Abstract:
There is disclosed a clamping device mountable to a bench top for setting an edge piece to an edge thereof such that the edge piece projects from the bench top at a predetermined angle, with interengaging surfaces of the edge piece and edge being formed with mating mitres whereby a mitre joint is formed between the edge piece and the bench top, the clamping device comprising a body, a first clamping means supported from the body for clamping the device to the bench top, a second clamping means supported from the body for applying clamping pressure to the mitre joint, and first and second locators carried by the body and engageable with the edge piece and bench top respectively to maintain them in the required configuration during clamping. There is also disclosed a related method of attaching an edge piece to an edge of a bench top.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to attachment of edging to a bench top, table top or the like. The invention has been devised in particular for attachment of edge pieces, particularly aprons or fascias. The invention is applicable to a range of materials and suitable for a range of applications, including masonry and carpentry applications. 
         [0002]    In this specification, the term “bench top”, “table top”, “counter top” or the like generally refers to the item in question before it is provided with the edge piece(s), which item will generally comprise rigid sheeting. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    To enhance the appearance of a bench/counter top, table top or the like, it is often desirable during manufacture to attach to at least one edge thereof an edge piece, commonly known as an apron or fascia. The edge piece may have a depth which exceeds the thickness of the table/bench top, and may thus, when attached, create an impression that the table/bench top thickness is greater than it actually is, which can favourably influence a perception of robustness of the bench/table top and quality generally. 
         [0004]    Formation of the adjoined bench top and edge piece may involve producing a bench/table top edge having a straight outer face which extends through the whole thickness of the bench/table top at right angles to the bench/table top surface, and an edge piece having a rectangular cross-section, and fixing the former and latter together with their outer faces arranged flush. Whilst this is a relatively simple and rapid procedure, it results in a conspicuous join, which may be unsightly. It is thus often preferable that a mitre joint be formed between the edge and edge piece, whereby the join between the edge piece and bench/table top is located at the edge of the bench/table top surface, where it is unnoticeable, or at least less conspicuous. 
         [0005]    However, joining the edge and edge piece via a mitre joint, in which both the edge and edge piece are formed with a mitre, is more complicated because it requires not only that the inclined faces of the mitres be brought into engagement, generally with adhesive therebetween, but also that the outer extremities of those faces be precisely positioned so as to be substantially coincident. 
         [0006]    There exists a need in the art for an arrangement which facilitates precise joining of a mitred edge piece to a mitred edge of a bench top, table top or the like. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping device mountable to a bench top for setting an edge piece to an edge thereof such that the edge piece projects from the bench top at a predetermined angle, with interengaging surfaces of the edge piece and edge being formed with mating mitres whereby a mitre joint is formed between the edge piece and the bench top, the clamping device comprising a body, a first clamping means supported from the body for clamping the device to the bench top, a second clamping means supported from the body for applying clamping pressure to the mitre joint, and first and second locators carried by the body and engageable with the edge piece and bench top respectively to maintain them in the required configuration during clamping. 
         [0008]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first locator consists of an alignment guide. Preferably, the first locator is configured to abut a surface of the edge piece to maintain the edge piece it in the required orientation during clamping. Preferably, the first locator is configured to abut an outer face of the edge piece. 
         [0009]    According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping device mountable to a bench top for setting an edge piece to an edge thereof such that the edge piece projects from the bench top at a predetermined angle, with interengaging surfaces of the edge piece and edge being formed with mating mitres whereby a mitre joint is formed between the edge piece and the bench top, the clamping device comprising a body, a first clamping means supported from the body for clamping the device to the bench top, a second clamping means supported from the body for applying clamping pressure to the mitre joint, and a jig carried by the body and engageable with the edge piece and bench top to maintain them in the required configuration during clamping. 
         [0010]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the first clamping means comprises a clamping member (“the first clamping member”). 
         [0011]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second clamping means comprises a clamping member (“the second clamping member”). 
         [0012]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the jig comprises first and second locators engageable with the edge piece and bench top respectively to maintain them in the required configuration during clamping. 
         [0013]    According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clamping device mountable to a bench top for attaching an edge piece to an edge of the bench top, the edge and edge piece being formed with mating mitres whereby a mitre joint is formed therebetween, the clamping device being configured with a jig engageable with the edge and edge piece to maintain them in the required configuration during clamping. 
         [0014]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the jig comprises first and second locators arranged at a predetermined angle, to abut the upper or lower surface of the bench top and an outer side surface of the edge piece respectively, to maintain the edge and edge piece in the required configuration during clamping. 
         [0015]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clamping device comprises a clamping means for clamping the device to the bench top (“the first clamping means”). Preferably, the first clamping means comprises a clamping member (“the first clamping member”). 
         [0016]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clamping device comprises a clamping means for exerting pressure on the edge piece towards the mitre joint (“the second clamping means”). Preferably, the second clamping means comprises a clamping member (“the second clamping member”). 
         [0017]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the clamping device comprises a body from which the clamping means is/are supported. 
         [0018]    Preferably, the body comprises a base, and first and second arms which are spaced apart and extend from the base for receipt of the edge therebetween, and the first clamping member is supported from the first arm and operable to effect clamping of the bench top between the clamping member and the second arm to mount the clamp. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the first locator is disposed on the base. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the second locator is disposed on the second arm. 
         [0021]    In many applications, the predetermined angle will be substantially 90 degrees, though may be acute or obtuse. 
         [0022]    Preferably, the first locator comprises a rib which is positioned to extend parallel to the outer face and transverse to the edge of the bench top to receive the outer face thereagainst. Preferably, the rib is provided on the base. 
         [0023]    Preferably, the clamping device further comprises a retainer which is configured to engage the edge piece to hold it against the first locator. Preferably, the retainer is movable to push or draw the edge piece against the first locator and releasably lockable to hold the edge piece against the first locator. Preferably, the retainer is translationally moveable in a direction parallel to the plane of the bench top and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the edge piece to draw the edge piece against the locating portion. The retainer may thus also be engageable with edge pieces of differing thickness. Preferably, the first locator is arranged to abut an outer face of the edge piece, and the retainer is configured to abut an inner face of the edge piece to urge the edge piece against the first locator. Preferably, the retainer is translationally moveable in a direction of projection of the edge piece from the edge. The retainer may thus also be engageable with edge pieces of differing depth. Preferably, the retainer is configured for rotational movement about an axis which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the edge piece. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retainer is thus engageable with edge pieces which form different angles with the bench top and/or able to be rotated from an operating position into a stowed position, in which it is arranged in general alignment with the base. 
         [0024]    Preferably, the retainer comprises a releasably lockable retaining member which is supported from the body and configured to extend inwardly therefrom to engage the edge piece. Preferably, the retaining member is formed with a slot and comprises a mount which is received through the slot to mount the retaining member to the body and to permit translational movement of the retaining member parallel to the plane of the bench top and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the edge piece to draw the edge piece against the locating portion. The retaining member may thus also be engageable with edge pieces of differing thickness. Preferably, the body is formed with a slot which is arranged to extend in the direction in which the edge piece is to project from the edge, and the mount is received through that slot to mount the retaining member to the body and to permit movement of the retaining member with respect to the body in the direction of that slot when in an unlocked condition. The retaining member may thus also be engageable with edge pieces of differing depth. Preferably, the mount is configured to permit rotation of the retaining member thereabout when in an unlocked condition. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining member is thus engageable with edge pieces which form different angles with the bench top and/or able to be rotated from an operating position into a stowed position, in which it is arranged in general alignment with the base. Preferably, the mount comprises a locking device arranged to lock the retaining member to the body. Preferably, the mount comprises a locking screw. 
         [0025]    According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first clamping member is slidable axially with respect to the body between a retracted position, in which it is clear of the bench top, and an extended position in which it is receivable against the bench top to effect clamping of the device to the bench top, and the device further comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the clamping member in its extended position (“the first clamping member locking mechanism”). Preferably, the first clamping member locking mechanism is of a quick-release type. Preferably, the first clamping member locking mechanism comprises a locking element which is movable between a released position, in which it is disengaged from the clamping member, and a locking position, in which it engages the clamping member, and further comprises a biasing means which biases the locking element into its locking position. The locking element may comprise a depressable tab member arranged to pivot between the released position and locking position. 
         [0026]    Preferably, the first clamping member comprises a sleeve arranged for engagement with the first clamping member locking mechanism, a rod received through the sleeve, and a clamping face arranged at an end of the rod to be receivable against said other surface of the bench top, the sleeve and rod having interengaging threads permitting adjustment of the position of the rod with respect to sleeve and thus fine adjustment of the position of said end. Preferably, the first clamping member further comprises a pad member on which said clamping face is defined, the pad member being adapted to be able to swivel with respect to the rod about the axis of the clamping member. Alternatively, said clamping face may be formed on the end of the rod. 
         [0027]    According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second clamping member is slidable axially with respect to the body between a retracted position, in which it is clear of the edge piece, and an extended position in which it is receivable against the edge piece to apply clamping pressure to the mitre joint, and the clamping device further comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the second clamping member in its extended position (the “second clamping member locking mechanism”). Preferably, the second clamping member locking mechanism is of a quick-release type. Preferably, the second clamping member locking mechanism comprises a locking element which is movable between a released position, in which it is disengaged from the second clamping member, and a locking position, in which it engages the second clamping member, and further comprises a biasing means which biases that locking element into its locking position. The locking element of the second clamping member locking mechanism may comprise a depressable tab member arranged to pivot between the released position and locking position. 
         [0028]    Preferably, the second clamping member comprises a sleeve arranged for engagement with the second clamping member locking mechanism (“the second clamping member sleeve”), a rod received through the second clamping member sleeve (“the second clamping member rod”), and a clamping face arranged at an end of the second clamping member rod to be receivable against the edge piece (“the second clamping member clamping face”), the second clamping member sleeve and second clamping member rod having interengaging threads permitting adjustment of the position of the second clamping member rod with respect to second clamping member sleeve and thus fine adjustment of the position of the second clamping member clamping face. Preferably, the second clamping member further comprises a pad member, on which the second clamping member clamping face is defined, which is adapted to swivel with respect to the second clamping member rod about a longitudinal axis of the second clamping member. Alternatively, the second clamping member clamping face may be formed on the end of the second clamping member rod. 
         [0029]    Preferably, the device is provided with an adhesive collector which removably mounted thereto and arranged for receipt of excess adhesive from the mitre joint. Preferably, the collector is supported on the body. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the collector is supported on the second arm adjacent the base. Preferably, the collector is receivable over the rib to be located laterally on the second arm. 
         [0030]    According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of attaching an edge piece to an edge of a bench top, the edge and edge piece being formed with mating mitres whereby a mitre joint is formed therebetween, comprising:
       positioning a locator adjacent the edge; and   with the edge piece retained against the locator, urging the edge piece towards the edge to effect attachment of the edge piece.       
 
         [0033]    Preferably, locator is arranged such that it abuts an outer face of the edge piece, and the edge piece is urged towards the edge in a direction in which the edge piece is to project from the edge when attached thereto. 
         [0034]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises displacing the edge piece into abutment with the locator. 
         [0035]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the edge piece is drawn or pushed against the locator and retained thereagainst whilst the edge piece is clamped against the edge. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]    The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0037]      FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of a tool for attaching an edge piece a bench top according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing several tools according to the first embodiment arranged along a bench top edge; 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view showing the tool of the first embodiment mounted to the bench top; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view showing the tool of the first embodiment supporting an edge piece against an edge of the bench top; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 4 , in which the edge piece has been laid on its side against the bench top and adhesive has been applied to the bench top edge; 
           [0042]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 5 , in which the edge piece has been repositioned against the bench top edge and is being clamped by the tool of the first embodiment; 
           [0043]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the edge piece being clamped against the bench top edge by the tools of the first embodiment; 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the edge piece and bench top adjoined; 
           [0045]      FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of a clamp for attaching an edge piece to a bench top according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 10  is a side elevation view showing a retaining member of the tool of the second embodiment being brought into engagement with the edge piece; 
           [0047]      FIG. 11  is a side elevation view showing the edge piece being held in position against the clamp of the second embodiment by the retaining member; 
           [0048]      FIG. 12  is a side elevation view showing the edge piece being clamped against the bench top edge whilst being retained by the retaining member; 
           [0049]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a adhesive collecting tray with which the clamp of either of the first and second embodiments (with slight modification) may be provided; 
           [0050]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the clamp of second embodiment (modified slightly) with the tray mounted to it; 
           [0051]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the arrangement shown in  FIG. 14 ; and 
           [0052]      FIG. 16  is detailed side view of the tray mounted to the clamp as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0053]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , a device for attaching an edge piece to a bench top in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is configured in the form of a clamping tool  1 . The tool  1  comprises a rigid, generally C-shaped frame cast from aluminium, the frame defining a base  5  and parallel upper  7  and lower  8  arms which extend from opposite ends of the base  5 . 
         [0054]    Integrally moulded with the base  5  is a locator in the form of a narrow spine or rib  9 , which extends parallel to the axis of the base  5  and projects forwardly from an inner face of the base  5 , against which an outer face of the edge piece is to be received, as will be described in detail later. In the present embodiment, the rib  9  has a rectangular transverse cross-section, and thus a flat front surface  13  which is arranged to abut the outer face. In another embodiment, the rib  9  instead converges forwardly to an edge arranged to abut the outer face. 
         [0055]    The lower arm  8  is configured with a flange  11  having a flat upper surface  15  which is arranged for receipt against the bench top. The flange  11  comprises a plate-like formation, which forms part of the moulding and has a flat upper face which may define the upper surface  15  or which may receive a thin covering sheet of rubber of uniform thickness which defines the upper surface  15  and protects the bench top from damage. 
         [0056]    The rib  9  and flange  11  are positioned precisely so that the surfaces  13  and  15  are arranged at the same angle as that which the outer face of the edge piece is to form with the surface of the bench top, thus defining locators whereby the tool  1  can be used to locate precisely the edge piece against the bench top, as will be described in further detail later. In the present embodiment, that angle is 90 degrees, and the surfaces  13  and  15  are thus perpendicular to each other. In other embodiments, however, that angle may be acute or obtuse. 
         [0057]    The tool  1  further comprises an elongate first clamping member  30  and an elongate second clamping member  60 , both clamping members  30 ,  60  being received through apertures  12  extending through the upper arm  7  to be movable with respect to the upper arm  7 . Clamping member  30  is arranged to engage the bench top and clamping member  60  is arranged to engage the edge piece, as will be described in further detail later. 
         [0058]    Clamping member  30  comprises a sleeve  31 , which is open at both ends, and a threaded rod  32  received through the sleeve  31 . The inner wall of the sleeve  31  is formed with a thread (not shown), at least at one or both of its upper and lower ends, whereby the rod  32  threadingly engages the sleeve  31 . The clamping member  30  further comprises a handle  35 , which is fixed to the upper end of the rod  32 , and a pad member  37 , which is attached to the lower end of the rod  32 . Formed at the lower end of the rod  32  is a ball  36 , which is received in a correspondingly shaped socket  38  formed in the pad member  37 , whereby there is formed a ball-and-socket connection between the rod  32  and pad  37 , the connection allowing relative rotation or swivelling between the pad  37  and rod  32 , and thus preventing rotation of the pad member  37  whilst it engages the bench top during downward screwing of the rod  32 . The connection also permits a degree of rotation of the pad member  37  about any axis transverse to the axis of rod  32  so that a clamping face  39  of the pad member  37  will be arranged true when engaging the bench top. 
         [0059]    The tool  1  comprises a positioning mechanism  40 , which is of a “quick-release” type and provides for rapid lowering of the clamping member  30  for clamping the tool  1  against the bench top (to mount it), and also for rapid raising of the clamping member  30  for removal of the tool  1  from the bench top (“the first positioning mechanism”). The first positioning mechanism  40  comprises a tab member  42  which is formed with a hole therethrough whereby the tab  42  is received over the sleeve  31 . The hole in the tab  42  is elongated slightly in the direction parallel to the axis of arm  7 , whereby the tab  42  can assume the inclined position, shown in  FIG. 1 , in which it engages the sleeve  31  to lock the sleeve  31 , and thus the clamping member  30 , in position (“the locking position”). The mechanism  40  further comprises a compression spring  44  which is arranged between the tab member  42  and arm  7  and biases the tab member  42  in the locking position. The tab member  42  is anchored to the arm  7  by an upright lug  50 , which is fixed to the upper face of arm  7  and which is formed with a notch  46 , into which a proximal end of the tab member  42  is received. The proximal end of the tab member  42  is also formed with a notch, into which an edge of the lug  50  is received, whereby the lug  50  and proximal end of the tab member  42  engage each other in overlapping relation and the latter is retained by the former. The position where the tab member  42  and plate  50  engage serves as a pivot point, about which the tab member  42  will pivot when a force is applied to or removed from its distal end. The outer wall of sleeve  31  is formed with several spaced apart circumferentially extending grooves  43  into which the circumferential edge of the tab member  42  defining the hole through that member is receivable to lock the sleeve  31  to the tab member  42 . In particular, a proximal portion  45 A and/or a distal portion  45 B of the circumferential edge may be received by the grooves  43 . Advantageously, the greater the clamping force exerted by the clamping member  30  against the bench top, the greater the upward force exerted by that member against the tab member  42  and thus, owing to the pivotal connection the tab member  42  and plate  50 , the tighter the engagement of the edge portion(s) with the groove(s)  43 . 
         [0060]    An alternative embodiment is possible in which the grooves  43  are omitted and the circumferential edge of the hole simply engages the outer surface of the sleeve  31  and bites against that surface under the upward force exerted on the tab member  42  by the clamping member  30 . 
         [0061]    Retainingly received into corresponding grooves at upper and lower ends of the sleeve  31  are circlips  33  and  34  respectively, which prevent those ends from being pushed through the tab  42  and drawn through the arm  7  respectively. 
         [0062]    The mechanism  40  further comprises a stopper  44  in the form of an upright plate fixed to the upper face of upper arm  7  and positioned below the distal end of the tab member  42  to limit the downward displacement of that end. 
         [0063]    Clamping member  60  is configured essentially the same way as clamping member  30 , comprising a sleeve  61  which is open at both ends, and a threaded rod  62  received through the sleeve  61 . The inner wall of the sleeve  61  is formed with a thread (not shown), at least at its upper and lower ends whereby the rod  62  threadingly engages the sleeve  61 . The clamping member  60  further comprises a handle  65 , which is fixed to the upper end of the rod  62 , and a pad member  67 , which is attached to the lower end of the rod  62 . Formed at the lower end of the rod  62  is a ball  66 , which is received in a correspondingly shaped socket  68  formed in the pad member  67 , whereby there is formed a ball-and-socket connection between the rod  62  and pad  67 , the connection allowing relative rotation or swivelling between the pad  67  and rod  62 , and thus preventing rotation of the pad member  67  whilst it engages the edge piece during downward screwing of the rod  62 . The connection also permits a degree of rotation of the pad member  67  about any axis transverse to the axis of rod  62  so that a clamping face  69  of the pad member  67  will be arranged true when engaging the edge piece. 
         [0064]    The tool  1  comprises a further positioning mechanism  70 , which is of a “quick-release” type and provides for rapid lowering of the clamping member  60  for clamping the edge piece against the bench top, and also for rapid raising of the clamping member  60  to disengage it from the edge piece. The mechanism  70  comprises a tab member  72  which is formed with a hole therethrough whereby the tab  72  is received over the sleeve  61 . The hole in the tab  72  is elongated slightly in the direction parallel to the axis of arm  7 , whereby the tab  72  can assume the inclined position, shown in  FIG. 1 , in which it engages the sleeve  61  to lock the sleeve  61 , and thus the clamping member  60 , in position (“the locking position”). The mechanism  70  further comprises a compression spring  74  which is arranged between the tab member  72  and arm  7  and biases the tab member  72  in the locking position. The tab member  72  is anchored to the arm  7  by an upright lug  50 , which is fixed to the upper face of arm  7  and which is formed with a notch  76 , into which a proximal end of the tab member  72  is received. The proximal end of the tab member  72  is also formed with a notch, into which an edge of the lug  50  is received, whereby the lug  50  and proximal end of the tab member  72  engage each other in overlapping relation and the latter is retained by the former. The position where the tab member  72  and plate  50  engage serves as a pivot point, about which the tab member  72  will pivot when a force is applied to or removed from its distal end. The outer wall of sleeve  61  is formed with several spaced apart circumferentially extending grooves  73  into which the circumferential edge of the tab member  72  defining the hole through that member is receivable to lock the sleeve  61  to the tab member  72 . In particular, a proximal portion  75 A and/or a distal portion  75 B of the circumferential edge may be received by the grooves  73 . Advantageously, the greater the clamping force exerted by the clamping member  60  against the bench top, the greater the upward force exerted by that member against the tab member  72  and thus, owing to the pivotal connection the tab member  72  and plate  50 , the tighter the engagement of the edge portion(s) with the groove(s)  73 . 
         [0065]    An alternative embodiment is possible in which the grooves  73  are omitted and the circumferential edge of the hole simply engages the outer surface of the sleeve  61  and bites against that surface under the upward force exerted on the tab member  72  by the clamping member  60 . 
         [0066]    Retainingly received into corresponding grooves at upper and lower ends of the sleeve  61  are circlips  66  and  64  respectively, which prevent those ends from being pushed through the tab  72  and drawn through the arm  7  respectively. 
         [0067]    The mechanism  70  further comprises a stopper  74  in the form of an upright plate fixed to the upper face of upper arm  7  and positioned below the distal end of the tab member  72  to limit the downward displacement of that end. 
         [0068]    The operation of the tool  1  to attach an edge piece to a bench top will now be described with reference to the drawings. 
         [0069]    With reference firstly to  FIG. 2 , a rigid sheet which forms the bench top  80  is arranged level on suitable support members  20 , the underside of the sheet so arranged forming the top surface  84  of the bench top. The edge  82  of the bench top  80  is already preformed with a mitre, which in the present embodiment is a 45°, as can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the inclined face  83  of which is uppermost. Tools  1  according to the preferred embodiment are then mounted to sheet  80  adjacent the edge  82 , spaced apart by appropriate intervals. 
         [0070]    Mounting of each tool  1  is a simple and rapid procedure. Specifically, with reference to  FIG. 3 , with the tool  1  arranged so the arms  7  and  8  extend perpendicular to the edge  82  and the outer tip of the edge  82  abuts face  13 , the clamping surface  15  of arm  8  is held flat against the inverted top surface  84 , the tab member  42  of the clamping member  30  depressed, and the sleeve  31  (and thus the clamping member  30  in its entirety) lowered towards the uppermost surface  85  of the bench top  80  to position the pad member  37  close to that surface. The tab member  42  is then released to lock the sleeve  31  in position. Next, the handle  35  is rotated to advance the clamping surface  39  of pad member  37  into abutment with the surface  85 , whereupon the bench top  80  becomes clamped between the arm  8  and the clamping member  30 . Because the ball-and-socket connection between the pad member  37  and rod  32  functions as a swivel connection, the pad member  37  will not rotate on surface  85  during downward screwing of the rod  32 , whereby the surface  83  is protected from being scratched. 
         [0071]    Next, referring to  FIG. 4 , with the clamping members  60  of the mounted tools  1  raised, the edge piece  90 , preformed with a 45° mitre, is fed from one end of the lined up tools  1 , through each space defined by the lower arm  8 , base member  5 , upper arm  7  and clamping member  30  of each tool  1 , and positioned upright such that the inclined face  92  of the mitre is received against the face  83 , and the outer face  94  of the edge piece is thus generally perpendicular to the plane of the bench top  80 . As a result of the thickness of the adhesive between the edge piece  90  and edge  82 , and/or if the edge piece  90  is bowed or warped inwardly at any position, the outer face  94  may be spaced from the surface  13  of at least one of the tools  1  adjacent that position, whereby the edge piece  90  will sit too high on face  83 . Conveniently, the/each such tool  1  can displaced outwardly slightly by tapping one of the side faces of its base member  5  with a hammer, thereby displacing the surface  13  outwardly, causing the edge piece  90  to slide down face  83  towards its true position, so completing a pre-alignment stage. Advantageously, because the rib  9  is narrow, the position of the surface  13  can be adjusted, by very small amounts, when the side of the base member  5  is tapped, without any resultant fouling of another part of the rib  9  against the edge piece  90 , which may cause misalignment. 
         [0072]    Following pre-alignment, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the edge piece  90  is lifted onto the surface  85  and leaned over to rest against clamping member  30 , thereby exposing face  83 , to which adhesive  89  is then applied. The edge piece  90  is then re-orientated in its upright position such that the adhesive  89  is sandwiched between the faces  92  and  83 . 
         [0073]    With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the edge piece  90  is correctly aligned at the position of each tool  1  along the edge portion of the bench top  80  (albeit perhaps vertically offset a little due to the thickness of the adhesive  89 ), the second clamping member  60  of each tool is lowered to compress the edge piece  90  against the edge  82 . Specifically, the tab member  72  is depressed to enable the member  60  to be rapidly lowered so that pad member  67  is positioned closely adjacent the upper face  96  of edge piece  90 , then released to lock the sleeve  61  in position, then the handle  65  is rotated to bring the clamping face  69  into abutment with upper face  96  and so compress the faces  83  and  92  together, whereupon face  92  will slide down face  83  to bring outer face  94  against each surface  13  (in the event that there any space between outer face  94  and edge  13  has formed). Again, owing to the nature of the ball-and-joint/swivel connection between the threaded rod  62  and the pad member  67 , the clamping surface  69  will be received true against surface  96 , and will not rotate on that surface during downward screwing of the rod  62 . 
         [0074]    The procedure described above is carried out for each respective edge/edge piece pair of the bench top  80 . Following setting of the adhesive, depression of the tab members  42  and  72  of each tool  1  permits rapid retraction of the associated clamping members  30  and  60  to release the tools  1  from the thusly attached edge(s) and edge piece(s). Attention is drawn is this regard to  FIG. 8 , which shows the (first) edge piece  90  thus attached to the (first) edge  81 . 
         [0075]    With reference to  FIGS. 9 to 12 , a clamping tool  1 ′ according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, with the use of the same reference numerals as used for the first embodiment to refer to the same features as in the first embodiment. 
         [0076]    The clamp  1 ′ is identical to the clamp  1  though further comprises a retaining mechanism  100  which is operable to engage the edge piece  90  and urge it against the rib  9  such that it is correctly located. 
         [0077]    The retaining mechanism  100  includes a retainer  102  comprising an elongate retaining member  103  configured with a slot  104  therethrough which extends along its length, and a lip or lug  106  formed at an inner end thereof which is received over the inner top edge of the edge piece  90  to engage the inner face  98  of the edge piece  90 . The mechanism  100  further includes a further slot  108 , which is provided through base member  5  and extends along its length axis. The retainer  102  further comprises a locking screw  110  comprising a screw head  111 , a shank which is integral with the head  111  and extends through the slots  104  and  108 , and a nut  112  received on the free end of the shank. The head  111  and nut  112  are of a sufficiently large diameter to be engageable with the laterally outer walls of the retainer  102  and base  5  respectively, to retain the locking screw  110  and to lock the retainer  102  against the base  5  when the locking screw  110  is tightened. The configuration of the retaining mechanism  100  is such that the retainer  102  has two translational degrees of freedom and one rotational degrees of freedom, whereby it can be manipulated to engage edge pieces having differing dimensions and degrees of misalignment. 
         [0078]    Operation of the clamp  1 ′ will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 9 to 12 . 
         [0079]    Firstly, the clamp  1 ′ is mounted to the bench top  80  in exactly the same manner as described for the first embodiment. The clamp  1 ′ is positioned such that the rib  9  abuts the edge  82 . 
         [0080]    After the appropriate number of clamps  1 ′ have been appropriately positioned along the bench top edge  82 , with the clamping members  60  and retainers  102  raised, the edge piece  90  is arranged upright on the edge  82 , with adhesive  83  applied to surface  92 . The edge piece  90  may have a tendency to lean and/or seat inward of its correct position, at least some of the clamps  1 ′, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The retaining mechanism  100  is operated to draw the edge piece  90  into its correct orientation and to retain it in that orientation. Specifically, with the locking screw  110  loosened, the outer end of the retainer  102  is grasped and moved to bring the lug  106  against the inner face  98  of the edge piece  90 , whereby the retainer  102  “hooks” the edge piece  90 . The retainer  102  is then drawn outwardly to pull the edge piece  90  against the rib  9 , such that face  94  abuts rib  9  throughout its depth and the edge piece  90  is thus aligned. The locking screw  110  is then tightened so that the retainer  102  is frictionally locked against the base  5  (see  FIG. 11 ). 
         [0081]    Next, clamping member  60  is operated to clamp the edge piece  90  against the edge  82 , in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. 
         [0082]    The clamps  1  and  1 ′ may, advantageously, be provided with a removably mountable adhesive collector or tray  120 , into which adhesive, which is forced from between the edge piece  90  and edge  82  when clamped together, may drain. The collector  120  comprises a flat base  122  and opposed outer  124  and inner  126  side walls. The collector  120  is configured to seat in a recess  140  defined between plate  15  and base  3 . The base  122  is located against a recessed upper surface  142  of arm  8 , such that outer wall  124  is received against inner face  144  of the base member  5  and inner wall  126  is received against an upright inner end face  146  of flange  11 . The wall  126  is of such a height that it does not project above surface  15 . More particularly, the wall  126  is arranged such that its upper edge is flush with surface  15 . The wall  124  extends higher from the base  122  than does wall  126 , and is formed at an intermediate position therealong with an upright channel  128  which opens outwardly and is open at each end to be received over the lower end of rib  13 , whereby it seats against the rib  9  to locate the collector  120  laterally. 
         [0083]    When the edge piece  90  and edge  82  are forced together, adhesive thus oozing from the interface between them drains into the tray instead of running onto the clamp  1 / 1 ′. After the clamp is removed from the bench top, the collector  120  is lifted out of recess  140  and either discarded, to be replaced with a fresh, like, collector, or cleaned for re-use. 
         [0084]    The collector  120 , is, in the present embodiment(s), moulded from plastic, but may be formed in other ways from different materials. 
         [0085]    So that the locating function of rib  9  will not be upset by the collector  120 , the lower end of the rib  13  is formed with a rebate  148  having a depth equal to the thickness of the inner wall  129  of channel  128 , into which wall  129  is received such that its exterior face  129  is flush with the outer face of the rib  9  to form part of the locating surface  13  which receives the edge piece  90  thereagainst. 
         [0086]    A significant advantage of the described preferred embodiments is the provision of cooperating means for clamping the edge piece and locating the edge piece in a unitary structure. 
         [0087]    Advantageously, owing to the locators in the preferred embodiments, the outer face of the edge piece and surface of the bench top can be arranged in the desired orientation, even if either or each of the mating mitres is imprecisely formed. For example, if the angle of either or each mitre is too small, the retention of edge piece against its locator during clamping forces the outer face of the edge piece into its intended angular orientation relative to the bench top and also brings the outer (visible) edges of the mating mitres together, the gap between the mitre surfaces at the interface between them varying along the mitre joint accordingly. 
         [0088]    Whilst the use the clamps in accordance with the described embodiments involves attachment of the edge piece to the bench top when the latter is inverted, it will be appreciated that the bench top may be arranged in other orientations when the clamp is used to attach the edge piece. For example, the bench top may be arranged upright during attachment of the edge piece, and possibly even in situ. 
         [0089]    Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. 
         [0090]    The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. 
         [0091]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments. 
         [0092]    Moreover, it will be appreciated that embodiments are possible for attaching an edge piece and bench top, table top or the like the outer and top surfaces, respectively, of which are not perpendicular.