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This invention is directed to an article carrier for transporting articles such as stone or plate glass. A pickup truck, being a small truck, is normally used to deliver articles on short trips. Large trucks, freight cars and other enclosed carriers are normally used to haul articles on long trips. Other racks used in the glass industry are mounted on small trucks, pickup trucks or are completely enclosed inside of a delivery vehicle.
Particularly, this invention is configured to optimally carry stone backsplashes. A backsplash is an important element to most successful kitchen installations. It performs a vital role as a splash-guard to the back wall, particularly around the stove area, and keeps water from leaking behind the cabinetry. It is also an invaluable ‘mask’—hiding the gaps where a straight counter meets with a less-than-straight wall as is typical in older houses.
The present invention can be used in conjunction with truck mounted carries such as that shown in U.S. Design Pat. No. 423,447, owned by the common assignee hereof, and incorporated herein by reference.
A carrying apparatus to securely and safely transport a kitchen backsplash is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of preferably vertical walls create channels to carry individual or plural backsplashes. A soft rear loadstop is provided across channels at a distal end of the channels to prevent backsplashes from going beyond the distal end of the carrying apparatus. Rail covers are also provided at top edges of the walls, and soft rubber matting on the floors of the channels minimize unwanted movement of the backsplashes.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention carried by a conventional pickup truck bed.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention carried by a conventional pickup truck bed, the carrying apparatus carrying a plurality of backsplashes.
FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention carried by a conventional pickup truck bed, the carrying apparatus carrying a plurality of backsplashes, contained by a loadstop.
Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. As can be seen, it is preferable to incorporate a carrying apparatus 10 into a bed of a pickup truck. Carrying apparatus 10 carries backsplashes 22 (shown in FIG. 2) preferably vertically between adjacent sidewalls 12 creating channels 14 with floors 14 provided thereby. Backsplash 22 is preferably contained in a first horizontal direction at a first end by loadstop 24. Loadstop 24 is preferably of a soft rubber material to dampen the force of pushing backsplashes 22 into the channels 14.
Floors of the channels 14 are preferably coated to minimize damage to backsplash 22, or supplied with rubber members 18 to serve this same purpose. In this fashion, an otherwise clumsy backsplash 22 is concealed and. The remaining portions of the truck bed can then be used to carry remaining portions of the project, in the case of a backsplash 22, a likely combination is that carrying apparatus 10 would be accompanied by other countertop structure, granite or otherwise.
Also preferably, the walls 12 are equipped at their top with rail covers 16, a preferred provider being commercially available Trim-Lok rail covers which straddle top portions of the walls 12. This minimizes sharp edges otherwise potentially present on metal components that are preferred for walls 12.
A plurality of tabs 20 are provided through which to fasten the carrying apparatus 10 to the bed of a truck or otherwise.
Referring now to FIG. 2, backsplashes 22 are shown installed in the carrying apparatus 10. It is appreciated that the system can be modified to carry backsplashes 22 of differing widths or more than the number of backsplashes 22 shown by addition of additional walls 12.
Referring now to FIG. 3, loadstop 24 is shown accepting backsplashes 22. Load stop 24 is preferably coupled to the walls 12 and to the floors of the channels 14.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention.