Solution to Coffee-time Challenge
The solution to our January challenge has been invented and developed by Ian Stuart, who lives in Sutton, Surrey, and calls his product, the ‘Benchrover’
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He explained to Eureka at the 2008 British Invention Show – he won the ‘Industrial Invention of the Year’ prize there in 2003 – that essentially it consists of two plastic boxes, a folding frame and a bench top. A pair of wheels turns it into a trolley when folded up, so that, unlike the WorkMate and its imitators, it does not have to be carried. He came up with the idea when engaged in refurbishing the windows of what was then the Thistle Hotel at St Katherine’s Dock in London. He had a problem with moving his tools and bench around, but solved his immediate worries by acquiring one of the hotel’s service trolleys. However, for more general use, it was a bit difficult to get in and out of the van, he recalls.
The design has now evolved somewhat from the original concept and, using a system of square tubes that fit inside each other, it is now possible to join several modules together.
The Benchrover comes in two versions: a small one that sells for £199 and a larger one, still single-person portable, at £299. New patents are pending. More information from 0208 644 3322, Email Benchrover, and from www.benchrover.co.uk
