The present invention relates to a work bench, and also to a supporting arm suitable for attachment to a work bench.

Work benches are used for supporting tools and workpieces in an elevated position to allow a user to easily work on a workpiece without bending to ground level. Such benches are used commonly in a variety of situations, ranging from use in a domestic home workshop, to a commercial factory setting, and are typically sturdy in construction comprising of a supporting framework and a planar top forming a work surface. Examples are known from CN202878278U, GB2339275A, US5577817A or US6061866A.

Typical operations performed on a work bench include cutting, drilling, sanding, welding and hammering of a work piece. A problem is therefore encountered using work benches common in prior art, in that such operations on a work piece tends to result in production of environmental pollutants. Such pollutants include physical contaminants such as noxious fumes, dust, material shavings, and sparks, in addition to non-physical contaminants such as high noise levels. These pollutants can be particularly problematic in the commercial manufacturing environment, in which a large number of work benches may be housed in a single factory, each work bench producing pollutants such as dust and noise. It is common then in such facilities for every worker in a factory to be required to wear protective eye, ear and nose wear, to avoid exposure to the pollutants generated, even if the worker is not working at a work bench.

An approach to solving this problem is to provide each work bench with a hood extending around the rear and top of the work bench, and having side walls extending along the side edges of the bench, to at least partially contain pollutants produced by operations performed on the bench. However, such hoods tend to restrict an operative's access to the surface of the work bench. Further, it is common to use work benches to work on work pieces that are longer in length that the width of the bench, for example, planks of wood or long lengths of piping, and so the ends of the work piece extend further than the sides of the work surface. Existing work benches incorporating hoods compensate for this by forming cut outs in the side walls of the hood, such that a long workpiece may rest on the work surface with its ends extending outwardly of the work bench through the cut outs in the side walls of the hood.

However, a problem is still encountered in loading long work pieces on to the work surface of the work bench, as the side walls prevent placing of the work piece onto the work surface in the normal manner, it instead being necessary to feed the work piece in through the cut out of one side wall, slide the work piece along the work surface, and through the cut out on the opposing side wall. Consequently, although work benches of the prior art incorporating a hood may be effective in containing pollutants, they are difficult to use, and make loading of a work piece onto the work surface particularly difficult.

According to claim 1 that is showing a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a work bench comprising a supporting framework and a top member supported by said framework, the top member having an upper surface forming a working surface, said top member having first and second side edges, a front edge and a back edge, and a canopy, the canopy comprising a back wall extending upwardly from adjacent said back edge of said top member and first and second side walls extending forwardly from said back wall towards the front edge of said top member, each said side wall having a lower edge and a forward edge, and in which a gap is defined between the lower edge of said first side wall and the upper surface of said top member below said forward edge.

In a preferred embodiment, a gap is defined between the lower edge of said second side wall and the upper surface of said top member below said forward edge.

In a preferred embodiment, said first and second side walls project forwardly along planes respectively aligned with said first and second side edges.

In a preferred embodiment, the lower edge of each said first and second side walls extend substantially parallel to the upper surface of said top member.

Also according to claim 1, the canopy further comprises a roof member arranged to extend across said working surface supported by said back wall and said first and second side walls.

Also according to claim 1, the roof member includes a forward edge, and in which said forward edge is vertically aligned with said front edge of said top member.

In a preferred embodiment, first and second side walls further comprise a curtain comprising a plurality of elongate strips of a flexible material connected adjacent a respective lower edge of said side wall and arranged to extend downwardly towards the upper surface of said top member.

In a preferred embodiment, the curtain extends along substantially the full length of the lower edge of each said first and second side walls.

Also according to claim 1, the roof member further comprises a curtain comprising a plurality of elongate strips of a flexible material connected adjacent said forward edge and arranged to extend downwardly towards the upper surface of said top member.

In a preferred embodiment, the supporting framework defines an enclosure including a base member, a back wall member, and side wall members.

In a preferred embodiment, the enclosure further comprises a pair of closable doors hingedly connected to respective side wall members.

In a preferred embodiment, the closable doors include locking mechanisms configured for locking the doors in a closed configuration, and wherein in the closed configuration access to the interior of the enclosure is prevented.

In a preferred embodiment, the canopy is releasably attachable to said supporting framework.

In a preferred embodiment, the supporting framework further comprises a plurality of ground engaging castors.

In a preferred embodiment, the work bench further comprises a vibration absorbing mat arranged over said working surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the work bench further comprises sound insulating material installed on the interior surfaces of said back wall, first and second side wall, and roof member of said canopy.

In a preferred embodiment, the work bench further comprises a light emitting device arranged to illuminate said working surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the work bench further comprises a vice member configured for releasable engagement with a work piece positioned on said working surface, and configured to inhibit movement of said work piece relative to said working surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the canopy defines a vent aperture to facilitate extraction of air borne contaminants from within the enclosure.

In a preferred embodiment, the work bench further comprises a supporting arm extending outwardly from said supporting framework parallel to the long axis of said top member, the supporting arm comprising an elongate strut.

In a preferred embodiment, the supporting arm is slidably attached to said supporting framework and configured to extend from a base end proximal said supporting framework to a distal end.

In a preferred embodiment, the supporting arm further comprises a rolling bearing proximal said distal end.

In a preferred embodiment, the supporting arm further comprises a ground engaging support leg arranged proximal said distal end and configured for engagement with a ground surface.

In an example, there is provided a supporting arm configured for attachment to a work bench, the supporting arm comprising an elongate strut.

Alternatively, the supporting arm is configured to be slidably attached to a work bench and configured to extend from a base end proximal said work bench to a distal end.

Optionally, the supporting arm further comprises a rolling bearing proximal said distal end.

In another example, the supporting arm further comprises a ground engaging support leg arranged proximal said distal end and configured for engagement with a ground surface.

Alternatively, the supporting arm comprises of first and second elongate members, said first elongate member being slidably received in said second elongate member, the overall length of the supporting arm being adjustable by insertion or retraction of said first elongate member from said second elongate member.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are purely schematic and not to scale, of which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a work bench 101 according to the present invention;
• Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the work bench 101 of Figure 1 in use;
• Figure 3a shows a front elevation view of the work bench 101 of Figure 1;
• Figure 3b shows a side elevation view of the work bench 101 of Figure 1;
• Figure 4a is a perspective view of the supporting arm 205; and
• Figure 4b is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the supporting arm 205.

A work bench 101 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1. In the present example, the work bench is configured as a self contained work station, being one of a number of such stations located in a factory, and is being used by an operative 102 to perform a work operation on workpiece 103. It will of course be appreciated however that a work bench such as bench 101 may be deployed in a variety of environments, and alternative work benches embodying the present invention are instead configured for use within a domestic workshop environment. In a further alternative embodiment, a work bench embodying the present invention is configured for use within a commercial kitchen environment for the purpose of preparing food, where it is found to have utility in containing odours and vapours generated by food stuffs being cooked on a heating device located on the work surface of the bench.

As illustrated in the Figure, the work bench 101 comprises of a top member 104, a supporting framework 105 which supports the top member 104 in an elevated position relative to ground surface 106, and a canopy indicated generally at 107. In the embodiment, top member 104 comprises of a substantially planar sheet having first and second side edges 108, 109, a front edge 110, and a back edge 111, and has an upper surface 112 which defines a generally rectangular working surface. The top member is supported by framework 105 at a convenient height from ground level for operative 102 to work on work surface 112.

Work surface 112 thus presents a surface on which operative 102 may conveniently support workpiece 103 and the required tools whilst performing a manufacturing process on the workpiece. It is envisaged, that work bench 101 may be used in conjunction with power operated tools, for example, an electric circular saw, which may be installed on the work surface 112 either on a permanent or temporary basis.

In the specific embodiment, framework 105 includes a base 113, a back wall 114, and side walls 115, 116, defining respectively three sides of an enclosure beneath the top member 104. The enclosure defined by framework 105 may be used for storage of tools, equipment and accessories used by an operative with the work bench. Indeed, enclosure 105 may be used to store tools whilst the operative is away from the workbench, and so in the specific embodiment the enclosure is further provided with a pair of closable doors 117, 118, each said door being hingedly connected at an edge to a respective side wall 115, 116. Doors 117, 118 each include a handle 119 on their front surface and incorporate a locking mechanism to enable the doors to be secured in the closed configuration illustrated, in which access to the interior of the enclosure is prevented.

A number of suitable locking mechanisms will be well known to the skilled person, for example, a sliding bar locking mechanism, in which a bar is slidably connected to the interior of each door, and on actuation is brought into engagement with the lower surface of the top member 104, or the upper (internal) surface of the base 113, thereby preventing unauthorised access to tools and equipment contained inside the enclosure. It will of course be appreciated, that supporting framework 105 may take many alternative forms depending on the particular configuration of the work bench. Indeed, in a simpler embodiment, supporting framework 105 comprises of a plurality of tubular legs each located at a corner of the workbench in the manner of a conventional table.

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

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

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

In the specific embodiment, each said side wall 122, 123 is configured to extend substantially the full depth of the work bench, i.e. substantially the full distance between said rear edge 111 and said front edge 110 of said top member 104. Thus, in the embodiment, the forward edge 126, 127 of each said side wall 122, 123 is configured to be substantially vertically aligned with the front edge 110 of said top member 104. More particularly, in the specific embodiment, the vertex 128, 129 of each said side wall is configured to be substantially vertically aligned with said front edge 110 of said top member 104. as will be understood, in the specific embodiment, the forward edge 126, 127 of each said side wall extend along a plane that is vertically aligned with the front edge 110 of said top member 104. It will of course be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the forward edge of each side wall may extend along a plane that is not vertically aligned with the front edge of the top member.

Thus, canopy 107 acts to partly enclose the worksurface 112, with the front of the canopy left open to allow an operative access to the worksurface, and a gap 131, 132 defined between the lower edge of each said side wall and the worksurface 112, extending from the forward surface of each side wall, rearwardly towards the back wall 121. In effect, the gap acts as a cutout in the side walls, in which a lower portion of the forward edge 126, 127 of each side wall is removed, and a cut out extends therefrom rearwardly towards the back wall 121. This cut out allows easy loading of a workpiece on to the work surface 112, as will be described further with reference to Figure 2.

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

In the specific embodiment illustrated, canopy 107 further comprises a roof member 130 located at the top end of the back wall 121 and side walls 122, 123, and arranged to extend across the working surface 122. The roof member 107 thus presents a ceiling to the area enclosed by the canopy, preventing the escape of pollutants upwardly from the workbench.

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

The material construction of the work bench 101 will be entirely familiar to those skilled in the art, in as much that the walls 121, 122, 123, and roof member 130, are all constructed from a sheet metal material, which is in the specific embodiment, two millimetre thickness sheet steel. The walls of the supporting frame work 105 are constructed from the same sheet steel, and the top member 104 from thicker, five millimetre, sheet steel. It will of course be appreciated however the exact materials used to construct the work bench may be varied according to the specific application for which it is intended. Indeed, in alternative embodiments, the sections of the work bench may be constructed from plastics or even wood fibre based materials.

The work bench 101 shown previously with reference to Figure 1 is shown in use in Figure 2.

As shown, operative 102 has loaded a workpiece 103 onto the work surface 112. Work piece 103 is relatively longer in length than the width of the work bench 101, and so the ends of the work piece extend over the first and second side edges 108, 109 of the top member respectively. In work benches of the prior art incorporating a hood having side walls that extend along the side edges of the top member without leaving a gap between the lower edge of each side wall and the upper surface of the top member below the forward edge of each side wall, loading of the work piece would be problematic, as the forward edge of the side walls would meet with the top member, thus preventing the workpiece from being loaded onto the work surface lengthways. Instead, it would be necessary to manipulate the work piece onto the work surface around the forward edge of each side wall, or else feed the workpiece through a cut out in a side wall from the side of the work bench, along the work surface, and through a cut out in the opposing side wall.

When the work piece is placed on the work surface 112 as illustrated, it may be worked as necessary, for example, using a tool such as a motorised circular saw, or an electric drill, mounted on the work surface 112. It will of course be appreciated that such working of a work piece may result in the production of pollutants such as noise and dust. Whilst these pollutants would be generally contained by the back wall 121, side walls 122, 123, and roof member 130, pollutants may be allowed to escape away from the station through the open front of the canopy, or through the gaps 131, 132, defined between the lower edges 124, 125, of each said side wall and the upper surface 112 of the top member 104.

In order to prevent escape of pollutants in this way, in the specific embodiment illustrated, the canopy is further equipped with strip curtains 201, 202, 203, which cover respectively the gaps 131, 132, and the open front of the canopy 107. Said strip curtains 201, 202 each comprise of a plurality of elongate strips of a flexible material, for example, flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), which are connected adjacent a respective lower edge 124, 125, of each side wall, and are arranged to extend downwardly under the force of gravity towards the upper surface 112 of the top member 104.

In the specific embodiment illustrated, the plurality of elongate strips extend along substantially the full length of the lower edge 124, 125, of each said first and second side walls, so as to effectively close the gap 131, 132 defined between the lower edge and the upper surface 112 of the top member 104. In the embodiment, roof member 130 is also provided with a strip curtain 203 substantially similar in construction to strip curtains 201, 202, connected adjacent the forward edge of the roof member and extending along substantially the full length of the forward edge. Strip curtain 203 is illustrated extending only a short distance downwardly from the underside of the roof member 130 so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the interior of the canopy from view, although it will of course be appreciated that in practice the plurality of elongate strips of curtain 203 will extend down the full height of the front opening to almost meet the upper surface 112 of the top member 104. In the embodiment, the curtains 201, 202, 203 are constructed of a transparent, anti-static PVC material, having a high fire resistance rating.

Of course, the flexible elongate strips are easily displaced when loading the work piece 103 on to the work surface 112, and so do not impede loading of a workpiece, and then conform readily about the profile of the work piece.

As illustrated, work bench 101 further includes a vice member, in the form of drop vice 204, configured for releasable engagement with a work piece positioned on the working surface 112. Thus, the vice member is movable between the disengaged position shown, downwardly into engagement with the workpiece, so as to press the workpiece against the working surface and prevent unwanted lateral movement of the workpiece relative to the working surface 112, when the work piece is being worked on.

Figure 2 further illustrates supporting arms 205 which extend outwardly of the work bench parallel to the long axis of the top member 104. Supporting arms 205 are configured for supporting a work piece located on the work surface 112, at positions either side of the top member, to prevent the workpiece from tilting downwardly at either end. In the embodiment, supporting arms 205 are substantially identical, and comprise of an elongate strut 206 slidably received in a socket 207 fixed to said supporting framework. In this way, supporting arms 205 are slidably movable between the retracted configuration shown in Figure 1 and the extended configuration shown in Figure 2.

In the extended configuration, each said supporting arm extends from a base end 208 proximal the supporting frame work, to a distal end 209. In the specific embodiment, each said supporting arm 205 further comprises a ground engaging support leg 210 arranged proximal said distal end of the arm, the support leg being configured for engagement with the ground surface to provide additional support to the supporting arm and prevent the supporting arm from sagging downwardly along its length. The supporting arms 205 and support legs 210, will be described further with reference to Figures 4a and 4b.

As will be described further with reference to Figures 3a and 3b, the work bench is equipped with electrical components, including electric lighting and an electric power take-off socket. These electric components draw power from an external power source via a common power input socket 211. Power input socket 211 is installed in a channel protruding inwardly from the back wall 121 of the canopy, such that the socket body does not protrude farther than the back wall 121, thereby preventing damage occurring to the socket in use, and allowing the work bench to be located with its back wall 121 abutted against a wall of a building for example. The socket body is selected such that the axis of the socket is inclined relative to the back wall 121, such that the cable 212 of an input plug inserted in the socket falls downwardly from the socket, thereby minimising the likelihood of the cable presenting a trip hazard.

The work bench 101 is shown in a front elevation view in Figure 3a and in a side elevation view in Figure 3b. In these views the strip curtain 203 is omitted from view for clarity.

Referring to Figure 3a, it can be seen that the work bench 101 comprises a lighting device 301 configured to illuminate the interior of the canopy 107 and the work surface 112. In the embodiment, lighting device 301 comprises an array of light emitting diode (LED) components installed within a housing that is sealed to prevent the passage of vapour therethrough. Lighting device 301 draws power from the common power input 211 through a permanently closed (non-switched) electrical circuit. In this way, lighting device 301 automatically lluminates when the common power input 211 is connected to an external power source, signalling to an operative that the work bench is correctly connected to a power source.

Work bench 101 further includes a switched power take-off socket 302 secured to the internal surface of the back wall 121, the socket 302 drawing power from common power input 211. In this way, an operative may connect power input leads for electrically operated tools et cetera to the socket 302.

Vice member 204 is depicted in the Figures attached to the internal surface of the second side wall 123. As shown, vice member 124 comprises of an elongate shaft 303 which is slidably received in a bracket 304 mounted to the interior of the side wall 123, and a head portion 305. The shaft 303 is thus slidable within the bracket 304 so as to bring the head portion into engagement with a workpiece located on the work surface, thereby clamping the workpiece to the work surface and preventing unwanted movement of the work piece.

Work bench 101 further comprises a vibration absorbing mat 306 arranged to cover said working surface 112 of the top member 104. In the embodiment, vibration absorbing mat 306 comprises of a sheet of resiliently compressible rubber material, configured to absorb vibrations produced when working on a workpiece located on the working surface 112. Similarly, the internal surfaces of the side walls 122, 123, back wall 121, and roof member 130, include a sound insulating material laid on the surface, configured to attenuate sound vibrations produced inside the canopy, preventing their transmission outwardly of the canopy. In the embodiment, a sound attenuating material is used having a high fire resistance rating, such that the material is not easily ignited by sparks or exposure to heat.

Canopy 107 is further provided with a vent aperture 307 through the back wall, the aperture being partially occluded in the illustration by a grille. Vent aperture is configured to allow attachment of a vacuum device to the rear surface of the back wall 121, to facilitate extraction of air from within the canopy 107, to facilitate removal and subsequent isolation of air borne contaminants such as dust produced within the canopy.

Referring particularly to Figure 3b, it can be seen that the lower edge 124, 125, of the side walls 122, 123 of the canopy extends substantially parallel to the upper surface of the top member 112, thereby defining a gap between the lower surface 124, 125 of the side wall, and the upper surface 112 of the top member 104 that is substantially uniform in height along the depth of the work bench. It will of course be appreciated however that the lower edges 124, 125, may alternatively extend along a plane that is not parallel with the upper surface of the top member 112. Indeed, in an alternative embodiment the forward edge and lower edge of the side wall may be curved in form, and thus the height of the gap 131, 132, may vary along the length of the lower edge 124, 125.

As shown clearly in Figure 3b, a gap is defined between the lower edge 124, 125, of each side wall 122, 123, below the forward edge 126, 127, from the vertex 128, 129, where the lower edge joins the forward edge 126, 127, and the gap extends substantially the full depth of the top member almost to the back wall 121. This is advantageous as it allows a workpiece to be easily located on the working surface 112 of the top member 104, and slid rearwardly until the work piece is almost in contact with the interior of the back wall 121, which is useful in the event that the work piece is great in depth.

It will of course be appreciated however that the work bench might alternatively be configured such that the gap between the lower edge 124, 125, of the side wall 122, 123 and the upper surface 112 of the top member 104, extends only a short distance along the side edge 108, 109, of the top member, from the vertex 128, 129 towards the back wall 121. Although unsuitable for accepting work pieces having a great depth, such an arrangement would be suitable for work pieces with a relatively shorter depth, for example, pipework.

The supporting arm 205 described previously with reference to Figure 2 is shown in perspective view in Figure 4a, and its associated support leg 210 is shown in isolation in an exploded view in Figure 4b.

Referring to Figure 4a, the supporting arm includes an elongate shaft part 206, configured for connection at a base end to the framework of a work bench, to extend towards a distal end. Thus, elongate shaft 206 is slidably received in the bracket 207 forming a part of the supporting framework, such that the supporting arm may be extended and retracted by inserting or retracting the elongate shaft 206 from within the enclosure defined by the supporting frame work. In the specific embodiment, the brackets 207 are further provided with spring loaded index pins, configured to engage in corresponding apertures defined by the elongate shaft 206 proximal said base end, to lock the supporting arm in the fully extended position and prevent the elongate shaft from being fully withdrawn from the bracket 207.

In the specific embodiment, the supporting arm is further equipped with a height adjustable ground engaging support leg 210, located proximal the distal end of the elongate shaft, and configured for engagement with a ground surface to provide additional support to the supporting arm. In the embodiment, said support leg 205 is received in a bracket 401 at the distal end of the elongate shaft 206.

As depicted in Figure 4b, in the specific embodiment, the support leg comprises of first and second elongate hollow tubular members 404, 405, the first said elongate member being slidably received in said second elongate member 405. In this way, the overall length of the support leg 205 may be adjusted as necessary by inserting or retracting the first elongate member from the second elongate member, and the length may then be fixed using turnscrew 406 which passes through the second elongate member 405 and engages the first elongate member 404, preventing relative movement there between.

At an upper end of the support leg 205, is a rolling bearing 402, which in the embodiment is a cylindrical roller rotatably mounted to the upper end of the support leg. The rolling bearing 402 is configured for engagement with a work piece, to allow the workpiece to be drawn easily across the support leg during repositioning of the work piece, as may be required in the event that a work piece is to be cut into multiple lengths. The support leg 205 extends generally downwardly from the supporting arm towards a base end 403 configured for engagement with a ground surface.