Field of the Invention

[0001] The field of the invention is collapsible or foldable workstations. Background

[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Workstation devices are useful tools that allow users to perform various functions, and store the tools used to perform those functions within a single unit. Although many compact workstation devices have been produced many are specialized, being directed to the performance of specific tasks or the use of specific tools. For example, United States Patent No. 8,517,067, to Barnhill, describes a folding workbench for use with a chainsaw. The device, however, provides little more than a movable cradle for securing a chainsaw and a slotted table for holding a work piece in position beneath the cradle. More general purpose devices have been proposed, but are also limited. For example, United States Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0238007, to Faller and Faller, provides a compact and portable work surface that incorporates storage features. The taught device, however, has only one position in which it is functional and offers no protection for the work surface when in use. Similarly, United States Patent Application No. 2011/0247530, to Coffman, describes a general purpose workstation that provides a multi-section work surface that includes a clamp for securing to an object (such as a vehicle) and includes stabilizing legs. While such a device offers multiple configurations, it lacks storage capability and offers no protection to the work surface or from activities taking place on the work surface. [0004] Thus there is still a need for a compact and stable workstation that can provide both storage capabilities and effective protection to the work surface and to the environment surrounding the work surface.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods in which a workstation system can provide (i) a multi-purpose table that can conveniently and securely collapse or fold into a compact area when not in use, and (ii) storage space for storing equipment. For example, a workstation system can comprise a housing having an internal cavity, and a table. The table can be rotationally coupled to the housing, and sized and dimensioned to be received within the internal cavity. For example, the table can be rotated about a horizontal axis into the internal cavity to store the table within the internal cavity. Thus, the workstation system can be conveniently collapsed or folded into a compact area when not in use.

[0006] In some embodiments, a locking mechanism can be used to secure the table within the internal cavity. Suitable locking mechanism can include a lever disposed on or near the table and a pin disposed on the housing. The pin can project from a slot on the housing and obstruct movement of the table, thereby preventing the table from exiting or projecting from the internal cavity. To remove or extend the table from the internal cavity, the lever can be rotated to push the pin within a slot or similar passage to release the table and allow it to extend from the internal cavity. Such a mechanism permits a table to be stored securely in an internal cavity of the housing without risk of the table unintentionally falling out or extending, for example when the doors of the workstation system are opened. Such a mechanism can reduce the force required by a user to release the table by using a lever to push a pin, for example, and thereby contribute to ease of use of the workstation.

[0007] A workstation system of the inventive concept can further include a door hinge configured to rotatably couple a door to the housing. Such a door hinge can include a first locking member having a plurality of proj ections (for example, teeth) configured to at least partially extend into or otherwise mate with a plurality of indentations (for example, grooves) on an opposing face of a second locking member. It is contemplated that the first locking member is coupled to a first hinge portion and the second locking member is coupled to a second hinge portion, where the first hinge portion is configured to rotate relative to the second hinge portion to align the at least one of a plurality of projections of the first locking member with at least one of the plurality of indentations of the second locking member. This alignment of the plurality of projections with the plurality of indentations can advantageously provide sufficient resistance to free rotation due to the weight of the door to secure the door in a fixed position while still permitting a user to rotate a door to a desired position or angle relative to the housing with reasonable effort. It should be appreciated that the plurality of projections can align with the plurality of indentations at multiple positions as the door is rotated relative to the housing, such that the door can have various fixed positions.

[0008] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a workstation system.

[0010] Figure 2 is a side view of the workstation system of Fig. 1.

[0011] Figure 3 is a front view of the workstation system of Fig. 1 with its doors open.

[0012] Figure 4 is a close up view of a door hinge of the workstation system of Fig. 1.

[0013] Figure 5 is close up view of the door hinge of Fig. 4 detached from the workstation system.

[0014] Figure 6 is a front view of the workstation system of Fig. 1 having the doors in a first fixed position.

[0015] Figure 7 is a front view of the workstation system of Fig. 1 having the doors in a second fixed position.

[0016] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a locking mechanism of the workstation system of Fig. 1.

[0017] Figure 9 is a front view of the workstation system of Fig. 1 with the table unfolded.

[0018] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of the table of Fig. 9.

[0019] Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of the table of Fig. 9.

[0020] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a leg locking mechanism of the table of Fig. 9.

[0021] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the leg locking mechanism of Fig. 12 in an unlocked configuration. [0022] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the leg locking mechanism of Fig. 12 in a locked configuration.

Detailed Description

[0023] Systems and devices of the inventive concept include a compact workstation, in which a housing encloses an internal cavity that houses a table or work surface. Once doors that are coupled to the housing are opened, the table or work surface can be extended or rotated outwards for use. Such doors can include a hinge mechanism that includes features that secure the door(s) at a number of fixed angles relative to the housing, while permitting a user to close or adjust the angle of such doors with relatively minor effort. Such a compact workstation can include a latching mechanism that secures the table or work surface in a storage position until extension or rotation for use is desired. A compact workstation of the inventive concept can also include accessory features such as shelves, drawers, cabinets, lighting, electrical outlets, extension cords, and/or a grid (for example a plurality of openings or grooves) for mounting tools. [0024] Systems and devices of the inventive concept provide a compact workstation that permits efficient storage of workspace components when not in use while incorporating features (such as doors having fixed open positions) that improve user safety while not compromising usability.

[0025] The following discussion provides example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. [0026] Also, as used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. [0027] The inventors have found that a workstation system can be produced that provides multiple functionality to a user, but collapses or folds to fit within a compact area when not in use. Such a workstation system can provides a multi-purpose table, storage space, and a grid or plurality of openings that can be used to couple a utility hook (e.g. to hang tools and other objects.) When not in use, the table can be stored within an internal cavity of the housing of the workstation system.

[0028] One should appreciate that the disclosed subject matter provides many advantageous technical effects including providing a multifunctional workstation system that can be collapsed or folded into a compact area. The workstation system can comprise a table that can be released from an internal cavity of a housing of the workstation. The table can be securely held within the internal cavity using a locking mechanism to thereby prevent unintentional release of the table from the internal cavity when the workstation system is bumped or moved. Once released, a leg locking mechanism can ensure that the leg of the table is maintained in a vertical or essentially vertical position, thereby allowing use of the table and preventing its unintentional collapse. Preferred locking mechanisms allow for the table to be released with minimal effort while helping to prevent unintentional release of the table.

[0029] A workstation of the inventive concept can include door hinges having locking members that provide various fixed positions for the doors at various angles relative to the housing. For example, a plurality of projections from a first locking member can mate with a plurality of indentations of a second locking member to hold the door in a fixed position by increasing rotational resistance. Preferably, a weight of the door keeps the locking member in the indentation when no force is applied to the door (i.e., at rest). Advantageously, each one of the doors can be maintained in various positions as desired by the user (e.g., to prevent the doors from closing while the table is in use, to shield the surrounding environment from harmful substances such as flying debris, sparks, welding arc flash, etc.) by fixing door positions at desired angles relative to the housing.

[0030] FIGs. 1 and 2 show an example of workstation system 100 of the inventive concept that includes a door 101, a handle 103, and a housing 105 that form a cabinet-like structure. Workstation system 100 can be free standing, or mounted to a wall or floor. Additionally, or alternatively, workstation system 100 can include a strap (e.g., wall mount strap, earthquake strap, etc.) that can be coupled onto an object (e.g., wall, floor, fastener, wall mount, etc.) to prevent workstation system 100 from falling over. For example, workstation system 100 can include a strap coupled to at least one of door 101 and housing 105 that is configured to secure and/or stabilize the workstation system relative to a wall mount, thereby preventing such a workstation system 100 from inadvertently tipping or falling. As shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, workstation system 100 can be a compact design suitable for storage, for example in a garage or storage shed. In some embodiments a workstation system 100 can include devices that facilitate transportation of the system, for example rollers, wheels, and or casters on a lower surface of housing 105 to allow workstation system 100 to be easily rolled.

[0031] Handle 103 can be used to open door 101 to access an internal cavity 107 of housing 105 as shown in FIG. 3. A work surface or table 109 can be disposed within internal cavity 107, in some embodiments along with a shelf 1 11 for storing items, to thereby provide the compact design of workstation system 100. It is contemplated that shelf 1 11 can be adjusted to higher and/or lower positions within internal cavity 107. Advantageously, items can be stored on the shelf when the table is in both a folded and unfolded position without requiring removal of the items, as the lowest point of the table surface remains at a same height above the shelf when the table is collapsed and in an unfolded or outwardly rotated position.

[0032] In some embodiments work surface or table 109 can be secured within internal cavity 107 using a locking mechanism 115. In this fashion accidental or unintentional release of table 109 from internal cavity 107 is prevented, which reduces the risk of injury in using workstation system 100. When a user desires to release table 109, the user can unlock locking mechanism 115 and manipulate table 109 using a handle 1 10. It is contemplated that table 109 is rotationally coupled to housing 105, such that table 109 rotates about a horizontal axis to store or release table 109 from within internal cavity 107.

[0033] Door 101 can include a feature that facilitates storage of tools and other items. For example, such a door can include a plurality of grooves 102 to form a gridwall that can receive a utility hook 104. Alternatively, such a door can include a pegboard or similar array of apertures suitable for engaging a utility hook or similar device. In this fashion additional tools can be stored within internal cavity 107 using one or more utility hook(s) 104. It is contemplated that plurality of grooves 102 can be disposed on an upper portion, lower portion or the entire inner surface of door 101. [0034] In some embodiments a door hinge 113 couples door 101 to housing 105, permitting door 101 to rotate relative to the housing and thereby close or open workstation system 100. Such a door hinge can include elements that provide incremental resistance to rotation of the door. Suitable elements include one or more projections that extend from a horizontal face of a first member of the hinge, and further include one or more indentations or cavities arranged on a horizontal face of a second member of the hinge and positioned to engage at least one of the projections.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment such a projection can have a rounded apex, which can act to facilitate entry into a suitably aligned indentation, and reduce the force required for the projection to move out of the indentation. Suitable projections include teeth, tabs, and hemispherical bumps. Suitable indentations include grooves, pits, and apertures. In some embodiments the first member is arranged above the second member, while in other embodiments the second member is arranged above the first member. In some embodiments both first and second members include indentations and are separated by an intervening space that is occupied by bearings configured to engage the indentations. Projections and indentations of such a hinge can be dimensioned and positioned such that the weight of the door provides sufficient vertical force to generate resistance to rotation of the door. Such rotational resistance can be sufficient to prevent accidental or inadvertent rotation of the door, but insufficient to prevent a user from rotating the door relative to the housing. It should be appreciated that the use of multiple projections and/or multiple indentations arranged in a radial fashion advantageously permits securing of the door at multiple angles relative to the housing.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, door hinge 113 comprises a first locking member 121 and a second locking member 123 as shown in FIGs. 4 and 5. In contemplated embodiments, first locking member comprises a plurality of teeth 1 18 that are configured to mate with a plurality of grooves 120 on second locking member 123.

Typically, first locking member 121 is disposed above second locking member 123, and in most instances, first locking member 121 is coaxial with second locking member 123.

[0037] As shown in FIGs. 4 and 5, first locking member 121 is coupled to a first hinge portion 1 17 and second locking member 123 is coupled to a second hinge portion 1 19. First hinge portion 1 17 can be coupled to door 101, and second hinge portion 1 19 can be coupled to housing 105. In such embodiment, first hinge portion 1 17 can rotate relative to second hinge portion 119 to thereby rotate first locking member 121 and align plurality of teeth 118 with plurality of grooves 120 to secure door 101 in a fixed position. It should be appreciated that door 101 can be locked in various fixed positions. As first locking member 121 rotates relative to second locking member 123, plurality of teeth 1 18 become aligned and misaligned with plurality of grooves 120 on second locking member 123 providing multiple positions where door 101 can be fixed. For example, FIG, 6 shows door 101 in a first fixed position and FIG. 7 shows door 101 in a second fixed position.

[0038] It should be appreciated that providing multiple fixed positions for door 101 beneficially allows a user to adjust the angle of door 101 for a wide variety of uses. For example, a door angle as shown in FIG. 6 can be appropriate when the user wants door 101 to shield the working surface and/or the workstation interior from the outside environment. This door angle can also be useful to shield the environment from flying debris, sparks, and/or a welding arc flash originating from the workstation interior. In another example, a door angle as shown in FIG. 7 provides a greater open space around workstation system 100. It is contemplated that one, two, four, or more fixed positions are available for door 101 by changing the number of plurality of teeth 118 and plurality of grooves 120.

[0039] As noted above, table 109 can be secured using locking mechanism 1 15. Locking mechanism 1 15 can prevent table 109 from unintentionally falling or extending from internal cavity 107 when stored. Locking mechanism 115 can include a lever 125 disposed on table 109, and a pin 127 disposed on housing 105 as shown in FIG. 8. Pin 127 obstructs the movement of table 109 to prevent the release of table 109 from the housing interior. Lever 125 can be rotated towards pin 127 to push pin 127 inward and release table 109 from the internal cavity. For example, pin 127 can be in contact with table 109 when table 109 as being moved to a storage position in the internal cavity, providing an impetus to position at least a portion of the pin 127 within a slot and allow table 109 to enter the internal cavity.

Similarly pin 127 can be in contact with lever 125 to provide an impetus to position at least a portion of the pin 127 within the slot and allow table 109 to exit the internal cavity. It is contemplated that pin 127 can include a driving mechanism. For example, such a pin can be a spring-loaded pin. [0040] FIG. 9 shows table 109 released from internal cavity 107. Table 109 can include a leg 129 that is coupled to table 109 to provide support. As discussed above, door 101 can be maintained in a fixed position. An aperture 131 can be disposed on the housing of workstation system 100 to allow access into internal cavity 107 regardless of whether door 101 is opened or closed. It is contemplated that aperture 131 can be used to allow access to a power strip, power cables, internet cables, and so forth.

[0041] Table 109 can have a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 10. However, it is contemplated that other shapes (e.g. , circular, oval, triangular, etc.) can be utilized so long as they are sized and dimensioned to be received within internal cavity 107. The top surface of table 109 can comprise a measurement grid and/or ruler that permit a user to make measurements. Additionally, or alternatively, the top surface of table 109 can include a durable material to increase the durability of table 109. Suitable durable materials can be scratch resistant materials, dent resistant materials, abrasion resistant materials, grease resistant materials, heat resistant materials, fire resistant materials, and non-conductive materials. Such materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, natural materials (e.g. stone, wood, etc.), and composites.

[0042] In some embodiments include a leg locking mechanism 133 that can be used to lock leg 129 in an upright orientation and prevent collapse of table 109, as shown in FIG. 11. To store table 109, a user can use handle 1 10 to lift table 109 and store table 109 in the internal cavity. Leg locking mechanism 133 typically comprises a pin 135 and a slot 137 as shown in FIG. 12. Pin 135 is configured to automatically slide within slot 137 when leg 129 is substantially perpendicular to table 109 to thereby secure leg 129 in the upright orientation. For example, table 109 can be disposed above leg locking mechanism 133 when leg is substantially perpendicular to table 109, such that the weight of table 109 pushes pin 132 into slot 137 as shown in FIGs. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 shows the alignment of pin 135 with slot 137 when table 109 is substantially perpendicular to leg 129. FIG. 14 shows pin 135 within slot 137 as a result of the weight of table 109 pushing pin 135 downward into slot 137. In contemplated embodiments, leg 129 comprises slot 137.

[0043] It should be appreciated that particular features may be included depending on the intended use of a workstation system. For example, a workstation for use in a garage could include tool cabinets, drawers, one or more power strips, one or more lights, one or more retractable extension cords, pneumatic power sources, a vice, and/or a clamp. In other embodiments, workstations can also include integrated mirrors or writing surfaces. [0044] A wide variety of materials can be used to construct the workstation systems. For example, the housing, doors, shelf and table of the workstation could be made from wood, particle board, metal, polymer, a composite material, or a combination thereof. The material used for each component of the workstation system can also depend on its intended use. For example, a workstation for use in a kitchen can have a table that is made from butcher block or high density polypropylene rather than metal.

[0045] In some embodiments, the hinge system includes multiple hinges, for example one or more hinges coupled to sections of a table to provide an extended table. Such a table can include segmented portions that can be folded or disconnected to a size that can be received in the internal cavity. Additionally, or alternatively, a workstation system could also have a cabinet that rolls out for easy access that may also be used to support the table when the table is deployed.

[0046] As discussed above, the table or work surface of a workstation system also includes one or more leg(s) extending from beneath, which can be positioned distal to the internal cavity of the workstation system. Such a leg can provide support that assists in stabilizing the table or work surface when in use (e.g. , by supporting the weight of tools and equipment). It is contemplated that the leg can alternatively be coupled to the table in other locations near that same end. In some embodiments, however, no support leg is present. In such embodiments the table or work surface can be provided with a hinge mechanism that permits rotation out of the internal cavity and also includes features to stabilize the table or work surface in an approximately horizontal position. For example, such a hinge can include a locking or securing mechanism that stabilizes the position of the hinge at the desired angle (e.g. approximately 90° relative to the vertical axis of the system). Alternatively, a table or work surface can include one or more brackets that are engaged with the internal cavity or housing, and which are configured to lock into place when the table or work surface is in the desired position. Such locking can be passive (i.e. initiated by movement of the table or work surface) or active (i.e. requiring interaction with the user and/or a drive mechanism. In embodiments of the inventive concept in which the table or work surface does not incorporate one or more stabilizing legs it should be appreciated that it is advantageous to secure the system to a stabilizing structure, for example a wall, pillar, and/or post, in order to avoid overbalance instability when the table or work surface is extended.. [0047] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0048] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. Moreover, and unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary. [0049] It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more

modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to the elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps can be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.