WORK TABLE WITH MAGNET

Abstract

A work table apparatus is disclosed for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus including a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object. A magnetic assembly can be positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field extending exterior to the magnetic assembly to secure a ferromagnetic object in a desired position on the table. The magnetic assembly can be configured to alternate between an active mode where the magnetic field is produced and an inactive mode wherein magnetic fields produced by the magnetic assembly are retained within the magnetic assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/675,202 filed May 23, 2018 entitled WORK TABLE AND CLAMPING VISE WITH MAGNETIC ASSEMBLY, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entireties.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to the retention of a work piece on a work table or work surface. More specifically, the disclosure relates to tables for use in retaining work pieces to be manufactured in a desired position on a work table or work surface.

Work pieces can typically be placed on a work table or work surface as the work piece is being cut, sawed, milled, drilled, nailed, painted, or otherwise worked on, manufactured, or fabricated. It is often desirable to retain the work piece in a desired position on a work table or work surface, or generally prevent movement of the work piece during the manufacturing or fabrication process, as movement of the work piece can produce undesirable errors or flaws in the finished product. Securing work pieces on a work table or work surface during the manufacturing process can be difficult as work pieces can come in a variety of differing shapes, sizes, and materials. Additionally, work pieces may need to be held in varying orientations and positions on a work table or work surface during the manufacturing process to produce a desired hole, cut, etc.

Common ways of retaining a work piece on a work surface include a user manually holding the work piece in a desired position, which can be cumbersome for the user. Manual pressure to hold the work piece in place is often times not sufficient to maintain the work piece in a desired position once the work piece is engaged by a tool. Mechanical fasteners such as clamps and bolts can also be used to secure the work piece in a desired position on a work surface. Work tables and work surfaces can also include custom stops or guide blocks specifically designed to engage or retain certain types of work pieces, the stop or guide blocks being built into such work surfaces. However, these solutions can typically provide a limited number of positions on the work surface where a work piece can be retained and/or cumbersome fixation mechanisms to secure a clamp, vise, or other retaining member to various positions on the work surface. Such custom work surfaces or work tables can also be costly to manufacture.

Vises can be used to retain a work piece in a desired position on a work table or work surface while the user works on the work piece. A work piece may be placed in a gap between opposing jaws of the vise. The opposing jaws can be moved towards and away from each other to and clamp the work piece between the jaws. This allows a user to retain a work piece in a desired position while the desired procedures are being performed on the work piece.

Traditionally, vises are solid and heavy devices, some consisting of large amounts of heavy metal. Vises can be designed to be heavy such that they resist movement of the vise and thus the work piece while the work piece is being worked on. Vises can be placed on a work surface and anchored by the weight of the vise. The weight of the vises can make them difficult to handle or maneuver, which is undesirable. Alternatively, the vise may be mechanically secured to the work surface by mechanical fasteners, such as bolts or screws. Using mechanical fasteners to secure the vise to the work surface can be cumbersome and time consuming and can limit the possible orientations of the vise, and thus the work piece, on the work surface. Such vises may also require special holes to be formed in the work surface.

What is needed then are improvements in systems and methods for retaining work pieces on a work surface or work table.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

One aspect of the disclosure is a work table apparatus for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus including a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object. A magnetic assembly can be positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field extending exterior to the magnetic assembly 50, and in some embodiments beyond the first side of the table, to secure a ferromagnetic object in a desired position on the table. In some embodiments, the magnetic assembly can be configured to alternate between an active mode where the magnetic field is produced and an inactive mode wherein magnetic fields produced by the magnetic assembly are retained within the magnetic assembly.

In some embodiments, the magnetic assembly can include a magnetic assembly housing, a first permanent magnet rotatably disposed on the magnetic assembly housing, and a second permanent magnet fixedly connected to the magnetic assembly housing. Rotation of the first permanent magnet can alternate the magnetic assembly between the active mode and the inactive mode. In other embodiments, the magnetic assembly can include an electromagnet which can be selectively actuated to alternate the magnetic assembly between the active and inactive modes.

One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a work table apparatus with a magnetic assembly for securing ferromagnetic objects on the table apparatus with a simple actuation method.

Numerous other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon a review of the following drawings and description of a preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a work table apparatus of the present disclosure mounted on a drill press.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the work table apparatus of FIG. 1, with a magnetic assembly in an inactive mode.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the work table apparatus of FIG. 1, with a magnetic assembly in an active mode.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of work table apparatus of the present disclosure with a magnetic assembly in an inactive mode.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the work table apparatus of FIG. 4, with a magnetic assembly in an active mode.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table of a work table apparatus with a rail system with flanges for supporting a magnetic assembly.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic assembly for use on a work table apparatus with a rail system having flanges.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the magnetic assembly of FIG. 7 installed on a table of the work table apparatus of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table for a work table apparatus with an adjustable rail system.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic assembly for use on a work table apparatus with an adjustable rail system and the magnetic assembly has an actuator disposed on a side of the magnetic assembly.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic assembly for use on a work table apparatus with an adjustable rail system and the magnetic assembly has an actuator disposed beneath the magnetic assembly.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table for a work table apparatus with a recessed portion for receiving a magnetic assembly.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the work table apparatus of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a table for a work table apparatus, the table including a recessed portion for receiving a magnetic assembly, the table having fastener receivers for securing the magnetic assembly to the table with the magnetic assembly positioned in the recess.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the work table apparatus of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a table for a work table apparatus having a recess with a retention lip for receiving and supporting a magnetic assembly.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the work table apparatus of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a table for a work table apparatus having a recess with sloped side walls for receiving and supporting a magnetic assembly.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a work table apparatus having a hanging receiver.

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a magnetic assembly of the present disclosure having permanent magnet assemblies with radially oriented permanent magnet elements.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a work table apparatus of the present disclosure including a magnetic assembly with an electromagnetic.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that are embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific apparatus and methods described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing, for the sake of clarity. In addition, positional terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” etc. refer to the apparatus when in the orientation shown in the drawing. A person of skill in the art will recognize that the apparatus can assume different orientations when in use.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a work table apparatus 10 of the present disclosure. The work table apparatus 10 can include a table 20 having a first side 22 and a second side 24. The table 20 can be positioned such that the first side 22 is generally oriented facing upward to support a ferromagnetic object such as a work piece, tooling, or securement mechanism. For example, when the table 20 is used in conjunction with a tooling machine, the first side 22 of the table 20 can be oriented toward the tooling such that the tooling can engage a work piece being supported on the first side 22 of the table 20. The first side 22 may also support other objects such as a vise for securing other work pieces for use with a tooling machine.

Referring further to FIG. 1, a magnetic assembly 50 can be positioned on the second side 24 of the table 20. The magnetic assembly 50 can be configured to produce a magnetic field which can extend beyond the first side 22 of the table 20 to interact with ferromagnetic objects, such as work pieces or securement devices such as a vise, positioned on the first side 22 of the table 20. In some embodiments, the magnetic assembly 50 can include a permanent magnet configured to produce a constant magnetic field extending beyond the first side 22 of the table 20. In other embodiments, the magnetic assembly 50 can be operable to alternate or switch between an active mode and an inactive mode. When the magnetic assembly 50 is in the active mode, a magnetic field is produced by the magnetic assembly 50 that extends exterior to the magnetic assembly 50 and beyond the first side 22 of the table 20, allowing the magnetic assembly 50 to produce a magnetic force on ferromagnetic objects positioned on the first side 22 of the table 20 and within the magnetic field produced by the magnetic assembly 50. When the magnetic assembly 50 is in the inactive mode, the resulting magnetic field is substantially contained within the magnetic assembly 50 and interaction of the magnetic field with ferromagnetic objects placed on the first side 22 of the table 20 is reduced.

The work table apparatus 10 is disclosed in FIG. 1 associated with a drill press, though the work table apparatus 10 of the present disclosure can be utilized in a variety of applications, including but not limited to conventional work tables, welding tables, band saw tables, milling machines tables, work benches, saw horses, etc. A drill press can include a base (not shown), a column 14 having a first end received on or coupled to the base, the column 14 extending upward from the base, a head 16 coupled to the column 14 at a second end of the column 14, a spindle 18 extending downward from the head 16. A work table apparatus 10, and specifically a table 20 thereof, can be mounted to the column 14 between the first end and the second end of the column 14. The table 20 may be integrally formed on the column 14 or in other embodiments may be mountable and/or adjustable on the column 14.

In some embodiments, the work table apparatus 10 can include a drill press mounting assembly 15 extending from the table 20, the drill press mounting assembly 15 operable to mount the work table apparatus 10 on a drill press. In FIG. 1, the drill press mounting assembly 15 includes a mounting frame 17 with a through hole for receiving the column 14 of the drill press, and a clamping mechanism 19 for securing the work table apparatus 10 to the drill press column 14 beneath the spindle 18 of the drill press. Such a drill press mounting assembly 15 can allow a work table apparatus 10 of the present disclosure to be retrofitted onto existing drill press machines by removing the current drill press table and mounting the work table apparatus 10 to the drill press via the drill press mounting assembly 15.

In some embodiments, the magnetic assembly 50 can be fixedly secured to the second side 24 of the table 20, for instance by welding, adhering, or bolting the magnetic assembly 50 to the table 20. In other embodiments, the magnetic assembly 20 can be removable or adjustable on the table 20. In some embodiments, the second side 24 of the work table 20 can include a receiver 26 configured to receive and retain a magnetic assembly 50 on the second side 24 of the table 20. A variety of work tables 20 having a receiver 26 are contemplated in this disclosure and will be discussed in further detail. The receiver 26 may actively engage a magnetic assembly 50 or the receiver 26 may be configured to passively retain the magnetic assembly 50 in a desired configuration or position on the table 20. Furthermore, tables 20 may have a variety of shapes and sizes, including rectangular, square, circular, oval, polygonal, or any other shape readily apparent to one of skill in the art.

As demonstrated in FIG. 1, the table 20 may have a second side 24 including a plurality of dividers 28 extending along or across a surface of the second side 24. The dividers 28 may be integrally formed on the table 20 or may be attached to the table 20 by a variety of attachment mechanisms including welding, fasteners, or any other mode of attachment as contemplated by one of skill in the art. The dividers 28 are configured such that a magnetic assembly 50 can be inserted between a set of dividers 28. In some embodiments, the table 20 itself and/or the dividers 28 can be made of a ferromagnetic material such that the magnetic assembly 50 can be placed against the second side 24 of the table 20 and placed in the active mode, and the magnetic assembly 50 may be retained adjacent the second side 24 of the table 20 via the magnetic force on the table 20 and/or the dividers 28 associated with the magnetic field produced by the magnetic assembly 50. The dividers 28 can also provide a surface to which the magnetic assembly 50 can be attached (via clamps, adhesives, etc.).

Now referring to FIGS. 6-8, the receiver 26 may include a rail system 36 for positioning the magnetic assembly 50 on the second side 24 of the table 20. The rail system 36 may include a plurality of rails 30 attached to or extending from the second side 24 of the table 20. Each rail 30 may include a support column 32 and a flange 34. The support column 32 may extend perpendicularly from the second side 24 of the table 20. The support columns 32 may be spaced apart from one another across the second side 24 of the table 20. Flanges 34 can extend transversely to the support column 32. In some embodiments, the flanges 34 can be substantially parallel to the second side 24 of the table 20. The rails 30 as shown in FIGS. 6-8 allow for a magnetic assembly 50 to be retained on the table 20 by sliding the magnetic assembly 50 between adjacent rails 30 of the table 20.

Still referring to FIGS. 6-8, an embodiment of a magnetic assembly 50 is provided which is capable of engaging with the rails 30 of the table 20 as depicted in FIG. 6. The magnetic assembly 50 has a magnetic assembly housing 52, an actuator 54 for switching the magnetic assembly 50 between an active mode and an inactive mode, and guides 56a and 56b extending from the magnetic assembly body 52. The guides 56 can engage or rest on flanges 34 of adjacent rails 30 of the table 20. For example, the first guide 56a may be inserted between a first flange 34a and the table 20 and a second guide 56b may be inserted between a second flange 34b and the table 20. The guides 56a and 56b may slide along the flanges 34a and 34b respectively, allowing a user to position the magnetic assembly 50 along the rail system of the table 20. A variety of guides may be implemented in various embodiments, including tabs, notches, slits, channels or any other system for engaging the flanges 34 of the rail system as would be readily recognizable to one of skill in the art.

With reference to FIGS. 9-11, an alternative embodiment of a table 20 is depicted. In this embodiment, the second side 24 of the table 20 includes a receiver 26 configured to receive and retain a magnetic assembly 50, wherein the receiver 26 comprises a moveable rail system 36 including a plurality of opposing rails 30 and plurality of cross support members 38 movably supported on the rails 30. The table 20 can have at least a first pair 30a of opposing rails 30 extending from the second side 24 of the table 20. In some embodiments each pair of opposing rails 30 can be positioned on opposing edges of the second side 24 of the table 20 and can be perimetric rails 30. Support columns 32 on each opposing rail 30 can extend perpendicularly from the second side 24 of the table 20 and flanges 34 on each pair of opposing rails 30 can extend transversely or perpendicularly from the support columns 32 and toward one another. A first pair 38a of cross support members 38 may span across and be movable on the first pair 30a of opposing rails 30 on the table 20. Ends of the first pair 38a of cross support members 38 can be positioned between the flanges 34 of the first pair 30a of opposing rails 30 and the table 20 to retain the first pair 38a of cross support members 38 beneath the table 20. A magnetic assembly 50 can be received on and suspended from the first pair 38a of cross support members 38 to retain the magnetic assembly 50 in a desired position adjacent the second side 24 of the table 20.

In some embodiments, the table 20 can include a second pair 30b of opposing rails 30 oriented transversely to the first pair 30a of opposing rails. In some embodiments, the two pairs of opposing rails 30a and 30b can be considered perimetric rails with respective pairs of opposing rails 30 spanning at least a majority of the length and width of the table 20. A second pair 38b of cross support members 38 can span across and be movable on the second pair 30b of opposing rails 30 on the table 20, the second pair 38b of cross support members 38 oriented transversely to the first pair 30a of cross support members 38. For example, a first pair 38a of cross support members 38 may span between the first pair 30a of opposing rails 30 in a lengthwise direction of the table 20 and are translatable along the width of the table 20 and a second pair 38b of cross support members 38 may span between the second pair 30a of opposing rails 30 in a widthwise direction of the table 20 and are translatable along the length of the table 20. A magnetic assembly 50 may be received on one or more pairs of cross support members 38 such that the magnetic assembly 50 can be positioned and retained near the surface of the second side 24 of the table 20. Having adjustable or movable cross support members 38 can allow the position of a magnetic assembly 50 beneath the table 20 to be varied, or the adjustable or movable cross support members 38 can allow for magnetic assemblies 50 of varying sizes and strengths to be retained on the second side 24 of the table 20.

An embodiment of a magnetic assembly 50 that may be used with the table 20 of FIG. 9 is depicted in FIG. 10. The magnetic assembly 50 is receivable on the cross members 38 of the receiver 26 of the table 20 in FIG. 9. In the magnetic assembly 50 of FIG. 10, guides 56 extending laterally from the magnetic assembly housing 52 may include a downwardly extending lip 57, such that the guides 56 form a sleeve or channel 58. The sleeve 58 is formed such that the cross members 38 may be received in the sleeve 58 such that the cross support members 38 support the magnetic assembly 50 via the guides 56 when the magnetic assembly 50 is engaging or received on the receiver 26. The lip 57 on the guides 56 can help keep the guides 56 from slipping off of the cross supports 38 or the cross supports 38 from moving out from under the guides 56. However, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art that the magnetic assembly 50 may be modified in a variety of ways to engage the receiver 26.

Now referring to FIGS. 12-18, alternative embodiments are depicted in which a table 20 has a receiver 26 formed on or adjacent to the second side 24 of the table 20. In some embodiments, a recess 40 can be defined on the second side 24 of the table 20 and shaped to receive at least a portion of the magnetic assembly 50. A receiver 26 including a recess 40 can allow the magnetic assembly 50 to be positioned at a specific position on the second side 24 of the table 20. The recess 40 can further allow an upper end 51 of the magnetic assembly 20 to be positioned closer to the first side 22 of the table 20 as the thickness of the table 20 at the recess 40 can be reduced compared to the full thickness of the table 20 so that the net magnetic field produced by the magnetic assembly 50 can have a shorter distance to travel before extending beyond the first side 22 of the table 20 and interacting with a ferromagnetic object placed on the first side 22 of the table 20. A recess 40 can help maximize the magnetic force applied by the magnetic assembly 50 on the ferromagnetic object, while maintaining the strength and durability of the table 20 elsewhere on the table 20.

For example, referring to FIGS. 12-15, a recess 40 can be formed in or on the second side 24 of a table 20. The recess 40 may extend inward towards the first side 22 of the table 20. Thus the thickness of the table 20 at the recess 40 is thinner than the full, overall, or normal thickness of the table 20. Thus a table 20 can have a first thickness 44 and a second thickness 46, the first thickness 44 representative of the thickness of the table 20 between the first side 22 and the second side 24 of the table 20, the second thickness 46 representative of the thickness of the table 20 between an inside surface of the recess 40 and the first side 22 of the table 20. In this embodiment, the first thickness 44 will be greater than the second thickness 46.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 14-15, a plurality of fastener receivers 42 can be defined in the second side 24 of the table 20 adjacent the recess 40. In such embodiments, a connection flange 43 can extend laterally from a magnetic assembly 50 such that the connection flange 53 is positionable over the fastener receivers 42 when at least a portion of the magnetic assembly 50 is positioned in the recess 40. Fasteners 43 such as bolts or screws can be extended through the connection flange and engage the fastener receivers 42 to secure the magnetic assembly 50 to the table 20. In some embodiments, the fastener receivers 42 can be threaded bores.

FIGS. 16-17 show an embodiment of the receiver 26 in which the recess 40 can be defined in the second side 24 of the table 20 and be open to a front or lateral edge of the table 20, the recess 40 including tracks 49 along which guides 56 extending from a magnetic assembly 50, such as the one shown in FIG. 7, may be inserted. A recess lip 48 can be formed along opposing sides of the recess 40. The recess lip 48 can have a thickness less than the depth of the recess 40 and the recess lip 48 can extend substantially parallel to the second side 24 of the table 20. The recess lip 48 can provide a recess track 49 which is configured to receive at least a portion of the magnetic assembly 50, for instance the guides 56a and 56b shown in FIG. 7. The guides 56 can slide into the recess track 49 such that the recess lip 48 can support the magnetic assembly 50 via the guides 56 with a portion of the magnetic assembly 50 positioned in the recess 40. The recess 40 may extend across an entire length or width of the table 20 or may only extend across a portion of the length or width of the table 20.

An alternate embodiment is demonstrated in FIG. 18, wherein the recess lip 48 includes an inwardly angled surface 48a, which could be engaged by an outward angled guide member on a magnetic assembly. It is within the scope of this disclosure that any means or system for retaining the magnetic assembly 50 on, in, or adjacent to the second side 24 the table 20 and in the recess 40 may be implemented as one of skill in the art would recognize.

FIG. 19 demonstrates another exemplary embodiment of a receiver 26.

The receiver of FIG. 19 may include side walls 45 extending from the second side 24 of the table 20 and a floor 47 which extends and/or spans between the side walls 45. The receiver 26 of FIG. 7 can be sized to receive an entire magnetic assembly, as opposed to only a flange or tab on the magnetic assembly. Embodiments implementing a receiver 26 as shown in FIG. 19 may include an interior cavity 41 within the receiver 26 which can be recessed into the second side 24 of the table 20 to provide a thinner portion on the table 20 proximate the interior cavity 41 in which a magnetic assembly is received. The internal cavity of the receiver 26 in FIG. 19 may extend across the entire length or width of the table 20 or may only partially extend across the length or width of the table 20. The receiver 26 in FIG. 19 may be integrally formed on the table 20 or may be fastened or coupled to the table 20. In some embodiments the receiver 26 may be removably coupled to the table 20. The receiver 26 may be formed such that a magnetic assembly 50 such as the one shown in FIG. 1 may be accessible or operable while the magnetic assembly 50 is received in the receiver 26, including access to the actuator 54 for actuating the magnetic assembly 50.

The recess 40 may be provided in the table 20 such that the magnetic assembly 50 is positioned in the recess. The recess 40 can provide a thinner portion of the table 20 through which the magnetic fields produced by the magnetic assembly 50 pass or penetrate when the magnetic assembly 50 is in an active mode. Thus, the magnetic field produced by the magnetic assembly 50 may extend beyond the first side 22 of the table 20 such that ferromagnetic objects positioned on the first side 22 of the table 20 may be retained on the table 20 by magnetic forces produced by the magnetic assembly 50. In other embodiments, the magnetic assembly 50 can magnetize a ferromagnetic table 20, thus effectively making the entire table 20 a magnet for attracting ferromagnetic objects such as ferromagnetic work pieces, vises, etc.

While it is contemplated that various receivers 26 may be utilized on a second side 24 of the table 20, it is also contemplated that a magnetic assembly can be activated on or near a ferromagnetic table 20 without a receiver, thereby securing the magnetic assembly to the table 20, and either producing a magnetic field that extends beyond the first side of the ferromagnetic table 20 or producing a magnetic field that magnetizes the ferromagnetic table 20 to attract ferromagnetic objects positioned on the table 20.

A magnetic assembly 50 may be implemented in connection with the table 20 in order to produce a magnetic field above the table 20 which can interact with a ferromagnetic work piece or another ferromagnetic object such as a vise. The magnetic assembly 50 generally includes a magnetic assembly housing 52, an actuator 54 for switching the magnetic assembly 50 between an active mode and an inactive mode, and components which in some embodiments selectively produce, propagate, or extend a magnetic field beyond the first side 22 of the table 20. The actuator 54 in some embodiments can extend from a front side of the magnetic assembly housing 52 in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, and can be actuated by rotating the actuator 54 via handle 55 along a generally vertical plane. In other embodiments, the actuator 54 can extend from below the magnetic assembly housing 52, as shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 7-8, and can be actuated by rotating the actuator 54 via handle 55 along a generally horizontal plane. In either orientation the handle 55 of the actuator 54 can be easily accessible from a front of the table 20 where an operator would be located.

In some embodiments, the magnetic field produced by the magnetic assembly 50 can be the result of a plurality of permanent magnets moveable relative to one another within the magnetic assembly housing 52, which can result in a switching effect for the magnetic assembly 50 between an active mode and an inactive mode as different magnetic fields can be produced based on the positioning of the permanent magnets relative to one another. In other embodiments, the magnetic assembly 50 can include an electromagnet which can be operable to selectively produce a magnetic field which extends beyond the first side 22 of the table 20.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, in some embodiments the magnetic assembly 50 can include two or more permanent magnets 66 and 68 positioned within the magnetic assembly housing 52. A first permanent magnet 66 can be rotatably disposed within the magnetic assembly housing 52 and a second permanent magnet 68 can be fixedly connected to the magnetic assembly housing 52, such that the first permanent magnet 66 can rotate relative to the second permanent magnet 68 within the magnetic assembly housing 52. The magnetic assembly housing 52 may be shaped to receive the permanent magnets 66 and 68. In some embodiments, the magnetic assembly housing 52 can be in the shape of a block having a hollow passage 60 disposed along a rotational axis 59 of the magnetic assembly housing 56, the first permanent magnet 66 rotating about the rotational axis 59. The hollow passage 60 may be in the shape of a cylinder or any other shape suitable to receive and house the permanent magnets 66 and 68. The magnetic assembly housing 52 may also have a variety of shapes and sizes as will be obvious to one of skill in the art. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, the magnetic assembly 50 can be positioned adjacent the second side 24 of the table 20 with the rotational axis 59 oriented in a generally horizontal direction. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4-5, the magnetic assembly 50 can be positioned adjacent the second side 24 of the table 20 with the rotational axis 59 oriented in a generally vertical direction.

In some embodiments, the magnetic assembly housing 52 may comprise ferromagnetic materials such that the magnetic assembly housing 52 can accommodate the magnetic fields and magnetic fluxes produced by the permanent magnets 66 and 68 within the magnetic assembly housing 52. In other embodiments, the magnetic assembly housing 52 can be made from a material with low magnetic permeability and the magnetic assembly 50 can include additional ferromagnetic elements contained within the magnetic assembly housing 52 for accommodating and directing the magnetic fields and magnetic fluxes produced by the permanent magnets 66 and 68. For example, the magnetic assembly housing 52 may comprise pole pieces which have high magnetic permeability and can accommodate the magnetic fields produced by the permanent magnets 66 and 68.

The first permanent magnet 66 can be rotatable within the magnetic assembly housing 52 about the rotational axis 59 when the first permanent magnet 66 is positioned in the hollow passage 60. The rotation of the first permanent magnet 66 relative to the second permanent magnet 68 provides the ability for the magnetic assembly 50 to alternate between an active and an inactive mode.

When the magnetic assembly 50 is in an active mode, like poles of the first permanent magnet 66 and the second permanent magnet 68 are oriented in or towards the same direction, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, or the first and second permanent magnets 66 and 68 can have the same polar orientation. For example, a north pole of the first permanent magnet 66 and a north pole of the second permanent magnet 68 can be facing or oriented in a first direction and a south pole of the first permanent magnet 66 and a south pole of the second permanent magnet 68 can be facing or oriented in a second opposing direction. Magnetic fields 62 produced by the two permanent magnets 66 and 68 in such orientations are additive or have a cumulative effect to produce a magnetic field 62 exterior to the magnetic assembly 50, as the magnetic fields produced by the north pole of the first permanent magnet 66 are repelled by the north pole of the second permanent magnet 68 and vice versa. The magnetic fields 62 produced by the permanent magnets 66 and 68 can be directed out of the axial ends of the magnetic assembly 112, as well as various other directions, and toward the attractive south poles of the first and second permanent magnets 66 and 68. Thus, when like poles of the first and second permanent magnets 66 and 68 are oriented in or toward the same direction or the magnets 66 and 68 have the same polar orientation within the magnetic assembly 50, the magnetic fields 62 of the first and second permanent magnets 66 and 68 are cumulative and can extend out from the magnetic assembly 50 and potentially beyond the first side 22 of the table 20. The magnetic fields 62 produced when the magnetic assembly 50 is in the active mode can interact with ferromagnetic objects positioned on the first side 22 of the table 20 to secure the ferromagnetic objects in a desired location on the table 20.

When the magnetic assembly 50 is in an inactive mode, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, like poles of the first permanent magnet 66 and the second permanent magnet 68 are oriented in opposite directions, or the permanent magnets 66 and 68 have opposite polar orientations. For example, a north pole of the first permanent magnet 66 and a south pole of the second permanent magnet 68 can face or be oriented toward a first direction and a north pole of the first permanent magnet 66 and a south pole of the second permanent magnet 68 can face or be oriented towards a second direction. When like poles of the first and second permanent magnets 66 and 68 align in opposite directions or the permanent magnets 66 and 68 have opposite polar orientations, the magnetic fields 62 produced by a north pole of one permanent magnet will be attracted to the south pole of the other permanent magnet oriented in the same direction, and vice versa, such that the magnetic fields 62 produced by the first and second permanent magnets 66 and 68 are substantially consumed, contained, or collapsed within the magnetic assembly 50 without extending exterior to the magnetic assembly 50 and beyond the first side 22 of the table 20.

In an inactive mode, a ferromagnetic object, such as a work piece or a vise for holding a work piece, can be easily removed from or repositioned on the table 20 with minimal magnetic interference from the magnetic assembly 50. Once the ferromagnetic object is placed in a new desired position or orientation, or a second ferromagnetic object is placed on the table 20, the actuator 54 can be rotated to return the magnetic assembly 50 to the active mode and magnetically secure the ferromagnetic object in a desired position on the table 20.

In some embodiments, the actuator 54 which can be coupled to the first permanent magnet 66 to rotate the first permanent magnet 66 between an active mode position and an inactive mode position can include a lever arm on which handle 55 is located which extends from the magnetic assembly 50 transverse to the rotational axis 59, the lever arm providing leverage in rotating the actuator 54 about the rotational axis 59. Thus the farther the actuator 54 extends from the central axis 59, the greater the moment arm possible when applying a force to the actuator 54 to rotate the first permanent magnet 66 with respect to the second permanent magnet 68. A longer moment arm may be needed depending on the strength of the permanent magnets 66 and 68 to overcome the attractive magnetic forces of the permanent magnets 66 and 68 in the inactive mode and place the magnetic assembly 50 in the active mode. The actuator 54 may be connected to the first permanent magnet 66 such that rotation of the actuator 54 about the rotational axis 59 results in a rotation of the first permanent magnet 66 about the rotational axis 59, rotating the first permanent magnet 66 relative to the second permanent magnet 68 and alternating the magnetic assembly 50 between an active mode and an inactive mode. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4-5, the actuator 54 can be configured to rotate the first permanent magnet 66 through about 180 degrees of rotation to reverse the polar orientation of the first permanent magnet 66 on the magnetic assembly 50.

In still other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the magnetic assembly 50 can include first and second permanent magnet assemblies 100 and 102, each permanent magnet assembly 100 and 102 including a permanent magnet assembly housing 104 and a plurality of permanent magnet elements 106, the permanent magnet elements 106 on each permanent magnet housing 104 being spaced radially about the rotational axis 59 of the magnetic assembly 50. In some embodiments, the permanent magnet elements 106 can be spaced radially symmetrically about the rotational axis 59 of the magnetic assembly 50. The permanent magnet elements 106 can be oriented with their polarities in a radial direction, and the permanent magnet elements 106 can have alternating polar orientations.

In an active mode, the polar orientation of each permanent magnet element 106 in the first permanent magnet assembly 100 can be the same as an aligned corresponding permanent magnet element 106 in the second permanent magnet assembly 102. The permanent magnet assembly housing 104 of the first permanent magnet assembly 100 can then be rotated until the permanent magnetic assemblies 100 and 102 are oriented with each aligned corresponding pair of permanent magnet elements 162 on the first and second permanent magnet assemblies 100 and 102 having opposite polar orientations, to place the magnetic assembly 50 in the inactive mode. Each corresponding pair of aligned permanent magnet elements 106 can produce similar magnetic field interactions as shown in FIGS. 2-5, depending on whether the magnetic assembly 50 is in the active or inactive mode. In such an embodiment, the first permanent magnet assembly 100, and thus the actuator 54, may only need to be rotated through a smaller angular rotation, such as 120, 90, 60, etc. degrees, depending on the number of permanent magnet elements 106 in each permanent magnet assembly, to alternate the magnetic assembly 50 between the inactive and inactive mode, which can be beneficial in applications where space to maneuver the actuator 54 is limited.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the magnetic assembly 50 can include an electromagnet 110. The electromagnet 110 may include an electromagnetic core 70, an electrical wire 72 coiled around the electromagnetic core 70, and a power source 76 in electrical communication with the wire 72. A switch actuator 78 can selectively complete the electrical circuit between the power source 76 and the electrical wire 72 to supply power from the power source 76 to the electrical wire 72. When a current is running through the wire 72, a magnetic field 62 can be produced by the current in the wire 72 which magnetizes the core 70 and places the magnetic assembly 50 in the active mode. The magnetized core 70 can than then be used to apply magnetic forces on a ferromagnetic object placed on a first side 22 of the table 20. The switch actuator 78 can simply be flipped to break the circuit and place the magnetic assembly 50 back in an inactive mode.

For the various embodiments discussed herein, the active and inactive modes of the magnetic assembly can allow a user to selectively engage or attract ferromagnetic objects or vises on a table 20, while using a drill press, saw, or other tooling, to secure a ferromagnetic object directly to the table 20 without having to use additional clamps or devices resting on or connected to the first side 22 of the table 20. The magnetic assembly 50 can simply be placed beneath the table 20 or on a second side 24 of the table 20 and placed in an active mode to secure the ferromagnetic object to the table 20. When the ferromagnetic object needs to be removed or adjusted on the table 20, the magnetic assembly 50 may be placed in the inactive mode which allows the ferromagnetic object to be moved freely on the table 20 and with minimal magnetic interference. Thus, a magnetic assembly can be used to selectively secure a ferromagnetic work piece to a table, or secure a magnetic work piece holding device, such as a vise, directly to the table, and release the ferromagnetic object when the object is to be removed and/or manipulated on the table.

Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful WORK TABLE WITH MAGNET, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A work table apparatus for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus comprising:

a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object; and

a magnetic assembly positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field extending exterior to the magnetic assembly.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnetic assembly is operable to selectively alternate between an active mode and an inactive mode, the magnetic assembly producing the magnetic field when the magnetic assembly is in the active mode.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the magnetic assembly includes a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet, the first permanent magnet rotatable relative to the second permanent magnet to alternate the magnetic assembly between the active mode and the inactive mode.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein:

the first permanent magnet has a first north pole and an opposing first south pole;

the second permanent magnet has a second north pole and an opposing second south pole; and

the magnetic assembly is in an active mode when the first north pole of the first permanent magnet is oriented in the same direction as the second north pole of the second permanent magnet.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the magnetic assembly is placed in an inactive mode when the first permanent magnet is rotated such that the first north pole on the first permanent magnet and the second north pole of the second permanent magnet are oriented in opposite directions from one another.

6. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising an actuator connected to the first permanent magnet, the actuator being rotatable to rotate the first permanent magnet on the magnetic assembly to alternate the magnetic assembly between the active mode and the inactive mode.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the actuator includes a lever arm configured to rotate the first permanent magnet through 180 degrees of rotation to reverse the polar orientation of the first permanent magnet.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the magnetic assembly includes an electromagnet further comprising:

a magnetic core;

a power source; and

an electrical wire connected to the power source and wound around the magnetic core; and

a switch configured to selectively supply power from the power source to the electrical wire to magnetize the magnetic core and place the magnetic assembly in the active mode.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a magnetic assembly receiver positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly receivable within the magnetic assembly receiver.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the magnetic assembly receiver is a recess defined in the second side of the table, the recess sized to receive at least a portion of the magnetic assembly.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the table has a front side and the recess is open to a front side of the table.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the table has an overall thickness and a thickness at the recess, and the overall thickness of the table is larger than the thickness of the table at the recess.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

a plurality of fastener receivers extending into the second side of the table adjacent the recess in the table;

a connection flange extending from the magnetic assembly, the connection flange positionable over the plurality of fastener receivers when the magnetic assembly is received in the recess; and

a plurality of fasteners extendable through the connection flange and engageable with corresponding fastener receivers to secure the magnetic assembly to the table.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein:

the magnetic assembly receiver comprises one or more guide rails extending from the second side of the table; and

the magnetic assembly includes a magnetic assembly housing and one or more guides extending from the magnetic assembly housing, the one or more guides sized to slide on the one or more guides rails to position and retain the magnetic assembly adjacent the second side of the table.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured for use with a drill press, and the table includes a drill press mounting assembly configured to selectively mount the table to the drill press.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the table comprises a ferromagnetic material.

17. A work table apparatus for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus comprising:

a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object;

a magnetic assembly positioned adjacent the second side of the table; and

a magnetic assembly receiver positioned adjacent the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly receivable within the magnetic assembly receiver,

wherein the magnetic assembly is operable to selectively alternate between an inactive mode and an active mode, the magnetic assembly producing a magnetic field that extends beyond the first side of the table when the magnetic assembly is in the active mode.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein:

the magnetic assembly includes a first permanent magnet and second permanent magnet, the first permanent magnet rotatable relative to the second permanent magnet to alternate the magnetic assembly between the active and inactive modes; and

when the magnetic assembly is in the inactive mode, the first and second permanent magnets are oriented such that the magnetic field produced by the first permanent magnet is attracted to and collapses into the second permanent magnet without extending beyond the first side of the table, and vice versa.

19. A work table apparatus for supporting a ferromagnetic object, the work table apparatus comprising:

a table having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the first side oriented to support the ferromagnetic object;

a magnetic assembly positioned adjacent the second side of the table; and

a magnetic assembly recess defined in the second side of the table, the magnetic assembly receivable within the magnetic assembly recess, the table having an overall thickness that is greater than a thickness of the table at the recess;

wherein the magnetic assembly is operable to selectively alternate between an inactive mode and an active mode, the magnetic assembly producing a magnetic field that extends exterior to the magnetic assembly when the magnetic assembly is in the active mode.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the magnetic assembly further comprises:

a magnetic assembly housing;

a first permanent magnet rotatably disposed within the magnetic assembly housing; and

a second permanent magnet fixedly connected to the magnetic assembly housing;

wherein the first permanent magnet is rotatable relative to the second permanent magnet to alternate the magnetic assembly between the active mode and the inactive mode.