1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to work stations and, more specifically, to a portable workstation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Portable workstations have been known. However, known workstations have generally been limited as to the functions that they can provide. Most known workstations are generally bulky and inconvenient to transport and set up. Once set up, they generally provide a simple surface on which work can be done. Functions such as securing a work-piece to the work surface and alignment of work-pieces on the work surface have typically required additional tools such as vices, clamps, etc.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a workstation that does not possess the disadvantages inherent in such known prior workstations.
It is another object of the invention to provide a workstation that is portable, simple and convenient to use and transport.
It is still another object of the invention to provide a workstation that is both portable and provides a number of different built-in functions that avoid the need to use auxiliary tools or components to use the workstation.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a portable workstation of the type under discussion that provides a sufficiently large working surface area for use with a majority of projects undertaken by both professionals and “do-it-yourselfers”.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a workstation as in the previous objects that provides a fully integrated and full featured unit that also provides storage areas for storing small tools and general hardware.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide a workstation of the type under discussion that provides adjustable legs for adjusting the height of the work surface to a desired height for any given application.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent when it is considered in detail in the below specification, taken with the drawings as follows:
Referring now specifically to the drawings, in which identical or similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout, and first referring to
The workstation 10 includes a central body 12 that is generally rectangular as shown and defines a top surface 14. A recess 16 is provided in the top surface 14 to receive a handle 18, shown in an extended vertical position suitable for being gripped as when carrying the workstation. Once the workstation is not being transported, the handle 18 can be pivoted or rotated downwardly to be fully received within the recess 16 so that the handle does not project above the top surface 14. Additional recesses or cavities 20, 21 may be provided to either side of the handle 18, as shown, that may be used for storage of small tools or items of hardware that may be required during use of the workstation.
To either side of the central body 12 there are provided two leafs or extensions 22, 24 that have heights substantially equal to the height of the central body 12, as viewed in
Referring to
Suitable trays 48, provided with appropriately sized compartments, can be placed within the recesses 28 to contain or store small items, such as small hand-tools or hardware. Such trays may then be removed from the recesses 28 when work has been completed and the workstation is collapsed for storage or transportation.
Locking lever 54 is provided for releasing legs 50 from the central body 12. The lever 54, which is positionable between releasing and locking positions allow the legs 50 to be moved to either retracted or extended positions, as shown in
It will be appreciated that the portable workstation in accordance with the invention can be converted from a compact portable unit to a full-functioned workstation that incorporates integrated clamps to secure a work-piece thus avoiding the need to use auxiliary holding devices or clamps. Recesses and trays may be provided below the top surface of the workstation to contain and store small tools and items of hardware that can be quickly and conveniently accessed without compromising any of the work surface. The portable workstation is, thus, ideal for work in the field as well as “do-it-yourselfers” performing smaller projects around the house. When not in use, the portable workstation can be fully collapsed and stored almost anywhere, such as in the closet, basement, garage, trunk of an automobile or the like.
While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that the there is no intention to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, it is the intention to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.