Devices for supporting and transporting sheet materials

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.

DRAWINGS

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 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; and

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the dolly of FIG. 6 shown holding a countertop for transport.

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