Abstract:
A mobile work site having a deployed position and a stowed position for travel is disclosed. Importantly, a first ever vacuum system is configured with permanent piping to the trailer. A vacuum boom is further provided for added versatility. The invention has further been designed with optimal size in mind so that a bulky configuration is made unnecessary. Further the design provides a large amount of horizontal surface area for measuring and planner tables, feeder tables and cutting tables. Additionally, multiple electrical outlets are made available to eliminate any need for long cords. Also, dual, separate and redundant electrical circuits are provided to power the entire trailer. Racks are included herein for transporting lumber and trim materials.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention pertains generally to the carpentry, and other builder work site applications. More particularly, the invention relates to an improved mobile work trailer having a central vacuum system for dust abatement and further devoid of size constraints of a full-size trailer. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Many towable work trailers have been introduced heretofore with varying degrees of success. An early example introduced by Griffin, U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,206, entitled “Composite Shop Trailer,” being awarded patent protection in 1977, has different work stations and feeder tables having a foldable housing. 
     The situation at the time as told by Griffin is that it&#39;s become common practice in the construction industry, whenever a house or building containing a substantial amount of wood is being built, to set up a radial saw with elongated lumber supporting benches on either side thereof. These benches serve the function not only to support the work piece while it is being cut but also to support the same at a comfortable height while the operator of the saw measures or otherwise marks the location to be cut. 
     On occasion, a jointer is desirable or necessary for smoothing cuts made by the saw or for other purposes. This additional equipment requires leveling and a steady footing as well as a protection cover. Because of the time and effort required in setting up and taking down the radial saw at the job site, as well as the jointer if the same is used, planning is required in advance and a substantial amount of work to justify the same. For small jobs where a saw and/or jointer would be very helpful, the time required in properly setting up and taking down this equipment may well negate the advantages expected to be derived and thus the same would not be used. 
     Another disadvantage in using the semi-permanent saw or jointer installation is that because job sites are usually left unprotected at night and over weekends, all of the tools and other associated equipment must be daily removed from the job site and returned at the beginning of the next work day. This is not only laborious but time consuming which reduces the output of the worker who, in this case, is usually a skilled worker and, therefore, is paid at a higher than normal rate. 
     Essentially, many factors for portable work sites must be weighed and counterbalanced such as ease of setup and breakdown, weatherproofing, and further the overall utility provided per cubic foot of space required so that a solution can fit in relatively small areas such as garages and carports. 
     Another example was provided by Buchholz, U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,698 and entitled “Tool Trailer with Open End.” This particular trailer is not very bulky and therefore versatile size-wise, however only one saw (lumber) may be set up at a time. Another example is provided by Luneack, U.S. Pat. No. 7,588,278 and entitled “Trailer Workshop.” This particular design has a housing that folds out; and again it appears that only one workstation is provided. 
     Importantly more recently, greater attention has been given to hazardous materials in the form of airborne particles that can have cumulative harmful effects if breathed over a long period of time. This poor air quality can lead to for example, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) and is presently of serious concern among occupation hazards. Federal, state, and local OSHA agencies are attempting to set safety standard for breathing in work environments however, enforcement remains an issue. Breathing apparatuses provided are often uncomfortable and can fog up easily, so, vacuum systems for dust abatement are more recently preferred. However, the problem of how to configure a vacuum system to any portable work environment has not been addressed before. 
     In light of the present needs and state of the art as described herein it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable carpentry trailer having multiple workstations in a deployed position. It is additionally an object of the present invention to provide a weatherproof design in a secured position but also limiting the design in length, width, and height so the stowed work area can fit in otherwise inaccessible places. It is yet further an object of the present invention to provide a solution that limits exposed (or unsecured) power lines to multiple workstations. It is still yet further an object of the present invention to provide a solution for adequate storage of several types of saws in the stowed (secured) position. It is additionally still an object of the present invention to provide a system with separate power system for redundancy and as to provide a way to not overload a single circuit breaker during operation. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide racks for transport and stowage of lumber and trim materials. It is another objective of the present invention to provide a portable workstation that has fixed tool boxes and other portable tool boxes to be arranged around the work site and later stowed for transportation. It is a further design objective to put fixed tool boxes, feeder table and workstation table at the same vertical level so maximize versatility. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention, in a first aspect is a portable work area particularly for carpentry comprising: a flat bed trailer configured to be coupled to a trailer hitch; and a frame defining a height of the portable work area. Additionally further the frame comprises an aperture and a horizontal member slidingly disposed within the aperture, wherein the horizontal member is configured to support a work table in a deployed position, and wherein the horizontal member is secured slidingly inwardly in a stowed for transport position. 
     The portable work area particularly for carpentry or masonry herein is further characterized wherein the horizontal member is secured with a detent pin in the stowed for transport position. Still further, the invention in this aspect comprises: a forward permanent structural member configured horizontally at a forward end of the portable work area above a bumper level; a horizontal table support frame slidingly configured to the frame, the frame approximately at a same height as forward permanent structural member; and a plurality of female structural members provided along the rear permanent structural member, each of said plurality configured to receive a corresponding two-by-four, wherein each of the corresponding two-by-fours are arranged over the horizontal table support frame and provide support for a forward work table (plywood cutting table). 
     Still further, the portable work area particularly for carpentry as described herein further comprises a pipe fixed to the flat bed trailer, the pipe further coupled to a vacuum motor, the vacuum motor providing a negative pressure with respect to atmosphere at the pipe fixed to the flat bed trailer. Also the invention in this aspect comprises a vacuum boom that has a vertical rigid post, a horizontal rigid boom, a flexible pipe connected to the vertical pipe. The horizontal rigid boom and a rotating member provides for the flexible pipe to rotate around the vertical pipe. 
     The invention herein in this aspect still further comprises dual first and second electrical circuits minimizing a chance that the portable work area will draw too much power from a single source and thereby trip a circuit breaker. Ample storage is yet further provided by the present invention including: a plurality of storage boxes configured to the flat bed trailer; and a work table supported by the horizontal member, the work table further coupled to a power saw, wherein the storage boxes have a height being a same height as the work table. 
     Also according to the present invention in the first aspect a compressor is configured to the work trailer and provides compressed air to each of a plurality of work stations. The portable work area particularly for carpentry or masonry in this aspect also includes a lumber rack configured thereto for storing and transporting wood and trim materials. Lastly, a vacuum filter and a vortex dust separator for separating dust from air are provided thereby prolonging a need to clean a vacuum filter. 
     The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective illustration of a first preferred work trailer embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a right side profile view thereof; 
         FIG. 2B  is a right side profile view with additional super structure shown; 
         FIG. 2C  is a right side profile view with additional super structure shown, however with horizontal members extended to support work tables and saws; 
         FIG. 3A  is a top plan view of the first preferred work trailer embodiment having tool boxes remove to reveal vacuum system piping underneath; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top plan view with tool boxes and super structure in place; 
         FIG. 4  is a front end view thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear end view of the mobile work trailer; 
         FIG. 6A  is a left side profile view without the additional super structure shown; 
         FIG. 6B  is a left side profile view with additional super structure shown; 
         FIG. 7A  is an enlarged perspective view of a front quarter portion; 
         FIG. 7B  is an enlarged perspective view of a rear quarter portion; 
         FIG. 7C  is an enlarged perspective view of a front hitch portion; 
         FIG. 7D  is an enlarged view of redundant electrical circuits of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7E  is an enlarged perspective view of a plywood cutting table of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a right side profile view with additional super structure shown; and 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged perspective view of the right front quarter portion. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Initially with regard to  FIG. 1 , a first preferred mobile work trailer  10  of the present invention is illustrated in perspective. In a broad sense, the present invention is a flat bed trailer  11  with a plurality of vertical posts  12  configured thereto, the posts  12  further having horizontal members  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  15  slidingly into and out of apertures  18  ( FIG. 3A ) in the vertical posts  12 . The horizontal members  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  15  are designed such that they can each support a respective power saw type workstation as further described herein. Examples of power saw-type workstations include: a chop saw, a router table, table saw etc. The horizontal members  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a ,  14   b  are shown here in their stowed for transport position. 
     Also broadly speaking, the invention comprises a flat bed trailer with a frame  12 ,  61  or a superstructure  12 ,  61  defining a height thereof. The superstructure  12 ,  61  consists of a plurality of vertical posts  12  with a lumber rack  61  configured to four of said posts  12 . A hitch extension  11   a  is provided to a front end of the flat bed  11  to from a chassis  11 ,  11   a . A pole with a U-configuration  62  at a top thereof is configured to the front end hitch extension  11   a . This vertical configuration  62  is provided together with the lumber rack  61  for transporting lengths of wood and trim materials. 
     Configured at an interior of the flat bed  11  are several tool boxes  91 ,  92 ,  93 . More particularly, elongated tool boxes  91  along rear side create an empty space therebetween for a portable tool box  93  on wheels (also termed “gang box”). Other more square shaped tool boxes  92  are configured toward a front of the flat bed  11  trailer. All tool boxes  91 ,  92 ,  93  provide plenty of storage for power tools  99 , work tables  51  ( FIG. 7B ), and accessory items. A vacuum motor  23  and a compressor motor (not shown) are configured to two of the substantially square shaped tool boxes  91  as further detailed herein. 
     Regarding  FIG. 2A , a right side aspect view is provided showing the trailer  10  in the stowed position. Generally, horizontal members  13   b ,  14   b  are seen and their relative heights are shown. A relatively longer horizontal member  14   a ,  14   b  is provided (as compared to  13   a ,  13   b  is shown with a dip  14   c ) to accommodate a chop saw or table saw with more horizontal feeder surface area required for that type of saw. Importantly, a centralized vacuum system  20  ( FIG. 3A ) is provided by the present invention as further described herein. Vacuum suction ports  22  are included with vertical spacing so that suction can be made available to dust from a work piece above and falling below a work table  51 . The vacuum ports  22  are also configured with valves (controlled by switches) so that when a workstation is not being used, more negative pressure can be provided to the other stations  22  that are being used. This configuration can work in conjunction with a vacuum motor  23  having multiple speeds and therefore give the carpenter a choice of optimum speeds for the amount of suction needed. Multiple electrical outlets  59  are provided at least about one  59  for each work station or more to eliminate any requirement for long electrical cords that encumber a work area. Multiple compressed air ports  41  and their respective switches  42  additionally provide versatility to the present invention. Similar switches  42  control vacuum valve ports  22 . 
       FIG. 2B  provides a right side aspect view of the first preferred embodiment however with the full superstructure  61  provided as a lumber rack  61  together with the forward pole with U-configuration  62 . Also illustrated is a novel vacuum boom  75  of the present invention. The boom  75  provides added versatility to reach between several work stations. In a first embodiment as shown, the vacuum boom  75  comprises a vertical rigid post  72  coupled to a horizontal rigid boom  75 , in addition to a flexible vacuum suction hose  74  coupled to the boom  75 , further wherein boom and post  72 ,  75  can rotate about rotating member  73  (collar). In a second embodiment the post  72  is a hollow pipe and the flexible hose  74  is directly coupled to the hollow pipe  72  with the boom  75  and hose  74  connected thereto. Negative pressure would be provided inside the hollow pipe  72  by vacuum motor  23  ( FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B ,  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B ). Alternatively, the post  72  and boom  75  could be located in the front portion of the trailer ( FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 2C ) or it  72 ,  75  could be located at approximately at a mid-point of the trailer and off to one side. 
     It should be noted that even with a full superstructure  61  that the invention  10  design can be stored inside a car port or garage; and if necessary, the superstructure or lumber rack  61  can be removed from vertical supports  12  to provide a smaller profile if desired. These particular advances, while providing multiple work stations, are currently absent in the prior art. 
     Also regarding  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 2C , the portable work area  10  particularly for carpentry or masonry further includes a plurality of storage boxes  91 ,  92 ,  93  configured to the flat bed trailer  11 . As indicated, first and second  91 ,  92  storage boxes are fixed and the third gang box  93  has wheels and is portable. Importantly, first and second storage boxes  91 ,  92  are approximately at a same height as horizontal members  13   b ,  14   b  so that when a worktable  51  is configured on top of a horizontal members  13   b ,  14   b  ( FIG. 7B ), the configuration  51 ,  91 ,  92 , allows to expand horizontal surface area thereof. 
       FIG. 2C  additionally illustrates a deployed position of rear horizontal members  15  as does  FIG. 3B  and  FIG. 7B , provide even more additional space to support a work table  51 . According to  FIG. 3A  taken together with  FIG. 7A , a vacuum system  20  is provided to the present invention  10 .  FIG. 3A  illustrates permanent rigid pipe  21  configured underneath tool boxes  91 ,  92  (not shown as to illustrate the piping  21 ) and fixed to the flat bed trailer  11 . The vacuum system  20  further includes vacuum ports  22  to selectively provide dust abatement around the portable work trailer  10 . 
     More specifically with regard to  FIG. 7A , the vacuum motor  23  provides a negative pressure with respect to atmosphere at the pipe fixed to the flat bed trailer  11 . Flexible vacuum system  20  pipe  74  is further provided to the system via the various ports  22 . Further, the vacuum  23  may be remote controlled. 
     Also according to a preferred embodiment, the vacuum system  20  essentially contains two separate dust and particulate filters. A first filer  24  comprises a vortex dust separator that is separate from the motor housing  23 . A second filter located downstream of the first filter  24  is additionally provided within the vacuum motor housing  23 . In this configuration, the second filter will only very infrequently require cleaning and virtually no particulates will be reintroduced to the environment. The vacuum system  20  and particulate filters  23 ,  24  are particularly important where treated wood is used; and further where particle board is cut that typically has glue that may contain toxins if inhaled. Additionally regarding  FIG. 7A , tool box  92  houses the vacuum motor  23  and is further insulated so that the resultant noise is minimal. 
     With regard to  FIG. 3B  a top plan view illustrating toolbox  91 ,  92  arrangements over the vacuum system  20  piping  21  is shown. Also horizontal members  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  15  are slidingly disposed to the fixed members  19  via a collar  18  ( FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 7B ). As additionally described herein, the horizontal members  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  15  support work tables  51  and various types of power tools  99  to include but not limited to: table saws, chop saws, miter saws, routers, sanders and grinders. A top view of a surface planning table  81 ,  82  is additionally provided in a deployed position. The table  81 ,  82  can also be used as an additional feed table, a track saw table, or plywood cutting table and is additionally illustrated in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 7E . As seen in  FIG. 4 , supports  85  for the plywood cutting table  81  are removable for the stowed for transport position. This view also reveals that sliding horizontal members  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  15  can be provided at different heights to accommodate power tools that have different heights to make the work stations and fixed tool boxes  91 ,  92  approximately at the same height. 
     In a preferred embodiment, member  13   a  supports a table saw, member  13   b  supports a router table, member  14   a  supports a chop saw, and member  14   b  supports an additional sanding work table. In this configuration, the chop saw itself may be removed and the chop saw table can be used as a table saw outfeed table. 
       FIG. 5  provides a rear end view of the first preferred embodiment  10 . Break lights  93  are provided and configured to the flat bed trailer  11 . Electric brakes are further configured to the trailer  11 .  FIG. 6A  illustrates a left side view of the present invention with the superstructure  61  removed. As stated, horizontal member  14   a  can support a chop saw table and member  13   a  can provide support to a table saw.  FIG. 6B  illustrates a left side view of the present invention with the superstructure  61  shown. 
     Regarding  FIG. 7B , the worktables  51  have extensions  52  to couple to sliding horizontal members  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  15 . In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal members  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  15  are round poles and the extensions  52  are rounded to securely interface horizontal members  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  15 . Also in a preferred embodiment, aperture  18  protrudes outwardly from vertical support members  12  and forms a collar  18 . Horizontal member  13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a ,  14   b ,  15  slide out of the apertures  18 , and more specifically out from fixed horizontal members  19  and secured by detent pins  65  for stowed for transport position. In an alternative embodiment, apertures  18  are configured directly to vertical support members  12 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7C and 7D , redundant twenty amp power circuits  53 ,  54  are provided so that all power is not supplied through any one circuit breaker to minimize the chance of a tripping event. All circuits  53 ,  54  are ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) controlled and have outdoor weather proofing. 
       FIG. 7C , together with  FIG. 7E , illustrate plywood cutting table  81 ,  82  (or forward cutting table, or surface planning table) of the present invention  10 . Structurally speaking, the table  81 ,  82  comprises a forward permanent structural member  89  configured horizontally at a forward end of the portable work area  10  above approximately a bumper level. A horizontal table support frame  81  is then slidingly configured to the frame  19  (horizontal fixed member  19 ), wherein the frame  19  is approximately at a same height as forward permanent structural member  89 . A plurality of female structural members  83  are provided along the rear permanent structural member  89  wherein each female member  83  is configured to receive a corresponding two-by-four  82 , wherein each of the corresponding two-by-fours  82  are arranged over the horizontal table support frame  81  and provide support for a forward work table (plywood cutting table). This forward cutting table  81 ,  82  is conveniently used for cutting large sheet materials and doors. It  81 ,  82  provides a large horizontal surface area for plywood, for example 72″×60″. It is additionally contemplated that vacuum boom  74 ,  75  can provide dust abatement to the forward cutting table  81 ,  82 . 
       FIG. 8  provides a right side profile view of the first preferred embodiment however with the full superstructure  61  provided as a lumber rack  61  together with the forward pole with U-configuration  62 . 
       FIG. 9  provides an enlarged perspective of the right front quarter portion and a novel vacuum boom  75  of the present invention. The boom  75  provides added versatility to reach between several work stations. In a first embodiment as shown, the vacuum boom  75  comprises a vertical rigid post  72  coupled to a horizontal rigid boom  75 , in addition to a flexible vacuum suction hose  74  coupled to the boom  75 , further wherein boom and post  72 ,  75  can rotate about rotating member  73  (collar). In a second embodiment the post  72  is a hollow pipe and the flexible hose  74  is directly coupled to the hollow pipe  72  with the boom  75  and hose  74  connected thereto. 
     Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. 
     Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. 
     While the particular Mobile Workstation as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.