Apparatus for maintaining space created between vertically stacked loads and a method of using same

Abstract

A spacing tool and a method for facilitating the de-stacking of vertically stacked items are disclosed. The spacing tool comprises an attachment arm and a spacing arm pivotably coupled to a pivot. The attachment arm comprises one or more suitable fasteners for attaching the first arm to a load. The spacing arm is rotatable about the pivot between an open position and a support position. The pivot comprises a biasing mechanism for biasing the spacing arm to the support position. To create and maintain a clearance between an upper load and a lower load therebelow, one may rotate the spacing arm to the open position, and vertically attach the attachment arm to a side of either the upper load or the lower load such that the second arm rests against the other load. Then the upper load is lifted to create a space sufficient for the spacing arm to rotate, at which time the biasing mechanism automatically rotates the spacing arm to the support position for maintaining a clearance between the upper and lower loads.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.