RELATED APPLICATION The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/574,640, filed on May 25, 2004, which application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND Often, available work space in a person's garage or home is very limited. Thus, many people cannot have a permanent work table, but rather must utilize various types of collapsible tables that can be stowed away when the table is not in use. However, stand alone collapsible tables are often cumbersome and time consuming to set up and stow away.
Space saving table designs are known to the art. For example, folding or collapsible tabletop designs have been employed for a long time. However, a folding or collapsible table, by design, employs multiple moving parts, is awkward to fold or collapse, and often requires one or more persons to manipulate. The folding or collapsible table often is prone to pinching fingers; is wobbly and unstable; and lacks aesthetic appeal. Moreover, wall mounted folding or collapsible table designs are not suitable for use in a standard garage due to the variation in horizontal surface location between a wall placement and a footing or foundation protrusions. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the typical cross-sectional profile of a finished garage (100) includes a first vertical plane in the form of a dry walled or plastered wall (110) disposed on an upper surface of a second vertical plane (120) such as a foundation or footing protrusion, wherein the two linear planes may be parallel but are not in the same plane. Additionally, with the constant ingress and egress of automobiles from the typical garage, ease of motion is useful in a garage application.
Thus, a need exists for a work table that is adapted for attachment to a relatively permanent structure, such as an existing wall, and that is also readily collapsible such that the work table can be folded down flush with the existing wall to occupy minimal space in its collapsed position. A need further exists for such a collapsible table that can be collapsed and erected in one easy continuous motion instead of a series of time consuming and cumbersome maneuvers.
SUMMARY A retractable workbench includes an extending wall bracket configured to couple a workbench surface away from a wall coupling point, a frame rotatably coupled to the extending wall bracket, one or more support legs retractably coupled to the frame, and a top surface recessively coupled to the frame, wherein the extending wall bracket is configured to extend the frame past a foundation jog when the frame is disposed in a vertically hanging position.
Additionally, an extending wall bracket includes a body having a first substantially flat surface configured to be mounted flush with a wall, a plurality of fastener accepting orifices formed in the substantially flat surface configured to be mounted flush with a wall, a second substantially flat surface formed on the extending wall bracket in a plane orthogonal to the plane of the first substantially flat surface, the second surface being configured to extend between 6 and 36 inches from a wall when the first substantially flat surface is mounted flush on a wall, and at least one cap welded in a third plane that is orthogonal to the first substantially flat surface and the second substantially flat surface, wherein the at least one cap includes at least one orifice in each cap, the orifice being configured to receive a pivoting fastener configured to rotatably couple a table top to the extending wall bracket.
Additionally, the orifice formed in each cap of the extending wall bracket may have a cross-sectional area configured to allow easy removal and insertion of a workbench bracket having an extruding hinge. This varied orifice allows for multiple extending wall brackets to be used with a single workbench top.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present system and method and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present system and method and do not limit, the scope thereof.
FIG. 1 is a simple cross-sectional view of a traditional garage.
FIG. 2 is a simple perspective view illustrating the components of a garage mountable retractable workbench, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustrating the components of a wall mountable retractable workbench, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view illustrating the components of a wall mountable retractable workbench, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the supportive frame of the wall mountable retractable workbench illustrated in FIG. 3, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the supportive frame of the wall mountable retractable workbench illustrated in FIG. 4, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating legs for the wall mountable retractable workbench of FIG. 3, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of adjustable legs that may be incorporated by the present retractable workbench, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a front-view illustrating a simple leg locking mechanism, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an assembled side-view illustrating the components of a simple leg locking mechanism, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 11A to C are various views illustrating the leg components of the simple leg locking mechanism of FIG. 10, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 12A to C illustrate frontal views of the receiver portion of the simple leg locking mechanism of FIG. 10, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a frontal view illustrating the legs in a retracted position, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a bottom view illustrating the legs in a retracted position, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a simple perspective view illustrating an extending wall bracket, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a simple perspective view illustrating a removable extending wall bracket, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate perspective views of a removable wall bracket system, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate perspective views of a removable wall bracket system, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate perspective views of a number of wall mountable brackets that may be used to removably couple a retractable table to a wall, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate perspective views of a number of wall mountable brackets that may be used to removably couple a retractable table to a wall, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 21 illustrates a frontal view of a tab configured to be rotatably coupled to an extending wall bracket, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 22 illustrates a frontal view of a tab configured to be rotatably coupled to an extending wall bracket, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a frontal perspective view of a wall mountable table in a use position, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 24 is a side perspective view illustrating a wall mountable table in a use position, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 25 is a front perspective view illustrating a wall mountable table in a retracted position, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a side perspective view illustrating the wall mountable table in a retracted position, according to one exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 27 is a frontal view illustrating a wall mountable table in a retracted position and its associated cabinet, according to one exemplary embodiment.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION A number of exemplary systems and methods for mounting a flush collapsing workbench in a home or a garage are disclosed herein. More specifically, a workbench having an extended wall bracket configured to extend a vertically hanging workbench surface past the protrusion of a foundation, footing, or wall moulding is disclosed herein. Details of the exemplary systems and methods will be explained in further detail below.
In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present system and method for mounting a flush collapsing workbench. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present method may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Exemplary Structure
FIG. 2 illustrates an assembled wall mountable workbench (200), according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the wall mountable workbench (200) includes a planar top working surface (210) coupled to a structural frame (220). The structural frame (220), in turn, is securely coupled to a traditional studded wall (250) by an extending mounting bracket (240) configured to facilitate the vertical positioning of the planar working surface (210) without contacting a protrusion at the base of the wall such as the foundation or footing protrusion (120; FIG. 1) of a garage, or a wall baseboard, or other moulding. Moreover, the present wall mountable bracket (240) is configured to be mounted on any planar surface regardless of whether there is a foundation or footing protrusion. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the wall mountable workbench (200) includes a plurality of retractable legs (230) coupled to the structural frame (220) away from the traditional studded wall (250). Further details of the exemplary wall mountable workbench (200) will be given below.
Structural Frame
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the wall mountable workbench (200) includes a structural frame (220) configured to receive a planar working surface (210), be coupled to a plurality of retractable legs (230) via a number of leg brackets (350), and be securely coupled to a number of surface mountable brackets. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the present structural frame may be made out of any number of materials having varying gauges including, but in no way limited to, metals, such as aluminum, steel, alloys, or titanium; polymers, natural materials such as wood, composites, or appropriate combinations thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the structural frame (220) may, according to one exemplary embodiment, include a number of corner reinforcement members (340). According to one exemplary embodiment, 4 separate corner pieces may be used to reinforce the structural frame: two rear corner pieces and two front corner pieces. According to one exemplary embodiment, the rear corner pieces, located in the back of the structural frame (220) closest to the wall (250; FIG. 2) are both built in the same fashion. According to one embodiment, the two rear corner pieces are all shaped as an angle iron. On the outside edge of the angle iron there may be a small metal extension welded on. The welded extension piece extends slightly past the edge surface of the corner angle iron. At the end of the welded extension piece, where the extension piece sticks out beyond the corner angle iron, an orifice is formed there through. The orifice formed in the welded extension piece corresponds to a hole formed in the wall mountable bracket so as to permit the sliding of a bolt or other pivot fastener (300) through them when concentrically aligned. With a pivot fastener (300) disposed through the concentrically aligned holes, the structural frame (220) hinges together with the wall mountable bracket (240). Once two or more pivot fasteners (300) are placed through the orifices, the structural frame (220) may be free-floating from the ground. Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment, both of the corner angle irons (340) may have a plurality of holes drilled therein. The plurality of holes are configured to receive a plurality of fasteners used to couple a number of long angle iron pieces that will form a frame to act as a support and frame for the planar working surface (210).
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, two other corner reinforcement members (340) are coupled to the front of the structural frame (220). The front two corner reinforcement members (340) are constructed to support the legs (230) and their associated leg brackets (350), as illustrated in FIG. 3. On the bottom of the two front corner reinforcements is an extended square shaped metal piece or leg bracket reinforcement member (320). The leg bracket reinforcement member (320) is where the leg (230) will mount to the structural frame (220). Similar the back two corner reinforcement members (360), the front reinforcement members (320) also include a plurality of holes drilled therein to couple the long angle iron that will act as support structure and frame for the planar work surface (210). The reinforcement members are welded together in such a way that they are oriented on top of the side and front support pieces.
As mentioned previously, four separate angle iron members may be, according to one exemplary embodiment, securely coupled to the corner reinforcement members (340), as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, to form the structural frame (220). According to one exemplary embodiment, the angle iron members receive and securely hold the planar working surface (210) in place. The angle iron members are coupled by the four corner reinforcement members (340). Each of the four angle iron members also includes a plurality of holes corresponding to the holes drilled in the corner reinforcement members (340). The four angle iron members intersect in the four pocket-like corner reinforcements (340). Once the angle iron members are coupled to the corner reinforcement member (340), the planar working surface (210) may then be disposed in the framed angle irons. Additionally, a number of orifices may be formed in the angle iron and the corner reinforcement members (340) to allow for the passage of fasteners through the structural frame to the planar working surface (210), thereby assuring a stable work surface.
FIGS. 3 and 4 also illustrates a number of secondary pivot protrusions (330) formed on the structural frame (220). According to one exemplary embodiment, the structural frame (220) of the wall mountable workbench (200) is configured to be removed from the wall mountable bracket (240) and coupled to a secondary bracket (1600; FIG. 16) as will be further developed below with reference to FIG. 16. Essentially, the secondary pivot protrusions are configured to be fastened to a secondary bracket (1600; FIG. 16) that may be coupled to any planar surface, without interfering with the coupling of the structural frame (220) to the wall mountable bracket (240).
FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative structure for the wall mountable workbench (400). As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the structural frame (420) may be made of square tubing welded at the corners to provide increased structural strength in a larger number of degrees of freedom, when compared to the previous angle iron embodiment. Accordingly, the corner reinforcements (340) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be eliminated. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a number of mounting tabs (460) may be coupled to the structural frame (420) to both support a planar working surface (210) and provide locations for securing fasteners (310) to the planar working surface, thereby securing the working surface to the structural frame (420). According to one exemplary embodiment, the fastener tabs (460) and a number of leg bracket reinforcement members (320) may be securely coupled to the structural frame (420) by any number of joining methods including, but in no way limited to, welds and/or fasteners.
Continuing with FIGS. 5 and 6, the illustrated wall mountable workbench includes a plurality of wall mountable brackets (470), each configured to extend the wall mountable workbench (400) away from an protrusion such as a footing or wall molding, when the wall mountable workbench is in a vertical storage position. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a number of bracket coupling tabs (410) are welded or otherwise coupled to the structural frame (420) to enable the rotational coupling of the structural frame to the wall mountable brackets (470).
Further, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a plurality of retractable legs (430) and their associated brackets (440) may be coupled to the leg bracket reinforcement members (320). As illustrated, the exemplary retractable legs include a spring steel latch that may be used to lock and unlock the retractable legs (430) from their associated brackets (440), according to one exemplary embodiment, as will be described in further detail below.
Legs
As illustrated in FIG. 7, a plurality of legs (230) are coupled to the front of the structural frame (220) to support the weight of the wall mountable workbench (200; FIG. 2). According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the two legs (230) are mounted on the two leg bracket reinforcement members (320) of the structural frame by a leg bracket (350) or brace. The leg bracket (350) is coupled to a leg bracket reinforcement member (320) that is securely coupled to the front corner reinforcement member (340).
According to one exemplary embodiment, the leg bracket (350) is coupled to the leg bracket reinforcement member (320) by a plurality of fasteners such as screws, and/or welds. Once the leg brackets (350) are coupled to the structural frame (220), a hole formed in the leg (230) may be concentrically aligned with a corresponding hole formed in the leg bracket (350). A bolt or other leg fastener (360) may then be inserted into the concentrically aligned holes, securing the leg (230) to the structural frame (220). Initially, a single leg fastener (360) is used to secure the leg (230) to the leg bracket (350) allowing the leg to pivot until a secure position is desired. Once a secure position is desired, a second leg fastener (360) is inserted through a second set of concentrically aligned holed in the leg (230) and the leg bracket (350), thereby preventing further pivoting of the leg. An upper surface of the leg (230), near where the leg is coupled to the leg bracket (350), the leg is cut at an angle to allow the leg to fold flush with the structural frame (220) when stored. If the structural frame is pivoted on the wall mountable bracket (240), the leg (230) will be fully extended to hold the structural frame up and the second leg fastener (360) is inserted through the second set of concentrically aligned holed in the leg (230) and the leg bracket (350). The second set of concentrically aligned holes may be used to secure the legs (230) when folded up or when down to keep the legs from being kicked in and collapsing the structural frame (220).
Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a number of adjustable leveler pieces may be disposed on the bottom of each leg (230′) to insure a level table top when extended. According to this exemplary embodiment, the adjustable leveler pieces may be selectively extended or retracted to compensate for non-planar floors and/or leg defects. Additionally, extendable legs such as those illustrated in FIG. 8 may be used by forming an internal male piece having adjustment orifices formed at one inch centers to allow for rapid leveling of the leg height using a fastener.
The leg bracket (350) may be formed, according to one exemplary embodiment, by a plurality of angle iron members and a flat piece of metal welded together as illustrated in the associated Figures. As illustrated, the two small angle irons are used to hold the square metal legs. The small angle irons may be bolted, welded, or otherwise fastened to the leg bracket reinforcement member (320) that is securely coupled to the front corner reinforcement member (340). The distance between the angle iron members is the width of the legs (230) and may vary accordingly. Additionally, the previously mentioned holes may be pre-drilled to the correct spacing in the side walls of the angle iron members. A bolt and washer or other leg fasteners (360) are all that is need to attach the legs (230) to the leg bracket (350).
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an alternative method for rotatably coupling the legs (430) to the structural frame (420). As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the alternative coupling method includes a leg (430) having a strap of spring steel (900) coupled thereto by a plug weld (910) and a rivet (920) on a first end of the spring steel. As shown in FIG. 10, the spring steel (900) includes a plug weld (910) or other secure fastening means on the extreme end of the first end. Moving towards the second end of the strap of spring steel (900), a rivet (920) is slideably positioned in an orifice formed in the body of the leg (430). Further features of the exemplary leg (430) and spring steel strap (900) are illustrated in FIGS. 11A through 11C. As illustrated, the leg (430) is formed with fastener receiving orifices (1100, 1110) configured to receive mating fasteners. According to the exemplary embodiment, a first fastener receiving orifice (1100) is configured to receive a rivet (920; FIG. 9) from the strap of spring steel (900) and the second fastener orifice (1110) is configured to rotatably receive pivot fastener (940; FIG. 9), as will be discussed in further detail below. According to this exemplary embodiment, the rivet provides for bending of the spring steel strap (900) in a first plane while preventing rotation in a second plane. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the spring steel strap (900) includes a tab (930) formed in a second end thereof. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the tab (930) is configured to allow a user to grasp and induce deflection of the spring steel strap (900) about the plug weld (910). While the spring steel strap (900) is described herein as a flexible strap of steel, any number of flexible members may be used to replace the spring steel strap (900) including, but in no way limited to, a structural polymer strap.
Returning again to FIGS. 9 and 10, the second end of the spring steel strap (900) is configured to form an interference fit with one of a plurality of catch recesses (955) formed in a position plate (950) of the associated bracket (440). As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, the associated bracket (440) includes a number of components including, but in no way limited to, a position plate (950) including a number of catch recesses (955), and a pivot fastener receiving orifice (945). Additionally, the position plate includes a rounded corner (1200) between the various catch recesses (955). Further, the associated bracket includes a backing plate (960) having a pivot fastener receiving orifice (948) formed therein, and a number of friction reducing washers (970) formed therein.
As shown in FIG. 10, the leg (430) is positioned between both the position plate (950) and the backing plate (960), both of which may be welded to the leg bracket reinforcement member (320; FIG. 3) of the structural frame (420; FIG. 4). Once correctly positioned, the spring steel strap (900) will form an interference fit with one of the catch recesses formed in the position plate (950). Additionally, when the leg is correctly positioned, the pivot fastener orifices (1110, 945, 960) of the leg (430), the position plate (950), and the backing plate (960) respectively will be concentrically aligned. Additionally, a friction reducing washer (970) may be disposed between the position plate (950) and the leg (430), and the leg and the backing plate (960), as shown in FIG. 10. Once all the components are concentrically aligned, a pivot fastener (940) may be inserted in the lumen formed by the concentrically aligned orifices.
According to this exemplary embodiment, the combination of the friction reducing washer (970) and the pivot fastener (940) allows for free rotation of the leg (430) about the pivot fastener (940). Rotation of the leg (430) is mainly restricted, according to the present exemplary embodiment, by the interference that may occur between the spring steel strap (900) and the catch recesses (955). More specifically, the leg (430) may be allowed to rotate by applying pressure to the spring steel tab (930) such that the spring steel strap (900) is withdrawn from interference with the position plate (950). When a desired position is achieved (open or closed according to the present exemplary embodiment), the spring steel strap (900) is allowed to be inserted into one of the catch recesses (955). The rounded corner (1200) of the position plate (950) is for ease in rotation when the spring steel strap (900) is deflected.
FIG. 13 illustrates the exemplary leg (430) in a storage position. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the legs (430) may both be rotated parallel with the structural frame (420) to provide a compact storage area. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the brackets (440) may be staggered on the leg bracket reinforcement member (320) to allow for the side-by-side positioning of the legs (430) when in the storage position.
Planar Work Surface
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the planar work surface (210) may be disposed in the structural frame (220). According to one exemplary embodiment, the planar work surface (210) may be a 3/4 inch piece of MDF wood configured to be received by the structural frame (220) and fit flush with the tops of the angle iron members forming the structural frame (220). While the exemplar embodiment illustrated above is described in the context of an MDF wood configuration, the planar working surface (210) may be formed out of any number of materials including, but in no way limited to, wood, composite wood fibers, laminated wood, coated wood, plastic, metal such as diamond plate, composite, and/or any combination thereof. According to one exemplary embodiment, a polymer planar work surface (210) may be used for scrapbook and related craft applications.
Once the planar working surface (210) is disposed within the structural frame (220), a plurality of work surface fasteners (310) may be inserted through the planar working surface (210) and adhere to the structural frame (220). According to one exemplary embodiment, the work surface fasteners include a plurality of screws that are screwed in each of the four corners of the structural frame (220). According to this exemplary embodiment, the screws will traverse the planar working surface, through the angle iron members, and through the corner reinforcement members (340). The screws may then be secured by lock nuts. Alternatively, the planar working surface (210) may be secured to the structural frame (420) by inserting fasteners from the bottom of the surface, as illustrated in FIG. 4, to preserve a smooth and unaltered top surface. Alternatively, the planar working surface (210) may be securely coupled to the structural frame (220) by an adhesive. Moreover, a number of fasteners may be inserted though holes formed in the structural frame (220) into the planar working surface (210). That is, a number of holes may be either centered and/or staggered in the angle iron members or fastener tabs (460) forming the structural frame (220, 420), allowing the fasteners to be inserted into the planar working surface, thereby further securing the position thereof.
Wall Mountable Bracket
FIG. 15 illustrates a wall mountable bracket (240) according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the wall mountable bracket (240) includes an extension shelf (1500) coupled to a wall mounting plate (1510) having stud securing orifices formed therein (1515). Additionally, a plurality of extension arms (1520) having pivot adjustment holes (1525) formed therein are extruding from each end of the wall mounting plate (1510) as illustrated in FIG. 15. According to one exemplary embodiment, the wall mountable bracket (240) is slightly wider than the previously mentioned structural frame (220). As shown, the wall mountable bracket (240) is shaped similar to angle iron. When mounted, the wall mountable bracket (240) is position on the wall so that the wall mounting plate (1510) is flush with the wall and screws or other fasteners are coupled to the wall through the stud securing orifices (1515). According to one exemplary embodiment, the stud securing orifices (1515) are disposed approximately every 8 inches to allow the wall mounting plate (1510) to be securely coupled to traditionally spaced 16 inch centered wall studs. Additionally, when coupled to a wall, the wall mountable bracket (240) is positioned so that extension shelf (1500) forms a shelf substantially tangential to the wall.
At each end of the wall mountable bracket (240) there are extension arms (1520) coupled thereto. According to one exemplary embodiment, the extension arms (1520) are welded to the wall mounting plate (1510) and the extension shelf (1500). As shown in FIG. 15, the extension arms (1520) include a number of adjustment holes (1525) formed therein. The adjustment holes (1525) are configured to allow a pivot fastener (300) to pass there through, rotatably coupling a structural frame (220) thereto. According to one exemplary embodiment, the wall mountable bracket (240) is a solid piece of aluminum angle iron with two square pieces welded on the ends to couple the structural frame (220). Alternatively, the wall mountable bracket (240) may be made out of any size metal including steel and/or aluminum, polymer, wood, composite, and/or appropriate combination thereof. Additionally, the pivot fasteners (300) may be any number of quick couplers known in the art to facilitate the rapid installation and removal of the structural frame (220) when desired. One hole is drilled into the welded end pieces to support the structural frame (220). The wall extension shelf (1500) serves as a protective piece from the hinge and structural frame for safety. The wall extension shelf (1500) also acts as a shelf to hold tools and other items. Additionally, according to one exemplary embodiment, the welded piece forming the extension arm (1520) is slightly curved to allow the structural frame (220) to swing smoothly.
As illustrated in FIG. 15, the adjustment holes (1525) formed in the extension arm (1520) allow for adjustment of the vertical position of the structural frame (220; FIG. 2) when retracted. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the adjustment holes (1525) may be formed with any number of varying centers, however, according to one embodiment are formed at on inch centers. This feature allows a user to vary the vertical position of the structural frame (220; FIG. 2) to avoid a foundation jog as described above. Additionally, the extension arm (1520) may be up to 36 inches in length to provide for the structural frame (220; FIG. 2) of the wall mountable workbench (200; FIG. 2) to be in its vertical retracted position over a toolbox or other object if desired. In spite of the exemplary measurements given below, the extension arm (1520) may extend anywhere between 0 and 36 inches while any number of adjustment holes (1525) may be strategically formed in the extension arm.
FIG. 16 illustrates a secondary bracket (1600) that may be used in conjunction with the present system and method. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the secondary bracket includes the wall mounting plate (1510; FIG. 15) as shown in FIG. 15, for mounting to any number of planar surfaces. However, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the secondary bracket (1600) shown in FIG. 16 has an open orifice arm (1610) having an open orifice (1615) formed therein, and a closed arm (1620) having a closed orifice (1620) formed therein. According to one exemplary embodiment, the secondary bracket (1600) is configured to be mounted to any number of vertical planar surface, such as a house exterior or the interior or exterior wall of a trailer, a patio, a laundry room, or any other vertical wall to allow the coupling of the structural frame (220) when removed from the wall mountable bracket (240). According to this exemplary embodiment, the secondary pivot protrusions (330; FIG. 3) may be selectively inserted into the secondary bracket (1600). According to one embodiment, a first secondary pivot protrusion (330; FIG. 3) may be inserted into the closed orifice (1625) followed by the insertion of the second secondary pivot protrusion (330; FIG. 3) into the open orifice (1615). This exemplary method will allow for quick coupling of the structural frame (220; FIG. 2) while providing some vertical support with the closed orifice (1625). Alternatively, both sides of the secondary bracket (1600) may include an open arm (1610) to allow quick coupling of the structural frame (220; FIG. 2).
Similarly, as illustrated in FIGS. 17A through 20B, a number of mounting bracket configurations may be employed to mount the structural frame (220; FIG. 2) to a vertical planar surface. As illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a plurality of brackets (1740, 1750) that may have an orifice (1745) that extrudes from the bottom of the bracket and is recessed so as to provide downward support for extruding posts coupled to the structural frame (220; FIG. 2). FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate a number of similar configurations to that of FIGS. 18A and 18B, with the variation that two brackets, each having the supporting orifice (1845) formed therein, are on each side of the bracket systems (1840, 1850). Consequently, the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 18B may receive a structural frame (220; FIG. 2) having either one or two extruding posts. Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B, as well as FIGS. 18A and 18B, the mounting brackets may be mounted either by the rear mounting plate as mentioned previously, and/or an individual mounting plates associated with each bracket, having a plurality of fastener holes (1515) formed therein, as shown.
FIGS. 19A, 19B, 20A, and 20B illustrate additional bracket configurations that may be used to receive a structural frame (220; FIG. 2) having a top receiving orifice (1945, 2045) configured to quickly receive one or more extruding posts. The illustrated jog in the orifices provides vertical support without requiring a bottom entrance mount.
Bracket Coupling Tabs
FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a bracket coupling tab (410) that may be used to couple the structural frame (420) to a wall mountable bracket (470), according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the bracket coupling tab (410) may be securely coupled to the structural frame (420) by any number of coupling methods including, but in no way limited to, a weld (2100). Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the bracket coupling tab (410) includes a pivot fastener receiving orifice (1210) for receiving a pivot fastener, and a rounded edge (1220) configured to facilitate transition of the work surface between a vertical and horizontal position.
Exemplary Operation
FIGS. 23 through 26 illustrate the open and closed positions of the wall mountable workbench (200), according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 23, when the wall mountable workbench (200) is in the open position, planar working surface (210) is substantially horizontal and/or parallel with the floor, and is being supported by the legs (230) in an open position. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the top of the wall mountable bracket (240) is substantially parallel with the top planar working surface (210), thereby increasing the effective working area of the wall mountable workbench (200).
Turning now to FIGS. 25 and 26, the exemplary wall mountable workbench (200) is illustrated in its down or storage position. As illustrated, the planar working surface is pivoted about the wall mountable bracket (240) until the top planar working surface (210) is in a substantially vertical position, or parallel with a wall it is mounted to. As illustrated by the perspective view of FIG. 26, the wall mountable bracket (240) extends the vertically positioned working surface a distance away from the wall, to prevent contact with wall moldings, footing, and/or foundation protrusions.
Alternative Embodiment FIG. 27 illustrates the present wall mountable workbench (200) according to an alternative embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 27, the wall mountable workbench (200) may be contained in a cabinet (2700) when in a closed position. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 27, the exemplary cabinet (2700) includes a body (2710) at least as deep as the wall mountable bracket (240), and any number of doors (2720) configured to enclose the wall mountable workbench (200) in the cabinet (2700). While the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 27 includes a plurality of cabinet doors (2720), any number of doors may be employed by the present exemplary system.
In conclusion, the above-mentioned wall mountable workbenches provide a space saving method for storing a workbench, while avoiding lower wall protrusions. More specifically, the present system and method incorporates a wall mountable bracket that allows a desired work surface to pivot with respect to a wall, while avoiding contact with wall protrusions.
The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of the present system and method. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the system and method to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the system and method be defined by the following claims.
