Portable work bench

#This invention relates generally to work benches and more particularly to a portable work bench that can support a power tool and a workpiece.

#It is common in the construction industry for users to bring their power tools to the work site. Thus, the users require a work surface at the work site to support the power tools for use. Preferably the work surface is at a certain height so that the user can comfortably use the power tool. In addition, the work surface should also be sufficiently portable to be easily moved around a work site.

#In the past, users have disposed their power tools on sheets of wood which are in turn supported by two or more sawhorses. This arrangement, however, lacks the strength for efficient operation, as well as being difficult to move around the work site.

#The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention according to the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a portable work bench of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the work bench along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

#The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals designate like parts. Referring to FIG. 1, a portable work bench 10 of the present invention is shown carrying a chop saw 100. However, persons skilled in the art will recognize that the work bench 10 can support any power tool, such as a sliding compound miter saw, a drill press, a table saw, etc., any hand tools, or anything else that needs to be supported.

#The work bench 10 has a structural body 11 and a platform 12 disposed on and frictionally contacting the structural body 11. In addition, the work bench 10 may have legs 13 for supporting the structural body 11 and platform 12. The legs 13 may be connected to the body 11 via brackets 14 as is well known in the art. Persons skilled in the art are referred to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,605,099 and 5,592,981, which disclose exemplary means for providing foldable legs for the work bench. However, persons skilled in the art will know that fixed legs which do not fold will also function properly.

#Referring to FIG. 2, the structural body 11 is preferably tubular so that it can withstand substantial amounts of torsional and lateral loads applied thereto. Furthermore, the cross-section of the structural body 11 is preferably trapezoidal, that is, the top 11t and bottom 11b surfaces of the body 11 are parallel to each other. The side surfaces 11s can be parallel to each other, but are not required to. Preferably, the side surfaces 11s are angled in relation to the top 11t and bottom 11b surfaces. One side surface may be at an angle A relative to the top 11t and bottom 11b surfaces, while the other side surface may be at an angle B relative to the relative to the top 11t and bottom 11b surfaces. Preferably both angles A and B are equal and could be between 0° and 15°, where the preferred range is 3° to 4°.