Adjusting spacings between rows of plant pots - by fork with unequally spaced prongs first lifting row, then lowering in stages onto moving support

摘要

The mechanism is for re-spacing rows of objects (10, 11) such as plant pots, which have larger-diameter near the top than further down. It comprises a form (8) with horizontal prongs (9) which can be moved between the objects standing in one row on a support (4). Adjacent spaces between prongs have unequal widths so that lifting the fork causes the objects to be supported at different levels (10, 11). Subsequent lowering of the fork in more than one step (x, y) first (x) places the lower objects (11) on the surface (4), and thereafter (y) the higher objects (10). Respacing is achieved by relative horizontal movement between fork and support between the steps (x, y).