Collapsible workbenches

Abstract

In the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed, a portable, dual-height workbench has front and rear elongate vice members forming the work surface of the bench and a collapsible supporting structure which allows selective positioning of the work surface at either workbench height or sawhorse height above the floor. The collapsible supporting structure includes front and rear, flat leg frames pivoted at the upper ends thereof to the top structure of the bench and closed at the lower ends thereof by horizontal cross pieces. The leg frames pivot relative to the bench top structure between an erected position, in which the frames extend downward from the bench top structure in front-to-rear splayed relation, and a collapsed position, in which the leg frames extend generally parallel to the working surface of the bench. A pair of retractable leg extensions is mounted to the horizontal cross piece of each leg frame for pivotal movement in the plane of the leg frame between an extended position, in which the leg extensions splay outward and downward from the cross pieces, and a retracted position, in which the leg extensions lie behind the respective horizontal cross pieces. When extended, the leg extensions support the work surface at workbench height and, when retracted, the work surface is supported by the leg frames at sawhorse height.