Work table

A table which supports work pieces includes a base with a first part and a second part hinged together so that the second part may be swung up and away from the standing surface for storage and be swung down to engage the standing surface. A support column is secured to the base and coupled to a brace member which is foldable between a first state when the second part is in contact with the standing surface and a second state when the second part is not in contact with the standing surface. The table includes a work platform that is coupled to the central support column and rotatable between a horizontal orientation parallel to the standing surface and a non-horizontal orientation. The work platform is configured to have work stations which receive and mount work pieces so that the work pieces are secured to the work platform in both the horizontal and non-horizontal orientations.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a work table.

BACKGROUND

Work tables which hold heavy equipment, such as power tools and the like, are very popular. For work tables to be able to support one or more pieces of heavy equipment, they must large, sturdy and made of strong materials. Many types of heavy equipment are required to be mounted or secured to the table during use. These constraints usually result in the work table being large, bulky and difficult to move from one location to another. This may be an issue at non-secure construction sites where equipment (with or without the table) must be put away after use to prevent theft. In addition, there may not be adequate space at the site to store the equipment and/or table after use.

What is needed is a sturdy work table which secures work pieces thereon, whereby the table is easily moveable and can be converted to a smaller size which makes it easy to store.

OVERVIEW

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a table which supports machine tools and work pieces. The table comprises a base which has a first part with a plurality of casters configured to engage a standing surface. The table includes a second part with at least one caster configured to engage the standing surface, wherein the first part and the second part are hinged together. The second part may be swung up and away from the standing surface for storage. In contrast, the second part may be swung down toward the standing surface so that its at least one caster engages the standing surface. The table includes a central support column that is secured to the base. The table includes at least one brace member in engagement with both the second part of the base and the central support column. The brace member is configured so that when the brace member is in a first state, the caster of the second part of the base is engaged with the standing surface. The brace member is configured so that, when brace member is in a second state, the caster of the second part of the base is not engaged with the standing surface. The table includes a work platform that is hingedly coupled to the central support column. This allows the work platform to be configured in a first horizontal orientation that is generally parallel to the standing surface, during normal use. The work platform may be rotated to a second, non-horizontal orientation which is not parallel to the standing surface, during storage. The work platform is configured to have a plurality of work stations at its periphery, whereby each of the work stations is configured to receive a power tool which is securely mounted thereto so that the power tools are secured to the work platform in both the first orientation and the second orientation.

In an aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a table that supports machine tools and work pieces. The table comprises a base that is configured to be in contact with a standing surface. The base includes a first part and a second part which are hinged together, wherein the second part is rotatably moveable about the hinge between a first operational position and a first stowed position. The table includes a support column secured to the base and at least one brace member coupled to the second part of the base and the support column. The brace member is configured to move between a first state, when the second part of the base is in the first operational position, and a second state, when the second part of the base is in the first stowed position. The table includes a work platform hingedly coupled to the support column. The work platform is rotatable about a hinge between a second operational position and a second stowed position. The work platform is horizontal and generally parallel to the standing surface when in it is in the second operational position. The work platform is non-horizontal and not parallel to the standing surface when it is in the second stowed position. The work platform has a plurality of work stations, wherein each of the work stations is configured to securely mount a work piece so that the work piece is secured to the work platform in both the second operational position and the second stowed position.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments are described herein in the context of a foldable work table for supporting work pieces. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the example embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used to the extent possible throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like items.

The present disclosure generally relates to a work table100for supporting work pieces98in which the table100includes a base102that has a first part104and a second part106hinged together so that the second part106may be swung up and away from the standing surface99(FIGS. 3 and 4) for storage and be swung down to engage the standing surface99during use. A vertically extending support column112is secured to the base102and is coupled to a brace member116which is foldable between a first state, where the second part106of the base102is in contact with a standing surface99(also referred to as “surface”), and a second state, where the second part106of the base102is not in contact with the standing surface99(FIG. 4). The table100includes a work platform120that is rotatably coupled to the support column112and moveable between an operational position, in which the work platform120is horizontal and generally parallel to the standing surface99(FIG. 3), and a stowed position in which the work platform120is not horizontal to the standing surface99(FIG. 4). The work platform120includes work stations122(including or not including work mounts146,149,150) which receive and secure work pieces98to the work platform120regardless of whether the table100is in the operational or stowed positions. More detail of the table100are presented below.

FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of a table100in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In particular, the table100includes a base102, one or more support columns112coupled to the base and a work platform120coupled to the support column112. In an aspect, the base102, the work platform120and the support column112are made of steel, iron or any other appropriate metal to accommodate and support heavy work pieces98. However, other materials such as polymers, plastics and composites are contemplated.

The base102comprises a first part104and a second part106in which the first and second parts104,106are coupled to one another with base hinges108. As shown inFIG. 1, a plurality of casters110are coupled to the first and second parts104,106of the base102, whereby the casters110are in contact with the surface99, such as a standing surface or ground, and allow the table100to be moved along the surface99from one location to another. It is contemplated, in another aspect, that the table100does not include casters110, whereby the first and second parts104,106are in direct contact with the surface99. It is also contemplated that other moving means may be implemented on the base102to allow the table100to be moved along the surface99. The base102shown inFIG. 1has an overall circular shape; however it is contemplated that the shape of the base102is not limited to being circular and may have any other appropriate polygonal or non-polygonal shapes.

The second part106of the base102is foldable with respect to the first part104to move between an operational position (FIG. 3) and a stowed position (FIG. 4). In particular, the second part106(or caster110) is in contact and engaged with the surface99when in the second part106is in the operational position, as shown inFIG. 3. The second part106of the base102(or caster110) is configured to be rotated about base hinges108such that the second part106swings up and away from the surface99toward the support column112. It should be noted that the second part106of the base102(or caster110) is not in contact nor engaged with the surface99when in the stowed position, as shown inFIG. 4. As shown inFIG. 4, positioning of the second part106of the base102into the stowed position decreases the overall surface area which the table100occupies when it is stored.

In the example shown inFIGS. 1,3and4, the first part104of the base102covers a larger surface area than the second part106to adequately support the weight of the work platform120and the mounted work pieces98when the table100is folded in the stowed position. In particular to the example circular base102inFIGS. 1,3and4, first and second parts104,106of the base102are arcs, whereby the first part104has a larger arc length than that of the second part106.

The table100includes one or more central support columns112generally oriented in a vertical direction, wherein the support column112has a top end and a bottom end. Although the table100shown inFIG. 1includes a single support column112oriented along vertical axis A, it is contemplated that a plurality of support columns can be used. The bottom end of the support column112is mounted to a horizontally oriented base beam114, wherein the ends of the base beam114are mounted to the first part104of the base102. The base beam114shown inFIG. 1is one example of how the support column112is mounted to the base102, and it should be noted that the support column112may be mounted to the base102in any other appropriate manner. The top end of the support column112is hingedly coupled to the work platform120, as will be discussed below. In an aspect, the support column112has a telescoping feature which allows the support column112and thus, the work platform120, to be adjustable in height by vertically moving it along axis A.

In an aspect, the brace member116includes two or more brace components116A,116B that are hingedly coupled to one another at their proximal ends via a brace hinge118. Additionally, the opposing distal ends of the brace components116A,116B are hingedly coupled to the second part106of the base102and the support column112. In the operational position (FIG. 3), the brace member116is extended and the brace components116A,116B are aligned and locked in a straight line. The brace member116thereby supports the base102and holds the entire table100upright when extended. In the stowed position, as shown inFIG. 4, the brace components116A,116B rotate about the brace hinge118such that the brace is in a folded position (FIG. 4). In an aspect, a locking feature is coupled to the brace member116and/or other components of the base102to ensure that the brace member116remains extended and/or folded.

The table100also includes a work platform120, generally designated as120, which is coupled to the top end of the support column112. In general, the work platform120includes one or more work stations122which receive and mount or secure work pieces98thereon. Therefore, once a work piece98is mounted or secured to the work station122, it cannot be removed from the work station122(regardless of whether the work platform120is in the operational or stowed position) until the user manually releases and removes the work piece98from the work station122.

The work platform120is coupled to the support column112via a platform hinge124(FIGS. 3 and 4), whereby the platform hinge124is generally oriented horizontally. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the work platform120can be rotated about the platform hinge124between an operational position and a stowed position. In particular, as shown inFIG. 3, the work platform120, when in the operational position, is horizontally oriented and generally parallel to the surface99. When the table100is in the stowed position, as shown inFIG. 4, the work platform120is no longer horizontal with the surface99. In particular, the work platform120is rotated toward the first part104of the base102, whereby the larger surface area covered the first part104provides the base102with adequate support to hold the table100upright and ensures that the table100(with or without the work pieces98mounted thereon) will not tip over.

In aspect, the table100includes a lock126which keeps the work platform120stationary with respect to the platform hinge124and prevents it from unintentionally being rotated about the platform hinge124when in the operational position. For the example shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, the lock126may comprise a pin128and slot130configuration in which a pin128can be fit within two or more aligned slots130located in a bottom portion of the work platform120. However, it is contemplated that other types of locks can be used. In an aspect, a lock, such as the above mentioned lock or another type of lock can be implemented to ensure that the work platform120remains in the stowed position. Is contemplated that the work platform120can be locked at one or more intermediate positions between the operational position and the stowed position.

The work platform120shown inFIGS. 1 and 2Aincludes a center portion132located at axis A and a circular outer portion134concentric with the center portion132. However, the shape of the outer portion134need not be non-polygonal, as inFIG. 2, and can instead be polygonal (e.g. square, rectangular). For example, the outer portion121can have a hexagonal shape, as shown inFIG. 2B. In an aspect, the work platform120is rotatable about center axis A, whereby the work platform120can be manually rotated by the user to access other work pieces98without the user having to move around the work platform120. It is contemplated that the work platform120may alternatively be electronically operated by a motor, whereby the user can press a button or switch to activate/terminate rotation of the work platform120about axis A.

As shown inFIG. 1, the work platform120comprises one or more horizontal brackets136which extend between the center portion132to the outer portion134. The brackets136provide the needed support to hold the work pieces98which are mounted on the work stations122. As shown inFIG. 1, the brackets136are individually spaced from one another such that no surface is present between adjacent brackets136. However, it is contemplated that the table100can be configured such that a surface exists between two or more adjacent brackets136which functions as an additional work space for laying documents, schematics and the like. The brackets136shown inFIG. 1are beam-like and have a polygonal cross section. However, it is contemplated that the brackets136may have a non-polygonal cross section (e.g. circular, oval) cross section.

The work platform120generally has a top surface138and a bottom surface140, whereby the work pieces98are generally in contact with the top surface138when secured to the table100. It is possible that the work pieces98may additionally or alternatively be in contact with the bottom surface140of the work platform120. The work stations122are predetermined areas of the work platform120which receive and secure or mount the work piece98to the table100. The work station122comprises holes, slides, vices or any other fastening means which secure the work piece98to the work platform120. The work stations122may include additional components (e.g. flat surface150) which are required to properly secure the work piece98to the work platform120. In contrast, the work station122may be the area of the work platform120itself where the work piece98is directly mounted.

In an aspect, the work pieces98are heavy, powered or non-powered tools which require a sturdy platform upon which they are placed such that the tool or the platform120does not move during use. For example, work pieces98may be include, but are not limited to, table saws, milling equipment, lathes, spot welding equipment and the like. However, it is contemplated that the work pieces98may be other items like screen printing equipment, computers, printers, art equipment, and the like.

In an aspect, the outer portion134, the brackets136, and/or center portion132of the work platform120may include or incorporate a variety of known securing features which allow different types of work stations122to be secured and removed from the work platform120. In the example shown inFIG. 2A, the work station122comprises the outer portion134and two of the brackets136having one or more securing holes142vertically extending through the outer portion134and the brackets136, whereby the securing holes142receive bolts that secure the work station122and/or work piece98directly to the platform120. It is contemplated that the work platform120may incorporate multiple securing holes142or other fastening means to allow a variety of different sized work stations122and/or work pieces98to be secured to the work platform120. In an aspect, as shown in the example inFIG. 2A, a laterally extending extension144can be horizontally attached to the outer portion134thereby effectively extending the surface area of the work platform at the work station122. The extension144may be used to accommodate a work piece98which needs to sit on a surface area larger that what is provided by the work station122. The extension144may secured to the work platform120by bolts or other fastening means. In the situation that the work station includes is an additional component (as opposed to the work piece98being directly attached to the work platform120), the work station122can be permanently mounted to the work platform120or be removable from the work platform120.

As shown inFIG. 1, one or more work specialized stations146can be vertically recessed with respect to the work platform's120top surface138. The recessed work stations146houses the work piece98, wherein a working surface of the work piece98is at the same vertical level as the top surface138of the work platform120. This allows the user to operate a work piece98which requires a level surface upon which to operate. For example, the recessed work stations146inFIG. 1are shown housing a mill and a table saw. In an aspect, the recessed work station146can be vertically adjusted with respect to the remaining portion of the work platform120to allow work pieces98of different heights to be used with the table100.

In an aspect, the table100includes one or more common power outlets148attached locally on the table100whereby plugs of one or more powered work pieces98can be simply connected to the table100. The common power outlet148allows the powered work pieces98to remain plugged when the work platform120is rotated about axis A and/or rotated between the operational and stowed positions. Of course, the table100itself includes one or more corresponding primary power cords (not shown) which provide power to the one or more outlets148. Thus, when the table100is to be stored, the user merely needs to unplug the primary cord to cut power to the work pieces98instead of having to unplug each work piece98. The local power outlet148is shown in the Figures as being located on the support column112, but the power outlet148may be located elsewhere on the table100(e.g. work platform, base). In aspect, one or more portions of the work platform120(e.g. brackets, center portion, outer portion) are at least partially hollow to allow the power cords to be run internally within the table100from the work piece98to the outlet. This feature prevents tangling of the cords from the work pieces98and maintains a clean working space.

While embodiments and applications have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that many more modifications than mentioned above are possible without departing from the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The present disclosure, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.