Patent Publication Number: US-7210510-B2

Title: Work bench

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application of Barclay de Tolly, Ser. No. 60/485,719, filed Jul. 10, 2003 the entirety of which is hereby incorporated into the present application by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to work benches. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Work benches are known in the art. Examples of work benches are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,592,981 and 5,836,365. One aspect of the present invention is to provide improvements to known work benches. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the invention relates to a work bench including an elongated main body including a track portion having first and second spaced apart rail members. A tool mount assembly is removably mounted to the track portion of the main body to stably support a tool on the main body. The tool mount assembly includes a tool mount having a support structure that supports the tool and a releasable fastener mounted to the support structure to releasably interlock with the track portion so as to releasably mount the tool mount to the track portion. The releasable fastener includes a handle and a retaining member movable along with the handle. The handle has a surface engaged with a handle mount surface provided on the support structure such that manual movement of the handle to (a) a released position positions the retaining member so that the tool mount can be engaged with or disengaged from the track portion, and (b) a locked position rotates the retaining member relative to the support structure and moves the retaining member axially by camming the surface of the handle against the handle mount surface so that ends of the retaining member are moved into forced engagement with the spaced apart rail members to secure the tool mount to the track portion and prevent relative movement of the tool mount with respect to the track portion. 
     Another aspect of the invention relates to a tool mount assembly for use with an elongated main body including a track portion having first and second spaced apart rail members. The tool mount assembly includes a tool mount having a support structure that supports a tool and a releasable fastener mounted to the support structure to releasably interlock with the track portion so as to releasably mount the tool mount to the track portion. The releasable fastener includes a handle and a retaining member movable along with the handle. The handle has a surface engaged with a handle mount surface provided on the support structure such that manual movement of the handle to (a) a released position positions the retaining member so that the tool mount can be engaged with or disengaged from the track portion, and (b) a locked position rotates the retaining member relative to the support structure and moves the retaining member axially by camming the surface of the handle against the handle mount surface so that ends of the retaining member are moved into forced engagement with the spaced apart rail members to secure the tool mount to the track portion and prevent relative movement of the tool mount with respect to the track portion. 
     Still another aspect of the invention relates to a vise for use with an elongated main body including a track portion having first and second spaced apart rail members. The vise includes a base and a pair of engagement members provided on the base. The engagement members are relatively movable toward and away from one another for grasping and releasing a workpiece. A releasable fastener is mounted to the base to releasably interlock with the track portion so as to releasably mount the vise to the track portion. The releasable fastener includes a handle and a retaining member movable along with the handle. The handle has a surface engaged with a handle mount surface provided on the base such that manual movement of the handle to (a) a released position positions the retaining member so that the vise can be engaged with and disengaged from the track portion, and (b) a locked position rotates the retaining member relative to the base and moves the retaining member axially by camming the surface of the handle against the handle mount surface so that ends of the retaining member are moved into forced engagement with the spaced apart rail members to secure the vise to the track portion and prevent relative movement of the vise with respect to the track portion. 
     Other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of this invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments of this invention. In such drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a work bench constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of support arms and the adjustable stop arm of the work bench in retracted positions; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the work bench shown in  FIG. 1  with the pair of support arms and the adjustable stop arm thereof in extended positions; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tool mount assembly structured for use with the work bench shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a tool mount of the tool mount assembly shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a tool mount of the tool mount assembly shown in  FIG. 3  engaged with the main body of the work bench shown in  FIG. 1 , the clamp assembly of the tool mount in a released position; 
         FIG. 6  is a view similar to  FIG. 5  illustrating the clamp assembly of the tool mount in an intermediate position; 
         FIG. 7  is a view similar to  FIG. 5  illustrating the clamp assembly of the tool mount in a locked position; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating the pair of support arms of work bench shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of one of the pair of support arms shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement between the support arm and the main body of the work bench, the support arm having a work support/stop assembly attached thereto; 
         FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 10  with the work support/stop assembly being removed in order to illustrate the clamp assembly of the support arm; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement of the clamp assembly of the support arm and the main body of the work bench; 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement of the clamp assembly of the support arm and the main body of the work bench; 
         FIG. 14  is a side view illustrating the clamp assembly of the support arm; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a work support/stop assembly structured for attachment to the support arm; 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded view of the work support/stop assembly shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view illustrating the adjustable stop arm of the work bench shown in  FIG. 1  and a pair of flip stop assemblies structured for attachment to the adjustable stop arm; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vise structured for use with the work bench shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the vise shown in  FIG. 18  engaged with the main body of the work bench shown in  FIG. 1  such that the vise extends generally parallel with the main body; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the vise shown in  FIG. 18  engaged with the main body of the work bench shown in  FIG. 1  such that the vise extends generally transverse to the main body; 
         FIG. 21  is an exploded view of the vise shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of the vise shown in  FIG. 18  engaged with the main body of the work bench shown in  FIG. 1  such that the vise extends generally parallel with the main body; 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vise engaged with the main body of the work bench with the vise extending generally parallel with the main body, a clamp assembly of the vise in a released position; 
         FIG. 24  is a view similar to  FIG. 23  illustrating the clamp assembly of the vise in a locked position; 
         FIG. 25  is a top view of the vise shown in  FIG. 18  engaged with the main body of the work bench shown in  FIG. 1  such that the vise extends generally transverse to the main body; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vise engaged with the main body of the work bench with the vise extending generally transverse to the main body, a clamp assembly of the vise in a released position; 
         FIG. 27  is a view similar to  FIG. 26  illustrating the clamp assembly of the vise in a locked position; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of an additional main body structured to adapt the vise shown in  FIG. 18  to a work bench or other work surface; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the vise shown in  FIG. 18  mounted to the additional main body shown in  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vise structured for use with the work bench shown in  FIG. 1  or the additional main body shown in  FIG. 28 ; 
         FIG. 31  is an exploded view of the vise shown in  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a front view of the vise shown in  FIG. 30  with the clamp assembly in a released position; 
         FIG. 33  is a bottom view of the vise shown in  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a front view of the vise shown in  FIG. 30  with the clamp assembly in a locked position; 
         FIG. 35  is a bottom view of the vise shown in  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a front view of the vise shown in  FIG. 30  being mounted from above to the additional main body shown in  FIG. 28  such that the vise extends generally parallel with the main body; 
         FIG. 37  is a front view of the vise shown in  FIG. 30  mounted to the additional main body shown in  FIG. 28  such that the vise extends generally parallel with the main body, and the clamp assembly in a released position; 
         FIG. 38  is a top view of the vise shown in  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a front view of the vise shown in  FIG. 30  mounted to the additional main body shown in  FIG. 28  such that the vise extends generally parallel with the main body, and the clamp assembly in a locked position; 
         FIG. 40  is a top view of the vise shown in  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a side view of the vise shown in  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a front view of the vise shown in  FIG. 30  being mounted from above to the additional main body shown in  FIG. 28  such that the vise extends generally transverse with the main body; 
         FIG. 43  is a front view of the vise shown in  FIG. 30  mounted to the additional main body shown in  FIG. 28  such that the vise extends generally transverse with the main body, and the clamp assembly in a released position; 
         FIG. 44  is a top view of the vise shown in  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a front view of the vise shown in  FIG. 30  mounted to the additional main body shown in  FIG. 28  such that the vise extends generally transverse with the main body, and the clamp assembly in a locked position; 
         FIG. 46  is a top view of the vise shown in  FIG. 45 ; and 
         FIG. 47  is a side view of the vise shown in  FIG. 45 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a work bench  10  constructed in accordance with one illustrated embodiment of the present invention. The work bench  10  is especially suited for portable use, since it can be folded into a compact package and easily set-up to achieve a use configuration when it is desired. 
     The work bench  10  includes an elongated main body  12 , four legs  14 , and two connection brackets  16  for mounting the legs  14  to the main body  12 . The connection brackets  16  enable the legs  14  to be pivotable between an open position (as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) in which the legs  14  extend generally away from the main body  12 , and a closed position in which the legs  14  extend generally parallel to the main body  12 . In the open position, the legs  14  support the main body  12  in an elevated position above the ground. Details of structure and operation of legs and connection brackets are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,592,981 and 5,836,365, the entireties of which are herein incorporated by reference. However, the legs and connection brackets may have any suitable construction, and the one disclosed herein is not intended to be limiting. 
     The work bench  10  includes a pair of elongated support arms  18 ,  20  that are movable relative to the elongated main body  12  between a retracted position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a plurality of extended positions, one of which is shown in  FIG. 2 . In the extended positions, a free end of respective support arms  18 ,  20  extends outwardly away from the main body  12 . The work bench  10  also includes an adjustable elongated stop arm  22  that is telescopically mounted to the either support arm  18 ,  20  for movement between a retracted position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a plurality of extended positions, one of which is shown in  FIG. 2 . In the extended position, a free end of the adjustable stop arm  22  extends outwardly away from either support arm  18 ,  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable stop arm  22  is mounted to the support arm  20 . Although not illustrated, it would likewise be possible to have a second adjustable stop arm on support arm  18  also. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, an adjustable work support assembly  24  is mounted on the support arm  18 , an adjustable work support/stop assembly  26  is mounted on the support arm  20 , and a pair of flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  are mounted on the adjustable stop arm  22 . Also, a tool mount assembly  32  is removably mounted to the main body  12  for supporting a tool, such as a saw, router, drill press, etc., thereon. 
     The adjustable work support assembly  24 , the adjustable work support/stop assembly  26 , and the pair of flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  are provided to support and/or set cutting lengths for items to be cut by the tool supported on the tool mount assembly  32 , such as lumber. Also, the adjustable work support assembly  24 , the adjustable work support/stop assembly  26 , and the pair of flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  are mounted such that they may be adjusted by hand without having to resort to using tools, as will be further discussed. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 5 , the main body  12  of the work bench  10  has an elongated, tubular construction with a bottom wall  36 , a top wall  38  opposite the bottom wall  36 , and a pair of side walls  40 ,  42  which interconnect the bottom and top walls  36 ,  38 , respectively. The top wall  38  provides a first track portion  44 , the side wall  40  provides a second track portion  46 , and the side wall  42  provides a third track portion  48 . The track portions  44 ,  46 ,  48  extend along the length of the main body  12 . Preferably, the main body  12  is fabricated by extrusion from aluminum, which is found to be lightweight, easy to manufacture, and strong in construction. However, the main body  12  may be made from any other suitable material, may be made by any suitable process, and may have a different configuration. Also, it should be understood that any number of track portions may be provided on the main body  12 . 
     The tool mount assembly  32  is removably mountable to the first track portion  44  for supporting a tool on the main body  12  in a stable manner. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the tool mount assembly  32  includes a pair of tool mounts  50 ,  52 . In use, one tool mount  50  supports one side of a tool and the other tool mount  52  supports the other side of the tool. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an additional support  54  may be secured between the tool mounts  50 ,  52  to add an additional mounting point for the tool. However, this additional support  54  is optional, depending on the structure of the tool. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , each tool mount  50 ,  52  includes a base  56 , a support beam  58  mounted to the base  56 , a releasable fastener  60  mounted to the base  56  for securing each tool mount  50 ,  52  to the first track portion  44 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the base  56  has a first pair of lateral flanges  62  and a second pair of lateral flanges  64  structured to engage the first track portion  44 . Specifically, the first track portion  44  includes first and second rail members  66 ,  68  each having inwardly and outwardly extending flanges. In use, the base  56  is engaged with the first track portion  44  such that the first pair of lateral flanges  62  engage the first rail member  66  and the second pair of lateral flanges  64  engage the second rail member  68 . Inner lateral flanges of the first and second pairs of lateral flanges  62 ,  64  engage the inwardly extending flanges of respective first and second rail members  66 ,  68  to allow sliding movement of the base  56  longitudinally along the first track portion  44  but prevent lateral movement of the base  56  with respect to the first track portion  44 . The outer flanges of the first and second pairs of lateral flanges  62 ,  64  engage the outwardly extending flanges of the rail members  66 ,  68  to provide additional support. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the support beam  58  has a general H-shape that defines an upper track portion  70  and a lower track portion  72 . The side walls of the upper track portion  70  have inwardly extending flanges and the side walls of the lower track portion  72  have inwardly extending flanges. A pair of fasteners  74  secure the support beam  58  to the base  56 . Specifically, the heads of the fasteners  74  are received in the lower track portion  72  and engage the inwardly extending flanges thereof. The threaded shafts of the fasteners  74  extend through respective openings  57  in the base  56  and into threaded engagement with respective nuts. Several openings  57  are provided in the base  56  to allow different mounting positions of the support beam  58  with respect to the base  56 . 
     Also, fasteners  76  are retained in the upper track portion  70  by the inwardly extending flanges thereof for securing the tool to the support beam  58  of the respective tool mount  50 ,  52 . The fasteners  76  of respective tool mounts  50 ,  52  may directly engage the tool to secure the tool to the tool mounts  50 ,  52 . Alternatively, the fasteners  76  of the tool mounts  50 ,  52  may cooperate to secure a support plate, with the tool being mounted to the support plate, as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,836,365. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , rubber or plastic feet  78  are mounted to the ends of the support beam  58 . Specifically, fasteners  80  have their heads retained in the lower track portion  72  of the support beam  58  and are threadably engaged with the feet  78  to secure the feet  78  to the support beam  58 . As a result, the tool mounts  52 ,  52  may be released from the work bench  10  and positioned on a horizontal support surface, such as a work table or a floor. In use, the feet  78  stably support the tool mounts  50 ,  52  on the support surface and absorb vibrations from the tool mounted thereon. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener  60  is in the form of a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly  60  is structured to releasably interlock with the first track portion  44  so as to releasably mount each tool mount  50 ,  52  to the first track portion  44 . Specifically, the clamp assembly  60  includes a handle  82  pivotably mounted to the base  56  for movement between a released position (as shown in  FIG. 5 ), an intermediate position (as shown in  FIG. 6 ), and a locked position (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). In the released position, each tool mount  50 ,  52  may be engaged with the first track portion  44 , removed from first track portion  44  by upward movement, or slid along the first track portion  44 . In the intermediate position, each tool mount  50 ,  52  is interlocked with the first track portion  44  for slidable movement along the first track portion  44 , but is prevented from removal upwardly away from the first track portion  44 . In the locked position, each tool mount  50 ,  52  is locked to the first track portion  44  to prevent any type of relative movement between the tool mounts  50 ,  52  and the first track portion  44 . The handle  82  of the clamp assembly  60  may be manually moved between the released, intermediate, and locked positions to remove, adjust, and mount the tool mounts  50 ,  52  to the first track portion  44  as desired. The details of these positions will be described below. 
     The handle  82  is operatively engaged with a retaining member  84  to control the movement of the retaining member  84  into and out of engagement with the first track portion  44 . Specifically, a fastener  86  with a handle key  88  extends through an opening in the retaining member  84 , through an opening in the base  56 , and into a locking engagement with the handle  82  which mates with the handle key  88  and is threaded for the fastener  86 . A nut is used as a secondary fastener with the fastener  86 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . As a result, rotation of the handle  82  rotates the retaining member  84 . 
     A spring  90  is positioned between the retaining member  84  and the base  56  to bias the retaining member  84  away from the base  56 . The base  56  has a handle mount  92  secured thereto. The handle mount  92  has a ramped surface  94  that extends in an arcuate path. The ramped surface  94  is engaged with a cooperating surface on the underside of the handle  82 . The ramped surface  94  of the handle mount  92  and the cooperating surface on the handle  82  are configured such that, as the handle  82  is rotated from the released position to the intermediate position and from the intermediate position to the locked position, the handle  82  is moved upwardly away from the base  56  which moves the retaining member  84  upwardly towards the base  56 , against biasing from the spring  90 . That is, as the handle  82  is rotated towards the locked position, the retaining member  84  moves upwardly as it rotates relative to the base  56 . Similarly, as the handle  82  is rotated towards the released position, the retaining member  84  moves downwardly as it rotates relative to the base  56  under biasing from the spring  90 . 
     The retaining member  84  is structured such that, when the handle  82  is in the released position (as shown in  FIG. 5 ), the retaining member  84  is oriented such that it is not in a position to retain the respective tool mount  50 ,  52  on the first track portion  44 . Thus, the tool mounts  50 ,  52  can be freely engaged with and disengaged from the first track portion  44 . That is, the retaining member  84  is oriented so that it can be lifted freely through the opening defined between the rail members  66 ,  68  to enable removal of the tool mounts  52 ,  52  and the tool thereon. 
     When the handle  82  is moved from the released position to the intermediate position (as shown in  FIG. 6 ), the retaining member  84  is rotated relative to the base  56  and is moved upwardly towards the base  56 . In this position, the retaining member  84  is oriented such that it retains the respective tool mount  50 ,  52  to the first track portion  44 , but is movable along the first track portion  44 . Specifically, the tool mount  50 ,  52  is slidable along the first track portion  44  because the retaining member  84  is spaced from or lightly engaged with the first track portion  44 . However, the ends of the retaining member  84  are positioned to engage the inwardly extending flanges of the first track portion  44  to prevent upward removal of the tool mount  50 ,  52  with respect to the first track portion  44 . 
     When the handle  82  is moved from the intermediate position to the locked position (as shown in  FIG. 7 ), the retaining member  84  is further rotated relative to the base  56  and further moved upwardly towards the base  56  by the camming against ramped surface  94 . This moves the ends of the retaining member  84  into forced engagement with the inwardly extending flanges of the first track portion  44 . Thus, the retaining member  84  clamps the respective tool mount  50 ,  52  to the first track portion  44  and prevents any relative movement of the tool mount  50 ,  52  with respect to the first track portion  44 . 
     When the handles  82  of the tool mounts  50 ,  52  are in their intermediate positions, the tool mounts  50 ,  52  may be moved relative to one another along the first track portion  44  so as to adjust a distance therebetween to accommodate different sized tools. Also, both tool mounts  50 ,  52  may be moved together along the first track portion  44  with the tool thereon. While the tool mount assembly  32 , its tool mounts  50 ,  52 , and its fasteners  60  have been described in detail, these structures may have any construction or configuration and the described embodiment is not intended to be limiting. 
       FIG. 8  shows the pair of support arms  18 ,  20  that are movable relative to the main body  12  between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions. One of the pair of support arms  18  is mounted to the second track portion  46  and the other of the pair of support arms  20  is mounted to the third track portion  48 . In their retracted positions, the pair of support arms  18 ,  20  are coextensive with the main body  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In their extended positions, the free end of the support arm  18  extends outwardly from the main body  12  to the right (as viewed in  FIG. 2 ) and the free end of the support arm  20  extends outwardly from the main body  12  to the left (as viewed in  FIG. 2 ). 
     Each support arm  18 ,  20  includes an elongated tubular member  96  having a pair of mounting structures  98  secured thereto, as shown in  FIG. 9 . The mounting structures  98  of each support arm  18 ,  20  are retained in the respective track portion  46 ,  48  to prevent outward movement of the support arms  18 ,  20  away from the main body  12 , but allow sliding movement of the support arms  18 ,  20  along the track portions  46 ,  48 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , optional end caps  100  are secured to opposing ends of the main body  12  and close off the open ends of the main body  12  and the track portions  46 ,  48  and thus act as end stops for the support arms  18 ,  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  8 ,  9 ,  11 ,  12 , and  14 , a releasable fastener  102  is mounted to the each of the support arms  18 ,  20  for releasably locking the support arms  18 ,  20  with respect to the main body  12 . The fastener  102  is in the form of a clamp assembly. Specifically, the clamp assembly  102  includes a handle  104  pivotably mounted to the tubular member  96  for movement between a released position and a locked position. In the released position, the support arms  18 ,  20  are slidable along the track portions  46 ,  48 . In the locked position, the support arms  18 ,  20  are locked to the track portions  46 ,  48  to prevent any type of relative movement between the support arms  18 ,  20  and the main body  12 . The handle  104  of the clamp assembly  102  may be manually moved between the released and locked positions to adjust and lock the support arms  18 ,  20  to the track portions  46 ,  48 . 
     As shown in FIGS.  9  and  11 – 13 , the handle  104  is operatively engaged with a fastener  106  to control the movement of the fastener  106  into and out of engagement with the respective track portion  46 ,  48 . Specifically, the fastener  106  having pad  108  extends through an opening in the tubular member  96 , through an opening in the handle  104 , and into locking engagement with a nut  107 . The tubular member  96  has a handle mount  110  secured thereto. The handle mount  110  has a ramped surface  112  that extends in an arcuate path. The ramped surface  112  is engaged with a cooperating surface on the handle  104 . The ramped surface  112  of the handle mount  110  and the cooperating surface on the handle  104  are configured such that, as the handle  104  is rotated from the released position to the locked position, the handle  104  is moved outwardly away by camming action from the tubular member  96  which moves the fastener  106  and pad  108  thereof outwardly towards the tubular member  96 . Similarly, as the handle  104  is rotated from the locked position to the released position, the handle  104  is moved downwardly which moves the fastener  106  and pad  108  thereof downwardly away from the tubular member  96 . 
     The head of the fastener  106  and pad  108  thereof are retained within the respective track portions  46 ,  48  (as best shown in  FIG. 13 ) such that, when the handle  104  is in the released position, the support arms  18 ,  20  can be slid along the respective track portion  46 ,  48  because the head of fastener  106  and pad  108  thereof are spaced from or lightly engaged with the inwardly extending flanges of respective track portions  46 ,  48 . When the handle  104  is moved from the released position to the locked position, the fastener  106  and pad  108  thereof are moved outwardly towards the tubular member  96  to force the head of fastener  106  and the pad  108  thereof into forced engagement with the inwardly extending flanges of the respective track portion  46 ,  48 . Thus, the fastener  106  and pad  108  thereof clamp the respective support arm  18 ,  20  to the respective track portion  46 ,  48  and prevent any relative movement of the support arms  18 ,  20  with respect to the respective track portions  46 ,  48 . 
     That is, the end of fastener  106  is threaded into threaded hole of handle  104 . Threaded end of fastener  106  has a slot or geometry to mate with a device to rotate the fastener  106  for its position adjustment relative to the handle  104 . A nut is used to thread onto the fastener portion extending through the handle  104  and tighten to the handle to lock the fastener adjustment. The head of fastener  106  is circular so that the fastener will freely rotate with the handle after adjustment is locked. Pad  108  has a circular recess to mate with the fastener and disperse fastener loading to track portions  46 ,  48  due to its increased surface area. Pad geometry allows sliding through track portions  46 ,  48  but also allows relative rotation of the fastener  106 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an adjustable work support/stop assembly  26  is mounted on the support arm  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the work support/stop assembly  26  includes a support extension  114 , a support beam  116 , and a connector  118  to interconnect the support extension  114  and support beam  116 . A roller  120  and a stop plate  122  are movably mounted to the support beam  116 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the support extension  114  includes an elongated slot  115 . A fastener  124  having a manually engagable knob extends through the slot  115 , through a support adapter  126 , and into a cooperating threaded opening  128  (e.g., see  FIG. 9 ) provided on the free end of the support arm  20 . The support adapter  126  is structured to cradle a protrusion  130  (e.g., see  FIG. 9 ) provided on the support arm  20  so as to prevent relative movement between the support arm  20  and the support adapter  126 , and hence the support extension  114 . The fastener  124  is easily manipulated by the knob thereof to remove the fastener  124  and hence the work support/stop assembly  26  from the support arm  20  for storage purposes. Also, the fastener  124  may be loosened from the support arm  20  to allow the support extension  114  to move relative to the support adapter  126 , so as to adjust the height of the support extension  114  with respect to the support arm  20 . 
     The connector  118  is generally T-shaped with the lower leg thereof mounted to the end of the support extension  114  by a fastener  132 . The crossing leg of the T-shaped connector  118  supports the support beam  116 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the support beam  116  has a general H-shape that defines an upper track portion  134  and a lower track portion  136 . The side walls of the upper track portion  134  have inwardly extending flanges and the side walls of the lower track portion  136  have inwardly extending flanges. A pair of fasteners  138  secure the support beam  116  to the crossing leg of the connector  118 . Specifically, the heads of the fasteners  138  are retained in the lower track portion  136  by the inwardly extending flanges thereof. The threaded shafts of the fasteners  138  extend through respective openings in the connector  118  and into threaded engagement with a respective nut  141 . 
     Also, a fastener  140  is retained in the upper track portion  134  for securing the roller  120  and the stop plate  122 . Specifically, the head of the fastener  140  is retained in the upper track portion  134  by the inwardly extending flanges thereof. The threaded shaft of the fastener  140  extends through an opening in the leg  142  of the stop plate  122 , through a bushing  144  that rotatably supports the roller  120 , and into threaded engagement with a manually engagable knob  146 . 
     The stop plate  122  is movable with respect to the support beam  116 . This enables the stop plate  122  to be moved between a stop/support position or a withdrawn position to allow use of the roller  120 . The stop plate  122  includes a bottom wall  148  having a leg  142  and a pair of spaced apart side walls  150 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . The leg  142  of the stop plate  122  has bent portions  152 ,  154 ,  156  structured to prevent relative movement between the stop plate  122  and support beam  116 . In use, the bent portions  152 ,  154  extend between the inwardly extending flanges of the upper track portion  134  to secure the stop plate  122  with respect to the support beam  116  such that the spaced apart side walls  150  extend generally parallel with the support beam  116 . Also, the stop plate  122  may be rotated so that the bent portion  156  extends between the inwardly extending flanges of the upper track portion  134  to secure the stop plate  122  with respect to the support beam  116  such that the spaced apart side walls  150  extend generally transverse to the support beam  116 . These bent portions  152 ,  154 ,  156  may be provided by other structure, such as separately attached structures, and one or more of them may be omitted. 
     In use, the support beam  116  is capable of supporting an item, such as a long piece of lumber, thereon in an elevated position so that the item is generally horizontal for being acted upon (e.g., cut, drilled, etc.) by the tool on the tool mount assembly  32 . That is, the support beam  116  enables the item to be elevated at a height which corresponds to the height of the working surface of the tool mounted on the tool mount assembly  32 . For example, where the tool is a mitre or chop saw, the support beam  116  would be positioned so that its surface is at the same height of the support surface of the saw. 
     When the roller  120  is positioned forward of the stop plate  122 , the roller  120  is positioned to line up the item with the tool and facilitate movement of the item relative to the support beam  116 . That is, the roller  120  rotatably engages the item so as to align the item with the tool so that an accurate cut, or other procedure, can be made. The position of the roller  120  with respect to the support beam  116  can be adjusted by loosening the knob  146  and sliding the roller  120  along the upper track portion  134  (i.e., laterally relative to the main body  12 ) to the desired position. Also, the height of the support beam  116  can be adjusted to a desired height (i.e., vertically relative to the main body  12 ) by adjusting the support extension  114  via the fastener  124 . Moreover, the distance of the support beam  116  and roller  120  from the tool can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the support arm  20  longitudinally with respect to the main body  12  via the clamp assembly  102 . 
     When the stop plate  122  is positioned forward of the roller  120 , the stop plate  122  is positioned to act as a rigid guide or as a stop member. That is, the stop plate  122  may be positioned such that the side walls  150  thereof engage the item so as to align the item with the tool. Alternatively, the stop plate  122  may be positioned such that the side walls  150  engage the end of the item during cutting, or other procedure, so as to establish cutting lengths, for example. For example, where the tool is a saw, such as a mitre or chop saw, if the user needs to cut a series of boards to the same length, the stop plate  122  can be positioned at that length from the saw blade, and then the user can abut the boards against the stop plate so that each board is cut to the same length. Similar to the roller  120 , the position of the stop plate  122  with respect to the support beam  116  can be adjusted by loosening the knob  146  and sliding the stop plate  122  along the upper track portion  134  to the desired position. Moreover, the height of the support beam  116  and distance from the tool can be adjusted via the fastener  124  and clamp assembly  102 , respectively. 
     Thus, the adjustable work support/stop assembly  26  is provided for supporting and/or stopping items to be cut by the tool, such as lumber. However, this assembly  26  may have any construction and the example described herein is not intended to be limiting. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an adjustable work support assembly  24  is mounted on the support arm  18 . The adjustable work support assembly  24  is substantially similar to the adjustable work support/stop assembly  26 . However, the adjustable work support assembly  24  does not include a stop plate  122 . Thus, the adjustable work support assembly  24  is structured to line up an item with the tool and facilitate movement of the item relative to the support beam  116  thereof. However, the work support assembly  24  may include a support plate  122  to act as a stop or rigid guide, if desired, and may have any other construction or configuration. 
       FIG. 17  shows the adjustable stop arm  22  that is movable relative to the support arm  20  between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable stop arm  22  is telescopically mounted to the support arm  20  such that, in the retracted position, the adjustable stop arm  22  is coextensive with the main body  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the extended positions, the free end of the adjustable stop arm  22  extends outwardly from the support arm  20  to the left (as viewed in  FIG. 2 ). 
     The adjustable stop arm  22  includes an elongated tubular member  158  that is received within a lower tubular portion of the tubular member  96  of the support arm  20 . A pair of flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  are mounted on the adjustable stop arm  22 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , each flip stop assembly  28 ,  30  includes a support extension  160 , a stop beam  162 , and a releasable fastener  164  to interconnect the support extension  160  and stop beam  162 . 
     As illustrated, one end of the support extension  160  includes a clamping structure  166  structured to stably support the support extension  160  in an upright position on the adjustable stop arm  22 . The interior of the clamping structure  166  has a shape that mates or keeps to the exterior of the member  158  to prevent rotation of the support extension  160 . The opposite end of the support extension  160  is structured to pivotally mount the stop beam  162 . Specifically, the fastener  164 , having a manually engagable knob, extends through one end of the stop beam  162  and into a cooperating threaded opening provided on the opposite end of the support extension  160  to secure the stop beam  162  to the support extension  160 . The fastener  164  can be manually loosened by the knob to allow the stop beam  162  to pivot relative to the support extension  160 . 
     The clamping structure  166  is structured to allow the support extension  160  and hence the stop beam  162  to slide along the adjustable stop arm  22 . In the flip stop assembly  28 , a fastener  168  extends through a bottom portion of the clamping structure  166  to tighten the clamping structure  166  and hence releasably secure the flip stop assembly  28  to the adjustable stop arm  22 . In the flip stop assembly  30 , a toggle  170  is operatively connected with a fastener  172  so that the clamping structure  166  can be easily manually tightened/released so as to releasably secure the flip stop assembly  30  to the adjustable stop arm  22 . When released, the flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  can be moved along the adjustable stop arm  22  to a desired position. It is contemplated that both flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  have toggled fasteners or that both flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  have fasteners without toggles. 
     In use, the flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  function to accurately set the length for multiple items to be cut by the tool, such as lumber, without having to repeatably measure and mark the items. The adjustable stop arm  22  is simply adjusted with respect to the support arm  20 , and the support arm  20  is adjusted with respect to the main body  12 , to position the flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  at desired lengths from the tool. Also, the flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  can be adjusted with respect to the adjustable stop arm  22 . The item to be cut is engaged with the stop beam  162  of the respective flip stop assembly  28 ,  30  for cutting a predetermined length. A pair of flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  are provided on the adjustable stop arm  22  to allow for cutting two desired lengths. However, only one flip stop assembly may be provided or more than two flip stop assemblies may be provided to allow for cutting any number of desired lengths. For example, where the tool is a saw, such as a mitre or chop saw, if the user needs to cut a series of boards to two different lengths, the flip stop assembly  28  can be positioned at one of the lengths from the saw blade and the flip stop assembly  30  can be positioned at the other of the lengths from the saw blade, and then the user can abut the boards against the desired flip stop assembly  28 ,  30  so that each board is cut to the desired length. While the flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  have been described in detail, they may have any construction and the examples described herein are not intended to be limiting. 
     The work bench  10  enables its user to efficiently handle a relatively long item, such as a long piece of lumber. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , by placing the tool mount assembly  32  in the middle of the main body  12 , with the pair of support arms  18 ,  20  in extended positions and the adjustable stop arm  22  in an extended position, the work support assembly  24 , work support/stop assembly  26 , and flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  are positioned such that the user of the work bench  10  can use the tool to cut, drill, etc. a relatively long item. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a vise  200  that may be mounted onto the work bench  10 . The vise  200  is structured so that it may be engaged with the first track portion  44  of the work bench  10  in two positions. Specifically, the vise  200  may be mounted to the first track portion  44  in a first position where it can hold items generally transverse to the work bench  10  (as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 22 ). Alternatively, the vise  200  may be mounted to the first track portion  44  in a second position where it can hold items generally parallel to the work bench  10  (as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 25 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 18 and 21 , the vise  200  includes a base  202 , an extension  204  slidably engaged with the base  202 , a support  206  mounted to the extension  204 , a handle  208 , and a clamp assembly  210 . The handle  208  extends through the extension  204  and into threaded engagement with the base  202 . As is conventional, rotation of the handle  208  moves the extension  204  and the support  206  thereof towards and away from the base  202 . The base  202  and the support  206  each have an engagement plate  212  secured thereto that is structured to engage the item to be clamped therebetween. 
     The base  202  is structured such that, when the vise  200  is mounted in the first position to hold items generally transverse to the work bench  10  (as shown in  FIG. 23 ), lateral flanges of the base  202  operatively engage the first and second rail members  66 ,  68  of the first track portion  44  to permit sliding movement of the base  202  longitudinally along the first track portion  44  but prevent lateral movement of the base  202  with respect to the first track portion  44 . The base  202  is also structured such that, when the vise  200  is mounted in the second position to hold items generally parallel to the work bench  10  (as shown in  FIG. 26 ), lateral flanges of the base  202  operatively engage the first and second rail members  66 ,  68  of the first track portion  44  to permit sliding movement of the base  202  longitudinally along the first track portion  44  but prevent lateral movement of the base  202  with respect to the first track portion  44 . 
     The clamp assembly  210  is structured to releasably mount the vise  200  to the first track portion  44 . Specifically, the clamp assembly  210  includes a handle  214  pivotably mounted to the base  202  for movement between a released position (as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 26 ) and a locked position (as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 27 ). When the handle  214  is in the released position, the vise  200  may be engaged with the first track portion  44 , removed from the first track portion  44 , and slidable along the first track portion  44 . When the handle  214  is in the locked position, the vise  200  is locked to the first track portion  44  to prevent any type of relative movement between the vise  200  and the first track portion  44 . The handle  214  of the clamp assembly  210  may be manually moved between the released and locked positions to remove, adjust, and mount the vise  200  to the first track portion  44 . 
     The handle  214  is operatively engaged with a retaining member  216  to control the movement of the retaining member  216  into and out of engagement with the first track portion  44 . Specifically, a fastener  218  extends through an opening in the retaining member  216 , through an opening in the base  202 , through an opening in the handle  214 , and into locking engagement with a nut. 
     A spring  220  is positioned between the retaining member  216  and the base  202  to bias the retaining member  216  away from the base  202 . The base  202  has a handle mount  222  secured thereto. The handle mount  222  has a ramped surface  224  that extends in an arcuate path. The ramped surface  224  is engaged with a cooperating surface on the handle  214 . The ramped surface  224  of the handle mount  222  and the cooperating surface on the handle  214  are configured such that, as the handle  214  is rotated from the released position to the locked position, the handle  214  is moved upwardly away from the base  202  by a camming action which moves the retaining member  216  upwardly towards the base  202  against biasing from the spring  220 . Similarly, as the handle  214  is rotated from the locked position to the released position, the handle  214  is moved downwardly towards the base  202  which moves the retaining member  216  downwardly away from the base  202  with biasing from the spring  220 . 
     The retaining member  216  is oriented such that the vise  200  must be slid onto the end of the first track portion  44  of the work bench  10 . That is, the vise  200  cannot be mounted from above because the ends of the retaining member  216  are positioned to engage the inwardly extending flanges of the first track portion  44 . However, the same type of mounting as described above for the supports  50 ,  52  may be used for the vise if desired. 
     After the vise  200  is engaged with the first track portion  44  in either the first position as shown in  FIG. 22  or the second position as shown in  FIG. 25 , the retaining member  216  is structured such that, when the handle  214  is in the released position (as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 26 ), the retaining member  216  is positioned such that it is spaced from or lightly engaged with the inwardly extending flanges of the first track portion  44 . Thus, the vise  200  can be freely engaged with the first track portion  44 , removed from the first track portion  44 , or slid along the first track portion  44  to a desired position. When the handle  214  is moved from the released position to the locked position (as shown in  FIGS. 24 and 27 ), the handle  214  is moved upwardly which moves the retaining member  216  upwardly towards the base  202  and into forced engagement with the inwardly extending flanges of the first track portion  44 . Thus, the retaining member  216  clamps the vise  200  to the first track portion  44  and prevents any relative movement of the vise  200  with respect to the first track portion  44 . 
     More than one vise  200  may be mounted to the first track portion  44  that cooperate with one another in rigidly supporting an item. The first track portion  44  perfectly aligns the vises  200  with one another, which facilitates using two vises  200  in tandem. 
     Also, the vise  200  may have any construction and the example described herein is not intended to be limiting. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , an additional main body  250  may be provided that is attachable with conventional fasteners to a work table or a tailgate of a truck, for example. The main body  250  may be attachable to any suitable location on an automobile for use in any suitable automotive application. As illustrated, the length of the additional main body  250  is substantially less than the length of the main body  12 . However, the additional main body  250  may have any suitable length. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 28 , the main body  250  includes a track portion  252  having first and second rail members  254 ,  256  each having inwardly and outwardly extending flanges. The additional main body  250  has a similar configuration as the first track portion  44  of the main body  12  so that the tool mounts  50 ,  52  and vise  200  may be used with either the first track portion  44  on the work bench  10  or the track portion  252  of the main body  250  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 29 ) mountable to, e.g., a work table/tailgate of a truck. Moreover, the vise  200  can be mounted to the track portion  252  of the additional main body  250  in two positions, namely a first position wherein it can hold items transverse to the additional main body  250 , and a second position where it can hold items parallel to the additional main body  250 . 
       FIGS. 30–47  illustrate another embodiment of a vise  300 . In this embodiment, the vise  300  is structured such that it may be mounted from above onto the work bench  10  or the additional main body  250 . Similar to the vise  200 , the vise  300  can be mounted to the work bench  10  or main body  250  in two positions, namely a first position wherein it can hold items transverse to the work bench  10  or main body  250  (as shown in  FIGS. 36–41 ), and a second position where it can hold items parallel to the work bench  10  or main body  250  (as shown in  FIGS. 42–47 ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 30 and 31 , the vise  300  includes a base  302  and a clamp assembly  310  structured to removably secure the vise  300  to the work bench  10  or main body  250 . Although not illustrated, it should be understood that the vise  300  includes an extension, a support, a handle, and engagement plates similar to the extension  204 , support  206 , handle  208 , and engagement plates  212  of vise  200 , which are carried by the base  302 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 30 ,  33 , and  35 , the base  302  includes a plurality of downwardly extending flanges  380 . Specifically, the base  302  includes outer flanges  380  along the outer edges of the base  302  and inner flanges  380  along an inner portion of the base  302 . When the vise  300  is mounted to the track portion of the work bench  10  or main body  250 , the plurality of flanges  380  stably support the base portion  302  and vise  300  on the track portion. For example,  FIG. 35  illustrates the vise  300  in the first position for holding items transverse to a track portion (Position A) and the second position for holding items parallel to a track portion (Position B). In both instances, the outer flanges  380  engage outer edges of the track portions and the inner flanges  380  engage inner edges of the track portions so as to stably support the base portion  302  on the track portion. 
     The clamp assembly  310  is structured to releasably mount the vise  300  to the track portion of the work bench  10  or main body  250 . Specifically, the clamp assembly  310  includes a handle  314  pivotably mounted to the base  302  for movement between a released position (as shown in  FIGS. 32 ,  33 ,  37 ,  38 ,  43 , and  44 ) and a locked position (as shown in  FIGS. 34 ,  35 ,  39 ,  40 ,  41 ,  45 ,  46 , and  47 ). When the handle  314  is in the released position, the vise  300  may be engaged with the track portion, removed from the track portion, or slid along the track portion. When the handle  314  is in the locked position, the vise  300  is locked to the track portion to prevent any type of relative movement between the vise  300  and the track portion. The handle  314  of the clamp assembly  310  may be manually moved between the released and locked positions to remove, adjust, and mount the vise  300  to the track portion. 
     As shown in  FIG. 31 , the handle  314  is operatively engaged with a retaining member  316  to control the movement of the retaining member  316  into and out of engagement with the track portion. Specifically, a fastener  318  with a handle key  319  extends through an opening in the retaining member  316 , through an opening in the base  302 , and into a locking engagement with the handle  314  which mates with the handle key  319  and is threaded for the fastener  318 . A nut  321  is used as a secondary fastener with the fastener  318 . As a result, rotation of the handle  314  rotates the retaining member  316 . 
     A spring (not shown) encircles the handle key  319  and is positioned between the retaining member  316  and the base  302  to bias the retaining member  316  away from the base  302 . The base  302  has a handle mount  322  secured thereto. The handle mount  322  has a ramped surface  324  that extends in an arcuate path. The ramped surface  324  is engaged with a cooperating surface on the handle  314 . The ramped surface  324  of the handle mount  322  and the cooperating surface on the handle  314  are configured such that, as the handle  314  is rotated from the released position to the locked position, the handle  314  is moved upwardly away from the base  302  by a camming action which moves the retaining member  316  upwardly towards the base  302  against biasing from the spring. Similarly, as the handle  314  is rotated from the locked position to the released position, the handle  314  is moved downwardly towards the base  302  which moves the retaining member  316  downwardly away from the base  302  with biasing from the spring. That is, as the handle  314  is rotated towards the locked position, the retaining member  316  moves upwardly as it rotates relative to the base  302 . Similarly, as the handle  314  is rotated towards the released position, the retaining member  316  moves downwardly as it rotates relative to the base  302 . 
     The retaining member  316  is structured such that, when the handle  314  is in the released position (as shown in  FIGS. 36–38  and  42 – 44 ), the retaining member  316  is oriented such that it is not in a position to retain the vise  300  on the track portion. Thus, the vise  300  can be freely engaged with and disengaged from the track portion. That is, the retaining member  316  is oriented so that it can be lifted freely through the opening defined between the rail members of the track portion to enable removal of the vise  300 . Moreover, the retaining member  316  is spaced from the rail members of the track portion when the vise  300  is engaged with the track portion and the handle  314  is in the released position, which allows the vise  300  to be rotated between the first and second positions of the vise  300 . 
     When the handle  314  is moved from the released position to the locked position (as shown in  FIGS. 35 ,  39 – 41 , and  45 – 47 ), the handle  314  is moved upwardly which moves the retaining member  316  upwardly towards the base  302  and into forced engagement with the inwardly extending flanges of the track portion. Specifically, the comers of the retaining member  316  move upwardly as they rotate relative to the base  302 , which orients opposing comers of the retaining member  316  into forced engagement with the inwardly extending flanges of the track portion (see  FIG. 35 ). Thus, the retaining member  316  clamps the vise  300  to the track portion and prevents any relative movement of the vise  300  with respect to the track portion. 
     It should be understood that various components of each of the vise  200 ,  300 , tool mount assembly  32 , work support assembly  24 , work support/stop assembly  26 , and flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  may be combined with one another to form one-piece structures in order to facilitate manufacturing and assembly. 
     An advantage of the work bench  10  is that it is portable and easily assembled and disassembled. When disassembled, the work bench  10  assumes a compact configuration that can be easily transported to another work site. The vise  200 ,  300 , tool mount assembly  32 , work support assembly  24 , work support/stop assembly  26 , and flip stop assemblies  28 ,  30  may be manually released and removed from the work bench  10  without having to resort to using tools. 
     It can thus be appreciated that the aspects of the present invention have now been fully and effectively accomplished. The foregoing specific embodiments have been provided to illustrate the structural and functional principle of the present invention, and are not intended to be limiting. To the contrary, the present invention is intended to encompass all modifications, alterations, and substitutions within the spirit and scope of the detailed description.