Wall-mounted workbench

Abstract

The wall-mounted work platform includes a frame including: a first horizontal side member; first cross members each connected to the first side member proximate a distal end of the first horizontal side member; and a second horizontal side member connected to the first horizontal side member. The wall-mounted work platform further includes: a platform connected to the second horizontal side member; a plurality of support arms each having a proximal end connected proximate to the proximal end of the frame, each extending vertically upward from the frame and flexible to curve along its length; a tension arm connected to each horizontal side member; and adjustment means for generating tension in the tension arms to move the second cross member of the work platform closer to the platform.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a workbench that can be attached to the wall of a building. [Background technology]

[0002] Building construction, maintenance, and / or repair often requires work outside the building near windows. Because many windows are located significantly above ground level, workers must establish a platform outside the building near the window frames to perform various tasks, such as caulking the frames, cleaning the installation, repairing brick joints, or painting. Scaffolding may be erected to provide a platform for the workers. Scaffolding erection is time-consuming and expensive, and can have undesirable consequences (e.g., requiring supervisory permits and / or safety briefings, and potentially obstructing pedestrian and / or vehicular access). Furthermore, some window frames are not located in locations suitable for erecting scaffolding (e.g., small courtyards). Summary of the Invention

[0003] One embodiment of a wall-mounted workbench according to the present invention includes a frame configured to be inserted through a window opening in a wall, the frame including: a first horizontal side member; a first cross member connected to the first horizontal side member proximate each distal end of the first horizontal side member; a second horizontal side member connected to the first horizontal side member; and a platform connected to the second horizontal side member. The wall-mounted workbench further includes: a plurality of support arms each having a proximal end connected proximate the proximal end of the frame, each extending vertically upward from the frame and flexible to curve along its length; a tension arm connected to each of the horizontal side members; and adjustment means connected to the plurality of support arms, the tension arm, or both for generating tension in the tension arm to move the second cross member closer to the platform.

[0004] The above-described workbench embodiments may include one or more of the following features: the plurality of support arms are configured to be adjustable in length, and the adjustment means forcibly increases the length of each support arm; the tension arms are configured to be adjustable in effective lengths, and the adjustment means forcibly decreases the effective length of each tension arm; the adjustment means forcibly bends the plurality of support arms in a direction away from the platform to bring at least one wall contact member of the wall-mounted workbench into direct or indirect contact with the wall; the wall-mounted workbench includes a rigid brace coupled to each of the plurality of support arms; a first cross-member connected to each of the first horizontal side members defines a frame width, and the rigid brace has a brace length that extends horizontally beyond the frame width; the rigid brace includes a plurality of tubes configured to receive the plurality of support arms; and each tension arm is connected to the rigid brace or a corresponding support arm.

[0005] The above-described workbench embodiments may additionally or alternatively include one or more of the following features: a proximal end of each of the second horizontal side members is connected to a corresponding distal end of the first horizontal side member, and each tension arm is connected to a corresponding second horizontal side member at a location proximate to the distal end of the corresponding second horizontal side member; the wall-mounted workbench includes fixing means connected proximate to the proximal ends of the first horizontal side members, the fixing means fixing the wall-mounted workbench to the wall by moving at least in part in a first direction, the first direction being parallel to a second direction connecting the proximal end of a particular first horizontal side member with the distal end of a particular first horizontal side member. the wall-mounted work platform includes a spacer attached to each bottom surface of the first horizontal side member; the wall-mounted work platform includes an exterior wall contact member attached to the vertical post and configured to contact the exterior of the wall; further, the second horizontal side member includes an upper pair of horizontal side members and a lower pair of horizontal side members, the upper pair of horizontal side members attached to the distal end of the first horizontal side member and the lower pair of horizontal side members attached to the distal end of the vertical post, and a platform attached to the lower pair of horizontal side members and positioned to span the gap therebetween.

[0006] Another embodiment of a wall-mounted workbench according to the present invention includes a frame including: a plurality of horizontal side members; a first cross member connected to each of the plurality of horizontal side members at a location displaced from each distal end of the plurality of horizontal side members and from each proximal end of the plurality of horizontal side members; a second cross member connected adjacent to each distal end of the plurality of horizontal side members; a platform support connected to the plurality of horizontal side members by a plurality of vertical frame members; and a plurality of frame posts connected to each of the plurality of horizontal side members and extending downwardly therefrom. The wall-mounted work platform further includes: a platform connected to the platform support; a plurality of fence posts connected to the frame and extending vertically upward from the frame; a plurality of length-adjustable support arms each having a proximal end connected to a respective proximal end of a plurality of horizontal side members, each support arm extending vertically upward from a corresponding horizontal side member; an upper wall brace coupled to each length-adjustable support arm; and a plurality of tension arms each connected to a corresponding horizontal side member and connected to the upper wall brace; and a lower wall brace movably connected to the plurality of frame posts so as to be horizontally movable relative to the plurality of frame posts. Each length-adjustable support arm is configured to bend due to tension exerted by the plurality of tension arms as its length increases.

[0007] Embodiments of the workbench described above may include one or more of the following features: the plurality of tension arms include flexible cables; each of the plurality of adjustable length support arms includes a ratchet mechanism configured to extend each of the plurality of adjustable length support arms; the plurality of fence posts are disposed between the plurality of horizontal side members and between the first cross member and the second cross member; the wall-mounted workbench further includes a spacer, wherein the upper wall brace and spacer are configured such that the upper wall brace slidingly receives the spacer, the upper wall brace sliding along the length of the spacer and has a limited range of motion relative to the spacer in a direction transverse to the length of the spacer.

[0008] An embodiment of the method for installing a wall-mounted workbench according to the present invention comprises the following steps: forming an opening in a wall for passing the wall-mounted workbench through; passing a portion of the frame of the wall-mounted workbench through said opening; stabilizing the frame against the wall defining said opening; and bringing the cross member of the wall-mounted workbench into direct or indirect contact with the wall. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a wall-mounted workbench. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified side view of the workbench shown in FIG. 1, excluding the side of the wall having the window opening, in a state where it extends through the window opening. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a simplified end view of the workbench shown in FIG. 2 as positioned through a window opening. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame of the workbench shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for installing a wall-mounted workbench. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a simplified side view of another embodiment of a workbench, showing the side of the wall having the window opening, extending through the window opening. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a simplified side view of another embodiment of a workbench, showing the side of the wall having the window opening, extending through the window opening. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the workbench shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spacer and a crossbar in a workbench. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a simplified side view of a workbench including the spacer and crossbar shown in FIG. 9 extending through a window opening. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable length spacer on a workbench. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following describes techniques for installing a platform to allow workers to work near or on the exterior of a building at a window opening. For example, a rigid frame can be installed to support a platform on which a worker can stand and which can be at least partially inserted through a wall opening, such as a window opening. The frame is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to fit the window opening. The frame can rest on the window frame and be secured to a wall, e.g., below the window opening. A flexible rod can be attached to the frame extending upward inside the window. A crossbar can be coupled (e.g., connects and / or receives) to the rod, e.g., at a fixed point near the distal end of the frame, to a tension cable that is also connected to the frame. Tension can be applied to the cable, e.g., by extending the rod and / or shortening the effective length between the fixed point and the crossbar. When tension is applied, the rod bends and causes the crossbar to contact the wall (e.g., the top or both sides of the window opening). Increasing tension can tighten the cable. Additionally or alternatively, the pads can be pressed against the wall from the crossbar to tension the cables and cause the rods to bend away from the wall. The above configurations are exemplary and other configurations can be used.

[0011] The components and / or techniques described herein may provide one or more of the following functions, as well as other functions not mentioned. For example, a platform used by a worker outside or near a window opening in a building can be secured to the building without penetrating the building's interior surface, e.g., without driving screws or nails into the wall or floor. A wall-mounted work platform can be more stable than a conventional wall-mounted work platform, e.g., there is less platform movement during use. A wall-mounted work platform can be installed on a wall by one person. Other functions may be provided, and any embodiment of the present disclosure is not required to provide all or some of the disclosed functions. Furthermore, the effects described above may be achieved by means not disclosed, and the disclosed components and techniques do not necessarily provide the disclosed effects.

[0012] Referring to Figures 1-3, an embodiment of a wall-mounted workbench 10 includes a frame 12, a platform 14, support arms 16, 17, tension arms 18, 19, a crossbar 22, a sill spacer 24, an exterior wall pad 26, an interior wall pad 28, clamp rods 30, 31, fence posts 32, 33, 34, 35, and rails 38, 39. The workbench 10 is configured to be inserted through a window opening 40 in a wall 42 of a building and attached to the wall 42, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a side view of the workbench 10 from the left side; a portion of the wall 42 adjacent to the left side of the workbench 10 (e.g., horizontal side member 50) is not shown (i.e., the wall 42 is shown in cross section, but the workbench 10 is not shown in cross section). The wall 42 can extend below the frame 12 (see, e.g., Figure 10). Wall 42 may be a finished wall, for example having wood studs covered with drywall, and work platform 10 may be configured to be attached to wall 42 without penetrating the building, for example without driving screws or nails into wall 42 or the floor. Work platform 10 is configured to provide a sturdy platform on which a person can stand while working outside the building, for example while inspecting, constructing, or maintaining (repairing, painting, etc.) the building.

[0013] The frame 12 may comprise a rigid material to form a stable platform upon which a worker can stand using the wall-mounted work platform 10. In this embodiment, the frame 12 comprises fixed-length sections of metal tubing, e.g., steel pipe, etc., fixedly attached (e.g., welded) to one another. Other configurations may also be used. For example, one or more sections may be adjustable in length (e.g., one tube may be slidably received within a partially telescoping configuration within another tube) and / or one or more connections between the sections may be easily breakable (e.g., two sections may be locked together with a releasable latch). In this case, the adjustable-length sections may be fixed at a selected length and / or the breakable connections between the sections may be configured to permit restricted relative movement (e.g., sliding) of the selectively connected sections when connected.

[0014] In the embodiment of the wall-mounted work platform 10, and further referring to FIG. 4, the frame 12 includes a pair of inner horizontal side members 50, 51, a pair of upper outer horizontal side members 60, 61, a pair of lower outer horizontal side members 70, 71, cross members 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, and vertical posts 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95. The inner side members 50, 51 may be integral with the upper outer members 60, 61, respectively, as shown, or may be separate and connected (welded, latched, etc.) to each other. The inner members 50, 51 have proximal ends 52, 53 and distal ends 54, 55, respectively. The upper outer members 60, 61 have proximal ends 62, 63 and distal ends 64, 65, respectively. The lower outer members 70, 71 have proximal ends 72, 73 and distal ends 74, 75, respectively. The distal ends 54, 55 of the inner members 50, 51 are connected to the proximal ends 62, 63 of the upper outer members 60, 61. The inner members 50, 51 and the upper outer members 60, 61 can be considered a pair of horizontal side members.

[0015] Cross members 80-84 are connected to side members 50, 51, 60, 61, 70, 71 and vertical posts 90-95. Cross member 80 is connected to proximal ends 52, 53 of inner members 50, 51 and to vertical posts 90, 91 extending downward from the proximal ends 52, 53 and upward from cross member 80. Cross member 80 and vertical posts 90, 91 are disposed at proximal end 13 of frame 12. Cross member 81 is connected to distal ends 54, 55 of frame 12 and is disposed across the gap therebetween (in this example, extending between these distal ends). Cross member 82 is connected to distal ends 64, 65 of a pair of upper outer members 60, 61 and is disposed across the gap therebetween (in this example, extending between these distal ends). Horizontal member 83 is connected to the distal ends 54, 55 of inner members 50, 51 and to vertical posts 92, 93 extending downwardly therefrom. Cross member 84 is connected to vertical posts 94, 95 connected to the distal ends 64, 65 of upper outer side members 61, 62 and extends downwardly from cross member 82 and upwardly therefrom.

[0016] The cross members 81, 82 connect to the side members 60, 61 so that the frame 12 has a width 100. The width 100 extends from the outer surface 66 of the upper outer side member 60 to the outer surface 67 of the outer member 60. In this example, the frame 12 is configured so that the width 100 is smaller than the width 102 of the window opening 40 (see FIG. 3). In this example, the inner width 104 at the lower outer members 70, 71 is equal to the width 106 at the upper outer members 60, 61. However, other configurations are also possible. For example, the inner members can be flared outward, so that the portion of the frame that is located inside the building during use is wider than the portion of the frame that is located outside the building during use. Also, the inner width can be greater than the width 102 of the window opening 40. For example, if width 100 is adjustable, or if the frame has a narrow portion (less than width 102), width 100 can be greater than width 102 of window opening 40 so that the work platform can be inserted into opening 40 and the narrow portion can be positioned within opening 40. As another example, an inner side member can define a width less than width 100. Still other configurations are possible.

[0017] The cross members 83, 84 and the lower outer side members 70, 71 form a platform support to which the platform 14 is connected. The platform 14 spans the gap between the cross members 83, 84 and the lower outer side members 70, 71. The platform 14 can be configured to support the weight of a worker and the equipment used by the worker, including a safety factor. The platform 14 can be configured, as in this example, to allow rainwater and other liquids to pass through the platform 14. The platform 14 includes metal gratings connected (e.g., welded) to the lower outer side members 70, 71 and the cross members 83, 84.

[0018] The support arms 16, 17 may be connected adjacent to the proximal end 13 of the frame 12 and extend vertically upward from the frame 12, and in particular from the cross member 80. In this example, the support arms 16, 17 are loosely (non-rigidly) fixed to the frame 12. The receiving tubes 110, 112 may be connected (e.g., welded) to the cross member 80 and extend therefrom. The receiving tubes 110, 112 are hollow, sized, and shaped to receive the support arms 16, 17, i.e., in this example, so that the ends of the support arms 16, 17 are inserted into the receiving tubes 110, 112. The support arms 16, 17 may be detached from the receiving tubes 110, 112 (disconnected from the frame 12) to make the workbench 10 easier to transport and / or store.

[0019] Support arms 16, 17 can be configured with adjustable lengths, i.e., as adjustable-length support arms. In this example, support arm 16 includes upper section 120, lower section 122, and locking mechanism 124, and support arm 17 includes upper section 126, lower section 128, and locking mechanism 130. Lower sections 122, 128 and upper sections 120, 126 can each comprise struts, e.g., rods or tubes of a rigid material that resists longitudinal compression. Lower sections 122, 128 can be configured as tubes, and upper sections 120, 126 can be configured as rods or tubes, each sized and shaped to allow upper sections 102, 126 to be slidably received by lower sections 122, 128, respectively. The locking mechanisms 124, 130 are configured to maintain the upper sections 120, 126 in a selected relationship relative to the lower sections 122, 128, thereby maintaining the support arms 16, 17 at a selected length (i.e., contraction resistance). For example, each locking mechanism 124, 130 may include a tab that can engage with a slot in the corresponding support arm 16, 17, e.g., the corresponding upper section 120, 126. The locking mechanisms 124, 130 can be opened and closed to allow the upper sections 120, 126 to move relative to the lower sections 122, 128, respectively, thereby adjusting the length of the support arms 16, 17 and restricting movement of the upper sections 120, 126 relative to the lower sections 122, 128 while maintaining the support arms 16, 17 at a desired length. The locking mechanisms 124, 130 can be configured to force the upper sections 120, 126 to move relative to the lower sections 122, 128 (i.e., to exert a force on the upper sections 120, 126, causing them to move, e.g., slide). For example, the locking mechanisms 124, 130 can include ratchets and levers 132, 134, and the levers 132, 134 can be rotated upward and then downward to move the upper sections 120, 126 upward and away from the lower sections 122, 128.

[0020] The support arms 16, 17 are flexible and configured to bend along their lengths in response to tension in the tension arms 18, 19 resulting from extension of the support arms 16, 17, as described below. For example, the support arms 16, 17 may be configured such that the distal ends 151, 152 bend by 10% or more of their length. The ability to bend the support arms 16, 17 can provide additional stability (e.g., beyond that of the frame alone) to the workbench 10, for example, when mounting the workbench 10 to various window openings with different window sill dimensions. For example, the upper sections 120, 126 and the lower sections 122, 128 may be substantially incompressible along their lengths, compressing less than 5%, 4%, or 1% of their respective lengths against a compressive force of, for example, 300 pounds (approximately 1330 Newtons).

[0021] The support arms 16, 17 are attached to the crossbar 22. The crossbar 22 can be coupled to the support arms 16, 17 in various ways, such as by slidably receiving the support arms 16, 17, by pivotally connecting to the support arms 16, 17, or by being fixedly coupled (e.g., welded) to the support arms 16, 17. For example, the crossbar 22 can be configured as a tube (or partial tube) with an opening for slidably receiving the end of the support arm 16, 17. The crossbar 22 can have a wall facing the opening to prevent the support arm 16, 17 from passing completely through the crossbar 22. Additionally or alternatively, the support arms 16, 17 can be provided with a member (e.g., a flange) extending outward from the axis of the support arm 16, 17, which interferes with the crossbar 22 and prevents the support arm 16, 17 from being inserted into the crossbar 22. In the workbench 10, the crossbar 22 is connected to the ends of the upper sections 120, 126 of the support arms 16, 17, although other configurations can be used. For example, the crossbar 22 could be coupled to the support arms 16, 17 a predetermined distance from the ends of the upper sections 120, 126 of the support arms 16, 17. The crossbar 22 could also be pivotally connected to the support arms 16, 17 about a pivot pin along a pivot axis. The crossbar 22 could also be configured to slidably receive the support arms 16, 17, for example, through openings and / or by receiving tubes (see, e.g., FIG. 9 and related discussion) that are larger than the periphery of the support arms 16, 17, allowing the crossbar 22 to rotate slightly about the support arms 16, 17.

[0022] The crossbar 22 can be configured to engage with the wall 42 to help stabilize the work surface 10. For example, the crossbar 22 can be rigid, constructed from a tube or partial tube of a rigid material such as aluminum or steel, and have a length 140 that is greater than the width 102 of the window opening 40. The length 140 can be, for example, approximately 110% of the width 102. The width 100 can be equal to or slightly less than the width 102 of a single-width window opening, such as 32 in. (81 cm), 36 in. (91 cm), 40 in. (101 cm), 44 in. (111 cm), or 48 in. (121 cm). The length 140 can also be approximately 110% or greater (e.g., 115%, 120%, etc.) of the width 100 of the frame 12. For wider windows, the width 100 can be approximately 78-80 cm. The crossbar 22 may be configured to have a length 140 that is at least twice the width 100 of the frame 12, e.g., approximately 110% or more of the double width, to facilitate attachment of the workbench 10 to a double-width window opening. For example, the length 140 may be approximately 210% or more (e.g., 220%, 230%, etc.) of the width 100 of the frame 12. The crossbar 22 may also be configured to prevent damage to the wall 42 even if it comes into contact with the wall 42. For example, the crossbar 22 may be pivotally connected to the support arms 16, 17 and have a flat contact surface 142 (FIG. 2) for engaging with the wall 42. Additionally or alternatively, the crossbar 22 may be configured of a soft material, such as rubber, at least in the contact area with the wall 42.

[0023] The crossbar 22 allows the support arms 16, 17 to engage with the wall 42. The crossbar 22 can have a length 140 that is smaller than the width 102 of the window opening 40 so that the support arms 16, 17 can engage with the wall 42 above the window opening 40, and can be configured to be connected to the support arms 16, 17 at a location that is a certain distance from the end of the support arms 16, 17. In this case, the support arms 16, 17 can be extended to a height above the opening 40 that is sufficient to reach the wall 42, and can come into contact with the wall 42 while minimizing damage to the wall 42.

[0024] The tensioning arms 18, 19 are connected in this example to the crossbar 22 and the upper outer members 60, 61. In this example, the tensioning arms 18, 19 comprise metal cables with multiple components (screws), but this is by way of example only. Many other configurations can be used for the tensioning arms 18, 19. For example, the tensioning arms can be rigid members such as steel or aluminum tubes or rods. In this example, the tensioning arms 18, 19 are connected to or through the side walls 150 of the crossbar 22. Connecting the tensioning arms 18, 19 to the crossbar 22 allows the crossbar 22 to pivot relative to the tensioning arms 18, 19. This allows the crossbar 22 to more easily contact the wall 42 at the contact surface 142. The tensioning arms 18, 19 can be connected to the upper outer members 60, 61 at fixed points 164, 165 proximate the distal ends 64, 65 of the wall 42. For example, the fixing points 164, 165 can be positioned at least at a location between the proximal ends 62, 63 and the distal ends 64, 65 of the upper outer members 60, 61, for example, at a location closer to the distal ends 64, 65 than the proximal ends 62, 63, for example, at a location within 25% of the length of the upper outer members 60, 61 from the distal ends 64, 65, or, for example, at a location within 10% of the length of the upper outer members 60, 61 from the distal ends 64, 65.

[0025] The tensioning arms 18, 19 are configured to allow for different lengths of the support arms 16, 17 while connected to the support arms 16, 17, while also resisting extension of the support arms 16, 17 beyond a certain length. For example, in this example, the tensioning arms 18, 19 are configured as cables that can bend as the support arms 16, 17 shorten. However, other configurations can be used, such as rigid arms that are slidably connected to the support arms 16, 17, but stop sliding when they reach the end of the rigid arm as the support arms 16, 17 extend. When the support arms 16, 17 reach a certain length (determined by the length of the tension arms 18, 19 and the distance of the support arms 16, 17 from the fixed points 164, 165), the tension arms 18, 19 resist further extension of the support arms 16, 17 and pull the support arms 16, 17 with a horizontal downward force. That is, as the support arms extend, each tension arm 18, 19 provides a force that is parallel to the direction from the proximal end 13 to the distal end 15 of the frame 12 and has a horizontal component that is downward toward the frame 12, thereby bending the support arms 16, 17 toward the distal end 15 (e.g., toward the fixed points 164, 165). The tension arms 18, 19 can be configured so that the certain length of the support arms 16, 17 is the length at which the support arms 16, 17 bend to cause the crossbar 22 to contact the wall 42 below the top of the window opening 40. With the crossbar 22 in contact with the wall 42, the support arms 16, 17 can be further extended and the tension arms 18, 19 can be tensioned by operating the locking mechanisms 124, 130. This increases the stability of the workbench 10 and makes the platform 14 (or at least the platform support) substantially immobile, e.g., imperceptibly immobile, with respect to the walking of a worker on the platform 14.

[0026] The sill spacer 24 can be configured to position the inner side members 50, 51 on the inner window sill portion 180 and prevent damage to the inner window sill portion 180 and the outer window sill portion 182. The sill spacer 24 connects to the bottom edges of the inner side members 50, 51 and the vertical posts 92, 93. The sill spacer 24 can be configured and arranged to rest on the outer window sill portion 182 and can comprise a rigid or semi-rigid material. The sill spacer 24, or at least its bottom surface 184, can be configured to support the frame 12 (e.g., can be smooth or semi-smooth and / or comprise a soft material). In other embodiments, the sill spacer 24 can be height-adjustable, for example, so that the frame 12 can be moved to contact the inner window sill portion 180.

[0027] The exterior pad 26 can be positioned / configured to contact the exterior of the wall 42. The exterior pad 26 can be constructed of a material that is durable against contact with an exterior wall surface formed of stucco, concrete, wood, or brick and can prevent damage to the exterior wall surface. The exterior pad 26 can be positioned at the bottom of the frame 12 and connected to the bottom of the lower exterior members 70, 71 and vertical posts 92, 93, as in this example. While the exterior pad 26 is fixed in place relative to the frame 12 in this example, the exterior pad 26 can also be movably connected to the frame 12, for example, so that it can move toward and away from the proximal end 13 of the frame 12. This can improve the adaptability of the work platform 10 to the size and shape of exterior window sills and wall thicknesses.

[0028] The interior wall pad 28 is positioned / configured to contact the inside of the wall 42 and can be movably connected to the frame 12. The interior wall pad 28 can be constructed of a material that is durable against contact with interior wall surfaces formed of painted drywall, panels, tiles, etc., and that can prevent damage (such as scratches and marring) to the interior wall surface. As in this example, the interior wall pad 28 can be positioned at the bottom of the frame 12 and connected to the bottom of the vertical posts 90, 91. In this case, the interior wall pad 28 is rotatably connected to the clamp rods 30, 31. The clamp rods 30, 31 are threaded and pass through threaded holes formed in the vertical posts 90, 91, and have proximal ends 13 connected to a handle 190, allowing the clamp rods 30, 31 to be rotated. Rotating the clamp rods 30, 31 moves the interior wall pad 28 toward or away from the vertical posts 90, 91 (and thus the proximal end 13 of the frame 12). Rotating the handles 190, 191 (e.g., clockwise when looking at the proximal end 13 of the frame 12) can move the inner wall pads 28 into contact with the wall 42 to help secure the work surface 10 to the wall 42. This can facilitate further stabilizing the work surface 10, for example, by first attaching the work surface 10 to the wall 42 and then moving the support arms 16, 17 to engage the crossbar 22 with the wall 42. Rotating the handles 190, 191 clockwise can disengage the work surface 10 from the wall 42 and / or accommodate walls of different thicknesses.

[0029] The fence posts 32-35 and rails 38, 39 constitute a safety fence. Receiving tubes 202-205 are arranged in this example between the lower outer members 70, 71 and between the cross members 83, 84. The fence posts 32-35 can be detachably connected to the frame 12, for example, by being housed in receiving tubes 202, 203, 204, 205 connected to the platform 14 and / or the lower outer members 70, 71 and / or the cross members 83, 84. The rails 38, 39 can be made of flexible cables, as in this example, or can be made in a different manner, for example, by rigid bars, chains, etc. [How to set up the workbench]

[0030] Referring to Figure 5 in conjunction with Figures 1-4, a method 250 for installing a wall-mounted workbench includes the steps shown. However, method 250 is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the invention. Method 250 can be modified by adding, omitting, rearranging, combining, or performing steps simultaneously, and / or dividing a single step into multiple steps. For example, step 258 can be omitted if the support arms are not detachable from the frame and the crossbars are not detachable from the support arms. Still other modifications of method 250 as shown and described are possible.

[0031] The installation method 250 includes forming an opening in the wall 42 for passage of the wall-mounted work platform at step 252. For example, providing an opening may include removing window glass from a window frame to form the opening 40 in the wall 42, or constructing the wall 42 as part of a new building or the like.

[0032] The installation method 250 includes, at step 254, passing a portion of the wall-mounted work platform frame through the opening. For example, if the fence posts 32-35 are received within the receiving tubes 110, 112, a user can remove the fence posts from the receiving tubes 202-205. Similarly, if the support arms 16, 17 are received within the receiving tubes 110, 112, a user can remove the support arms from the receiving tubes 110, 112. A user can lift the frame 12 and attached sill spacer 24, along with the outer and inner wall pads 26, 28, and pass the distal end 15 of the frame 12 through the window opening 40. The inner wall pads 28 may be removed before inserting the frame 12 through the opening 40, although a user may desire to connect the inner wall pads 28 to the frame 12 to facilitate quick stabilization of the work platform 10 against the wall 42.

[0033] Installation method 250 includes initially securing the frame to the wall in step 256. For example, a user manipulates frame 12 to place sill spacer 24 on the window sill and pulls frame 12 toward the wall to engage outer wall pad 26 with the outer surface of wall 42. The user clamps frame 12 to wall 42 by pressing inner wall pad 28 against the inner surface of wall 42. For example, the user turns handles 190, 191 to rotate clamp rods 30, 31, thereby displacing inner wall pad 28 distally, i.e., toward outer wall pad 26. For example, the user may initially engage inner wall pad 28 with the inner surface of wall 42 to stabilize frame 12 against wall 42, and then continue to turn, or at least attempt to continue to turn, handles 190, 191. The inner wall pad 28 and the clamp rods 30, 31, together with the outer wall pad 26 and the frame 12, form a fixing means for fixing the workbench 10 to the wall 42.

[0034] The installation method 250 includes coupling the flexible support arm to the frame and coupling a cross member (e.g., a wall-engaging member) to the support arm at step 258. For example, a user inserts the bottom of the lower section 122, 128 of the support arm 16, 17 into the receiving tube 110, 112. The user can connect a cross bar to the support arm 16, 17 before or after inserting the support arm 16, 17 into the receiving tube 110, 112. The user slides the cross bar 22 onto the distal end 151, 152 of the upper section 120, 126 of the support arm 16, 17. The user may continue sliding the cross bar 22 onto the support arm 16, 17 until further insertion is prevented, for example, by the support arm 16, 17 hitting the inner wall of the cross bar 22 (or reaching the end of the receiving tube).

[0035] Installation method 250 includes contacting the cross member against a wall directly or indirectly (e.g., directly or indirectly via a spacer, as described below with respect to FIGS. 9-11 ) in step 260. For example, a user can force extension of support arms 16, 17 by actuating the locking mechanism to pull upper sections 120, 126 away from lower sections 122, 128 of support arms 16, 17. A user can continue to extend support arms 16, 17, bending support arms 16, 17 distally (toward distal ends 15 of frame 12) after tension arms 18, 19 begin to resist further extension of support arms 16, 17 and begin to exert a force pulling crossbar 22 horizontally (here, distally relative to the frame). The user can continue to extend the support arms 16, 17 until the support arms 16, 17 bend sufficiently that the crossbar 22 either directly engages the wall 42 or engages a spacer disposed between the wall and the crossbar 22. The length of the tensioning arms 18, 19 prevents the support arms 16, 17 from extending higher than the narrow portion of the window opening, allowing the crossbar 22 to engage the portion of the wall 42 laterally adjacent the window opening 40 (on either side of the opening 40). Alternatively, the tensioning arms can be coupled to the support arms 16, 17 proximal to the distal ends of the support arms 16, 17, and the support arms 16, 17 can be sized to allow the crossbar 22 to contact the wall 42 above the window opening. The user can continue to activate or attempt to activate the locking mechanisms 124, 130 to further extend or attempt to further extend the support arms 16, 17, pulling the tensioning arms 18, 19 in tension and further stabilizing the frame 12. The locking mechanisms 124, 130, together with the support arms 16, 17 and the frame 12, can provide an adjustment means for generating tension in the tensioning arms 18, 19.

[0036] Installation method 250 includes, in step 262, a user coupling one or more safety means to the platform and stepping onto the platform. For example, the user may insert fence posts 32-35 into receiving tubes 202-205 and attach rails 38, 39 to fence posts 32-35 (if not already attached). One or more other safety means may also be connected. For example, a harness worn by the user may be connected to frame 12 or to a separate part connected to frame 12, such as ring 155 (FIG. 1) or hook on crossbar 22. The user may use cross member 80 as a step to step onto platform 14, e.g., by walking through window opening 40 between support arms 16, 17. Other Embodiments

[0037] The above-described embodiments are not exhaustive examples, and many other configurations can be used. The following description covers some of these other configurations, but is not exhaustive (either alone or in combination with the above description).

[0038] As an example, referring to FIG. 6 and further to FIGS. 1-4, wall-mounted workbench 270 can include, instead of or in addition to securing mechanisms 124, 130, a tensioning mechanism connected to a tensioning arm and configured to adjust the effective length of the tensioning arm. The support arm can be a fixed-length support arm. Only one tensioning mechanism 272, one tensioning arm 274, and one support arm 276 are shown in FIG. 6 because FIG. 6 is a side view. The tensioning arm may be, for example, a flexible cable, such as tensioning arms 18, 19. The tensioning mechanism can be configured to adjust the effective length of the tensioning arm (e.g., the distance between anchor points 164, 165 and crossbar 22) by winding or unwinding the tensioning arm onto or from a spool on the tensioning mechanism. Reducing the effective length can cause the support arm to bend and bring crossbar 22 into contact with wall 42 (see step 260 of method 250). The tensioning mechanism can include, for example, a ratchet mechanism. By locating the tensioning mechanism near the proximal end (e.g., proximal end 275 of tensioning arm 274), the tensioning mechanism can be easily operated by a user inside the building while work platform 270 is extended through window opening 40.

[0039] As another embodiment, referring to FIG. 7 and further to FIGS. 1-4, a wall-mounted workbench 290 can include one or more adjustable spacers connected to the support arms and / or a crossbar 296 connected to the support arms, instead of or in addition to the securing mechanisms 124, 130. The tension arms can be connected to the support arms and / or the crossbar (if a crossbar is provided, as in this example). FIG. 7 shows only one adjustable spacer 292, one support arm 294, and one tension arm 295 because FIG. 7 is a side view. In other configurations, adjustable spacers and securing mechanisms 124, 130 (and length-adjustable support arms) can be used. In this case, the adjustable spacers are movably connected to the crossbar 296, but other configurations in which the adjustable spacers are connected to the support arms, or to the support arms and the crossbar 296, can also be used. Other configurations that do not include the crossbar 296 can also be employed. The adjustable spacers include spacer pads rotatably connected to a clamp rod connected to the handle. As shown, the adjustable spacer 292 includes a spacer pad 298 rotatably connected to a clamp rod 300 connected to a handle 302. The spacer pad can comprise a durable material that can withstand contact with an interior wall surface, such as painted drywall, paneling, or tile, thereby reducing damage (e.g., scratches or marring) to the interior wall surface when removing the tile. The spacer pad can be rotatably connected to the clamp rod. This allows, for example, the clamp rod to be rotated without rotating the spacer pad while the spacer pad is engaged with the wall 42. The clamp rod has a threaded portion that mates with a threaded hole formed in the crossbar 296 and a proximal end connected to the handle, allowing the user to easily rotate the clamp rod. Rotating the clamp rod moves the spacer pad closer to or farther from the crossbar 296.The handle can be rotated (e.g., clockwise when looking at work surface 290 from the proximal end) to move the spacer pads into contact with the wall (step 260 of method 250) and help secure work surface 290 to wall 42. With the spacer pads secured to wall 42, the handle can be rotated to increase tension on the tensioning arm (which can be a flexible cable similar to tensioning arms 18, 19) and possibly curve the support arm (e.g., support arm 294 shown in FIG. 7) away from wall 42. The handle can be rotated until the tensioning arm is taut.

[0040] In another embodiment, the platform of the workbench can be at or approximately the same height as the window frame when the workbench is attached to a wall through a window opening. For example, the vertical posts 94, 95, lower outer members 70, 71, and cross member 84 of the frame 12 can be omitted from the workbench. In this case, the platform 14 can be supported by the side members 60, 61 and cross members 81, 82 and span the gap between them. Alternatively, the vertical posts 92, 93 and cross member 83 can be omitted. In this case, a different configuration for forming the exterior wall pad 26 can be used. For example, arms can be connected to the side members 60, 61 (e.g., between the proximal ends 62, 63 and the distal ends 64, 65 (intermediate portions)) and extend downward and proximally (i.e., toward the proximal end 13 of the frame 12) to connect to one or more exterior wall pads. Cross members can be connected between these arms, or they can be left unconnected.

[0041] In other embodiments, other configurations of mechanisms can be used to initially secure the work platform to the inside of wall 42 by engaging it therewith. For example, a rotatable arm can be connected to one or more wall-engaging pads. The rotatable arm can be coupled with a ratchet, forcing the arm to rotate so that the pad can engage the wall. Further rotation or attempts to rotate can increase the pressure that the pad exerts on the wall while the ratchet mechanism prevents pressure release. For example, clamp rods 30, 31 can be replaced with ratchet rotating rods.

[0042] The work table can have a variety of different absolute and / or relative dimensions. For example, referring again to Figures 1-4 and further to Figure 8, the work table 10 can have a length 810 of approximately 120 cm. The distal portion 812 and the proximal portion 814 are each approximately half (e.g., 45%-55%) of the length 810 of the work table 10, e.g., lengths 816, 818, respectively, of approximately 60 cm. The lengths 816, 818 can be the same or different; for example, the length 818 can be selected to accommodate the desired thickness of the wall that the work table 10 will span. The thickness 824 of the sill spacer 24, the thickness 826 of the outer wall pad 26, the thickness 828 of the inner wall pad 28, and the length 830 of the clamp rods 30, 31 can be selected in relation to the length 818 of the proximal portion 814 to accommodate the desired wall thickness that the clamp rods will span. For example, if length 818 is about 20 cm, thicknesses 824, 826, 828 may be about 3 cm, about 8.5 cm, and about 3 cm, respectively, including the cushioning that provides inner wall 29 of inner wall pad 28 to prevent damage to the surface of inner wall 42, and length 830 may be about 25 cm. Length 830 may be about half of length 818 (in this example, about 25 cm vs. about 60 cm, or about 42% of length 818). Length 830 is about half of distance 819 between outer wall pad 26 and inner wall pad 28, where the inner wall pad abuts vertical posts 90, 91. In this example, distance 819 is about 52 cm, and length 830 is about 25 cm. Length 830 may also be another absolute length or another length relative to work platform 10 or work platform frame 12, such as more than half of distance 819 or less than half of length 818. For example, width 100 (FIG. 4) may be approximately 60 cm, and height 840 of frame 12 may be approximately 36 cm. That is, in this example, height 840 is approximately 30% of length 810 of work platform 10, or approximately 60% of each of sections 812, 814. Length 834 of fence posts 32-35 may be selected to maintain rails 38, 39 at a height sufficient to prevent a worker from falling from work platform 10. For example, length 834 may be approximately 2.5 times height 840 of frame 12, e.g., approximately 90 cm.The horizontal side members 50, 51, 60, 61 and cross member 80 may be approximately 5 cm wide and approximately 2.5 cm thick (e.g., 5 cm x 2.5 cm metal tubing). Cross members 81-84, vertical posts 90-94, and horizontal members 81-84 may be approximately 2 cm x approximately 2 cm (or other shapes / dimensions, such as approximately 2.5 cm x approximately 2.5 cm). The lower sections 122, 128 of support arms 16, 17 may each have a length 822 of approximately 90 cm and may be constructed, for example, of circular cross-section tubing with an outer diameter of approximately 2.6 cm and an inner diameter of approximately 2.4 cm. The upper sections 120, 126 may each have a length 820 of approximately 90 cm (part of upper section 120 is positioned above lower section 122 in FIG. 8). The upper sections 120, 126 and the lower sections 122, 128 are configured so that the upper sections 120, 126 can slide within the lower sections 122, 128. For example, the upper sections 120, 126 can be configured to have a circular cross-section with an outer diameter of approximately 2.4 cm. The length of the tensioning arms 18, 19 can be set sufficiently to allow the support arms 16, 17 to be fully extended without tensioning the tensioning arms 18, 19. For example, the length of the tensioning arms 18, 19 can be between approximately 100% and approximately 110% of the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle having one orthogonal side equal to the distance from the fixed point 164 to the support arm 16 and another orthogonal side equal to the distance from the top of the frame 12 to the crossbar 22 when the support arms 16, 17 are fully extended. In this case, the length of the tensioning arms 18, 19 can be approximately 170 cm. The absolute and relative dimensions presented herein are merely exemplary and the workbench 10 can be used with other absolute and / or relative dimensions, for example, different window opening widths and / or heights and / or wall thicknesses.

[0043] 9 and further with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a work surface (such as work surface 10) can include a spacer 900 and a crossbar 950, although the spacer 900 and crossbar 950 can be separable from the rest of the work surface. The spacer 900 includes a frame 910 and a cushion 920. The frame 910 can be positioned around a window opening and sized and shaped to allow a user to pass through the opening 930 provided by the spacer 900, e.g., to reach the platform. For example, the frame 910 can have a length 912 of approximately 240 cm, an outer width 914 of approximately 90 cm, and an inner width 916 of approximately 80 cm (slightly larger than the width 100) to allow the frame 12 to pass through the spacer 900. The frame 910 is configured to transmit force from the crossbar 950 to the wall on which the spacer 900 is disposed. For example, the frame 910 can be made of a rigid material such as steel (e.g., steel tubing). The frame 910 can be a single, integral member, or multiple members rigidly connected (e.g., welded) into a single piece. The cushion 920 is configured to contact the wall to prevent damage to the wall when the spacer 900 is pressed against the wall. The cushion 920 can be made of a resilient, flexible material such as rubber, foam rubber, carpet, etc. A crossbar 950 can be used in place of the crossbar 22. The crossbar 950 has a width 952 greater than the outer width 914 of the frame 910 and flanges 961, 962 located at both ends of the crossbar 960 extending from a cross member 960 in the crossbar 950. An inner width 964 between flanges 961, 962 is slightly larger than an outer width 914 of frame 910, which allows crossbar 950 to receive frame 910 and slide along the length of frame 910 while preventing lateral movement of crossbar 950 relative to frame 910 (i.e., movement across length 912 of frame 910). Flanges 961, 962 extend from crossmember 960 by less than thickness 918 (e.g., about 3 cm) of spacer 900, and in some cases less than thickness 919 of frame 910.The crossbar 950 may include receiving tubes 971 , 972 sized and shaped to receive the support arms 16 , 17 and (loosely) couple the support arms 16 , 17 to the crossbar 950 .

[0044] 10 , the spacer 900 can be positioned between the wall 42 and a crossbar 950 of the workbench 1000, with the cushion 920 abutting the wall 42 and the spacer 900 positioned adjacent to the window opening 40. The spacer 900 can be positioned on the floor 1030 adjacent to the window opening 40. For ease of illustration, the wall 42 is not shown in cross section. The workbench 1000 is similar to the workbench 10, except that the crossbar 22 is replaced by a crossbar 950, and tension arms 18, 19 are connected to the support arms 16, 17. The support arms 16, 17 are received in a receiving tube 971. The tension arms 18, 19 are connected to the support arms 16, 17, and with the support arms 16, 17 received in the receiving tubes 971, 972, the crossbar 950 can be pulled toward the anchor points 164, 165. When the outer wall pad 26 is placed against the wall 42, the inner wall pad 28 is pressed against the wall 42 by the clamp rods 30, 31 (pressed against the vertical posts 90, 91), and the spacer 900 is pressed against the wall 42 by the tension arms 18, 19, which pull on the support arms 16, 17 and thus the crossbar 950, various forces are generated. Force 1021, shown by a single arrow, represents the force exerted by the wall 42 across the inner wall pad 28 where the wall 42 contacts the inner wall pad 28. Similarly, other forces are shown by single arrows for simplicity of illustration, but each force is provided over an area and may vary in magnitude over the area. The wall 42 may be configured to exert force 1022 to push the outer wall pad 26 (laterally) and force 1023 to push the sill spacer 24 (upward). Wall 42 exerts a force 1024 to push (laterally) spacer 900. Although only three arrows are shown for force 1024 (one at the top of spacer 900, one at the bottom of spacer 900, and one between the top and bottom of spacer 900), wall 42 can push against spacer 900. For example, force 1024 may not be evenly distributed (e.g., greater near crossbar 950) wherever wall 42 contacts spacer 900. Spacer 900 exerts a force 1025 to push against crossbar 950.

[0045] The forces generated by the work platform 1000 and the forces generated by the wall above the work platform 1000 help stabilize the work platform 1000 against the wall. Forces 1021-1025 act in concert to resist movement of the work platform 1000 (e.g., lateral, vertical, and / or rotational movement). The work platform 1000 generates an equal and opposite force against the wall 42. Forces 1021-1023 are generated by the work platform 1000 attached to the wall 42, which generates a force similar to force 1025 against the crossbar 22 (not shown in FIG. 2). The work platform 1000 provides a means for generating a force against the wall 42 that resists movement of the work platform 1000 relative to the wall 42. For example, the interior wall pad 28 and clamp rods 30, 31, in combination with the frame 12, provide a means for generating a force against the interior surface of the wall 42 below the window opening 40, e.g., a force opposite to force 1021. As another example, outer wall pad 26 provides a means for generating a force, e.g., a force opposite to force 1022, against the outer surface of frame 12 (and possibly wall 42 below window opening 40). As another example, support arms 16, 17, crossbar 22 or crossbar 950, and tension arms 18, 19, in combination with frame 12, provide a means for generating an inward force, e.g., a force opposite to force 1025, against the inner surface of wall 42 above the bottom (above the window sill) of window opening 40. Outer wall pad 26 and inner wall pad 28 form a clamp and therefore a means for clamping work platform 1000 to wall 42. Force 1024 can counteract force 1026 generated by the weight of user 1040 standing on platform 14, and can be configured to generate, for example, a rotational force acting against work platform 1000.

[0046] The interior wall pad 28 can be sized to contact a spacer, e.g., spacer 900, and thus to contact the wall 42 indirectly rather than directly. For example, the width 27 (FIG. 1) of the interior wall pad 28 can be wider than the width 100 (FIG. 4) of the frame 12, wider than the interior spacer width, e.g., wider than the interior width 916 of the frame 12. The interior wall pad 28 can be pressed against the spacer 900 (as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 10), generating a force 1021 that helps prevent damage to the wall 42.

[0047] Referring also to FIG. 11 , spacer configurations other than that of spacer 900 can be used. For example, a spacer with adjustable length and / or width can be used. As shown in FIG. 11 , the adjustable-length spacer 1100 includes an upper frame member 1110 and a lower frame member 1120. The frame members 1110 and 1120 can be attached to cushion portions 1112 and 1122, respectively. Various configurations can be used to adjust the length of the spacer. In this example, the arms 1141 and 1142 of the upper frame member 1110 and the arms 1151 and 1152 of the lower frame member 1120 are configured (sized and shaped) so that the arms 1141 and 1142 of the upper frame member 1110 are received by the arms 1151 and 1152 of the lower frame member 1120. The upper and lower frame members 1110 and 1120 define openings 1114 and 1124, respectively. The arms 1141, 1142, 1151, 1152 can slide relative to one another (with their respective openings 1114, 1124 aligned), allowing the desired length of the spacer 1100 to be selected from a plurality of desired lengths that can be determined based on the combination of the openings 1114 and 1124. The pin 1130, in conjunction with the openings 1114, 1124, is sized and shaped to be slidably received therein, thereby securing the spacer 1100 at a desired length. Once the spacer 1100 is at the desired length, the pin 1130 can be inserted through the aligned combination of the openings 1114, 1124 to maintain the length of the spacer 1100. The number and arrangement of the openings 1114, 1124 are merely illustrative and do not limit the present disclosure. More or fewer openings than those shown can be used. For example, a single opening can be formed in each arm of a frame member. As another example, the openings in one member's arm can be evenly spaced from one another, while the openings in the other member's arm can be unevenly spaced from one another (provided they are in similar positions on each arm of the same frame member). This can be useful for spacers 1100 of different lengths.

[0048] Still other configurations may be employed. [Other points to note]

[0049] The techniques and descriptions above are merely illustrative and not exhaustive, and configurations other than those described may be used.

[0050] As used herein, "or" in a list of items beginning with "at least one of" or "one or more of" is a disjunctive list, as follows: For example, a list with "at least one of A, B, or C" or a list with "one or more of A, B, or C" means "A or B or C," "AB or AC or BC," "ABC (=A and B and C)," or a combination of multiple features (AA, AAB, ABBC, etc.).

[0051] As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, "an arm" may mean one arm or multiple arms. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprises," "including," and / or "comprises" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0052] The systems and devices described above are merely illustrative. In various configurations, various procedures or components may be omitted, substituted, or added as desired. For example, features described with respect to a particular configuration may be combined in various other configurations. Features from different configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Furthermore, technology evolves, and therefore many components are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of this disclosure or the claims.

[0053] Specific details are described herein to facilitate a thorough understanding of example configurations (including embodiments). However, configurations may be practiced without these specific details. This specification presents example configurations only and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configurations of the claims. Rather, the foregoing description of the configurations provides an explanation for implementing the described technology. Various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Different aspects and elements of the configurations can be combined in a similar manner. Furthermore, because technology evolves, many of the elements are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

[0054] In this specification, specific details are provided in the description to facilitate a thorough understanding of example configurations (including embodiments). However, the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. The foregoing description is intended solely to exemplify the configuration of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the foregoing description of the configuration is merely an explanation for implementing the disclosed technology. It will be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A wall-mounted workbench comprising: a frame configured to be inserted through a window opening in a wall, the frame comprising: a first horizontal side member; a first cross member connected to each of the first horizontal side members adjacent each distal end of the first horizontal side members; and a second horizontal side member connected to the first horizontal side member; and wherein the wall-mounted workbench further comprises: a platform connected to said second horizontal side member; a plurality of support arms each having a proximal end connected adjacent to the proximal end of said frame, each extending vertically upward from said frame and each flexible to bend along its length; a tension arm connected to each of the second horizontal side members; and adjustment means connected to the plurality of support arms or the tensioning arms, or both, for generating tension in the tensioning arms to move upper wall braces connected to the plurality of support arms extending from the frame closer to the platform; A wall-mounted workbench equipped with:

2. 2. A wall-mounted workbench according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of support arms are configured so that the length of each of the plurality of support arms can be adjusted, and the adjustment means forcibly increases the length of each of the plurality of support arms.

3. 2. A wall-mounted workbench according to claim 1, wherein the tension arm is configured to be able to adjust the effective length of each of the plurality of support arms, and the adjustment means forcibly reduces the effective length of each tension arm.

4. 2. A wall-mounted workbench according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means forcibly bends the plurality of support arms away from the platform to bring the upper wall brace of the wall-mounted workbench into direct or indirect contact with the wall.

5. 10. The wall-mounted workbench of claim 1, further comprising a rigid brace coupled to each of the plurality of support arms.

6. 6. A wall-mounted work platform according to claim 5, wherein the first cross members connected to each of the first horizontal side members define a frame width, and the rigid brace has a brace length that extends horizontally beyond the frame width.

7. 6. A wall-mounted workbench according to claim 5, wherein the rigid brace comprises a plurality of tubes configured to receive the plurality of support arms.

8. 6. A wall-mounted workbench according to claim 5, wherein the tension arm is connected to the rigid brace or a corresponding support arm.

9. 2. A wall-mounted workbench according to claim 1, wherein a proximal end of each of the second horizontal side members is connected to a distal end of a corresponding one of the first horizontal side members, and the tension arm is connected to the corresponding one of the second horizontal side members at a location adjacent to the distal end of the corresponding one of the second horizontal side members.

10. 2. A wall-mounted workbench according to claim 1, further comprising a fastening means connected adjacent to a proximal end of the first horizontal side member, the fastening means fastening the wall-mounted workbench to the wall by at least partially moving in a first direction, the first direction being parallel to a second direction connecting the proximal end of a particular first horizontal side member and the distal end of the particular first horizontal side member.

11. 2. The wall-mounted workbench of claim 1, further comprising a spacer attached to the bottom surface of each of the first horizontal side members.

12. 2. The wall-mounted workbench of claim 1, comprising: a vertical post having a first end connected to the distal end of the first horizontal side member and extending downwardly from the first horizontal side member to the distal end of the vertical post; and an exterior wall contacting member attached to the vertical post and configured to contact an exterior side of the wall; A wall-mounted workbench further comprising:

13. 13. The wall-mounted workbench of claim 12, wherein the second horizontal side member comprises an upper pair of horizontal side members and a lower pair of horizontal side members, the upper pair of horizontal side members attached to distal ends of the first horizontal side member, the lower pair of horizontal side members attached to distal ends of the vertical posts, and the platform attached to the lower pair of horizontal side members and positioned to span a gap therebetween.

14. 2. The wall-mounted workbench of claim 1, further comprising a spacer frame including a plurality of vertical spacer members and a plurality of horizontal spacer members respectively connected to the plurality of vertical spacer members; A wall-mounted workbench, wherein the vertical spacer members are spaced apart from one another by a distance greater than the frame width defined by the first horizontal side member.

15. A wall-mounted workbench, a frame, the frame comprising: a plurality of horizontal side members; a first cross member connected to each of the plurality of horizontal side members at a location displaced from each distal end of the plurality of horizontal side members and each proximal end of the plurality of horizontal side members; a second cross member connected proximate to each distal end of the plurality of horizontal side members; a platform support connected to the plurality of horizontal side members by a plurality of vertical frame members; and a plurality of frame posts respectively connected to the plurality of horizontal side members and extending downwardly therefrom; and wherein the wall-mounted workbench further comprises: a platform connected to said platform support; a plurality of fence posts connected to said frame and extending vertically upward from said frame; a plurality of length-adjustable support arms each having a proximal end connected to a respective proximal end of the plurality of horizontal side members, each support arm extending vertically upward from a corresponding one of the horizontal side members; an upper wall brace coupled to each support arm, each support arm being adjustable in length; a plurality of tension arms each connected to a corresponding one of the horizontal side members and connected to the upper wall brace; and a bottom wall brace movably connected to the plurality of frame posts for horizontal movement relative to the plurality of frame posts; Equipped with A wall-mounted workbench, wherein each of the length-adjustable support arms is configured to bend as its length increases due to tension applied by the plurality of tension arms.

16. 16. A wall-mounted workbench according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of tension arms comprise flexible cables.

17. 16. A wall-mounted workbench according to claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of adjustable-length support arms includes a respective ratchet mechanism configured to extend the corresponding adjustable-length support arm.

18. 16. A wall-mounted work platform according to claim 15, wherein the fence posts are disposed between the horizontal side members and between the first cross member and the second cross member.

19. 16. The wall-mounted workbench of claim 15, further comprising a spacer, wherein the upper wall brace and the spacer are configured such that the upper wall brace slidably receives the spacer, such that the upper wall brace slides along the length of the spacer and has a limited range of movement relative to the spacer in a direction transverse to the length of the spacer.

20. 16. The wall-mounted workbench of claim 15, further comprising a spacer frame including a plurality of vertical spacer members and a plurality of horizontal spacer members respectively connected to the plurality of vertical spacer members; A wall-mounted workbench, wherein the vertical spacer members are spaced apart from one another by a distance greater than the frame width defined by the horizontal side members.

21. 21. A method for installing a wall-mounted workbench according to any one of claims 1 to 20, comprising: forming an opening in the wall for passing said wall-mounted workbench; passing a portion of the frame of the wall-mounted workbench through the opening; stabilizing a frame against a wall defining the opening; and A method of installation comprising the step of: bringing the upper wall brace of the wall-mounted work platform into direct or indirect contact with a wall.

Images