Field of the Invention

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a workbench. It is envisaged for use by mechanics operating in a workshop, with a plurality of such workbenches located throughout the workshop. The invention has been devised for use in the mining industry, but is considered to have broader application.

Background to the Invention

[0002] In many industries, and particularly in mining, repair and

maintenance operations can have a significant impact on productivity.

'Downtime' for a single vehicle, for instance, can have an effective cost of some thousands of dollars per hour in lost production.

[0003] In light of this, it is important that repair and maintenance activities can be undertaken as quickly and efficiently as possible.

[0004] In a large scale operation, with numerous mechanics working on different repairs at the same time, there are frequently delays caused by the necessity for information to pass from one person to another, and for decisions to be taken. For instance, a supervisor may need to decide whether a particular part is to be repaired or replaced. In a busy

environment, it may take some time to locate the supervisor in order that the problem be presented. It may then be necessary to contact a separate 'stores' department to determine whether a replacement part is available. During this time, repair operations may be halted.

[0005] Other factors can cause inefficiency and delay in repair and maintenance operations. It is common for tools and parts to be mislaid, and for time to be spent in searching for such things. Even relatively simple tasks, such as the making of notes and the locating of appropriate tags, can cause delays where the necessary tools are not readily and easily available. [0006] It is also important to note that mechanics are often working in environments which are dusty and dirty. Use of electronic equipment can be problematic in such an environment.

[0007] The present invention was developed in response to these

considerations.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a workbench including a signalling means, whereby a worker can activate the signalling means in order to draw attention.

[0009] The signalling means may be arranged to communicate with a remote indicator, such that activation of the signalling means causes activation of the remote indicator. The remote indicator may, for instance, be in the office of a supervisor.

[0010] The communication may be by a wired communication. Alternatively, communication may be wireless, for instance by radio or by Wi-Fi.

[001 1 ] The signalling means may have only a single indication.

Alternatively, the signalling means may include several indications. These may be associated with different remote indicators.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a plurality of workbenches each having an associated signalling means, the plurality of signalling means all being arranged to communicate with a remote indicator.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a workbench mounted to a frame, the workbench including a display portion and a storage portion, each of the display portion and the storage portion being fixed to at least one support, the support including at least one conduit opening into both the display portion and the storage portion. [0014] Preferably, the support is fixed to the frame.

[0015] The workbench may include an air flow generator arranged to place at least one conduit under positive pressure. The air flow generator is preferably arranged to draw intake air through an air filter.

[0016] The storage portion may include a first portion which is in

communication with the conduit and hence is placed under positive pressure, and a second portion which is not in communication with the conduit and is not placed under positive pressure.

[0017] The display portion may include a first portion which is in

communication with the conduit and hence is placed under positive air pressure, and a second portion which is not in communication with the conduit and is not placed under positive air pressure.

[0018] The display portion may include a transparent viewing portion, such that a display device may be located within the display portion and maintained under positive air pressure while still be visible from outside the workbench.

[0019] The workbench may include a working surface. It is preferred that the working surface be coated with a relatively high-friction surface, such as rubber. It is also preferred that the working surface include a raised lip at an outer edge thereof.

[0020] The workbench may be mobile. Preferably, the workbench is arranged on wheels or castors to assist in mobility.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021 ] It will be convenient to further describe the invention with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention. Other embodiments are possible, and consequently the particularity of the following discussion is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention. In the drawings: [0022] Figure 1 is a front perspective of a workbench in accordance with the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a rear perspective of the workbench of Figure 1 ; [0024] Figure 3 is a side view of the workbench of Figure 1 ; and [0025] Figure 4 is a side cross-section of the workbench of Figure 1 . Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0026] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a workbench 10 mounted onto a frame 12. The frame 12 in the embodiment shown is formed from metal tubing, such as stainless steel tubing.

[0027] The workbench 10 has two principal parts: a storage portion 14 topped by a working surface 16, and a display portion 18.

[0028] The workbench 10 has two principal structural members, a first vertical support 20 and a second vertical support 22. The first and second vertical supports 20, 22 are both hollow, substantially rectangular in cross section, and located at a rear of the workbench 10. The first vertical support 20 is located near a first side 24 of the workbench 10, and the second vertical support 22 is located near a second side 26 of the workbench. The vertical supports 20, 22 are both mounted to the frame 12.

[0029] The storage portion 14 includes two portions: a first cupboard 28 on the first side 24 of the workbench, and a second cupboard 30 on the second side 26 of the workbench. Each of the first and second cupboards 28, 30 has a door 32 which is accessible from the front of the workbench 10.

Internally, each cupboard 28, 30 has a shelf 34.

[0030] The working surface 16 is coated with rubber in order to provide a non-slip surface. It is bordered at each side by a portion of the frame 12. At both front and rear edges the working surface 16 has a raised lip 36 to prevent tools or other items rolling off the working surface 16. [0031 ] The display portion 18 has two portions: a first portion 38 on the first side 24 which is sized to house a display unit such as a computer monitor 42, and a second portion 40 on the second side 26.

[0032] The first portion 38 is fronted by a transparent viewing portion, such as a hinged glass shield 44. The second portion 40 is fronted by a writing surface, such as a hinged white board 46.

[0033] The storage portion 14 and the display portion 18 are both mounted to the first and second vertical supports 20, 22. It will be appreciated that the first vertical support 20 locates at the rear of the first cupboard 28 and the first portion 38 of the display portion 18, and the second vertical support 22 locates at the rear of the second cupboard 30 and the second portion 40 of the display portion 18.

[0034] The first vertical support 20 includes two conduits 48 which extend between the first cupboard 28 and the first portion 38 of the display portion 18, opening into both areas. This allows cabling to be passed between the first cupboard 28 and the display portion 18, for connecting a computer terminal (not shown) located in the first cupboard 28 to the computer monitor 42.

[0035] The first vertical support 20 includes an air flow generator such as an air pump located within an air pump compartment 50. The air pump is arranged to draw air through an air filter (not shown), and then to provide that air through the conduits 48 into the first cupboard 28 and the first portion 38 of the display portion 18. Both the first cupboard 28 and the display portion 18 include exhaust vents 52 which allow air to flow to the outside.

[0036] The air pump acts to provide a positive air pressure within the first cupboard 28, the conduits 48 and the first portion 38 of the display portion 18. This mitigates against dust ingress into these parts of the workbench 10. [0037] The workbench has a signalling means in the form of a switch 54 located on the frame 12 along the first side 24. The switch is associated with two indicators: an indicator light 56 located atop the frame 12, and a remote indicator. In the embodiment shown a signal is sent to activate the remote indicator via a radio transmitter 58 located atop the frame 12.

[0038] In use, a mechanical workshop can be arranged with workbenches 10 at each workstation. When a particular task is to be done at a

workstation, the workbench can be prepared by laying out of necessary tools and parts on the working surface 18, and by the display of instructions or diagrams on the computer monitor 42.

[0039] During the maintenance procedure, notes can be recorded on the whiteboard 46.

[0040] If a problem arises which requires a supervisor's attention, the worker can press the switch 54. This sends a signal via the radio transmitter 58 to a receiving unit in the supervisor's office or work area, indicating which particular workbench 10 requires attention. In an alternative embodiment, the radio transmitter 58 may be replaced with a Wi-fi signal or similar, and the supervisor's receiving unit may be a mobile device such as a tablet computer.

[0041 ] Pressing the switch 54 also activates the indicator light 56, which allows the supervisor to quickly recognise which workbench 10 requires attention.

[0042] Other functions are envisaged as part of the present invention. The computer may be able to connect remotely to a database, such as a stores inventory, and parts may be located and/or ordered directly from the work bench 10. The computer may also be used for logging purposes, such as recording hours worked. [0043] Other features and modifications may be added to improve function. The embodiment of the drawings shows some such additional features, such as castors 60 which enable easy moving of the workbench 10, and side compartments 62 for holding white board markers, safety tags and the like.

[0044] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.