US20090096180A1 - Devices for supporting and transporting sheet materials - Google Patents
Devices for supporting and transporting sheet materials Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090096180A1 US20090096180A1 US11/873,108 US87310807A US2009096180A1 US 20090096180 A1 US20090096180 A1 US 20090096180A1 US 87310807 A US87310807 A US 87310807A US 2009096180 A1 US2009096180 A1 US 2009096180A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sheet material
- clamping system
- fastener
- supports
- elongate
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B5/00—Clamps
- B25B5/06—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws
- B25B5/10—Arrangements for positively actuating jaws using screws
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
- B62B3/10—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by supports specially adapted to objects of definite shape
- B62B3/108—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor characterised by supports specially adapted to objects of definite shape the objects being plates, doors, panels, or the like
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B2203/00—Grasping, holding, supporting the objects
- B62B2203/44—Clamping or supporting circumferentially
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/44—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof
- Y10T24/44017—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof with specific mounting means for attaching to rigid or semirigid supporting structure or structure-to-be-secured
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/44—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof
- Y10T24/44265—Gripping member face integral with or rigidly affixed to screw-driving portion
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/44—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof
- Y10T24/44291—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof including pivoted gripping member
- Y10T24/44496—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof including pivoted gripping member with operator means for moving pivoted member
- Y10T24/44504—Threaded cylindrical rod and mating cavity
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/44—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof
- Y10T24/44573—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof including track or way guided and retained gripping member
- Y10T24/4459—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof including track or way guided and retained gripping member with operator for moving guided member
- Y10T24/44598—Threaded cylindrical rod and mating cavity
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/44—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof
- Y10T24/44966—Clasp, clip, support-clamp, or required component thereof having gripping member shifted by operator
- Y10T24/44974—Threaded cylindrical rod and mating cavity
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to devices for supporting and transporting sheet materials, and more particularly to clamping systems positionable over edge portions of sheet materials for supporting the sheet materials against bending, and dollies for transporting the sheet materials.
- Sheet materials e.g., natural stone countertops, glass sheets, etc.
- the sheet materials are often processed (e.g., cut, shaped, finished, etc.) at one location and then stored and later transported to a construction destination for installation.
- Such sheet materials are often fragile and can be damaged during processing, storage, and/or transportation if not properly supported and/or handled.
- a clamping system generally includes first and second elongate supports engageable with a sheet material for supporting at least part of the sheet material.
- a fastener can releasably couple the first and second elongate supports to the sheet material.
- the first elongate support includes an opening. The fastener extends through the opening when releasably coupling the first and second elongate supports to the sheet material.
- a clamping system generally includes first and second opposing engagement members for receiving an edge portion of a sheet material between the engagement members when supporting at least part of the sheet material.
- a fastener can releasably couple the first and second engagement members to the edge portion of the sheet material. At least part of the first engagement member is generally contained within a first plane, and at least part of the second engagement member is generally contained within a second plane oriented generally parallel to the first plane. The fastener is disposed generally between the first and second planes.
- a clamping system generally includes first and second elongate supports engageable with an edge portion of a sheet material for supporting at least part of the sheet material.
- a fastener can releasably couple the first and second elongate supports to the edge portion of the sheet material.
- the first and second elongate supports define a channel for receiving the edge portion of the sheet material into the channel when supporting the sheet material.
- an apparatus generally includes a frame, at least one wheel coupled to the frame for allowing rolling movement of the frame, and an adjustable vice coupled to the frame for securing a sheet material in the vice on the frame.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clamping system shown installed to a countertop;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a clamp of the clamping system of FIG. 1 with the countertop removed;
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary end elevation view of the clamp of FIG. 2 shown secured to the countertop;
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary end elevation view of three of the clamps of FIG. 2 each shown secured to a countertop with the countertops arranged in a generally stacked orientation;
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary end elevation view of a clamp of another exemplary embodiment of a clamping system showing the clamp secured to a countertop;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a dolly for use in transporting a countertop.
- FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the dolly of FIG. 6 shown holding a countertop for transport.
- FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a clamping system 100 for use in supporting at least part of a sheet material (e.g., a countertop 101 , etc.) against bending.
- the clamping system 100 may be installed to the countertop 101 to provide stability, stiffness, rigidity, etc. to the countertop 101 during, for example, processing, transport, installation, etc.
- sheet material may include any material and/or form of material that is desired to be supported within the scope of the present disclosure.
- sheet material may include natural stone materials (e.g., granite, marble, limestone, slate, etc.), glass, metals, plastics, woods, composites, etc.
- sheet material may be in the form of countertops, sheets, slabs, sheet-type building materials, other sheet-type materials, etc.
- the illustrated clamping system 100 generally includes two clamps (each indicated at 102 ) that are each positionable over a respective longitudinal edge portion 103 of the countertop 101 .
- each clamp 102 may be slid over a respective longitudinal edge portion 103 of the countertop 101 and then releasably coupled (e.g., secured, tightened, compressed, etc.) to the countertop 101 to support (e.g., provide stability, stiffness, etc.) at least part of the countertop 101 against bending.
- the clamps 102 can be positioned over any edge portion of the countertop 101 (not just the longitudinal edge portions 103 ) within the scope of the present disclosure.
- clamping systems may include more than or fewer than two clamps for use in supporting sheet materials.
- the illustrated clamp 102 includes a first elongate support 106 and a second elongate support 108 .
- the supports 106 and 108 are engageable with a longitudinal edge portion 103 of the countertop 101 for supporting at least part of the countertop 101 against bending ( FIG. 1 ).
- Fasteners 110 are provided for releasably securing the first and second supports 106 and 108 to the countertop 101 .
- the supports 106 and 108 and/or fasteners 110 may be formed from materials including, for example, metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), plastics, composites, combinations thereof, etc.
- the fasteners 110 can include, for example, screws, bolts, pins, clips, tabs, springs, other spring members, levers, cams, etc. within the scope of the present disclosure.
- one or more of the fasteners 110 may be formed integrally, monolithically, etc. with the second support 108 within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the fasteners 110 may be countersunk relative to the second support 108 .
- clamping systems may include clamps having more than or fewer than five fasteners (e.g., three fasteners, etc.).
- the first support 106 of the illustrated clamp 102 is generally S-shaped (as generally defined by three bends in the support 106 ).
- the bent shape of the support 106 can help rigidify, stiffen, etc. the support 106 against bending to help provide support to the countertop 101 .
- the support 106 generally includes an engagement member 114 for engaging an upper part of the countertop 101 .
- the support 106 also includes a back member 116 connected to the engagement member 114 , and a fastener member 118 connected to the back member 116 .
- the back member 116 is oriented generally perpendicularly to the engagement member 114 ; and the fastener member 118 is oriented generally perpendicularly to the back member 116 .
- the fastener member 118 can also include a lip 120 to help, for example, further rigidify, etc. the support 106 against bending.
- the second support 108 of the illustrated clamp 102 is generally C-shaped (as defined by three bends in the support 108 ).
- the bent shape of the support 108 can help rigidify, stiffen, etc. the support 108 against bending to help provide support to the countertop 101 (together with the first support 106 ).
- the support 108 generally includes an engagement member 124 for engaging a lower part of the countertop 101 .
- the support 108 also includes a back member 126 connected to the engagement member 124 , and a fastener member 128 connected to the back member 126 .
- the back member 126 is oriented generally perpendicularly to the engagement member 124 ; and the fastener member 128 is oriented generally perpendicularly to the back member 126 .
- the fastener member 128 includes openings 132 (shown by broken lines in FIG. 3 ; only one opening 132 is visible) for receiving the fasteners 110 through the second support 108 to releasably secure the first and second elongate supports 106 and 108 to the countertop 101 .
- the fastener member 128 can also include a lip 130 to help, for example, further rigidify, etc. the support 108 against bending.
- clamping systems may include clamps with supports defining shapes different than disclosed herein and/or having different numbers of bends than disclosed herein depending, for example, on the material used to form the supports and/or the supporting requirements of sheet materials to be supported.
- clamp supports may have engagement members, back members, and/or fastener members oriented relative to each other differently than, for example, generally perpendicularly within the scope of the present disclosure.
- first and second supports 106 and 108 of the illustrated clamp 102 are generally coupled together to define a channel 136 configured (e.g., sized, shaped, constructed, etc.) to receive the longitudinal edge portion 103 of the countertop 101 therein. More particularly, the engagement member 114 of the first support 106 , the back member 116 of the first support 106 , and the engagement member 124 of the second support 108 generally define the channel 136 . And the fastener member 118 of the first support 106 , and the back member 126 and fastener member 128 of the second support 108 are disposed generally exteriorly of the channel 136 .
- the fastener members 118 and 128 of the first and second supports 106 and 108 are also positioned in generally parallel relation to each other, with the fastener member 118 of the first support 106 positioned generally below the fastener member 128 of the second support 108 .
- the first and second supports 106 and 108 are loosely coupled together independently of the fasteners 110 .
- coupling pins (not shown) can be connected to the first and second supports 106 and 108 toward longitudinal ends of the supports 106 and 108 to loosely couple the supports 106 and 108 together.
- the coupling pins can generally hold the first and second supports 106 and 108 together, but can also allow relative movement of the supports 106 and 108 to help position the supports 106 and 108 over the longitudinal edge portion 103 of the countertop 101 (before the fasteners 110 are tightened). This relative movement can allow the same clamp 102 to be used with different sized countertops having, for example, different thickness dimensions, etc.
- clamping systems may include clamps with fasteners that act to both couple supports of the clamps together and releasably secure the clamps to sheet materials.
- clamping systems may include clamps with supports that are coupled together differently than disclosed herein (e.g., spring clips, hinges, etc.), or clamps with supports that are not coupled together at all (e.g., the supports may be individually positioned on sheet materials and then releasably secured to the sheet material by fasteners, etc.).
- the fasteners 110 used to releasably secure the clamp 102 to the countertop 101 extend through the openings 132 in the fastener member 128 of the second support 108 and engage the fastener member 118 of the first support 106 .
- Base members 137 e.g., nuts, washers, plates, etc. may be connected to the fasteners 110 to improve contact between the fasteners 110 and the fastener member 118 of the first support 106 .
- Fastening fixtures 138 e.g., spring clips, threaded nuts, etc.
- the second support 108 generally under the fastener member 128 at the openings 132
- the fasteners 110 include threaded bolts and the fastening fixtures 138 include correspondingly threaded nuts.
- fasteners 110 are matingly received into the fastening fixtures 138 to allow the fasteners 110 to be tightened to secure the first and second supports 106 and 108 to the countertop 101 (e.g., to compress and secure the first and second supports 106 and 108 against the countertop 101 ).
- Fasteners other than threaded fasteners, and/or fastening fixtures other than threaded fastening fixtures may be used within the scope of the present disclosure.
- one fastening fixture 138 is provided for receiving each fastener 110
- single fastening fixtures may be provided for receiving all fasteners of clamps.
- a clamp may include a support in which a single fastening fixture is connected to an underside of a fastener member of the support.
- openings are formed in the single fastening fixture to receive each fastener through the single fastening fixture to secure the clamp to sheet material.
- Each of the clamps 102 may initially be positioned over opposing longitudinal edge portions 103 of the countertop 101 at generally central locations along the edge portions 103 .
- the clamps 102 may then be secured to the countertop 101 by the fasteners 110 .
- Positioning and securing one clamp 102 to a longitudinal edge portion 103 of the countertop 101 will be described with it understood that a description of positioning and securing the other clamp 102 is the same.
- the fasteners 110 of the clamp 102 can initially be loosened so that the supports 106 and 108 of each clamp 102 can be moved relative to each other. This allows the supports 106 and 108 to be generally separated to provide space between the supports 106 and 108 to properly position the clamp 102 over the countertop edge portion 103 .
- the separated supports 106 and 108 may then be slid over the countertop edge portion 103 so that the first support 106 is located generally over an upper part of the countertop edge portion 103 and the second support 108 is located generally under a lower part of the counter top edge portion 103 (with the countertop edge portion 103 thus received between the engagement members 114 and 124 of the first and second supports 106 and 108 ( FIG. 3 )). As shown in FIG.
- the back member 116 of the first support 106 may be closely adjacent the edge portion 103 (or may abut the edge portion 103 in other exemplary embodiments).
- the generally thin configuration (e.g., size, shape, construction, etc.) of the first and second supports 106 and 108 can allow them to be positioned (e.g., slid, etc.) over the countertop edge portion 103 while the countertop 101 is laying on a surface without lifting the countertop 101 off the surface.
- the second support 108 may be easily slid under the countertop 101 , between the countertop edge portion 103 and the surface, without lifting the countertop 101 .
- the fasteners 110 may be tightened to secure the supports 106 and 108 against the countertop 101 (e.g., to provides a force against the countertop 101 to hold the supports 106 and 108 on the countertop 101 , etc.).
- the fasteners 110 may be tightened by using, for example, a tool (e.g., an allen wrench, etc.) to rotate the fasteners 110 through the fastening fixtures 138 to compress the supports 106 and 108 against the countertop 101 .
- a tool e.g., an allen wrench, etc.
- Additional tightening movement of the fasteners 110 can flex the fastener members 118 and/or 128 of the first and/or second supports 106 and/or 108 relative to their corresponding engagement members 114 and 124 .
- This can create a tension force in the supports 106 and/or 108 that can further help compress the engagement members 114 and 124 of the supports 106 and 108 against the countertop 101 (and further help securely hold the clamp 102 on the countertop 101 ).
- the clamps 102 may each be removed from the edge portions 103 of the countertop 101 when necessary by loosening the fasteners 110 of each clamp 102 and sliding each clamp 102 off the respective countertop edge portion 103 .
- the clamps 102 may then be reused as desired.
- the engagement members 114 and 124 of the clamp supports 106 and 108 may include linings, coverings, etc. to help prevent the engagement members 114 and 124 of the supports 106 and 108 from marring, scratching, etc. a surface of the countertop 101 when secured thereto.
- the illustrated clamping system 100 may be understood to have a generally low profile, for example relative to a thickness of the countertop 101 .
- at least part of the engagement member 114 of the first support 106 is generally contained within a first plane
- at least part of the engagement member 124 of the second support 108 is generally contained within a second plane ( FIG. 3 ).
- the first plane is oriented generally parallel to the second plane
- the fasteners 110 of the clamp 102 are disposed generally between the first and second planes of the clamp 102 such that the fasteners 110 do not extend substantially above and/or below the supports 106 and 108 ( FIG. 3 ).
- installation of the clamping system 100 to the countertop 101 does not substantially increase the total thickness of the countertop 101 ( FIG. 3 ).
- the low-profile clamping system 100 can provide support to the countertop 101 during processing operations (e.g., cutting, finishing, etc.) of the countertop 101 without interference by the clamping system 100 .
- the low-profile clamping system 100 and countertop 101 are generally within input tolerances (e.g., thickness tolerances, etc.) of tools and/or machines used to process the countertop 101 .
- the countertop 101 and clamping system 100 can thus move together through the various processing tools and/or machines without interference by the clamping system 100 .
- the low-profile clamping system 100 also can provide support to the countertop 101 during storing and/or transport of the countertop 101 without wasting space between the countertop 101 and an adjacent stacked, positioned, etc. countertop.
- the low-profile clamping system 100 allows the countertop 101 to be closely stacked, positioned, etc. with other countertops having, for example, clamping systems 100 installed thereto.
- FIG. 4 for example, three countertops (each indicated 101 ) are shown each with a clamp 102 of the low-profile clamping system 100 secured thereto. And the countertops 101 and clamps 102 are shown vertically stacked (and horizontally oriented) in close relationship (e.g., without large, wasted spaces between the countertops 101 , etc.).
- the engagement members 114 and 124 of the first and second supports 106 and 108 each define an exterior stacking surface 140 which allows the countertops 101 to be stacked in close relationship.
- the countertops 101 may be stacked with the stacking surface 140 of one clamp 102 in generally face-to-face engagement with the stacking surface of an adjacent clamp 102 .
- the countertops 101 may be stacked with the stacking surface 140 of one clamp 102 in generally face-to-face engagement with at least part of a surface of an adjacent countertop 101 .
- the countertops 101 may be vertically oriented and closely stored within the scope of the present disclosure.
- clamping systems may include clamps in which adjacent stacking surfaces have complimentary groove pairs such that adjacent sheet materials are inhibited from sliding in one or more directions.
- the low-profile clamping system 100 can further provide support to the countertop 101 during installation of the countertop 101 (e.g., installation of a countertop in a residential home, etc.) without interfering with installation operation.
- the low-profile clamping system 100 can provide support to the countertop 101 as it is transported to a location for installation, and as it is manipulated (e.g., carried, rotated, etc.) during the installation operation without interference.
- the clamping system 100 may allow the countertop 101 to be positioned above a lower section of cabinets and below an upper section of cabinets without interference (and without requiring removal of the clamping system 100 before positioning the countertop 101 ).
- a clamping system in another exemplary embodiment, includes a clamp having an overall length dimension of about 72.0 inches (about 182.9 centimeters).
- a first support is generally S-shaped and includes an engagement member having a length dimension of about 2.3 inches (about 5.7 centimeters), a beach member having a length dimension of about 1.0 inches (about 2.5 centimeters), and a fastener member having a length dimension of about 1.0 inches (about 2.5 centimeters).
- a second support is generally C-shaped and includes an engagement member having a length dimension of about 3.3 inches (about 8.3 centimeters), a back member having a length dimension of about 1.0 inches (about 2.5 centimeters), and a fastening member having a length dimension of about 1.0 inches (about 2.5 centimeters).
- the engagement member, back member, and fastener member of each support may have a thickness dimension of about 0.1 inches (about 0.2 centimeters).
- first and second supports may be coupled together by coupling pins.
- the coupling pins can generally hold the first and second supports together, but can also allow relative movement of the supports to help position the supports over the edge portion of the sheet material.
- the supports can thus be adjusted to accommodate sheet material having thicknesses, for example, between about 1.1 inches (about 2.7 centimeters) and about 1.4 inches (about 3.6 centimeters).
- Clamping systems may include clamps with different dimensions than disclosed herein.
- a clamp may have a length dimension of about thirty-six inches.
- clamping systems may include clamps each having one or more different length dimensions. Further, it should be appreciated that the length dimension of a clamp may indicate a number of fasteners to be included with the clamp.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a clamp 202 of a low-profile clamping system 200 according to another exemplary embodiment.
- the clamp 202 is shown positioned over an edge portion 203 of a countertop 201 and secured thereto.
- the clamp 202 generally includes a first support 206 , a second support 208 , and fasteners 210 for releasably securing the supports 206 and 208 to the countertop 201 .
- the fasteners 210 do not extend substantially above and/or below the supports 206 and 208 .
- the fasteners 210 extend through openings 232 in fastening members 218 and 228 of each of the first and second supports 206 and 208 , and operate to pull the supports 206 and 208 generally together when tightened, etc. to secure the supports 206 and 208 to the countertop.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dolly 350 suitable for use in transporting a countertop 301 .
- the dolly 350 includes a frame 352 having wheels 354 and 356 coupled thereto for allowing rolling movement of the dolly 350 over, for example, a ground surface 357 .
- the wheels 356 are rotatable and can help guide, maneuver, etc. the dolly 350 over the ground surface 357 without, for example, lifting the dolly 350 .
- Other wheel configurations may be used within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, more than or less than four total wheels may be used with the dolly 350 , and/or more than or less than two rotatable wheels may be used with the dolly 350 .
- the dolly frame 352 may be formed from materials including, for example, metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), plastics, composites, combinations thereof, etc. within the scope of the present disclosure.
- the dolly 350 also includes an adjustable vice 360 coupled to the frame 352 for use in securing the countertop 301 to the dolly 350 .
- the vice 360 generally includes a lever 362 and two push plates (each indicated at 364 ) operatively coupled to the lever 362 .
- a drive member e.g., a screw, etc.
- Edge platforms 368 are also coupled to the dolly frame 352 on opposite sides of the vice 360 to help support and stabilize the countertop 301 when retained in the dolly 350 by the vice 360 .
- Support walls are coupled to each of the vice push plates 364 to help hold the countertop 301 in the vice 360 .
- the walls 370 are configured (e.g., sized, shaped, constructed, etc.) to engage the countertop 301 and hold it generally between the walls 370 .
- the walls 370 are each sized (e.g., include a width dimension, height dimension, thickness dimension, etc.) to help inhibit movement of the countertop 301 relative to the dolly 350 .
- the walls 370 of the vice 360 are each sized to engage a sufficient portion of the countertop 301 to help inhibit the countertop 301 from breaking within the vice 360 , for example under the weight of the countertop 301 .
- the walls 370 in the illustrated dolly 350 may have a height dimension of about 5.0 inches (about 12.7 centimeters), a width dimension of about 15.4 inches (about 39.1 centimeters), and a thickness dimension of about 0.5 inches (about 1.3 centimeters).
- the walls 370 of the vice 360 may have different dimensions than disclosed herein within the scope of the present disclosure.
- one of the vice walls 370 can have one or more different dimensions than the other vice wall 370 .
- the engagement portions of the walls 370 may include linings, coverings, etc. to help prevent them from marring, scratching, etc. surfaces of the countertop 301 retained in the vice 360 .
- the vice lever 362 can initially be rotated to separate the support walls 370 so that the countertop 301 can be placed between the walls 370 within the vice 360 in a generally vertical position (with the edge platforms 368 receiving and supporting at least part of an edge portion of the countertop 301 ).
- the vice lever 362 can then be again rotated (e.g., in an opposite direction to that for separating the support walls 370 ) to tighten the vice and move the walls 370 into engagement with the countertop 301 .
- the walls 370 squeeze the countertop 301 therebetween to securely hold, clamp, etc. the countertop 301 on the dolly 350 .
- the countertop 301 can be disengaged from the vice 360 and removed from the dolly 350 by rotating the vice lever 362 and moving the walls 370 away from the countertop 301 (so that the countertop 301 may be lifted out of the vice 360 and off the dolly 350 ).
- the countertop 101 and dolly 350 can be jointly moved to transport the countertop 301 as desired.
- the countertop 301 can be lifted, which results in the dolly 350 being also lifted.
- the step is cleared, the countertop 301 and dolly 350 can be lowered and further rolled to the desired location.
- lifting the countertop 301 when secured in the dolly 350 advantageously may not disengage the countertop 301 from the dolly 350 .
- the frame 352 of the dolly 350 and/or the wheels 354 and 356 coupled to the frame 352 are configured (e.g., sized, shaped, constructed, etc.) to hold the countertop 301 a distance above the ground surface 357 over which the dolly 350 may roll.
- this includes a distance that may advantageously hold the longitudinal ends of the countertop 301 above the ground surface 357 when rolling the sheet material (on the dolly 350 ), for example, into an inclined surface 371 .
- This may also include a distance that may advantageously hold the longitudinal ends of the countertop 301 above the ground surface 357 when rolling the sheet material (on the dolly 350 ) out of an inclined surface, into and/or out of a declined surface, over curbs, etc. If such a distance above the ground surface is not provided, the longitudinal ends of the countertop 301 may, for example, engage, drag, etc. the ground surface at the inclines and/or declines and damage the countertop 301 .
- Clamping systems (and components thereof) and dollies (and components thereof) may be formed from different materials and/or with different dimensions depending, for example, on the particular application, such as the type and/or size of sheet material to be supported and/or transported.
- first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, portions, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, portions, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, portion, or section from another element, component, region, portion, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, portion, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, portion, or section without departing from the scope of the example embodiments.
Abstract
In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile clamping system generally includes first and second elongate supports engageable with an edge portion of a sheet material for supporting at least part of the sheet material against bending. A fastener can releasably couple the first and second elongate supports to the edge portion of the sheet material. The first and second elongate supports define a channel for receiving the edge portion of the sheet material into the channel when supporting the sheet material. In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for transporting a sheet material generally includes a frame, at least one wheel coupled to the frame for allowing rolling movement of the frame, and an adjustable vice coupled to the frame for securing a sheet material in the vice on the frame.
Description
- The present disclosure generally relates to devices for supporting and transporting sheet materials, and more particularly to clamping systems positionable over edge portions of sheet materials for supporting the sheet materials against bending, and dollies for transporting the sheet materials.
- The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.
- Sheet materials (e.g., natural stone countertops, glass sheets, etc.) are often used, for example, in building construction. The sheet materials are often processed (e.g., cut, shaped, finished, etc.) at one location and then stored and later transported to a construction destination for installation. Such sheet materials, however, are often fragile and can be damaged during processing, storage, and/or transportation if not properly supported and/or handled.
- Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed toward clamping systems suitable for installation to, for example, sheet materials for use in supporting at least part of the sheet materials against bending. In one exemplary embodiment, a clamping system generally includes first and second elongate supports engageable with a sheet material for supporting at least part of the sheet material. A fastener can releasably couple the first and second elongate supports to the sheet material. The first elongate support includes an opening. The fastener extends through the opening when releasably coupling the first and second elongate supports to the sheet material.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a clamping system generally includes first and second opposing engagement members for receiving an edge portion of a sheet material between the engagement members when supporting at least part of the sheet material. A fastener can releasably couple the first and second engagement members to the edge portion of the sheet material. At least part of the first engagement member is generally contained within a first plane, and at least part of the second engagement member is generally contained within a second plane oriented generally parallel to the first plane. The fastener is disposed generally between the first and second planes.
- In still another exemplary embodiment, a clamping system generally includes first and second elongate supports engageable with an edge portion of a sheet material for supporting at least part of the sheet material. A fastener can releasably couple the first and second elongate supports to the edge portion of the sheet material. The first and second elongate supports define a channel for receiving the edge portion of the sheet material into the channel when supporting the sheet material.
- Other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed toward apparatus for transporting sheet materials. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus generally includes a frame, at least one wheel coupled to the frame for allowing rolling movement of the frame, and an adjustable vice coupled to the frame for securing a sheet material in the vice on the frame.
- Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific example embodiments are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
- The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a clamping system shown installed to a countertop; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a clamp of the clamping system ofFIG. 1 with the countertop removed; -
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary end elevation view of the clamp ofFIG. 2 shown secured to the countertop; -
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary end elevation view of three of the clamps ofFIG. 2 each shown secured to a countertop with the countertops arranged in a generally stacked orientation; -
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary end elevation view of a clamp of another exemplary embodiment of a clamping system showing the clamp secured to a countertop; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a dolly for use in transporting a countertop; and -
FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the dolly ofFIG. 6 shown holding a countertop for transport. - The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.
- Referring now to the drawings,
FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of aclamping system 100 for use in supporting at least part of a sheet material (e.g., acountertop 101, etc.) against bending. Theclamping system 100 may be installed to thecountertop 101 to provide stability, stiffness, rigidity, etc. to thecountertop 101 during, for example, processing, transport, installation, etc. It is to be understood that sheet material, as used herein, may include any material and/or form of material that is desired to be supported within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, sheet material may include natural stone materials (e.g., granite, marble, limestone, slate, etc.), glass, metals, plastics, woods, composites, etc. And sheet material may be in the form of countertops, sheets, slabs, sheet-type building materials, other sheet-type materials, etc. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the illustratedclamping system 100 generally includes two clamps (each indicated at 102) that are each positionable over a respectivelongitudinal edge portion 103 of thecountertop 101. For example, eachclamp 102 may be slid over a respectivelongitudinal edge portion 103 of thecountertop 101 and then releasably coupled (e.g., secured, tightened, compressed, etc.) to thecountertop 101 to support (e.g., provide stability, stiffness, etc.) at least part of thecountertop 101 against bending. Theclamps 102 can be positioned over any edge portion of the countertop 101 (not just the longitudinal edge portions 103) within the scope of the present disclosure. In other exemplary embodiments, clamping systems may include more than or fewer than two clamps for use in supporting sheet materials. - With reference now to
FIG. 2 , oneclamp 102 of the illustratedclamping system 100 will be described with it understood that a description of theother clamp 102 is substantially the same. The illustratedclamp 102 includes a firstelongate support 106 and a secondelongate support 108. Thesupports longitudinal edge portion 103 of thecountertop 101 for supporting at least part of thecountertop 101 against bending (FIG. 1 ).Fasteners 110 are provided for releasably securing the first andsecond supports countertop 101. Thesupports fasteners 110 may be formed from materials including, for example, metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), plastics, composites, combinations thereof, etc. within the scope of the present disclosure. And thefasteners 110 can include, for example, screws, bolts, pins, clips, tabs, springs, other spring members, levers, cams, etc. within the scope of the present disclosure. Alternatively, one or more of thefasteners 110 may be formed integrally, monolithically, etc. with thesecond support 108 within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, thefasteners 110 may be countersunk relative to thesecond support 108. And while the illustratedclamp 102 includes fivefasteners 110, in other exemplary embodiments, clamping systems may include clamps having more than or fewer than five fasteners (e.g., three fasteners, etc.). - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thefirst support 106 of the illustratedclamp 102 is generally S-shaped (as generally defined by three bends in the support 106). The bent shape of thesupport 106 can help rigidify, stiffen, etc. thesupport 106 against bending to help provide support to thecountertop 101. Thesupport 106 generally includes anengagement member 114 for engaging an upper part of thecountertop 101. Thesupport 106 also includes aback member 116 connected to theengagement member 114, and afastener member 118 connected to theback member 116. Theback member 116 is oriented generally perpendicularly to theengagement member 114; and thefastener member 118 is oriented generally perpendicularly to theback member 116. Thefastener member 118 can also include alip 120 to help, for example, further rigidify, etc. thesupport 106 against bending. - The
second support 108 of the illustratedclamp 102 is generally C-shaped (as defined by three bends in the support 108). The bent shape of thesupport 108 can help rigidify, stiffen, etc. thesupport 108 against bending to help provide support to the countertop 101 (together with the first support 106). Thesupport 108 generally includes anengagement member 124 for engaging a lower part of thecountertop 101. Thesupport 108 also includes aback member 126 connected to theengagement member 124, and afastener member 128 connected to theback member 126. Theback member 126 is oriented generally perpendicularly to theengagement member 124; and thefastener member 128 is oriented generally perpendicularly to theback member 126. Thefastener member 128 includes openings 132 (shown by broken lines inFIG. 3 ; only oneopening 132 is visible) for receiving thefasteners 110 through thesecond support 108 to releasably secure the first and secondelongate supports countertop 101. Thefastener member 128 can also include alip 130 to help, for example, further rigidify, etc. thesupport 108 against bending. - In other exemplary embodiments, clamping systems may include clamps with supports defining shapes different than disclosed herein and/or having different numbers of bends than disclosed herein depending, for example, on the material used to form the supports and/or the supporting requirements of sheet materials to be supported. For example, clamp supports may have engagement members, back members, and/or fastener members oriented relative to each other differently than, for example, generally perpendicularly within the scope of the present disclosure.
- With continued reference to
FIG. 3 , the first andsecond supports clamp 102 are generally coupled together to define achannel 136 configured (e.g., sized, shaped, constructed, etc.) to receive thelongitudinal edge portion 103 of thecountertop 101 therein. More particularly, theengagement member 114 of thefirst support 106, theback member 116 of thefirst support 106, and theengagement member 124 of thesecond support 108 generally define thechannel 136. And thefastener member 118 of thefirst support 106, and theback member 126 andfastener member 128 of thesecond support 108 are disposed generally exteriorly of thechannel 136. Thefastener members second supports fastener member 118 of thefirst support 106 positioned generally below thefastener member 128 of thesecond support 108. - In the illustrated embodiment, the first and
second supports fasteners 110. For example, coupling pins (not shown) can be connected to the first andsecond supports supports supports second supports supports supports longitudinal edge portion 103 of the countertop 101 (before thefasteners 110 are tightened). This relative movement can allow thesame clamp 102 to be used with different sized countertops having, for example, different thickness dimensions, etc. In other exemplary embodiments, clamping systems may include clamps with fasteners that act to both couple supports of the clamps together and releasably secure the clamps to sheet materials. In still other exemplary embodiments, clamping systems may include clamps with supports that are coupled together differently than disclosed herein (e.g., spring clips, hinges, etc.), or clamps with supports that are not coupled together at all (e.g., the supports may be individually positioned on sheet materials and then releasably secured to the sheet material by fasteners, etc.). - As also shown in
FIG. 3 , thefasteners 110 used to releasably secure theclamp 102 to thecountertop 101 extend through theopenings 132 in thefastener member 128 of thesecond support 108 and engage thefastener member 118 of thefirst support 106. Base members 137 (e.g., nuts, washers, plates, etc.) may be connected to thefasteners 110 to improve contact between thefasteners 110 and thefastener member 118 of thefirst support 106. Fastening fixtures 138 (e.g., spring clips, threaded nuts, etc.) connected (e.g., welded, riveted, etc.) to the second support 108 (generally under thefastener member 128 at the openings 132) are configured (e.g., sized, shaped, constructed, etc.) to receive thefasteners 110 and help releasably secure the first andsecond supports countertop 101. In the illustrated embodiment, thefasteners 110 include threaded bolts and thefastening fixtures 138 include correspondingly threaded nuts. And thefasteners 110 are matingly received into thefastening fixtures 138 to allow thefasteners 110 to be tightened to secure the first andsecond supports second supports fastening fixture 138 is provided for receiving eachfastener 110, in other exemplary embodiments, single fastening fixtures may be provided for receiving all fasteners of clamps. For example, in one exemplary embedment, a clamp may include a support in which a single fastening fixture is connected to an underside of a fastener member of the support. Here, openings are formed in the single fastening fixture to receive each fastener through the single fastening fixture to secure the clamp to sheet material. - Installation of the illustrated
clamping system 100 to thecountertop 101 will now be described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 3 . Each of theclamps 102 may initially be positioned over opposinglongitudinal edge portions 103 of thecountertop 101 at generally central locations along theedge portions 103. Theclamps 102 may then be secured to thecountertop 101 by thefasteners 110. Positioning and securing oneclamp 102 to alongitudinal edge portion 103 of thecountertop 101 will be described with it understood that a description of positioning and securing theother clamp 102 is the same. - The
fasteners 110 of theclamp 102 can initially be loosened so that thesupports clamp 102 can be moved relative to each other. This allows thesupports supports clamp 102 over thecountertop edge portion 103. The separated supports 106 and 108 may then be slid over thecountertop edge portion 103 so that thefirst support 106 is located generally over an upper part of thecountertop edge portion 103 and thesecond support 108 is located generally under a lower part of the counter top edge portion 103 (with thecountertop edge portion 103 thus received between theengagement members second supports 106 and 108 (FIG. 3 )). As shown inFIG. 3 , in this position theback member 116 of thefirst support 106 may be closely adjacent the edge portion 103 (or may abut theedge portion 103 in other exemplary embodiments). The generally thin configuration (e.g., size, shape, construction, etc.) of the first andsecond supports countertop edge portion 103 while thecountertop 101 is laying on a surface without lifting thecountertop 101 off the surface. For example, thesecond support 108 may be easily slid under thecountertop 101, between thecountertop edge portion 103 and the surface, without lifting thecountertop 101. - After positioning the first and
second supports countertop edge portion 103, thefasteners 110 may be tightened to secure thesupports countertop 101 to hold thesupports countertop 101, etc.). Thefasteners 110 may be tightened by using, for example, a tool (e.g., an allen wrench, etc.) to rotate thefasteners 110 through thefastening fixtures 138 to compress thesupports countertop 101. As thefasteners 110 are moved through thefastening fixtures 138, they apply a pushing force on thefastener member 118 of thefirst support 106. This moves thefirst support 106 generally toward thesecond support 108, and theengagement members support countertop 101. Additional tightening movement of thefasteners 110 can flex thefastener members 118 and/or 128 of the first and/orsecond supports 106 and/or 108 relative to theircorresponding engagement members supports 106 and/or 108 that can further help compress theengagement members supports clamp 102 on the countertop 101). - The
clamps 102 may each be removed from theedge portions 103 of thecountertop 101 when necessary by loosening thefasteners 110 of eachclamp 102 and sliding eachclamp 102 off the respectivecountertop edge portion 103. Theclamps 102 may then be reused as desired. Theengagement members engagement members supports countertop 101 when secured thereto. - With reference again to
FIGS. 1 and 3 , the illustratedclamping system 100 may be understood to have a generally low profile, for example relative to a thickness of thecountertop 101. For example, in eachclamp 102, at least part of theengagement member 114 of thefirst support 106 is generally contained within a first plane, and at least part of theengagement member 124 of thesecond support 108 is generally contained within a second plane (FIG. 3 ). The first plane is oriented generally parallel to the second plane, and thefasteners 110 of theclamp 102 are disposed generally between the first and second planes of theclamp 102 such that thefasteners 110 do not extend substantially above and/or below thesupports 106 and 108 (FIG. 3 ). Thus, installation of theclamping system 100 to thecountertop 101 does not substantially increase the total thickness of the countertop 101 (FIG. 3 ). - The low-
profile clamping system 100 can provide support to thecountertop 101 during processing operations (e.g., cutting, finishing, etc.) of thecountertop 101 without interference by theclamping system 100. For example, the low-profile clamping system 100 andcountertop 101 are generally within input tolerances (e.g., thickness tolerances, etc.) of tools and/or machines used to process thecountertop 101. Thecountertop 101 andclamping system 100 can thus move together through the various processing tools and/or machines without interference by theclamping system 100. - The low-
profile clamping system 100 also can provide support to thecountertop 101 during storing and/or transport of thecountertop 101 without wasting space between thecountertop 101 and an adjacent stacked, positioned, etc. countertop. For example, the low-profile clamping system 100 allows thecountertop 101 to be closely stacked, positioned, etc. with other countertops having, for example, clampingsystems 100 installed thereto. InFIG. 4 , for example, three countertops (each indicated 101) are shown each with aclamp 102 of the low-profile clamping system 100 secured thereto. And thecountertops 101 and clamps 102 are shown vertically stacked (and horizontally oriented) in close relationship (e.g., without large, wasted spaces between thecountertops 101, etc.). Theengagement members second supports exterior stacking surface 140 which allows thecountertops 101 to be stacked in close relationship. Thecountertops 101 may be stacked with the stackingsurface 140 of oneclamp 102 in generally face-to-face engagement with the stacking surface of anadjacent clamp 102. Alternatively, thecountertops 101 may be stacked with the stackingsurface 140 of oneclamp 102 in generally face-to-face engagement with at least part of a surface of anadjacent countertop 101. It is to be understood that thecountertops 101 may be vertically oriented and closely stored within the scope of the present disclosure. In other exemplary embodiments, clamping systems may include clamps in which adjacent stacking surfaces have complimentary groove pairs such that adjacent sheet materials are inhibited from sliding in one or more directions. - The low-
profile clamping system 100 can further provide support to thecountertop 101 during installation of the countertop 101 (e.g., installation of a countertop in a residential home, etc.) without interfering with installation operation. For example, the low-profile clamping system 100 can provide support to thecountertop 101 as it is transported to a location for installation, and as it is manipulated (e.g., carried, rotated, etc.) during the installation operation without interference. As such, theclamping system 100 may allow thecountertop 101 to be positioned above a lower section of cabinets and below an upper section of cabinets without interference (and without requiring removal of theclamping system 100 before positioning the countertop 101). - In another exemplary embodiment, a clamping system includes a clamp having an overall length dimension of about 72.0 inches (about 182.9 centimeters). A first support is generally S-shaped and includes an engagement member having a length dimension of about 2.3 inches (about 5.7 centimeters), a beach member having a length dimension of about 1.0 inches (about 2.5 centimeters), and a fastener member having a length dimension of about 1.0 inches (about 2.5 centimeters). A second support is generally C-shaped and includes an engagement member having a length dimension of about 3.3 inches (about 8.3 centimeters), a back member having a length dimension of about 1.0 inches (about 2.5 centimeters), and a fastening member having a length dimension of about 1.0 inches (about 2.5 centimeters). The engagement member, back member, and fastener member of each support may have a thickness dimension of about 0.1 inches (about 0.2 centimeters).
- In this embodiment, the first and second supports may be coupled together by coupling pins. The coupling pins can generally hold the first and second supports together, but can also allow relative movement of the supports to help position the supports over the edge portion of the sheet material. The supports can thus be adjusted to accommodate sheet material having thicknesses, for example, between about 1.1 inches (about 2.7 centimeters) and about 1.4 inches (about 3.6 centimeters). Clamping systems may include clamps with different dimensions than disclosed herein. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, a clamp may have a length dimension of about thirty-six inches. In other exemplary embodiments, clamping systems may include clamps each having one or more different length dimensions. Further, it should be appreciated that the length dimension of a clamp may indicate a number of fasteners to be included with the clamp.
-
FIG. 5 illustrates aclamp 202 of a low-profile clamping system 200 according to another exemplary embodiment. Theclamp 202 is shown positioned over anedge portion 203 of acountertop 201 and secured thereto. Theclamp 202 generally includes afirst support 206, asecond support 208, andfasteners 210 for releasably securing thesupports countertop 201. And thefasteners 210 do not extend substantially above and/or below thesupports fasteners 210 extend throughopenings 232 infastening members second supports supports supports -
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of adolly 350 suitable for use in transporting acountertop 301. Thedolly 350 includes aframe 352 havingwheels dolly 350 over, for example, aground surface 357. Thewheels 356 are rotatable and can help guide, maneuver, etc. thedolly 350 over theground surface 357 without, for example, lifting thedolly 350. Other wheel configurations may be used within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, more than or less than four total wheels may be used with thedolly 350, and/or more than or less than two rotatable wheels may be used with thedolly 350. And while thewheels 354 are sized differently from thewheels 356 in the illustrated embodiment, the wheels may all be similarly sized within the scope of the present disclosure. Thedolly frame 352 may be formed from materials including, for example, metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), plastics, composites, combinations thereof, etc. within the scope of the present disclosure. - The
dolly 350 also includes anadjustable vice 360 coupled to theframe 352 for use in securing thecountertop 301 to thedolly 350. Thevice 360 generally includes alever 362 and two push plates (each indicated at 364) operatively coupled to thelever 362. A drive member (e.g., a screw, etc.) (not shown) may connect thelever 362 to thepush plates 364 so that rotation of thelever 362 rotates the drive member and moves thepush plates 364 either together or apart.Edge platforms 368 are also coupled to thedolly frame 352 on opposite sides of thevice 360 to help support and stabilize thecountertop 301 when retained in thedolly 350 by thevice 360. - Support walls (each indicated at 370) are coupled to each of the
vice push plates 364 to help hold thecountertop 301 in thevice 360. Thewalls 370 are configured (e.g., sized, shaped, constructed, etc.) to engage thecountertop 301 and hold it generally between thewalls 370. In the illustrated embodiment, thewalls 370 are each sized (e.g., include a width dimension, height dimension, thickness dimension, etc.) to help inhibit movement of thecountertop 301 relative to thedolly 350. In other words, thewalls 370 of thevice 360 are each sized to engage a sufficient portion of thecountertop 301 to help inhibit thecountertop 301 from breaking within thevice 360, for example under the weight of thecountertop 301. For example, thewalls 370 in the illustrateddolly 350 may have a height dimension of about 5.0 inches (about 12.7 centimeters), a width dimension of about 15.4 inches (about 39.1 centimeters), and a thickness dimension of about 0.5 inches (about 1.3 centimeters). Thewalls 370 of thevice 360 may have different dimensions than disclosed herein within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, one of thevice walls 370 can have one or more different dimensions than theother vice wall 370. In addition, the engagement portions of thewalls 370 may include linings, coverings, etc. to help prevent them from marring, scratching, etc. surfaces of thecountertop 301 retained in thevice 360. - To place the
countertop 301 in thedolly 350, thevice lever 362 can initially be rotated to separate thesupport walls 370 so that thecountertop 301 can be placed between thewalls 370 within thevice 360 in a generally vertical position (with theedge platforms 368 receiving and supporting at least part of an edge portion of the countertop 301). Thevice lever 362 can then be again rotated (e.g., in an opposite direction to that for separating the support walls 370) to tighten the vice and move thewalls 370 into engagement with thecountertop 301. Here, thewalls 370 squeeze thecountertop 301 therebetween to securely hold, clamp, etc. thecountertop 301 on thedolly 350. Thecountertop 301 can be disengaged from thevice 360 and removed from thedolly 350 by rotating thevice lever 362 and moving thewalls 370 away from the countertop 301 (so that thecountertop 301 may be lifted out of thevice 360 and off the dolly 350). - Once the
countertop 301 is secured in the dolly, thecountertop 101 anddolly 350 can be jointly moved to transport thecountertop 301 as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, if it is required to move thecountertop 301 anddolly 350 up or down a step during transport, thecountertop 301 can be lifted, which results in thedolly 350 being also lifted. When the step is cleared, thecountertop 301 anddolly 350 can be lowered and further rolled to the desired location. Thus, lifting thecountertop 301 when secured in thedolly 350 advantageously may not disengage thecountertop 301 from thedolly 350. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , theframe 352 of thedolly 350 and/or thewheels frame 352 are configured (e.g., sized, shaped, constructed, etc.) to hold the countertop 301 a distance above theground surface 357 over which thedolly 350 may roll. In the illustrated embodiment, this includes a distance that may advantageously hold the longitudinal ends of thecountertop 301 above theground surface 357 when rolling the sheet material (on the dolly 350), for example, into aninclined surface 371. This may also include a distance that may advantageously hold the longitudinal ends of thecountertop 301 above theground surface 357 when rolling the sheet material (on the dolly 350) out of an inclined surface, into and/or out of a declined surface, over curbs, etc. If such a distance above the ground surface is not provided, the longitudinal ends of thecountertop 301 may, for example, engage, drag, etc. the ground surface at the inclines and/or declines and damage thecountertop 301. - The materials, dimensions, etc. provided herein are for purposes of illustration only. Clamping systems (and components thereof) and dollies (and components thereof) may be formed from different materials and/or with different dimensions depending, for example, on the particular application, such as the type and/or size of sheet material to be supported and/or transported.
- It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “secured”, “connected”, or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly secured”, “directly connected”, or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).
- It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, portions, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, portions, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, portion, or section from another element, component, region, portion, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, portion, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, portion, or section without departing from the scope of the example embodiments.
- Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “forward”, “back”, “rear”, “rearward”, “bottom” and “side”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order or quantity unless clearly indicated by the context.
- When introducing elements or features of the present disclosure and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted.
- The present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Claims (20)
1. A clamping system suitable for installation to a sheet material for use in supporting at least part of the sheet material against bending, the clamping system comprising:
first and second elongate supports engageable with the sheet material for supporting at least part of the sheet material;
a fastener for releasably coupling the first and second elongate supports to the sheet material;
wherein the second elongate support includes an opening, the fastener extending through said opening when releasably coupling the first and second elongate supports to the sheet material.
2. The clamping system of claim 1 further comprising a threaded fixture connected to the second elongate support at said opening, wherein the fastener includes a threaded fastener for mating reception within the threaded fixture for releasably coupling the first and second elongate supports to the sheet material.
3. The clamping system of claim 1 wherein the fastener engages the first elongate support and applies a pushing force to the first elongate support when releasably coupling the first and second elongate supports to the sheet material.
4. The clamping system of claim 1 wherein the first and second elongate supports define a channel for receiving an edge portion of the sheet material into the channel when supporting the sheet material.
5. The clamping system of claim 4 wherein the first and second elongate supports each include an engagement member for engaging the sheet material, and a back member connected to the engagement member, each back member being oriented generally perpendicularly to each corresponding engagement member.
6. The clamping system of claim 5 wherein the engagement member of the first elongate support, the back member of the first elongate support, and the engagement member of the second elongate support generally define said channel.
7. The clamping system of claim 5 wherein the first and second elongate supports each include a fastener member operable with the fastener for releasably coupling the first and second elongate supports to the sheet material, each fastener member being oriented generally perpendicularly to each corresponding back member.
8. The clamping system of claim 1 wherein the first and second elongate supports are coupled together independently of said fastener.
9. The clamping system of claim 1 further comprising at least three fasteners for releasably coupling the first and second elongate supports to the sheet material.
10. The clamping system of claim 1 further comprising:
third and fourth elongate supports engageable with the sheet material for supporting at least part of the sheet material;
a fastener for releasably coupling the third and fourth elongate supports to the sheet material;
wherein the first and second elongate supports are engageable with the sheet material at a first edge portion of the sheet material, and the third and fourth elongate supports are engageable with the sheet material at a second edge portion of the sheet material.
11. A low-profile clamping system suitable for installation to a sheet material for use in supporting at least part of the sheet material against bending, the clamping system comprising:
first and second opposing engagement members for receiving an edge portion of the sheet material between the engagement members when supporting at least part of the sheet material;
a fastener for releasably coupling the first and second engagement members to the edge portion of the sheet material;
wherein at least part of the first engagement member is generally contained within a first plane, and at least part of the second engagement member is generally contained within a second plane oriented generally parallel to the first plane, the fastener being disposed generally between said first and second planes.
12. The clamping system of claim 11 further comprising first and second fastener members operable with the fastener for releasably coupling the first and second engagement members to the edge portion of the sheet material, each fastener member being oriented generally parallel to each corresponding engagement member.
13. The clamping system of claim 11 wherein the second fastener member includes an opening, the fastener extending through said opening and engaging the first fastener member for releasably coupling the first and second elongate supports to the edge portion of the sheet material.
14. The clamping system of claim 11 wherein at least one of the first and second engagement members includes a stackable surface for receiving at least part of an engagement member of another clamping system into generally face-to-face engagement with said stackable surface for accommodating close-together placement of two or more sheet materials to which the clamping systems are installed.
15. A clamping system suitable for installation to a sheet material for use in supporting at least part of the sheet material against bending, the clamping system comprising:
first and second elongate supports engageable with an edge portion of the sheet material for supporting at least part of the sheet material;
a fastener for releasably coupling the first and second elongate supports to the edge portion of the sheet material;
wherein the first and second elongate supports define a channel for receiving the edge portion of the sheet material into the channel when supporting the sheet material.
16. The clamping system of claim 15 wherein the first and second elongate supports each include an engagement member for engaging the edge portion of the sheet material, and a back member connected to the engagement member, each back member being oriented generally perpendicularly to each corresponding engagement member.
17. The clamping system of claim 16 wherein the engagement member of the first elongate support, the back member of the first elongate support, and the engagement member of the second elongate support generally define said channel.
18. An apparatus for transporting sheet material, the apparatus comprising:
a frame;
at least one wheel coupled to the frame for allowing rolling movement of the frame;
an adjustable vice coupled to the frame for securing the sheet material in the vice on the frame.
19. The cart of claim 18 wherein the vice includes opposing walls for engaging the sheet material generally between the walls, and a lever operatively coupled to the opposing walls for selectively moving the walls into engagement with the sheet material to secure the sheet material on the base.
20. The cart of claim 18 comprising at least four wheels coupled to the frame.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/873,108 US20090096180A1 (en) | 2007-10-16 | 2007-10-16 | Devices for supporting and transporting sheet materials |
US12/574,601 US8601651B2 (en) | 2007-10-16 | 2009-10-06 | Devices for supporting and transporting sheet materials |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/873,108 US20090096180A1 (en) | 2007-10-16 | 2007-10-16 | Devices for supporting and transporting sheet materials |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/574,601 Division US8601651B2 (en) | 2007-10-16 | 2009-10-06 | Devices for supporting and transporting sheet materials |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090096180A1 true US20090096180A1 (en) | 2009-04-16 |
Family
ID=40533438
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/873,108 Abandoned US20090096180A1 (en) | 2007-10-16 | 2007-10-16 | Devices for supporting and transporting sheet materials |
US12/574,601 Expired - Fee Related US8601651B2 (en) | 2007-10-16 | 2009-10-06 | Devices for supporting and transporting sheet materials |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/574,601 Expired - Fee Related US8601651B2 (en) | 2007-10-16 | 2009-10-06 | Devices for supporting and transporting sheet materials |
Country Status (1)
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US (2) | US20090096180A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120049475A1 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2012-03-01 | Peder Jensen | Device and method for the transport of objects/goods |
CN112776863A (en) * | 2021-01-20 | 2021-05-11 | 九江职业技术学院 | Coupler manufacturing production line |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN102615605A (en) * | 2011-01-31 | 2012-08-01 | 进准光学(江苏)有限公司 | Fixture |
MX2017001005A (en) * | 2014-07-22 | 2017-07-19 | Wencon Dev Inc Dba Quick Mount Pv | Photovoltaic module accessory clamp. |
RU181184U1 (en) * | 2018-02-26 | 2018-07-05 | Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "Роникон" | FRONT DOOR BRACKET PROFILE |
Citations (24)
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US2503388A (en) * | 1948-01-12 | 1950-04-11 | Hedlund Carl Leonard | Door hanger and trolley |
US2818988A (en) * | 1954-12-17 | 1958-01-07 | Richard W Dunkin | Masonry block cart |
US2830632A (en) * | 1955-05-31 | 1958-04-15 | Rouche Oscar J La | Door holding clamp |
US2967627A (en) * | 1958-06-23 | 1961-01-10 | Marvin M Vinson | Door dolly and jack |
US3580601A (en) * | 1969-04-30 | 1971-05-25 | Ray P Miles | Skate device for transporting large objects |
US3861662A (en) * | 1973-12-10 | 1975-01-21 | Carl W Morse | Combined door carrier and hanging device |
US4050671A (en) * | 1976-05-18 | 1977-09-27 | Victor S. Mott | Door hanger device |
US4138099A (en) * | 1978-04-17 | 1979-02-06 | Englehart Clem C | Materials handling device |
US4270741A (en) * | 1979-12-26 | 1981-06-02 | Hurst Paul N | Door vise |
US4278244A (en) * | 1979-10-22 | 1981-07-14 | Carter Charles E | Pivotable dolly for holding transporting and hanging a door |
US4488733A (en) * | 1982-09-17 | 1984-12-18 | Aktiebolaget Gyproc | Wheeled plate carrier |
US4729552A (en) * | 1987-08-03 | 1988-03-08 | George Pempek | Vertical vise |
US4793624A (en) * | 1987-09-24 | 1988-12-27 | Mace Ted C | Small, lightweight, strong, multiple use cart having a removable vertical support for moving heavy items in or out of dwellings via a person size doorway |
US4953836A (en) * | 1989-03-20 | 1990-09-04 | Mark Starck | Work holder apparatus |
US5226656A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1993-07-13 | Mayer Donald G | Wheeled carrier for panel materials |
US5244221A (en) * | 1992-09-14 | 1993-09-14 | Ward John S | Multi-use hand truck |
US5288090A (en) * | 1993-02-16 | 1994-02-22 | Bross Martin D | Door dolly apparatus |
US5486014A (en) * | 1994-03-08 | 1996-01-23 | Hough; Darald F. | Dolly having elongated channel with releasable frictional securement device |
US5507509A (en) * | 1993-11-26 | 1996-04-16 | Della Polla, Jr.; Michael | Adjusting brace panel cart |
US5879014A (en) * | 1997-08-11 | 1999-03-09 | Price; Gary A | Adjustable dolly |
US5899650A (en) * | 1997-07-17 | 1999-05-04 | Collins; Travis L. | Slab cart |
US7004483B1 (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2006-02-28 | Marble Crafters, Inc. | Cart for large slabs |
US20070020071A1 (en) * | 2005-07-19 | 2007-01-25 | Williams David L | Door dolly apparatus |
US7325817B1 (en) * | 2003-10-06 | 2008-02-05 | Jankowski Bryan C | Clamp for securing panel to a carriage |
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US2991669A (en) * | 1960-04-11 | 1961-07-11 | Philip R Stock | Work clamping devices |
US3170708A (en) * | 1962-08-03 | 1965-02-23 | Lawrence E Miller | Castered clamp |
US3468509A (en) * | 1967-09-06 | 1969-09-23 | Lawrence Brothers | Track mounting bracket |
US4318537A (en) * | 1980-06-23 | 1982-03-09 | Corning Glass Works | Cutting surface assembly |
US4828241A (en) * | 1987-03-30 | 1989-05-09 | Yang Tai Her | Articulated c-type clamping assembly which is adjustable in length |
US5494553A (en) * | 1993-09-20 | 1996-02-27 | Colucci; William G. | Multi-purpose clamping apparatus |
US7055787B2 (en) * | 2003-01-27 | 2006-06-06 | Christopher Todd Cross | Sheet material clamp |
US7789379B2 (en) | 2003-12-17 | 2010-09-07 | Omni Cubed Design, LLC | Solid surface clamp |
US7469903B2 (en) * | 2005-08-19 | 2008-12-30 | Action Target Acquisition Corp. | Target clamping system |
US7395775B2 (en) * | 2006-08-17 | 2008-07-08 | Lascala Patrick J | Cover frame support clamp for pontoon boat rails |
-
2007
- 2007-10-16 US US11/873,108 patent/US20090096180A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
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- 2009-10-06 US US12/574,601 patent/US8601651B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2503388A (en) * | 1948-01-12 | 1950-04-11 | Hedlund Carl Leonard | Door hanger and trolley |
US2818988A (en) * | 1954-12-17 | 1958-01-07 | Richard W Dunkin | Masonry block cart |
US2830632A (en) * | 1955-05-31 | 1958-04-15 | Rouche Oscar J La | Door holding clamp |
US2967627A (en) * | 1958-06-23 | 1961-01-10 | Marvin M Vinson | Door dolly and jack |
US3580601A (en) * | 1969-04-30 | 1971-05-25 | Ray P Miles | Skate device for transporting large objects |
US3861662A (en) * | 1973-12-10 | 1975-01-21 | Carl W Morse | Combined door carrier and hanging device |
US4050671A (en) * | 1976-05-18 | 1977-09-27 | Victor S. Mott | Door hanger device |
US4138099A (en) * | 1978-04-17 | 1979-02-06 | Englehart Clem C | Materials handling device |
US4278244A (en) * | 1979-10-22 | 1981-07-14 | Carter Charles E | Pivotable dolly for holding transporting and hanging a door |
US4270741A (en) * | 1979-12-26 | 1981-06-02 | Hurst Paul N | Door vise |
US4488733A (en) * | 1982-09-17 | 1984-12-18 | Aktiebolaget Gyproc | Wheeled plate carrier |
US4729552A (en) * | 1987-08-03 | 1988-03-08 | George Pempek | Vertical vise |
US4793624A (en) * | 1987-09-24 | 1988-12-27 | Mace Ted C | Small, lightweight, strong, multiple use cart having a removable vertical support for moving heavy items in or out of dwellings via a person size doorway |
US4953836A (en) * | 1989-03-20 | 1990-09-04 | Mark Starck | Work holder apparatus |
US5226656A (en) * | 1992-07-01 | 1993-07-13 | Mayer Donald G | Wheeled carrier for panel materials |
US5244221A (en) * | 1992-09-14 | 1993-09-14 | Ward John S | Multi-use hand truck |
US5288090A (en) * | 1993-02-16 | 1994-02-22 | Bross Martin D | Door dolly apparatus |
US5507509A (en) * | 1993-11-26 | 1996-04-16 | Della Polla, Jr.; Michael | Adjusting brace panel cart |
US5486014A (en) * | 1994-03-08 | 1996-01-23 | Hough; Darald F. | Dolly having elongated channel with releasable frictional securement device |
US5899650A (en) * | 1997-07-17 | 1999-05-04 | Collins; Travis L. | Slab cart |
US5879014A (en) * | 1997-08-11 | 1999-03-09 | Price; Gary A | Adjustable dolly |
US7004483B1 (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2006-02-28 | Marble Crafters, Inc. | Cart for large slabs |
US7325817B1 (en) * | 2003-10-06 | 2008-02-05 | Jankowski Bryan C | Clamp for securing panel to a carriage |
US20070020071A1 (en) * | 2005-07-19 | 2007-01-25 | Williams David L | Door dolly apparatus |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120049475A1 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2012-03-01 | Peder Jensen | Device and method for the transport of objects/goods |
US8540254B2 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2013-09-24 | Peder Jensen | Device and method for the transport of objects/goods |
CN112776863A (en) * | 2021-01-20 | 2021-05-11 | 九江职业技术学院 | Coupler manufacturing production line |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8601651B2 (en) | 2013-12-10 |
US20100019116A1 (en) | 2010-01-28 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HALLMARK STONE COMPANY, MISSOURI Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHRISTEN, FREDERICK JOSEPH;SHELTON, ADAM JASON;REEL/FRAME:020171/0761;SIGNING DATES FROM 20071109 TO 20071112 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |