivotally secured to the bottom surface 56 of the desk 16 to mounting
flanges 90, best seen in FIG. 5. The legs 18 can also be formed of plastic, but may
be wooden or metal if desired. The legs 18 are preferably sized to fit within the
back portion 14 flat on the base 22 for shipping. By this configuration, the workshop
10 can be shipped and stored in an efficient rectangular configuration. It is preferred
that the legs 18 be mounted to the vertical surface 12, as a shorter leg may be used,
using leg support brackets 92. Brackets 92 are formed of a plate having plural apertures
94 and a hinge 96. The end of each leg 18 is releasably secured to the hinge 96. It
is also possible to configure the legs 18 to extend perpendicular to the desk 16 and
be supported by the floor. In that case, the legs 18 could be extendable in a telescoping
manner or formed of plural interconnected shorter parts. Of course, bracket 92 would
then not be necessary.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 6, the workshop 10 is shown slightly spaced from the wall 12 to
illustrate the method of installation. First, mounting hooks 98 are fastened to the
wall. It is recommended that hooks 98 be fastened to a solid or masonry wall or directly
to wall studs to provide adequate strength to support the workshop 10. Preferably,
two hooks 98 are used, however any number of hooks 98 necessary to support the workshop
10 may be used. The hooks 98 should be mounted at the same vertical position using
a level.
[0031] After the hooks 98 are securely mounted to the wall 12, the workshop 10 may be installed.
The workshop 10 in its stowed, folded condition is lifted to hang the bar 34 (seen
in FIG. 4) on the hooks 98. Once the bar 34 is securely mounted on the hooks 98, the
latches 46 should be released to unfold the desk 16 allowing it to hang down. The
legs 18, which are preferably stored in the back portion 14, are removed and put aside.
Then, the workshop 10 is adjusted horizontally from side to side by sliding to ensure
that the openings in the base 22 are aligned with the openings 36 in the bar 34. Fasteners
are then inserted through the aligned openings and attached through the base 22 and
the bar 34 to the wall 12. Additional fasteners are used to fasten the workshop 10
securely to the wall 12 at the formations 44 and if desired through other apertures
in the base 22.
[0032] Other methods of securing the workshop 10 to a support surface are also contemplated.
For example, the base 22 can be directly adhered to the wall 12 or directly fastened
to the wall 12, by screws for instance. Alternatively, the mounting hooks 98 can be
adhesively secured to the wall 12 or other types of mounting elements could be used.
It would also be possible to hang the workshop 10 against the wall 12 from an upper
support structure.
[0033] The desk 16 is next folded and secured into a stowed position. The legs 18 are attached
to hinges 90 by securing the pivot pins in the hinge to the end of each leg 18. The
legs 18 can also be secured by a snap fit connection, if desired, with a ball and
detent arrangement. As seen FIG. 8, to position the brackets 92, a template 100 cut
from the package for the workshop 10 or supplied as an instruction sheet is used.
The template 100 is positioned beneath the mounted workshop 10 and the bracket outlines
are positioned. The apertures 94 are positioned at an appropriate location on the
wall 12, such as at a wall stud. The brackets 92 have multiple apertures 94 so that
the optimal position may be established to provide a stable support. After the brackets
92 are properly positioned, each bracket is fastened to the wall 12. The workshop
10 may now be opened for use. The locking formation 88 is released and the latches
46 are opened to open the desk 16 into a horizontal, open work position. The legs
18 are pivoted into position and the ends are secured, preferably snapped or hooked,
into the hinges 96.
[0034] Once the desk 16 is opened, accessories may be added. Hooks can be hung on the pegboard
base 22. Shelves may be installed between side walls 36. Hooks 82 can be slid into
slots 80 and the vice 74 can be installed. Of course, other accessories may be used
if desired or no accessories at all. As noted above, a light fixture may be mounted
in the top 20. Any electrical accessories, including the light fixture, may be threaded
through the back portion 14 and top 20 to hide the electrical cords, which may be
then passed through notches 48.
[0035] It can be understood that the workshop 10 may be quickly and easily folded out of
the way by stowing any loose accessories or items, folding down the top 20, releasing
the legs 18, folding the desk 16 up toward the back portion 14 and engaging the latches
46, and then locking the assembly if desired. Then, the workshop 10 lies in a relatively
flat manner against a wall 12, as seen in FIGs. 5 and 6.
[0036] The workshop 10 may be used in any location supported by a vertical surface. For
example, the workshop 10 may be installed in a room, a basement, or a garage. The
workshop 10 could also be installed outdoors against an exterior wall, if desired.
[0037] The workshop 10 described herein can be modified in various ways and remain within
the scope of this invention. For example, the particular detachable elements and their
corresponding support structures can take various configurations depending on the
desired use for the workshop. Additionally, it is contemplated that the workshop can
be formed in various sizes, including a small child size workshop or a large heavy
duty workshop that would support power tools and their use.
1. A workshop comprising:
a back portion (14) having a mounting formation;
a desk (16) pivotally mounted to the back portion (14) and having a top work surface,
wherein at least one of the back portion (14) and the desk (16) includes a tool support;
and
at least one support leg (18) secured to the desk,
wherein the desk (16) is foldable against the back portion (14) and the leg (18)
is collapsible.
2. A workshop according to claim 1, wherein the back portion (14) is formed as an open
box with a base (22) and surrounding side walls (36).
3. A workshop according to claim 2, wherein the base (22) includes a peg board.
4. A workshop according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the desk (16) folds adjacent the side
walls (36).
5. A workshop according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one of the side walls
(36) includes compartments.
6. A workshop according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein two opposed side walls (36)
include shelf supports (42).
7. A workshop according to any preceding claim, further comprising a latch supported
by one of the back portion (14) and the desk (16) and a hook supported by the other
of the back portion (14) and the desk (16) to releasably secure the desk (16) to the
back portion (14) when folded.
8. A workshop according to any preceding claim, wherein the top work surface of the desk
has a hard plate portion (62) and a compartment (70).
9. A workshop according to claim 8, wherein the compartment (70) has a cover.
10. A workshop according to any preceding claim, wherein the desk includes a vice mount.
11. A workshop according to claim 10, further comprising a detachable vice (74) having
a first portion (76) fixedly mounted to the work surface of the desk and a second
portion (78) mounted to the work surface of the desk (16) that is movable relative
to the first portion (76).
12. A workshop according to any preceding claim, wherein the desk (16) has hook supports
(82) positioned to be accessible when the desk (16) is folded.
13. A workshop according to claim 12, further comprising hooks (82) detachably mounted
to the desk (16).
14. A workshop according to any preceding claim, wherein the back portion (14) has at
least one electrical cord passage.
15. A workshop according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting formation is a hanger
that is horizontally adjustable.
16. A workshop according to claim 15, wherein the hanger is a bar (34) and further comprises
hooks (18) that support the bar.
17. A workshop according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one leg support
bracket (92) having a mounting formation that mounts to a support and a leg support,
wherein the leg is removably attached to the leg support.
18. A workshop according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one leg (18) comprises
two legs (18) pivotally coupled to the desk (16).
19. A workshop according to any preceding claim, further comprising a top (20) pivotally
secured to the back portion (14), wherein the top (20) is movable between an open
position and a folded position.
20. A workshop according to claim 19, wherein the top (20) extends over the desk (16)
in the open position and folds adjacent the desk (16) in the folded position.
21. A workshop according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the top (20) includes a locking structure
for locking the top to the desk in the folded position, thus forming a generally flat
outer surface.
22. A workshop according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the top (20) includes a light
support.
23. A workshop according to any preceding claim, wherein the back portion (14) and the
desk (16) are made substantially of plastic.
24. A desk assembly comprising:
a back (14) having a fastener for fastening the desk assembly to a vertical support
surface and a surface for supporting a first accessory;
a desk (16) coupled to the back (14) ith a pivoting joint, wherein the desk has a
work surface and a formation for supporting a second accessory; and
a pair of legs (18), each having a first end coupled to the desk (16) and a second
end releasably securable to the vertical support surface,
wherein the legs (18) are collapsible and the desk (16) is foldable against the
back (14) to form a generally flat box on the vertical support surface.
25. A desk assembly according to claim 24, wherein the back (14) and the desk (16) are
formed of plastic.
26. A method for installing a workshop having a back (14), a folded desk (16), and collapsible
legs (18), comprising the steps of:
fastening a mounting hook (98) on a vertical support surface;
hanging the workshop on the mounting hook (98);
locating and fastening leg support brackets (92) on the vertical support surface;
and
unfolding the desk (16) from the back (14) and securing the legs to the leg support
brackets (92).
27. A method according to claim 26, wherein hanging the workshop includes sliding the
workshop relative to the vertical support surface to adjust the lateral position of
the workshop on the vertical support surface.
28. A method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein locating the leg support brackets (92)
includes positioning a template on the vertical support surface and marking the location
of each leg support bracket for fastening.
29. A method according to any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the workshop includes a top
(20), and unfolding the desk (16) includes unfolding the top (20).