Patent Description:
Such a multi-functional workbench will be referred to in the present disclosure as a multi-functional workbench of the kind referred to.

Existing workbenches, such as a frame body, a tabletop, or a bench, generally have a simple structure and single function, and cannot be used for multiple purposes as different tools. Moreover, the existing workbenches have relatively limited expansion capabilities, and are not flexible in the joints where a worktop and supporting legs are connected and in the securing mechanism of the supporting legs. They are often unsafe to use and offer rather poor user experience. They generally fall short of users' changing requirements for workbenches.

<CIT> discloses a multi-functional workbench of the kind referred to. This workbench comprises a rectangular frame and a plurality of retractable legs pivotably connected to the frame. More specifically, the frame comprises two side frames, a first end frame and a second end frame. The plurality of legs comprises a first pair of legs pivotably connected to the first end frame and a second pair of legs pivotably connected to the second end frame. Moreover, the workbench is equipped with four props each consisting of a respective unidirectional folding spindle having two ends one of which is connected to a respective one of the side frames and the other end is connected to a respective one of the legs. When the legs are unfolded each prop, the bottom of the frame and each leg form a triangle to prevent the legs from rotating back into the folded configuration in which the legs are parallel to the side frames.

<CIT> discloses another multi-functional workbench of the kind referred to. This workbench includes two pairs of folding legs. Both legs of each pair of legs are connected at their upper ends to a respective round axle having opposite ends which are pivotally mounted in sockets secured on the inside of the bench top within a recess on the bottom of the bench top. Both legs of each pair of legs are connected at their lower ends to a respective cross piece which in turn is connected to the lower end of a cross brace. Each cross brace is formed with an upper arm and a lower arm connected detachably to the upper arm of the respective cross brace. Each cross brace is connected at its upper end pivotally to the respective axle connecting the legs of the respective pair of legs. When the legs are unfolded and the upper and lower arms of the cross braces are connected to each other each cross brace extends obliquely below the bench top between the respective cross piece and the respective axle so as to retain the legs in the unfolded configuration.

<CIT> discloses yet another multi-functional workbench of the kind referred to. This workbench comprises a rectangular worktop composed of two rectangular table tops which are hinged to each other. The workbench further includes four telescopic folding support legs each of which is hinged to the rectangular worktop at a respective corner of the worktop.

<CIT> discloses yet another multi-functional workbench of the kind referred to. This workbench includes a work support structure, a first leg member, a second leg member, a handle, and a rack and pinion system coupling the first leg member, the second leg member, and the handle. Moving the handle relative to the work support structure causes both the first leg member and the second leg member to extend from or retract into the work support structure via movement of the rack and pinion system. Each leg member comprises a respective pair of opposing legs and a respective pivot bar extending between the opposing legs. Each leg member may be pivoted about the respective pivot bar between the folded position and the support position. Pivoting each leg member about the respective pivot bar causes movement of a pivot limit bar which is movable in an associated groove formed in a side wall of the work bench.

An objective of the present disclosure is to overcome the defects of existing workbenches and to provide an improved and versatile workbench. This objective is achieved by a multi-functional workbench as defined in claim <NUM>. The workbench has stable and safe supporting legs and is stable and durable. The workbench is relatively small in size and convenient for storage but also has expansion capability. The workbench in the present disclosure offers good user experience.

The present disclosure provides a multi-functional workbench. The multi-functional workbench includes a worktop and supporting legs. The worktop is provided with a girder. The bottom of the girder is provided with a receiving space. Concave-shaped mechanisms are fixed in the receiving space, and are connected by a square tube. Both ends of the square tube are rotatable in the concave structures. The supporting legs are connected to the square tube and can drive the square tube to rotate. The supporting legs may be rotatably received in the receiving space or engaged into the concave-shaped mechanisms to be stowed.

The present disclosure provides a multi-functional workbench which includes several different locking mechanisms for securing the supporting legs inside the securing space.

A first locking mechanism is disposed between the supporting legs connected to the same square tube, and the first locking mechanism is configured to prevent the supporting legs from being disengaged from the concave-shaped mechanisms while the supporting legs are engaged into the concave-shaped mechanisms. A second locking mechanism is disposed in the girder, and is connected to the square tubes.

The second locking mechanism is configured to lock the square tube to prevent it from rotating while the supporting legs are folded and received in the receiving space. A third locking mechanism comprises brackets installed on the underside of the girder. When folded, each supporting leg is clasped into a bracket.

In some embodiments, the first locking mechanism includes two supporting bars and a limiting member. Respective ends of the supporting bars are connected to each other and axially rotatable about a connection point, while the other ends of the supporting bars are connected to the supporting legs. The limiting member is disposed at the connection point to prevent further rotation of the two supporting bars after the two supporting bars are straightened in an aligned position.

In some embodiments, the second locking mechanism includes two locking bars, a locking member, a girder securing member, and a square tube securing member. The girder securing member is affixed at the bottom of the girder, and the square tube securing member is secured to the square tube. One end of each of the two locking bars is connected to each other at a connection point and axially rotatable about the connection point while the other end of the two locking bars is rotatably connected to the girder securing member and the square tube securing member, respectively. The locking member is disposed at the connection point to prevent further rotation of the two locking bars after they are aligned in a straight line after rotation.

In the present disclosure, each concave-shaped mechanism has a recess. A square tube is disposed into the recesses of two opposite concave-shaped mechanisms and connects the two concave-shaped mechanisms. Two supporting legs are connected to the square tube in between the recesses, and protrusions on the recesses at both ends of the square tube restrict further rotation of the supporting legs when the supporting legs are engaged into the recesses after rotating. In some embodiments, the worktop is provided with a beam structure for load bearing and distribution. The beam structure includes two long beams at both ends of the worktop and short beams disposed in between the two long beams on the underside of the worktop.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the worktop is provided with detachable rollers. In some embodiments, each of the supporting legs comprises a first supporting leg member and a second supporting leg member that are coaxially disposed. The first supporting leg member may be received in the second supporting leg member, and the received length of the first supporting leg member is controlled by a lock, e.g., a flip lock or a twist lock. In some embodiments, the surface of the worktop is configured with a length scale and an angle scale.

In some embodiments, an edge of the worktop is provided with traction pins. The surface of the worktop may include at least one tool tray. The worktop is provided with at least one expandable connection through hole along a thickness or height direction. The worktop may be further provided with a socket module.

Compared with the existing workbench, the workbench proposed by the present disclosure offers different user experience and provides multiple household functions that are accommodated in one product. The workbench can also be retracted and folded when not in use to reduce the storage space. The workbench is stable and easy to operate. The workbench is convenient to carry along, and quite simple to switch between various modes. The workbench also has expansibility. For example, a connection hole is provided on the surface of the workbench to facilitate installation of small accessories that can expand the functionality and the application range of the workbench.

These and other features of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the views. Moreover, components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.

Below is a list of reference numbers and corresponding referenced parts.

<NUM>-workbench; <NUM>-worktop; <NUM>-supporting leg; <NUM>-girder; <NUM>-receiving space; <NUM>-concave-shaped mechanism; <NUM>-square tube; <NUM>-first locking mechanism; <NUM>-second locking mechanism; <NUM>-third locking mechanism; <NUM>-clamp; <NUM>-length scale; <NUM>-angle scale; <NUM>-traction pin; <NUM>-tool tray; <NUM>-expandable connection through hole; <NUM>-socket module; <NUM>-roller; <NUM>-first supporting leg member; <NUM>-second supporting leg member; <NUM>-leg lock; <NUM>-recess; <NUM>-protrusion; <NUM>-supporting bar; <NUM>-limiting member; <NUM>-locking bar; <NUM>-locking member; <NUM>-long beam; <NUM>-short beam; <NUM>-connector; <NUM>-backer.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The various embodiments of the disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

As shown in <FIG>, the present disclosure provides a multi-functional workbench <NUM> that includes: a worktop <NUM> and supporting legs <NUM>. The worktop <NUM> is provided with a girder <NUM> on the underside (see <FIG>). The bottom of the girder <NUM> is provided with a receiving space. Four concave-shaped mechanisms <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) are welded in the receiving space and are connected by square tubes <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, both ends of each square tube <NUM> are received in the concave-shaped mechanisms <NUM>. The square tubes <NUM> are rotatable. The supporting legs <NUM> are connected to the square tubes <NUM> and can drive the rotation of the square tubes <NUM>. The supporting legs <NUM> may be rotatably received in the receiving space or engageable into the concave-shaped mechanisms <NUM> to be secured. A first locking mechanism <NUM> is disposed between the supporting legs <NUM> connected to the same square tube <NUM>. The first locking mechanism <NUM> secures the supporting legs <NUM> in a standing pose while the workbench <NUM> is unfolded and stands on the supporting legs <NUM>. A second locking mechanism <NUM> is disposed on the girder <NUM>, and is connected to the square tubes <NUM>. The second locking mechanism <NUM> is configured to lock the square tubes to prevent them from rotating while the supporting legs <NUM> are received in the receiving space.

As shown in <FIG>, the first locking mechanism <NUM> includes two supporting bars <NUM> and a limiting member <NUM>. Respective ends of the supporting bars <NUM> are connected to each other and axially rotatable about a connection point while the other ends are connected to the supporting legs <NUM>. The limiting member <NUM> is disposed at the connection point to prevent the continuous rotation of the two supporting bars <NUM> after the two supporting bars <NUM> are straightened in a fully open position.

As shown in <FIG>, the second locking mechanism <NUM> includes two locking bars <NUM>, a locking member <NUM>, a square tube securing member <NUM>, and a girder securing member <NUM>. The girder securing member <NUM> is fixed at the bottom of the girder <NUM>. The square tube securing member <NUM> is secured to a square tube <NUM>. Respective ends of the two locking bars <NUM> are connected to each other and axially rotatable about a connection point while the other ends are rotatably connected to the girder securing member <NUM> and the square tube securing member <NUM>, respectively. The locking member <NUM> is disposed at the connection point to prevent the continuous rotation of the two locking bars <NUM> after the two locking bars <NUM> are straightened into a fully open position by rotation.

As shown in <FIG>, each concave-shaped mechanism <NUM> are configured with recesses <NUM>. The recesses <NUM> connected to the same square tube <NUM> are disposed oppositely. The supporting legs <NUM> are connected to the square tube <NUM> and positioned in between the recesses <NUM>. Protrusions <NUM> of the recesses <NUM> are configured to restrict the continuing rotation of the supporting legs <NUM> when the supporting legs <NUM> are engaged into the recesses <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the worktop <NUM> is provided with beams to distribute the bearing load. The beams includes long beams <NUM> on two sides and a plurality of short beams <NUM> arranged in between the two long beams along the other two sides of the worktop. Generally, the worktop <NUM> is designed to bear relatively heavy load, for example, allowing users to step on the worktop <NUM>. The worktop is supported in the center by a girder <NUM>, which is an iron piece. Multiple distributed small beams <NUM> in a diffused pattern are adopted to bear the load and distribute the load bearing in order to provide edge support. Since an iron piece is stronger and has stronger load-bearing capability, if the plastic part of the worktop <NUM> is not supported by the girder underneath, the workbench's load-bearing capacity will be relatively poor. In the present embodiment, the iron piece is structured like a spider web arranged to distribute the bearing load.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the worktop is provided with detachable rollers <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, each supporting leg <NUM> has a first supporting leg member <NUM> and a second supporting leg member <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The first supporting leg member <NUM> and the second supporting leg member <NUM> are coaxially disposed. The first supporting leg member <NUM> is received in the second supporting leg member <NUM>. The received length of the first supporting leg member <NUM> is controlled by a leg lock <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The leg lock <NUM> may be a flip lock or a twist lock or any other types of locks. Once secured, the leg lock <NUM> can prevent the first supporting leg member <NUM> from sliding in the second supporting leg member <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the surface of the worktop <NUM> may be configured with a length scale <NUM> and an angle scale <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The surface of the worktop <NUM> may be configured with at least one tool tray <NUM>.

In some embodiments, an edge of the worktop <NUM> is provided with a traction pin <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The traction pin <NUM> can be hooked to or linked with a handle, to convert the workbench into a pulling tractor as shown in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the worktop <NUM> is provided with a socket module <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The socket module <NUM> can be configured to house electric outlets.

In some embodiments, the worktop <NUM> is provided with at least one expandable connection through hole <NUM> along the depth or thickness direction. The worktop <NUM> may be used with expansion members such as a clamp <NUM> and/or a connector <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) through the expandable connection through hole <NUM>. See <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, a connector <NUM> may be used with a woodworking clamp <NUM> to secure a workpiece before operation. The woodworking clamp <NUM> comprises three parts: a large plastic part, a small plastic part and a pin. The large plastic part is a movable part, which may move in only one direction, not movable in the opposite direction, under the operation of a pressing rod. An unlocking button can be pressed to loosen the clamp <NUM> after locking. The small plastic part is detachable. All clamp iron rods are provided with a locking hole separately. In one embodiment, after the small plastic part of the clamp is removed, the clamp <NUM> is inserted into the connector <NUM>, and then the pin is inserted through a pin hole into a locking hole to lock. As shown in <FIG>, the connector <NUM> (not shown) may be inserted into one of the multiple expandable connection through holes <NUM> on the workbench, to make it easy to secure a workpiece using a clamp <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the workbench may be configured with a backer piece <NUM> used to limit the movement of an object. See <FIG> and <FIG>. With a clamp <NUM> or backer <NUM>, the workbench can be converted into a sawhorse.

In some embodiments, the workbench <NUM> is provided with detachable rollers <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The workbench can be used as a creeper or pulling tractor as shown in <FIG> or <FIG>. The creeper or tractor mode may be selected according to actual demands.

In some embodiments, when the supporting legs <NUM> are folded and received in the receiving space of the girder, the second locking mechanism can be pressed down to lock the square tube. When locked, the square tube cannot rotate. The structure of the second locking mechanism is designed using interference fit. When the two iron bars <NUM> are being pressed down, they move apart, towards the two ends, i.e., the girder securing member <NUM> and the square tube securing member <NUM> respectively. If one iron bar <NUM> moves toward the girder, the two bars <NUM> will become locked, but if moving away from the girder, the iron bars <NUM> will be released, which is similar to a kickstand of a bicycle. When the kickstand is pushed towards the front, it become more secured as it is more strongly pressured. When the kickstand is pushed backwards beyond a certain point, it will retract upwards towards the direction it is pushed, no longer functioning as a stand.

<FIG> illustrates a third locking mechanism <NUM> for securing the supporting legs when the supporting legs are folded into the receiving space of the girder. In <FIG>, the supporting legs are folded, and one of the legs is inserted into the third locking mechanism <NUM>. In <FIG>, the supporting legs are released and <FIG> shows an empty third locking mechanism <NUM>. In one embodiment, the third locking mechanism <NUM> is a bracket configured to clasp a supporting leg when the leg is pressed into the bracket, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In <FIG>, the supporting legs are stretched with each first supporting leg member extended out of the second supporting leg member. In <FIG>, the supporting legs are retracted.

In some embodiments, the workbench <NUM> can be used as a step tool. This step mode may be selected according to actual needs. In the step tool mode, the supporting legs are released from the girder <NUM>. To release the supporting legs <NUM>, the second or third locking mechanism is unlocked and the supporting legs <NUM> are pulled out and are then locked by the first locking mechanism <NUM> to stand straight. In each supporting leg <NUM>, the first supporting leg member <NUM> is received in the second supporting leg member <NUM>, and is locked by the leg lock <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The first supporting leg member <NUM> increases the load bearing capacity of the workbench <NUM> after the first supporting leg member <NUM> is retracted into the second supporting leg member <NUM> and reinforces the second supporting leg member <NUM>. The load-bearing capacity of the workbench <NUM> decreases when the first supporting leg member <NUM> is pulled out from the second supporting leg member <NUM>. In such configuration, the workbench may not be suitable for users to stand on it. The principle of the first locking mechanism <NUM> is similar to that of the second locking mechanism <NUM>. The stable position of the two supporting bars <NUM> is when the two supporting bars <NUM> become almost horizontal. When pressing down towards the ground, the first locking mechanism <NUM> becomes more secured as it is pressed. The first locking mechanism <NUM> will not be easily released until the limiting member <NUM> is lifted.

In some embodiments, the workbench <NUM> can be used as a sawhorse. The workbench/sawhorse mode may be selected according to actual needs. The workbench/sawhorse mode is the configuration in which the first supporting leg members <NUM> in the step mode are fully pulled out.

One of the advantages of the workbench <NUM> described in the present disclosure is the structure of the supporting legs <NUM>, which may be extended or retracted to make the workbench <NUM> function as a sawhorse or a step tool. The workbench <NUM> is versatile and cost-effective.

Several different configurations or variations of the workbench <NUM> can be made. For example, in some embodiments of the workbench <NUM>, the supporting legs <NUM> may be designed as one piece, not retractable. In such embodiments, the workbench <NUM> is not suitable as a step tool. Other variations may include:.

In the present disclosure, the workbench mode and the sawhorse mode are of the same structural form. But because of the creative use of the connector <NUM>, the clamp <NUM>, and the backer <NUM>, the workbench <NUM> may be used in two different configurations.

Claim 1:
A multi-functional workbench (<NUM>) comprising:
- a worktop (<NUM>) provided with a girder (<NUM>), the girder (<NUM>) having a bottom provided with a receiving space;
- a plurality of supporting legs (<NUM>) which are foldable and can be stored into the receiving space;
- a first locking mechanism (<NUM>) configured to lock the supporting legs (<NUM>) when the supporting legs (<NUM>) are unfolded; and
- a third locking mechanism (<NUM>) disposed on the girder (<NUM>) for securing the supporting legs (<NUM>) when the supporting legs (<NUM>) are folded inside the receiving space ;
characterized in that four concave-shaped mechanisms (<NUM>) are fixed in the receiving space and are connected by two square tubes (<NUM>) each of which has two ends which are rotatable; the supporting legs (<NUM>) are connected to the square tubes (<NUM>), drive the rotation of the square tubes (<NUM>) and are rotatably engageable into the concave shaped mechanisms (<NUM>) to be received in the receiving space; the first locking mechanism (<NUM>) is disposed between two supporting legs (<NUM>) that are connected to the same square tube (<NUM>); wherein each concave-shaped mechanism (<NUM>) has a recess (<NUM>), the recesses (<NUM>) of the two concave-shaped mechanisms (<NUM>) connected to the same square tube (<NUM>) are disposed oppositely, the supporting legs (<NUM>) are attached to the square tube (<NUM>) in between the recesses (<NUM>), and protrusions (<NUM>) of the recesses (<NUM>) restrict the continuous rotation of the supporting legs (<NUM>) when the supporting legs (<NUM>) are engaged into the recesses (<NUM>).