Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method and apparatus for handling sheet metal stampings utilizing a tack including a base structure defining a floor surface, upstanding end structures, and forklift openings to facilitate transport of the rack. A plurality of leaves are positioned in spaced relation along the floor surface with each leaf including a hinge along its lower edge defining a hinge axis extending normal to the longitudinal axis of the rack. The leaf nearest one of the end structures is spaced from that end structure to allow that leaf to assume a pivoted position on one side of a reference plane in which the upper end of the leaf is supported by the one end structure and the leaf nearest the other end structure is spaced from that end structure to allow that leaf to assume a pivoted position on the other side of its reference plane in which the leaf is supported by the other end structure. With all but the endmost leaf pivoted to one side of the respective reference planes, a stamping is placed against the endmost leaf and the next adjacent leaf is pivoted to a position in overlying relation to the first leaf to sandwich the stamping therebetween, whereafter the next stamping is positioned against the second leaf, the third leaf is pivoted to a position to sandwich the second stamping between the second and third leaves and the process is repeated until all of the leaves have been pivoted with a stamping positioned between each successive set of leaves.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim