PRIOR ART The building industry employs a variety of tools and equipment to enable efficient performance of building functions. Having an appropriate and efficient tool for a particular job saves labor and thus building costs. Although there are a wide variety of tools and equipment for a trades person to choose from, not all building and trades functions are aided with appropriate tools and equipment.

There are many instances in the building industry where inconvenience is experienced by trades persons who must perform building functions in awkward places and on uneven surfaces. One example of this is in roof installations where trades persons must work above the ground in precarious positions. Roof trades persons (roofers) must as part of their activities perform cutting functions such as cutting tiles to fit gulleys and roof hips.

Since cutting in situ is most awkward and potentially dangerous roofers traditionally have for the most part performed cutting on the ground. This adds significantly to the time taken to install a roof and also to the ultimate cost of a roof. Typically a roofer will mark

a tile where it is to be cut then descend from the roof to the ground to perform the cutting function. When the tile is cut the roofer ascends to install the cut tile and mark the next tile to be cut. It can be seen that this process is inefficient, labor intensive, time consuming and expensive. At present there are no satisfactory means available to enable a trades person to perform tasks such as cutting on uneven or sloped surfaces. This is particularly so in the case of roof surfaces. Job economics may be improved if means were provided to allow trades persons to perform tasks in otherwise unfavorable and unsafe circumstances and environments. ln some cases, when workers begin a job, in order to have a suitable working bench to set up the bench saw or the like, the workers usually build a temporary working bench by boards connected by nails or staples at a location where the job is to be proceeded. The working bench of this type is very simple and it will be disassembled and discarded after the job is over. Generally, the working bench is cumbersome to move to another place where another job is proceeded. That is part of the reason that the workers discard the temporary working bench and build a new working bench. Every time the workers build a new working bench, they may have to prepare a lot of platform boards and carry the boards to the place where the job is to be proceeded.

There are in existence some foldable work benches. One such bench comprises two foldable side frames with a top deck and a second deck connected between the two side frames. The top deck has a drawer unit connected to a bottom thereof. A roof unit is removably connected to the two side frames so that the working bench can be used outside. The working bench described above is convenient for the users and easily to be carried and transported so that the users do not need to build new working benches for each new job. Another known foldable working bench is provided and comprises two side frames each having two posts and a collapsible device connected between the two

posts. One of the two posts of each side frame has a flange extending therefrom and a support member is connected between the two flanges of the two side frames. A board is fixedly connected between two respective posts on the same side of the two side frames, and a lower deck is pivotally connected to a lower side of the first board. An upper deck is pivotally and movably connected between two respective post on the same side of the two side frames so that the upper deck is movably supported on the four posts of the two side frames. The main object of that bench is to provide a working bench which is folded to become a compact size so as to be conveniently carried.

United States Patent 6, 182, 724 discloses a foldable working bench which includes two side frames each including two posts and a collapsible device connected between the two posts.

An upper deck is connected on the top of the two side frames and a lower deck is connected between the two side frames and located below the upper deck. The upper deck is able to be slid to the same side of the two side frames when the two side frames are collapsed. A board is fixedly connected to the other side of the two side frames and the lower deck is pivotally connected to the board when the two side frames are collapsed. A roof unit is removably connected to the top of the two side frames.

None of the aforesaid devices teach an arrangement which allows the bench to accommodate by adjustment of leg assemblies uneven or sloped surfaces.

The installation of roofing can be quite arduous, hazardous and a time-consuming operation. Roofers must work on steep surfaces, bending or kneeling to cut, position then hammer down, screw or staple roof components such as gulleys and hip cappings.

Roofers are often paid as a function of the total area they cover or the number of tiles or shingle packs they use in a workday. Accordingly, they must strive to work in an efficient, yet rapid manner.

When installing clay or fibered cement tiles rather than shingles, the roofer is confronted

with unique tile-cutting difficulties due to the weight, thickness, and undulated shape or other unique mechanical characteristic of the tile. Tiles must often be cut to fit row ends, valleys and hips with an electric saw above the roof surface in very precarious positions.

Roofers are often called upon to install skylights, dormers, awnings, gutters, fascia boards, sidings, shiplaps and other structures that require a multiplicity of special tools.

Much of the cutting work must be performed on the ground which necessitates to roofer mounting the roof marking tiles for a cut location then mounting the roof for cutting on or near the ground. The prior art does not offers little if any options for a roofer other than mounting a roof to mark for cutting, descending the roof to make the cut followed by ascending the roof again to install the roofing element such as a tile.

Tool and implement weights, sizes and general unwieldiness can be a real hindrance which too often complicates rather than alleviates the tasks of the tradesman operating on a slanted roof top. There is a need for a simple, yet practical set of devices which would cooperate when combined in different arrangements to assist the roofer in the numerous aspects of a roofing operation.

United States Patent 6,546, 978 discloses a two-part portable table saw stand system. The first part is a large folding table. The table can be folded relatively flat for storage or hauling.

Once opened, it forms a large work surface. At one end of the table is a lower shelf. This shelf holds a portable table saw so that the table of the saw is flush with the top of the folding table. This allows wood to flow across the surfaces without binding. The second part of the system is a table saw carrier. The carrier is designed to hold the table saw. It has two wheels at one end and handles at the other. The saw is fastened to the carrier so that it can be wheeled from a truck to the job site or vice versa. The lower shelf of the folding table has a special bracket system that receives the table saw carrier. The system has two parts. The first is a large folding table. The table can be folded relatively flat for storage or hauling. Once

opened, it forms a large work surface. At one end of the table is a lower shelf. This shelf holds the saw so that the table of the saw is flush with the top of the folding table. This allows wood to flow across the surfaces without binding. The second part of the system is a table saw carrier. The carrier is designed to hold the table saw and is set up like a dolly. It has two wheels at one end and handles at the other. The saw is fastened to the carrier so that it can be wheeled from a truck to the job site or vice versa. The lower shelf of the folding table has a special bracket system that receives the table saw carrier. The bracket system is adjustable so that virtually any small table saw can be set up on the table. Once the saw is adjusted, the brackets can be left in place so that the user can place the saw in the brackets and they are always aligned. An object of that invention was to produce a folding table saw stand that is easily transportable. None of the aforesaid bench arrangements teach a portable work bench which is adjustable to accommodate a variety of surface such as but not limited to rooves.

INVENTION The present invention seeks to provide a work implement which enables a trades person to perform functions such as but not limited to cutting in difficult locations, on uneven and/or sloped surfaces. The present invention further provides a work platform capable of adjustment to accommodate sloped and/or uneven surfaces and particularly elevated sloped surfaces such as a roof.

In one broad form the present invention comprises: a work platform comprising; a working surface on which a work may be performed, support means for the working surface which allows the work platform to be set so that when the support means engages an uneven and/or sloped surface, the working surface is maintained in a generally horizontal attitude.

According to a preferred embodiment, the support means comprises at least one adjustable leg. In an alternative embodiment the support means comprises at least two legs at opposite ends of the work platform and which are vertically and horizontally adjustable.

In another broad form the present invention comprises: a work platform including a working surface on which a work may be performed ; adjustable support means including an adjustment member which allows selective adjustment of the work platform such that when the support means engages a sloped or uneven surface the working surface is maintained in a substantially horizontal attitude.

According to a preferred embodiment there is provided a portable work platform including a working surface on which work may be performed. The work platform further includes adjustable legs which allow the platform to be set on a sloped or uneven surface but maintaining the working surface in a substantial horizontal attitude.

According to a preferred embodiment the adjustable legs comprise telescopic members which allow each leg to be adjusted to accommodate a distance between a ground or other support surface and the work surface. In this way separate legs may be adjusted at different heights so as to ensure the work surface remains substantially horizontal irrespective of the ground terrain state or slope. According to one embodiment there are two legs each having a ground engaging foot which engages a ground or like support surface (such as a roof). Part of the leg may be adjusted relative to another part so that the length of the legs may vary between predetermined minimum and maximum lengths. Each leg therefore may be set at a different level so that different ground or support elevations may be accommodated. In the case of a roof slop the legs can be conveniently height or angle adjusted to accommodate the roof slope. In an alternative embodiment the work platform may be set so that is can lie over a roof apex so that each

leg is at the same height on either side of the apex.

In another broad form the present invention comprises : a collapsible working bench comprising : a work platform, two side frames each having at least one post; wherein each said at least one posts is adjustable so that feet on each side frame may be set at the same or different levels to accommodate uneven ground or sloped surfaces. hi another broad for the present invention comprises: a work platform assembly capable of use on a sloping surface such as a roof ; wherein the assembly includes means supporting a work surface which may be mutually adjusted to ensure that the work surface is kept horizontal irrespective of the slope of the surface that the work assembly is mounted on.

In its broadest form the present invention comprises; a work stand comprising ; a working surface; adjustable support means which allows the work stand to be set so that when the support means engages an uneven and/or sloped surface, the support means may be adjusted to allow the working surface to be maintained in a generally horizontal attitude.

According to a preferred embodiment the support means allows adjustment of at least one support member to accommodate sloped and/or uneven support surfaces.

According to one embodiment, the support means comprises at least one adjustable leg and preferably at least two legs at opposite ends of the work stand and which are vertically, radially. and/or horizontally adjustable. The at least one adjustable legs comprise telescopic members which allow movement of each leg between a retracted state and an extended state in which the legs accommodate a sloped surface. Adjustment of each leg allows each leg to be adjusted to accommodate a distance between a ground or other support surface and the work surface. Preferably each leg is adjustable

independently of the other leg to different heights so as to ensure the work surface remains horizontal irrespective of the terrain or slope of the surface on which the stand is placed. Preferably, each leg may be adjusted relative to another part so that the length of the legs may vary between predetermined minimum and maximum lengths.

Preferably, each leg has a ground engaging foot which engages the surface on which the stand is placed. The uneven or sloped surface on which the stand is placed comprises a roof of a structure; wherein, the legs can be height or angle adjusted to accommodate a roof slope. The work stand may be set so that it can lie over a roof apex so that each leg is at the same height on either side of the apex.

In another broad form the present invention comprises : A work platform including a working surface on which a work may be performed ; adjustable support means including an adjustment member which allows selective adjustment of the work platform such that when the support means engages a sloped or uneven surface the working surface is maintained in a substantially horizontal attitude by said adjustment to said support means. The work platform includes adjustable legs which allow the platform to be set on a sloped or uneven surface but maintaining the working surface in a horizontal attitude. Preferably, the adjustable legs comprise two side frames each having at least one support post; wherein each said at least one posts is adjustable so that feet on each side frame may be set at different levels to accommodate uneven or sloped surfaces.

In another broad form the present invention comprises; a work stand including a working surface on which a work may be performed ; the stand comprising; adjustable support legs at either end of the stand each including an adjustable member which allows selective height adjustment of one or both ends of the work platform such

that when the support means engages a sloped or uneven surface the working surface is maintained in a substantially horizontal attitude by said adjustment of said adjustable members.

In another broad form of a method aspect the present invention comprises; A method of providing a working surface on a sloping or uneven surface the method comprising the steps of; a) providing a work stand comprising ; a work surface on which a work may be performed, b) providing adjustable support means having at least one support member for the work stand; c) adjusting said at least one support member; c) allowing the work stand to be set so that when the support member engages an uneven and/or sloped surface, the working surface is maintained in a generally horizontal attitude. The method comprises the further step of the further step of setting at least two legs at opposite ends of the work stand by telescopic adjustment to allow movement of each leg between a retracted state and an extended state.

In another broad form the present invention comprises: a roof mountable work platform including a working surface on which a work may be performed; at least one adjustable support leg including an adjustment member which allows selective adjustment of the work platform such that when the support means engages a sloped or uneven roof surface, the working surface is maintained in a substantially horizontal attitude by said adjustment to said support means irrespective of the roof slope.

According to one embodiment, the work platform further comprises means to enable attachment of scaffold to said work platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention will now be described according to preferred but non limiting embodiments and with reference to the accompanying illustrations wherein: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a work platform according to one embodiment ; Figure 2 shows a side elevation of the work platform of figure 1 with exploded leg members Figure 3 shows a side elevation view of the work platform of figure 1 relative to schematic roof slopes with adjustments effected to its legs.

Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the legs according to one embodiment.

Figure 5 shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 shows a side elevation view of the platform of figure 5 with corresponding numbering.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of a work platform according to an alternative embodiment Figure 8 shows a side elevation of the work platform of figure 7.

Figure 9 shows an end elevation of the platform of figure 7.

Figure 10 shows a side elevation of the platform of figure 7 set on a 28 degree slope.

Figure 11 shows a side elevation of the platform of figure 7 set on a 35 degree slope.

Figure 12 shows an elevation of an assembly in which there are two work platforms adapted with scaffolding.

Figure 13 shows a side elevation of the arrangement of figure 12.

Referring to figure 1 there is shown a plan view of a work platform 1 according to one embodiment. Work platform 1 comprises a work surface 2 which is a generally planar table top. Work platform 1 is supported by leg assemblies 3 and 6. Each leg assembly 3 and 6 is adapted to allow adjustment in an angular and also in a vertical direction. Leg

assembly 3 includes a ground engaging foot 4 and an extension member 5connected to foot 4. Extension member 5 allows attitude adjustment of the work platform 1 by angular or vertical movement.

Leg assembly 6 includes a ground engaging foot 7 connected to extension member 8.

Extension member 8 allows vertical adjustment of the work platform 1.

Figure 2 shows a side elevation of the work platform of figure 1 with exploded extension members 5 and 10 and with corresponding numbering. Work platform 1 comprises a work surface 2 which is a generally planar table top. Work platform 1 is supported by leg assemblies 3 and 6. Each leg assembly 3 and 6 is adapted to allow adjustment in an angular and also in a vertical direction as shown by arrows 11 and 12 respectively. Leg assembly 3 includes a ground engaging foot 4 and an extension member 5. Extension member 5 allows adjustment of the work platform 1 by angular or vertical movement relative to member 9. Leg assembly 6 includes a ground engaging foot 7 and an extension member 10. Extension member 10 allows vertical adjustment of the work platform 1 by movement of extension member 10 relative to sleeve member 8.

Extension of leg assembly 3 is effected by relative movement of extension 5 relative to sleeve member 9.

As may be seem from figures 1-3, work platform 1 may be adapted with anchorages 20 which allow for harnessing of the work platform to a fixed structure for safety. Work platform 1 is a free standing structure and in the circumstance where it is used in an elevated location the stand may require security against slipping from a roof. This is a supplement to engagement of feet 4 or 7 with a roof component such as a batten or the like. Legs 4 or 7 in one embodiment are robust enough to sustain the load of a human who may require support from the feet particularly where a roof is in a skeletal state providing little bearing areas. According to one embodiment each of the feet used to support work

platform 1 are adapted with rubber pads which increase friction grip and therefore reduce the likelihood of slipping. Feet 4 and/or 7 may also be adapted with holes for temporary fixation of the Figure 3 shows a side elevation view of the work platform of figures 1 and 2 with an adjustment effected to one leg. Referring to figure 3 it can be seen that leg assembly 6 has been adjusted so that not only has extension member 10 been fully retracted inside sleeve member 8, leg assembly 6 has been displaced away from a ground engaging position. As indicated with reference to figure 2 not only can there be vertical adjustment of leg assemblies 3 and 6 in the direction of arrows 12, there can also be rotational adjustment of those leg assemblies in the direction of arrow 12. The configuration of figure 3 would be appropriate in the case of a sloping surface such as a roof which foot 7 engages an upper reach of the sloped surface and foot 4 engages a lower region.

To enable this arrangement leg assembly 3 has been adapted so that extension member 5 is fully extended from sleeve 9. So it is clear that the platform can be adjusted over approximately the full height of the platform.

Figure 3 shows lines of slope which simulate roof slopes. slopes superimposed.

Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of an adjustment mechanism 30 for adjusting the legs according to one embodiment. Mechanism 30 includes a bolt 31 and wing nut 32 which mutually engage to enable selective adjustment of leg assemblies 3 and 6. The arrangement described above is merely one embodiment of the invention. Other forms of leg assemblies may be employed as for alternative form of leg assembly adjustment. For instance the work platform may be adapted with four ground engaging legs rather than two assemblies with a wide foot. The objectives of the invention may be achieved with vertical and rotational adjustments to accommodate slopes or uneven ground surfaces.

The work platform as well as being adaptable for use on roofs is also suitable for use on stairs where treads are disposed at different elevations. Of course, the work platform may also be set on level ground. The work platform may also be a shape other than square or rectangular. For instance, where the platform is triangular three legs may be employed.

Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. Shown in figure 5 is a work platform 35 having a work surface 36 supported by legs 37 and 38. Leg 38 includes foot 39. Fastening assembly 40 which will typically be a wing nut, allows relative adjustment of leg element 41 relative to leg element 42. Fastening assembly 40 allows selective adjustment of the extension of leg element 41 via openings 43 (see figure 6).

Figure 6 shows a side elevation view of the platform of figure 1 with corresponding numbering.

Referring to figure 7 there is shown a plan view of a work platform 50 according to one embodiment. Work platform 50 comprises a work surface 51 which is a generally planar table top surface. Work platform 50 is supported by leg assemblies 52 and 53.

Each leg assembly 52 and 53 may typically be adapted to allow adjustment in an angular and also in a vertical direction but in the embodiment shown leg 52 is selected for angular adjustment. Referring to figure 8 leg assembly 52 includes a ground engaging foot 54 and an extension member 55 connected to foot 54. Extension member 55 allows attitude adjustment of the work platform 50 by rotational and telescopic movement of leg assembly 52. Extension assembly 58 which may be a ratchet assembly or an equivalent allows incremental vertical adjustment of leg assembly 53. Leg assembly 53 includes a leg 56 and ground engaging foot 57. Extension assembly 58 allows vertical adjustment of leg 56 relative to the work platform 50.

Figure9 shows an end elevation of the work platform of figure 9 with corresponding numbering. Figure 10 shows with corresponding numbering a side

elevation of the platform of figure 8 set on a 28 degree slope. Referring to figure 10 leg assembly 52 shows a ground engaging foot 54 located on surface 59 at an angle and level which maintains platform 50 in a horizontal attitude and an extension member 55 connected to foot 54. Extension member 55 allows telescopic length adjustment of leg assembly 52 and at the same time leg assembly 52 may be rotationally adjusted.

Extension assembly 58 allows incremental vertical adjustment of leg 56 to accommodate upper reaches of slope 59.

Figure 11 shows with corresponding numbering a side elevation of the platform of figure 8 set on a 35 degree slope. Referring to figure 11 leg assembly 52 shows a ground engaging foot 54 located on surface 60 at an angle and level which maintains platform 50 in a horizontal attitude. On this steeper slope, extension member 55 allows telescopic length adjustment of the leg assembly 52 and at the same time leg assembly 52 may be rotationally adjusted to accommodate the steeper slope. Extension assembly 58 allows incremental vertical adjustment of leg 56 to accommodate upper reaches of slope 60.

A comparison of figures 10 and 11 demonstrates how platform 50 may be set for different ground slope or roof pitch angles.

Figure 12 shows an elevation of an assembly in which there are two work platforms adapted with scaffolding. Referring to figure 12 there is shown an assembly 61 which comprises work platforms 62 and 77 similar to those previously described. Platform 62 includes lower leg assembly 63 and upper leg assembly 64 which mutually support platform 65. Platform 63 includes lower leg assembly 66 and upper leg assembly 67 which mutually support platform 68. Attached to platform s 65 and 68 is a scaffold assembly 69 including transverse members 70, 71 and 72 supported by upright members 73 and 74. Figure 13 shows a side elevation of the arrangement of figure 13 wherein assembly 61 is disposed on a roof surface 75 of structure 76. Thus the work platform may provide support for scaffolding on a sloped surface and particularly on a sloped roof.

It will be recognized by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention as broadly described herein without departing from the overall spirit and scope of the invention.