GB2433049A

GB2433049A - Frame assembly for a foldable workbench

Info

Publication number: GB2433049A
Application number: GB0525053A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Spencer Collins; Matthew Robert Blaylock
Original assignee: Freeform Design and Innovation Ltd
Current assignee: Freeform Design and Innovation Ltd
Priority date: 2005-12-08
Filing date: 2005-12-08
Publication date: 2007-06-13
Also published as: CN101326033A; GB0525053D0

Abstract

There is provided a frame assembly for a workbench 1 that is reversibly foldable from an in-use to a folded configuration comprising a central spine 10; first and second primary work surfaces 20, 22 each work surface having an inner edge 23, 24, an outer edge 25, 26 and two side edges 27a, 27a, 28a, 28b wherein each said inner edge thereof hingedly mounts to the central spine such that the primary work surface frames are foldable towards each other. Two opposing pairs of legs 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b, are provided, each leg pivotally mounting to one end of an outer edge of the first and second primary work surface frames, such that the legs of each opposing pair are foldable towards each other. The inner edge of each of the first and second primary work surface frames hingedly mounts to the central spine by a distinct hinge mounting 12, 14 such that in the folded configuration, the outer edges of the respective first and second primary work surface frames are brought parallel with each other and each of the legs is brought parallel with a side edge thereof.

Description

I

Frame assembly for a folding workbench The present invention relates to a folding workbench and frame assembly therefor, which is readily and reversibly foldable from an in-use' configuration to a compact folded' configuration.

When performing woodworking, metalworking or other do it yourself' tasks it is common to make use of a workbench that provides a relatively large, but also sturdy work surface. Since such workbenches are typically not required for daily use it is desirable for them to be stowable in disassembled or folded-up form. It is also desirable that the stowed form is as compact as possible and that the time and effort required to translate the workbench from its stowed to in-use position be minimized.

The Applicant has now devised a folding workbench that is stowable in highly compact form yet readily and safely unfolds with the minimum of time and effort to provide a relatively large and sturdy work surface. This workbench further allows for the accommodation of useful additional features such as a storage tray, housing for electrical equipment and integral vice feature.

The Applicant's workbench employs a central spine to which first and second primary work surface frames hingedly mount such that the primary work surface frames are foldable towards each other. Each of the first and second primary work surface frames hingedly mounts to the central spine by a distinct hinge mounting with each hinge mounting typically spaced horizontally from the other.

In the folded configuration, the outer edges of the respective first and second primary work surface frames rest parallel with each other and each of the legs of the workbench rests parallel with a side edge thereof.

An additional feature of the Applicant's workbench is that it may be used in an asymmetrical mode of operation in which half of the workbench is mounted to a wall and the other half extends from the wall. Thus, additional flexibility of use is provided, which makes the workbench particularly amenable to usage in conditions of restricted space.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a workbench that provides a relatively large work surface but that is also conveniently and safely stowable in highly compact form.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a frame assembly for a workbench that is reversibly foldable from an in-use to a folded configuration comprising a central spine; first and second primary work surface frames, each work surface frame having an inner edge, an outer edge and two side edges, wherein each said inner edge thereof hingedly mounts to the central spine such that the primary work surface frames are foldable towards each other; and two opposing pairs of legs, each leg pivotally mounting to one end of an outer edge of the first and second primary work surface frames, such that the legs of each opposing pair are foldable towards each other, wherein the inner edge of each of the first and second primary work surface frames hingedly mounts to the central spine by a distinct hinge mounting such that in the folded configuration, the outer edges of the respective first and second primary work surface frames are brought parallel with each other and each of the legs is brought parallel with a side edge thereof.

The present invention relates to a frame assembly for a workbench that is readily and reversibly foldable from an in-use to a folded configuration. The frame assembly is desirably supplemented with one or more bench and/or utility features such as to provide the full workbench.

The frame assembly comprises a central spine. The spine is suitably rigid and typically defines the central folding axis for the frame assembly.

The frame assembly further comprises first and second primary work surface frames suitable for receipt and / or definition of first and second primary work surfaces. In one aspect, the first and second primary work surfaces are separately provided to their primary work surface frames, to which they are secured by suitable securing means (e.g. screw mounting, bracket fixing or slide / track mounting). In another aspect, the first and second primary work surface frames actually define the first and second primary work surfaces (i.e. integral frame structure).

Each work surface frame suitably has an inner edge, an outer edge and two side edges. Typically, the dimensions of the first and second work surfaces frames and edges thereof are selected to match each other. Each inner edge of the first and second work surface frames hingedly mounts to the central spine such that the primary work surface frames are foldable towards each other (i.e. as in the folded configuration).

The frame assembly is provided with at least two opposing pairs of legs. Each leg pivotally mounts to one end of an outer edge of the first and second primary work surface frames such that the legs of each opposing pair are foldable towards each other. In the in-use configuration, the legs extend downwards to typically provide a four leg supporting structure for the first and second primary work frames.

The inner edge of each of the first and second primary work surface frames hingedly mounts to the central spine by a distinct hinge mounting such that in the folded configuration, the outer edges of the respective first and second primary work surface frames are brought parallel with each other and each of the legs is brought parallel with a side edge thereof. Preferably, in the folded configuration the (top surfaces of the) primary and second work surfaces rest flush with each other and the legs rest flush with the underside thereof.

Each primary work surface frames mounts to the central spine by a distinct (i.e. separate) hinge mounting. The distinct hinge mountings are typically spaced apart slightly from each other and mounted in parallel fashion to each other about the central spine. The spacing of the hinge mountings is selected to allow for ready folding of the frame assembly and in particular, for flush accommodation of the first and second primary work surface frames in the folded configuration. Typical spacing may be from 5 to 500mm, preferably from to 100mm (e.g. 30-40mm) apart.

In one example, for a hinge spacing of say 100mm, the first hinge locates on a first axis that is spaced 50mm from but parallel to the central axis defined by the central spine and the second hinge locates on a second axis that is spaced 100mm from the first axis, but also 50mm from and parallel to the central axis defined by the central spine (i.e. one on either side of the central spine).

Alternatives and equivalents to hinge mountings are envisaged herein including series arrangements of pivot mountings and other mechanical arrangements capable of providing hinge-like functionality.

The spaced hinge mountings may either comprise separate hinges or alternatively, the hinges may be coupled in some way (e.g. by a coupling arm or geared link) including for example, by a compass type hinge.

Suitably, the frame assembly additionally comprising first and/or second subsidiary work surface frames, each respective subsidiary work surface frame pivotally mounting to an outer edge of the first and second primary work surface frames. In the folded configuration, each respective subsidiary work surface frame is brought parallel with its primary work surface frame.

The first and/or second subsidiary work surface frames are suitable for receipt and / or definition of first and second subsidiary work surfaces. In one aspect, the first and second subsidiary surfaces are separately provided to their subsidiary work surface frames, to which they are secured by suitable securing means (e.g. screw mounting, bracket fixing or slide I track mounting). In another aspect, the first and second subsidiary work surface frames actually define the first and second subsidiary work surfaces (i.e. integral frame structure).

A preferred configuration includes both first and second subsidiary work surface frames; although a less preferred configuration including only one subsidiary Suitably, a trunk extends downwards from the central spine. That is to say, the central spine is provided with a trunk that extends downwards (i.e. towards the floor) from the central spine. The trunk typically reaches only part-ways to the floor when the workbench is in the in use' position. The trunk may extend downwards across the full length of the central spine or only from a part length thereof. Use of a trunk extending to only a part length of the central spine is preferable to allow for accommodation of the user's legs when seated at the Suitably, in the folded configuration the trunk locates directly underneath the first and second primary work surface and frames. This assists with compact stowage of the trunk.

Suitably, the width of the trunk is approximates to the combined thickness of the first and second primary work surface frames. Again, this assists with compact stowage of the trunk.

Suitably, the length of downward extent of the trunk added to the length of one of the side edges of the first and second primary work surface frames equates to less than or approximately equal to the length of one of the legs.

Most preferably, in the folded configuration the trunk locates directly underneath the first and second primary work surface frames and the combined length of these elements is roughly equal to (i.e. only slightly more than or less than) that of the legs. Thus, in essence, the length of the legs defines the maximum extent of the compact folded configuration and the width thereof is only slightly greater than the width of the opposing legs (as lie side-by-side each other).

Suitably, the frame assembly is provided with struts that pivotally connect the underside (i.e. side closest to the floor) of the trunk to each of the respective legs such that in the in-use configuration the struts define a tray framework for receipt of a tray. That is to say, in the in-use configuration the struts preferably define a flat / level framework suitable for optional receipt of a tray or other flat surface.

Suitably, leg cross-struts are also provided to adjacent legs, each leg cross-strut running parallel to the outer edge of one of the first and second primary work surface frames. Suitably, the leg cross-struts further define the framework for receipt of a tray.

The trunk is suitably shaped to define an inner cavity for storage of tools and/or receipt of utility equipment (e.g. electrical plug socketry or cable storage).

Suitably, the frame assembly additionally comprises first and second couplings that act to respectively couple said trunk to the underside of each of the first and second subsidiary work surface frames. Preferably, each of said first and second couplings acts such as to pull the respective underside of each of the first and second subsidiary work surface frames parallel with the respective underside of each of the first and second primary work surface frames on folding of the frame assembly from the in-use to the folded configuration. Preferably, also each of said first and second couplings acts such as to push each of the first and second subsidiary work surface frames to their in-use position on unfolding of the frame assembly from the folded to in-use configuration. Most preferably, the couplings provide both push and pull function.

Suitably, each of said couplings comprises a coupling arm, preferably a rigid strut.

Suitably, the frame assembly additionally includes one or more supports, which are provided to support either the first or second subsidiary work surface frames.

Suitably, the one or more supports extend in supporting fashion to the first and / or second subsidiary work surface frames from one or more of the legs or from any leg cross-struts provided thereto. Preferably, each of the one or more supports comprises a snap-link (e.g. rod with snap-linkage) provided with a lock for locking said link in a rigid position.

Suitably, one support pivotally connects to each of the legs (i.e. for a four-legged frame assembly there are also four supports, preferably one extending to each corner of the unfolded workbench).

Suitably, that support-to-leg pivotal connection is shared (i.e. in common with) the strut-to leg pivotal connection that connects the aforementioned struts to their respective legs. As described above, the struts extend to the underside (i.e. side closest to the floor) of the trunk to define a tray framework.

Suitably, the frame assembly additionally comprises first and second sprung couplings act to respectively couple said trunk to the underside of each of the first and second primary work surface frames.

Suitably, the frame assembly is symmetrical about the central spine. For strength and compactness symmetry is generally preferable in the overall frame assembly structure and in the arrangement of the component parts (e.g. work surfaces, couplings, struts and supports). Suitably however, the frame assembly also provides for an asymmetric mode of operation, in which one half of the workbench is folded and wall-mounted and the other half extended.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a workbench comprising a frame assembly as described hereinabove; and first and second primary work surfaces provided to the first and second primary work surface frames.

Suitably, the workbench additionally comprises first and/or second subsidiary work surfaces provided to the first and/or second subsidiary work surface frames. In one particular aspect, at least one of the first and/or second subsidiary work surfaces mounts to its subsidiary work surface frame by a slide track mounting such that the subsidiary work surface is movable (laterally and along the slide track) relative to its subsidiary work surface frame (e.g. to form a clamping vice).

Suitably, the workbench additionally comprises an optional tray provided to the tray framework.

The frame assembly and workbench herein may be supplied fully assembled or in any suitable kit of parts form.

There is also provided the use of the workbench herein in its folded and/or in-use configuration.

In one particular use configuration, one half of the work bench mounts to an external vertical surface (e.g. a wall) in folded configuration and the other half of the work bench is unfolded to its in-use configuration. Thus, the workbench may also be supplied as a kit of parts with an optional wall mounting.

The frame assembly and workbench herein has been described in relation to embodiments comprising both first and second primary work surface frames. A less preferred configuration comprising only one half' of the present workbench, and thus comprising only one primary and subsidiary work surface frame (and typically, one pair of legs associated therewith) is however, also envisaged, It will be appreciated that in one embodiment such one half' configuration would be suitable exclusively for use in the wall-mounted configuration. In another embodiment supporting legs (e.g. permanent, bolted on or flipped down) are provided to the underside of the trunk of the one half' configuration such that in use, the one half' workbench would be supported by these trunk-mounted legs (i.e. instead of the wall-mounting) and the pair of legs associated with the one primary and subsidiary work surface frame.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures Ia to Id show perspective views of a first folding workbench herein in various stages as the workbench is folded up from the normal in-use' configuration (Figure Ia) to the folded' configuration (Figure Id); Figures 2a to 2e show side views of the first folding workbench herein in various stages as the workbench is folded up from the normal in-use' configuration (Figure 2a) to the folded' configuration (Figure 2e); Figures 3a to 3d show perspective views of the first folding workbench herein in various stages as the workbench is folded up from the wall-mounted in-use' configuration (Figure 3a) to the wall-mounted folded' configuration (Figure 3d); Figure 4 shows a side view of the first folding workbench herein in the wall-mounted in-use' configuration; and Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a second folding workbench herein in the in-use' configuration.

Referring now to the drawings, in Figures Ia to Id; and Figures 2a to 2e there is shown a first folding workbench I herein in various stages as the workbench is folded up from a normal in-use' configuration (Figures Ia and 2a), in which the workbench rests on the floor, to a normal folded' configuration (Figure Id and 2e). For simplicity of reference, not all Figures are labelled with all number labels.

In more detail, the workbench I comprises a rigid central spine 10, defining first and second spaced hinge mountings 12, 14 arranged in parallel fashion. First and second primary work surfaces 20, 22 hingedly mount to the central spine 10 via said first and second hinge mountings 12, 14. Each work surface has an inner edge 23, 24, an outer edge 25, 26 and two side edges 27a, 27b; 28a, 28b.

It may be seen that it is the inner edge 23, 24 of each primary work surface 20,22 that hingedly mounts to the central spine 10 such that the primary work surfaces 20,22 (and their respective supporting frames) are foldable towards each other.

As a point of detail, it is noted that each hinge mounting 12, 14 for the primary work surface 20, 22 frames locates approximately 30mm away from the centre line of the workbench I to allow the frame to rotate clear of the central spine 10.

The workbench additionally comprises two opposing pairs of legs 30a, 30b; 32a, 32b. Each leg 30a, 30b; 32a, 32b mounts via pivot mounting 34b, 36b to one end of the outer edge 25, 26 of the first and second primary work surfaces 20, 22, such that the legs of each opposing pair 30a, 30b; 32a, 32b are foldable towards each other.

The workbench I also includes first and second subsidiary work surfaces 40, 42.

Second subsidiary work surface 42 pivotally mounts directly to outer edge 26 of the second primary work surface 22. First subsidiary work surface 40 mounts via slide track mounting to a subsidiary work surface frame (not clearly visible), which then pivotally mounts to outer edge 25 of the first primary work surface 20.

The first subsidiary mount surface 40 is movable on its slide track mounting by the action of turn handles 44, 45. It may also be seen that trunk 16 extends downwards from the central spine 10. The trunk 16 defines an inner cavity for receipt of electrical socketry 17 and also cabling, tools etc. As a point of detail, it is noted that the exact positioning of the pivot mountings for the subsidiary work surface 40, 42 frames lies about 10mm below the corresponding edge of the frame Struts 50a, 52a, 50b 52b pivotally connect the underside of the trunk 16 to each of the respective legs 30a, 30b; 32a, 32b such that in the in-use configuration the struts 50a, 52a, 50b 52b define a tray framework for receipt of storage tray 54. Leg cross-struts 56, 58 are also provided to adjacent legs 30a, 30b and 32a, 32b respectively, each leg cross-strut 56, 58 running parallel to the respective outer edge 25, 26 of one of the first and second primary work surfaces 20, 22.

The leg cross-struts 56, 58 provide further support for the tray 54.

The workbench I also comprises first and second coupling arms 60, 62 that act to respectively couple trunk 16 to the underside of each of the first and second subsidiary work surfaces 40, 42.

As may be seen with particular reference to Figures lb-Ic and 2b-2d, during folding the first and second couplings 60, 62 act such as to pull the respective underside of each of the first and second subsidiary work surfaces 40, 42 parallel with the respective underside of each of the first and second primary Two supports 70, 71 are provided to support the first subsidiary work surface 40 in the in-use configuration. These two supports 70, 71 extend upwards from adjacent pair of legs 30b, 30a. Similarly, two supports 72, 73 are provided to support the second subsidiary work surface 42 in the in-use configuration.

Again, these two supports 72, 73 extend upwards from adjacent pair of legs 32b, 32a.

Each of the supports 70-73 comprises a snap-link provided with a lock for locking said link to provide rigid support when the first and second subsidiary work surfaces 40, 42 are in the in-use configuration.

First and second sprung couplings 80, 82 act to respectively couple trunk 16 to the underside of each of the first and second primary work surfaces 20, 22.

These sprung couplings 80, 82 act such as to provide a degree of resistance to folding (and hence control and safety) when the workbench I is folded up and provide a degree of spring assist when the workbench I is unfolded.

Referring in particular to Figures Id and 2e it may be seen that in the folded configuration the outer edges 25, 26 of the respective first and second primary work surfaces 20, 22 rest flush with each other and each of the legs 30b, 32b (only two visible in Figures Id and 2e) rests flush with a side edge 27b, 28b (again, only two visible in Figures Id and 2e) thereof.

Also, in the folded configuration, each respective subsidiary work surface 40, 42 rests parallel to (and flush with) its primary work surface 20, 22 and trunk 16 locates directly underneath the first and second primary work surfaces 20, 22. It may be seen that the combined length of the trunk 16 add to the length of one of the side edges 27b, 28b of the first and second primary work surfaces 20,22 amounts to just less than the length of one of the legs 30b, 32b.

It may be appreciated that the overall form of the workbench I is generally symmetrical about the central spine 10. Such symmetry is desirable from the standpoint of ease and stability of use, particularly during folding and unfolding of the workbench 1.

It is however, also a feature of the workbench I herein that it may be used in an asymmetrical mode of operation in which it is used in combination with a wall mounting suitable for mounting one half of the workbench in its folded configuration whilst the other half is in the in-use configuration. Figures 3a to 3d and 4 show the workbench I herein in various stages as the workbench I is folded up from the wall-mounted in-use' configuration (Figure 3a and Figure 4) to the wall-mounted folded' configuration (Figure 3d).

Referring now to Figures 3a to 3d and Figure 4, the general features of the workbench I and mode of operation thereof are identical to those already described with reference to Figures Ia to Id; and Figures 2a to 2e. For succinctness, features already described with reference to the earlier drawings are not described further hereinafter.

The left hand-side of the workbench I mounts to the wall 100 via mounting brackets 90, 92 provided to the wall that engage with mounting slots 96, 98 provided respectively to the top of the subsidiary work surface 40, 42 and the underside of the tray 54. These mounting slots 96, 98 are visible in Figure 3d, but in respect of the unmounted half of the workbench 1. First subsidiary work surface 40 mounts to its work surface frame by a slide track mounting 43 and is movable thereon by the action of turn handles 44, 45 to form a vice' like feature.

The wall-mounted mode of operation is particularly suitable for use in restricted spaces and where the full extent of the workbench top surface is not required.

Figure 5 shows a second workbench herein that may be appreciated to be a variation of the first workbench of Figures Ia to 4, which in essence comprises only one half' of the first workbench I together with an additional pair of supporting legs I 33a, I 33b provided to the underside of the trunk 116 thereof.

In more detail, the second workbench 101 comprises a rigid spine 110 provided with first hinge mounting 112 arranged in parallel fashion thereto. First primary work surface 120 hingedly mounts to the spine 110 via said first hinge mounting 112. The primary work surface has an inner edge 123, an outer edge 125 and two side edges I 27a, I 27b. It may be seen that it is the inner edge 123 of the primary work surface 120 that hingedly mounts to the spine 110 such that the primary work surface 120 (and its respective supporting frames) is foldable up.

As a point of detail, it is noted that the hinge mounting 112 for the primary work surface 120 frame locates approximately 30mm away from the centre line of the workbench 101 to allow the frame to rotate clear of the spine 110.

The workbench 101 comprises first pair of legs I 30a, I 30b. Each of these legs I 30a, I 30b mounts via pivot mounting I 34b to one end of the outer edge 125, of the first primary work surface 120 such that the legs 130a, 130b are foldable in.

The workbench 101 also includes first subsidiary work surface 140, which mounts via slide track mounting 143 to a subsidiary work surface frame (not clearly visible), which then pivotally mounts to outer edge 125 of the first primary work surface 120. The first subsidiary mount surface 140 is movable on its slide track mounting by the action of turn handles 144, 145. It may also be seen that trunk 116 extends downwards from the spine 110. The trunk 116 defines an inner cavity for receipt of electrical socketry 117 and also cabling, tools etc. The underside of the trunk 116 is further provided with an additional pair of supporting legs 133a, 133b.

As a point of detail, it is noted that the exact positioning of the pivot mounting for the subsidiary work surface 140 frame lies about 10mm below the corresponding edge of the frame Struts I 50a, I 50b pivotally connect the underside of the trunk 116 to each of the legs 130a, 130b such that in the in-use configuration the struts 150a, 150b define a tray framework for receipt of storage tray 154. Leg cross-strut 156 is also provided to adjacent legs I 30a, I 30b, the leg cross-strut 156 running parallel to the outer edge 125 of one of the first primary work surface 120. The leg cross-strut 156 provides further support for the tray 154.

The second workbench 101 also comprises first coupling arm 160 that acts to couple trunk 116 to the underside of the first subsidiary work surfaces 140.

As with first workbench 1, during folding of the second workbench 101 the first coupling 160 acts such as to pull the underside of the first subsidiary work surface 140 parallel with the underside of the first primary work surface 120.

Two supports 170, 171 are provided to support the first subsidiary work surface 140 in the in-use configuration. These two supports 170, 171 extend upwards from adjacent pair of legs 130b, 130a. Each of the supports 170, 171 comprises a snap-link provided with a lock for locking said link to provide rigid support when the first subsidiary work surface 140 is in the in-use configuration.

First sprung coupling 180 acts to couple trunk 116 to the underside of the first primary work surface 120. This sprung coupling 180 acts such as to provide a degree of resistance to folding (and hence control and safety) when the workbench 101 is folded up and provides a degree of spring assist when the

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A frame assembly for a workbench that is reversibly foldable

from an in-use to a folded configuration comprising a central spine; first and second primary work surface frames, each work surface frame having an inner edge, an outer edge and two side edges, wherein each said inner edge thereof hingedly mounts to the central spine such that the primary work surface frames are foldable towards each other; and two opposing pairs of legs, each leg pivotally mounting to one end of an outer edge of the first and second primary work surface frames, such that the legs of each opposing pair are foldable towards each other, wherein the inner edge of each of the first and second primary work surface frames hingedly mounts to the central spine by a distinct hinge mounting such that in the folded configuration, the outer edges of the respective first and second primary work surface frames are brought parallel with each other and each of the legs is brought parallel with a side edge thereof.

2. A frame assembly for a workbench according to claim 1, additionally comprising first and/or second subsidiary work surface frames, each respective subsidiary work surface frame pivotally mounting to an outer edge of the first and second primary work surface frames such that in the folded configuration, each respective subsidiary work surface frame is brought parallel with its primary 3. A frame assembly for a workbench according to either of claims I or 2, wherein a trunk extends downwards from the central spine.

4. A frame assembly for a workbench according to claim 3, wherein in the folded configuration the trunk locates directly underneath the first and second primary work surface frames.

5. A frame assembly for a workbench according to either of claims 3 or 4, wherein the length of downward extent of the trunk added to the length of one of the side edges of the first and second primary work surface frames is less than or approximately equal to the length of one of the legs.

6. A frame assembly for a workbench according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein struts pivotally connect the underside of the trunk to each of the respective legs such that in the in-use configuration the struts define a tray framework for receipt of an optional tray.

7. A frame assembly according to claim 6, wherein leg cross-struts are provided to adjacent legs, each leg cross-strut running parallel to the outer edge of one of the first and second primary work surface frames.

8. A frame assembly according to claim 7, wherein said leg cross-struts further define said framework for receipt of an optional tray.

9. A frame assembly according to any of claims 3 to 8, wherein said trunk defines an inner cavity for receipt of electrical equipment and/or tools.

10. A frame assembly for a workbench according to any of claims 2 to 9, additionally comprising first and/or second couplings that act to respectively couple said trunk to the underside of each of the first and/or second subsidiary II. A frame assembly for a workbench according to claim 10, wherein each of said first and/or second couplings acts such as to pull the respective underside of each of the first and/or second subsidiary work surface frames parallel with the respective underside of each of the first and/or second primary work surface frames on folding the frame assembly from the in-use to the folded configuration.

12. A frame assembly for a workbench according to either of claims 10 or 11, wherein each of said couplings comprises a coupling arm.

13. A frame assembly for a workbench according to any of claims 2 to 12, wherein one or more supports are provided to support either the first and/or second subsidiary work surface frames.

14. A frame assembly for a workbench according to claim 13, wherein said one or more supports extend from one or more of the legs or from any leg cross struts provided thereto.

15. A frame assembly for a workbench according to either of claims 13 or 14, wherein each of the one or more supports comprises a snap-link provided with a lock for locking said link rigid.

16. A frame assembly for a workbench according to any of claims 2 to 15, additionally comprising first and second sprung couplings act to respectively couple said trunk to the underside of each of the first and second primary work surface frames.

17. A frame assembly for a workbench according to any of claims I to 16, wherein the frame assembly is symmetrical about the central spine.

18. A workbench comprising a frame assembly according to any of claims I to 17 and first and second primary work surfaces provided to the first and second primary work surface frames.

19. A workbench according to claim 18, additionally comprising first and/or second subsidiary work surfaces provided to the first and/or second subsidiary 20. A workbench according to either of claims 18 or 19, wherein at least one of the first and/or second subsidiary work surfaces mounts to its subsidiary work surface frame by a slide track mounting.

21. A workbench according to any of claims 18 to 20, additionally comprising a tray provided to the tray framework.

22. A workbench according to any of claims 18 to 21 in kit of parts form.

23. Kit of parts comprising a workbench according to any of claims 18 to 22 and a wall mounting suitable for mounting one half of the workbench in its folded configuration whilst the other half is in the in-use configuration.

24. A workbench substantially as described in the accompany description and drawings.