Workpiece support and clamping assembly

Abstract

A workpiece supporting and clamping assembly is adapted to be mounted on a wall or similar structure and to be adjustable between a substantially vertical storage position, closely adjacent the wall and a working position substantially perpendicular to the wall. The assembly comprises a pair of brackets, a pair of spaced apart, parallel hinge assemblies, each having locking means and a release lever associated therewith, and a workpiece supporting and clamping device, pivotally coupled with the brackets and hinge assemblies. The workpiece supporting and clamping device comprises a generally rigid base frame which includes a pair of parallel, spaced apart frame members and a pair of elongated, coplanar top members which are mounted on the spaced apart members, extending generally transversely thereto such that their upper surfaces define the work supporting surface and their opposed side surfaces, the work clamping surfaces. The supporting and clamping structure is pivotally mounted, to the brackets and to the hinge assemblies, which are pivotally interconnected with the brackets. When the workpiece supporting and clamping assembly is in its storage position, the hinge assemblies are collapsed. When the assembly is brought to its working position, the hinge assemblies are extended and lock securely in extended position supporting the supporting and clamping structure and in its working position until both hinge assemblies are affirmatively released by means of their respective release levers.