Pallet disassembling method and apparatus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION We claim: 1.
A method for disassembling cargo carrying pallets which are constructed of a plurality of generally parallel, spaced-apart slats that are fastened to and extend laterally across the top and bottom edges of a plurality of generally parallel, spaced-apart ribs, the method employing horizontally extending tine means which are positioned between a plurality of upper breaker mmebers and a plurality of lower breaker members, the method including the steps of inserting a pallet onto the tine means with the latter being disposed generally parallel with the ribs and between the top and bottom slats, with the lower breaker members positioned in register with portions of the ribs which are exposed between the slats, moving the tine means downwardly against the slats while holding the lower breaker members stationary to cause the bottom slats to be separated from the ribs, positioning the upper breaker members in register with portions of the ribs which are exposed between the top slats, and moving the tine means upwardly against the top slats while holding the upper breaker members stationary to cause the top slats to be separated from the ribs.




Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to cargo carrying wooden pallets, and in particular relates to the disassembly of such pallets for purposes of recovery and reuse of the slats and ribs that are used in their construction.
Cargo carrying pallets that are constructed of wooden slats and ribs are commonly used for handling and carrying a wide range of goods and cargo.
Boxes of the cargo typically are loaded on the pallets and a material handling vehicle, such as a forklift truck, is then used to pick up and move the loaded pallet.
The forklift trucks are adapted to move the pallets into and from truck trailers and railroad cars, and also to move, stack and position the loaded pallets at loading docks, warehouses and other storage areas.
Pallets of the foregoing character oftentimes are damaged and rendered unsafe or unusable when the slats and ribs are broken or cracked during use