Workbench for use with a carrier object.

© Patent holder (s):

Prezzz Innovations BV in Roosendaal.

<img file="NL2010921C2_D0001.tif" />

Patent granted:

08.12.2014 © Patent issued:

17.12.2014 © Inventor (s):

Johannes Franciscus Goverde at Disc.

© Authorized representative:

Ir. AAG Land et al in THE HAGUE.

© Workbench for use with a carrier object.

© The present invention relates to a workbench, which is connectable or can be coupled to and is releasable from a carrier object, such as a garbage bin or a water barrel or the like, having a top edge defining an access opening thereof. The work bench comprises a plank-like element, having a top surface definin ga work surface, at least one engaging element arranged at a side edge of the plank-like element, wherein the engaging element is designed to engage an inside of the carrier object at the top edge thereof; and at least one stud extending downward from the underside underneath the plank-like element opposite the top surface, wherein the stud is designed to support against a side wall of the carrier object essentially underneath the engaging element.

LC 2010921

This patent has been granted regardless of the enclosed result of the prior art research and written opinion. The patent deviates from the documents originally filed. All submitted documents can be viewed at the Netherlands Patent Office.

WORKBENCH FOR USE WITH A CARRIER OBJECT

The present invention relates to a workbench, comprising a plank-like element to provide or define a work surface.

Workbenches are commonly known. C onventionally, such workbenches have legs or a frame to support the workbenches on a support surface, for instance in a shed, a garden or the like. However, even with such legs or frame in a collapsible embodiment in some known workbenches, space accommodated thereby in use, during transport and in storage is considerable.

The present invention is directed at furnishing a novel workbench, in which clever, novel and inventive use is made of a near-by apparatus or device, which is normally always around, when a user engages in gardening activities, home improvement, fish cleaning, or other activities.

To this end and according to the present invention, a workbench is provided, which is connectable or can be coupled to and is releasable from a carrier object, such as a garbage bin or a water barrel or the like, having a top edge defining an access opening thereof, comprising:

- a plank-like element, having a top surface defining a work surface;

- at least one engaging element arranged at a side edge of the plank-like element, wherein the engaging element is designed to engage an inside of the carrier object at the top edge thereof; and

- at least one stud extending downward from the underside underneath the plank-like element opposite the work surface, wherein the stud is designed to support against a side wall of the carrier object essentially underneath the engaging element.

By suspending the workbench according to the present invention from a top edge of the normally always present carrier object, the workbench can be embodied relatively small in comparison with conventional workbenches, and additionally clever use is made possible of the functionality of the carrier object, if that for instance is a garbage bin or the like; waste produced when working on the work surface of the plank-like element (for instance during gardening, fish cleaning, home improvement or other activities) can immediately be disposed of.

It should be noted that many practicable embodiments lie within the scope of protection for the present invention as defined in the single appended independent claim, many of which are defined in the appended dependent claims. However, the present invention is by no means restricted or limited to embodiments according to the dependent claims or to any features or aspects that will be described herein below with reference to the appended drawings.

In a possible embodiment, the workbench according to the present invention can exhibit the preferred feature that either of the stud and the engaging element comprises an indentation to accommodate an inward or outward oriented top edge rim or flange of the carrier object. Consequently it is possible to arrange the workbench according to this embodiment of the present invention on a top edge of a carrier object, regardless of whether or not such an object actually is provided with a inward or outward oriented top edge rim or flange.

Additionally or alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the workbench according to the present invention can exhibit the preferred feature that the stud is collapsible. This allows for small sized storage and/or transport, in addition to compact and easy use in combination with the carrier object. Where reference is made to transport, this includes situations where a user takes his or her workbench along to a destination as well as transport between a location of the manufacturer and a point of sale. In such an embodiment, the stud made preferably be connected to the underside underneath the plank-like element via a hinge. Using a hinge, the collapsibility of the stud is easily provided for, or in some embodiments it may even be useful or even necessary to provide an arbitrary lock or latch to block the stud in a position of use and prevent collapse of the stud against the plank like element, to improve safety when for instance using the workbench as a support for a workpiece to work on the workpiece with for instance an electric hand tool or the like. Even when using a manual saw, a proper support of the work surface of the plank like element and preventing collapse of the stud underneath the plank like element is important to ensure safety of a user. As collapsibility is a feature of this preferred embodiment, the invention as a whole is naturally not limited thereto, but the stud may alternatively also be fixed within the scope of protection for the invention.

Additionally or alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the workbench according to the present invention can exhibit the preferred feature that the engaging element is arranged on an underside underneath the plank-like opposite the work surface element at a distance from the side edge thereof. In such an embodiment the side edge of the plank like element with the engaging element at a short distance there from can be positioned directly above the access opening of the carrier object, such as the garbage bin. Waste and refuse can then be simply and easily be shifted off the work surface of the plank like element, and into the containing space of the garbage bin, where a user does not have to lift the waste, garbage and/or refuse of an intermediate space between the work surface and the containing space of the garbage bin.

Additionally or alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the workbench according to the present invention can exhibit the preferred feature that the engaging element comprises an abutment surface, which is oriented to closely contact the carrier object in a state connected with or coupled to the carrier object. Thereby a stable positioning of the workbench in a state coupled with or connected to the carrier object can be provided.

Additionally or alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the workbench according to the present invention can exhibit the preferred feature of at least one arresting cam, arranged on or at the side edge of the plank-like element having the engaging element or on or at a neighbouring side edge of the plank-like element relative to the side edge having the engaging element. Thereby, sideways shifting of the workbench relative to the carrier object can be minimised, if not entirely prevented, when desired.

Additionally or alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the workbench according to the present invention can exhibit the preferred feature of a rim around at least a portion of the circumference of the work surface. Thereby, a barrier can be provided to prevent any workpiece or waste or the like from falling off the work surface of the plate like element.

Additionally or alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the workbench according to the present invention can exhibit the preferred feature of grooves or channels, arranged in the work surface of the plank-like element. Such grooves or channels can form a simple irrigation to allow water or other fluid to drain off the work surface of the plate like element and into the carrier object, for instance a garbage bin. Thereby also cleaning is made easier, as well as trying to work surface of the plate like element after cleaning with a wet towel or sponge or the like. Preferably, the work surface is further arranged under a relatively small angle from horizontal, to allow water and/or other fluid to find its way easier into the carrier object. Superfluously it is noted here, that the work surface can also be oriented down word and away from the interior of the carrier object, when the carrier object is for instance not a garbage bin and pollution or the like of the interior of the other carrier object than the garbage bin should be prevented.

Additionally or alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the workbench according to the present invention can exhibit the preferred feature that the plank-like element comprises slots at a circumferential edge thereof and/or through holes surrounded by the plank-like element, designed to accommodate at least one of the tools from the group, comprising: a gardening tool, a brush, a screw driver, a chisel, a rasp, a knife, and the like. Consequently, the workbench can not only provide a work surface, but may simultaneously form a holder for tools for - for instance - gardening, home improvement and/or fish cleaning.

Additionally or alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the workbench according to the present invention can exhibit the preferred feature of a handle, arranged in or to the plank-like element at or on a side edge thereof. In particular, though not exclusively in combination with collapsibility of the stud, such a handle can be provided to improve ease of handling and use.

Additionally or alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the workbench according to the present invention can exhibit the preferred feature that the plank-like element comprises a curved or angled side edge, designed to correspond with a top edge of the carrier object. In particular in combination with a round or cylindrical carrier object, such as a water barrel, a rounded side edge of the plank like element (or any other curved or angled side edge) of the workbench can be provided to improve connection of the workbench to the carrier object over a larger circumferential distance of the access opening of the carrier object. Thereby, a bigger workspace can be provided to a user, at least in relation to a circumferential range of positions where the user can position himself relative to the carrier object, since the plate like element of the work bench extends over a larger circumferential distance relative to the carrier object.

Additionally or alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the workbench according to the present invention can exhibit the preferred feature of at least one additional plank-like element adjoining or opposite the plank-like element to define in combination at least two work surfaces. More surfaces may also be provided. Likewise, as with the immediately above preferred embodiment, hereby a larger useful range of positions is provided where a user can stand in relation to the carrier object, and two or more useful surfaces may be provided using one or more than one additional plank-like element.

Additionally or alternatively, in a possible embodiment, the workbench according to the present invention can exhibit the preferred feature that the stud extends downward from the underside underneath the plank-like element opposite the work surface to support against either of an inner or an outer side wall of the carrier object. Alternatively, the stud can also be arranged in the inside of the carrier object, such as a garbage bin, to provide a sturdy suspension of the work surface of the plate like element to provide a work surface for the user to work with plants and/or other workpieces.

Following the foregoing general identification of the present invention through reference to the appended claims, herein below a detailed description is provided of the specific preferred embodiment of the workbench according to the present invention, to which the present invention is by no means specifically limited or restricted, unless this follows from the definition of the appended single independent claim. In the appended drawings, the same or similar reference numbers can be attributed to the same or similar elements, components and aspects of the separate embodiments of the workbench according to the present invention. In the drawing:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a workbench according to the present invention when combined with a garbage bin;

Figure 2 is a view in the direction II in figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a workbench according to the present invention in combination with a more rounded carrier object, like a rain barrel;

Figure 4 and figure 5 schematically depict alternative embodiments of workbenches according to the present invention relative to the previously described embodiments.

Figure 1 shows a workbench (1), which is connectable or can be coupled to and is releasable from a carrier object, such as a garbage bin (2) - or a water barrel (21) in figure

3. The bin (2) and the barrel (21) have a top edge (3), which defines an access opening (4) thereof.

In the embodiment of figure 1, the work bench (1) comprises a plank-like element (5), having a top surface (6) defining a work surface. A user can perform activities thereon, like plant potting or handiwork, using tools or the like, and can dispose of garbage directly into the bin 2.

The work bench (1) further comprises at least one engaging element (7) arranged at a side edge (9) of the plank-like element (5). In the embodiment of figure 1 and figure 2, two engaging elements 7 are provided in the shape of a cam. The engaging element (7; 8) is designed to engage an inside (10) of the carrier object (2; 21) at the top edge (3) thereof. In the embodiment of figure 3, the work bench is to be coupled with an arcuate barrel 21, and the orientation of the cams (8) corresponds with the shape of the top edge of the barrel (21). This is indicated in figure 3 with angle a, which can be for instance 6°.

Further, the work bench comprises at least one stud (11) extending downward from the underside (15) underneath the plank-like element (5) opposite the top surface (6). The stud (11) is designed to support against a side wall (12) of the carrier object (2; 21) essentially underneath the engaging element (7). This is to say that taking a straight or slanting shape of the carrier object (2; 21) into account, the stud (11) and the engaging element (7) are positioned relative to one another to preferably keep the work- or top surface (6) of the workbench (1) horizontal or slightly slanting to the access opening (4) of the carrier object (2; 21) or slanting in an opposite orientation, depending on the envisaged use of the work bench (1).

In a preferred embodiment of the work bench (1) either or both of the stud (11) and the engaging element (7; 8) comprises an indentation (13) to accommodate an inward or outward oriented top edge rim (14) or flange of the carrier object (2; 21). In the embodiment of figure 1 two studs (11) are arranged under the plank-like element (5), and these studs (11) both have such an indentation.

In the embodiment of figure 1 and as shown in figure 2, the studs (11) collapsible. To this end the studs (11) are each connected to the underside (15) underneath the planklike element (5) via a couple of hinges (17).

Further, the engaging elements (7; 8) are arranged on an underside (15) underneath the plank-like element (5) opposite the work surface (6) at a distance (d) from the side edge (9) thereof. This ensures that the side edge (9) is directly above the access opening (4) of the bin (2) for easy disposal of waste or refuse.

Preferably, the engaging elements (7; 8) comprise an abutment surface (16), which is oriented to closely contact the carrier object (2; 21) in a state connected with or coupled to the carrier object (2; 21), as most poignantly depicted in figure 3.

Preferably, the work bench (1) further comprises at least one arresting cam (18) (of which two are provided in the embodiment of figure 2), arranged on or at the side edge (9) of the plank-like element (5) having the engaging element (7; 8) or on at a neighbouring side edge of the plank-like element relative to the side edge (9) having the engaging element (7; 8). Thus it is immediately clear that the arresting cams (18) can be freely placed, as long as the intended use/purpose thereof to stop sideways movement of the work bench (1) is secured.

The work bench (1) further comprises a rim or ridge (19) around at least a portion of the circumference of the work- or top surface (6). Thus a barrier is formed to prevent waste or refuse from falling of the work- or top surface at any other location around the circumference than at the edge (9). Such a rim, edge (9) or ridge may also be useful to allow a user to position a workpiece there against and maintain it in place against the edge rim or ridge.

The work bench (1) further comprises grooves or channels (20), arranged in the work- or top surface (6) of the plank-like element (5). This allows for relatively easy irrigation of water or other fluids from the top surface (6). The aforementioned rim, edge or ridge may serve to keep fluid, waste and refuse on the work- or top surface of the plank-like element (5) where the channels or grooves allow for discharge in a desired direction.

The plank-like element (5) comprises slots (23) at a circumferential edge thereof and/or through holes (22) surrounded by the plank-like element (5), designed to accommodate at least one of the tools from the group, comprising: a gardening tool, a brush, a screw driver, a chisel, a rasp, a knife, and the like. This facilitates gardening or home improvement activities or fish cleaning or whatever other activity a user may wish to perform.

The workbench further comprises a handle (24), arranged in or to the plank-like element (5) at or on a side edge thereof, for instance opposite the side edge (6) with the engaging element (7; 8). This facilitates transport by a user and/or by a manufacturer.

The plank-like element (5) of the work bench (25) in the embodiment of figure 3 comprises a curved or angled side edge (26), designed to correspond with a top edge of the carrier object (2; 21).

The work bench according to the invention in the embodiment of figure 5 further comprises an additional plank-like element (27) adjoining or opposite the plank-like element (5) to define in combination two work surfaces. A connecting beam may be provided between the plank like element (5) and the additional plank-like element (27).

From the foregoing description of specific preferred embodiments of workbenches according to the present invention it should be abundantly clear that many additional and/or alternative embodiments are within the scope of protection for the invention as defined in the appended claims, in particular the single independent claim. For instance, the stud (11) may extend downward from the underside (15) underneath the plank-like element (5) opposite the work- or top surface to support against either of an inner or an outer side wall of the carrier object (2). More than one engaging element can be provided, as shown, but a single engaging element may suffice. As for the arresting cams, as these are preferably enclosed between inner side walls of a carrier object to ensure that sideways movement of the workbench is presented, a single elongate arresting cam may suffice, but to save on material a couple of such cams could be preferred. No such alternative embodiment is specifically excluded from the scope of protection according to the appended independent claim, and therefore included. Using an additional bracket or the like, the workbench of the present invention may be mounted to a wall, a table or a bar, for instance. Further, the workbench of the invention may comprise an adjustable arresting cam, an adjustable engaging element, and/or an adjustable stud, and/or an adjustable hinge, et cetera. The purpose of adjustability would be to allow for the workbench to be used in conjunction with several types and dimensions of carrier objects, and still be safely arranged on or mounted to such a carrier object, after appropriate adjustment of at least one of the cam, engaging element, and the stud, if adjustable. The embodiment of figures 4 and 5 clearly allow for the provision of more than two useful work surfaces,

ie more than one additional plank-like element.