EP1630121B1 - Spreader - Google Patents

Abstract

The spreader has a chassis (14) which is suspended at handling equipment. A lower side (17) of the chassis is disposed flatly on an upper side (13) of a load (1). The chassis carries two hooks (32) for evolving, under the action of controlled jacks (35), between a gripping position under two upper crosspieces (8) of the load and a shifted position with respect to the crosspieces.

Description

The present invention relates to a spreader for cooperating with a load comprising, by nature or by adaptation equipment, two rigid cross members, mutually parallel, rigidly connected to the load so as to be placed on top of the latter, defining together or flush, upwardly, a planar and horizontal upper surface of the load, leaving at least locally, at least locally, a free space which surrounds them respectively and being mutually symmetrical relative to each other; in line with the center of gravity of the load, in a preferred orientation that it occupies at least approximately, said spreader comprising a flat rigid frame having an upper face and a lower face, and chassis suspension means to a handling machine, in a central area of the upper face of the chassis.

Such a spreader is usually used when it is a question of distributing at several points of a load the suspension effort of this one to a handling machine, such as a hoist, and to maintain at least approximately the load lifted in its privileged orientation.

For this purpose, in the most common known embodiment of such a lifter, the chassis thereof is connected to the load by a set of flexible lines which are distributed under its lower face, relative to the plumb of the central zone of its upper face, that is to say, with respect to the plumb of the suspension means to the handling equipment, in the same way as the attachment points of these lines to the sleepers of the load are distributed around the plumb of the center of gravity of it. Thus, the lines are oriented at least approximately vertically and the suspension means of the chassis to a handling machine are at least approximately vertically above the center of gravity of the load when it is lifted.

In combination with a lifter thus designed, it can be provided on the load, either inherently therein during its manufacture, as may be the case if it comprises a box or a skeleton frame, or again by adaptation equipment, for example if it is a ball or a bag, or two rigid sleepers arranged in the manner indicated in the preamble, or means such as loops defining in a more localized way specific points of attachment for the lines.

Such a mode of connection between the frame of the spreader and the load has the disadvantage of allowing movements of the load swing relative to the lifter, which movements affect the accuracy of the handling of the load and, because of the the inertia of the latter, can affect the handling machine to the point of affecting the stability thereof, which only accentuate this imprecision of handling by loss of control of the load. In particular, it may result in shocks to the persons and property around it, with the risk of causing injury, possibly serious, and damage to the load or the property around it.

These drawbacks can be remedied by a crossbar capable of anchoring as rigidly as possible on a load via two rigid crosspieces rigidly connected thereto in the manner indicated in the preamble, regardless of the way in which the crosspieces are made and rigidly connected to the load, regardless of the way in which the free space around them is locally, namely in particular that these sleepers are components of a rigid upper frame frame forming an integral part of the load or attached thereto, or that they are divided into several respective sections located in upper pockets that the load or a plate rigidly mounted thereon, and regardless of how the flat and horizontal upper face of the load is defined, namely in particular by the load itself or, respectively, by the frame rigid upper frame or the aforementioned wall.

• au moins deux crochets guidés, par rapport au châssis, au déplacement entre une première position limite d'ancrage sur l'une, respective, des traverses de la charge, dans laquelle ils forment une saillie sous la face inférieure du châssis et viennent en prise sous la traverse respective de la charge, dans ladite position relative déterminée, et une deuxième position limite dans laquelle ils sont décalés par rapport à la traverse respective de la charge, suivant une première direction perpendiculaire à la traverse respective dans ladite position relative déterminée et approximativement parallèle au châssis,
• des moyens commandés pour faire évoluer les crochets, de façon commandée, de l'une à l'autre desdites positions limites, par rapport au châssis.

To cooperate with a load thus designed or equipped, a spreader may comprise a flat rigid chassis, having an upper face and a lower face, and suspension means of the chassis to a handling machine, in a central zone of the upper face. of the chassis, characterized in that the lower face of the chassis is shaped so as to be flatly, stably, applied to the upper face of the load, in a determined relative position such that said central zone is placed at a distance of the center of gravity of the load, and that the chassis carries:

• at least two hooks guided, with respect to the frame, to the displacement between a first anchor limit position on one, respectively, of the sleepers of the load, in which they form a projection under the underside of the frame and come into engagement under the respective crosshead of the load, in said determined relative position, and a second limit position in which they are offset from the respective crosshead of the load, in a first direction perpendicular to the respective crossbeam in said determined relative position and approximately parallel to the chassis,
• controlled means for changing the hooks, in a controlled manner, from one to the other of said limit positions, relative to the frame.

DE-U-298 07 232 (D1) relates to a lift for channel covers, with a lifter attachable to the cover, where a lifting means is attached to the lifter to raise and / or lower the channel cover. A spreader disclosed in D1 include hooks to grab and lift the cover, and release it. The hooks are actuated by pneumatic means and are arranged so that they can rotate relative to each other around a fulcrum.

The lifter disclosed in D1, however, does not allow a centering of the cover relative to the lifter.

The object of the invention is to improve the existing devices and, for this purpose, the invention proposes a spreader according to claim 1, in which there are provided controlled coercive centering means with respect to the load, parallel to the crosspieces of that -this.

These controlled centering means more effectively ensure a centering of the spreader relative to the load, parallel to the crosspieces thereof.

A person skilled in the art will readily understand that, as soon as the chassis of the rudder has been flattened, by its lower face, on the upper face of the load in said determined relative position, while the hooks are in their second position. limit position, then caused the passage of the hooks from their second limit position to their first limit position, the spreader according to the invention is rigidly anchored to the load, that is to say behaves substantially as a rigid whole with that- ci, without risk of relative swing and therefore without the risk of imprecision in handling and accident for people and property.

It is possible to choose the mounting mode of the hooks on the frame, and therefore their mode of movement between their limit positions, but one preferred embodiment of the spreader according to which the hooks are articulated on said frame about axes mutually parallel, arranged to be oriented parallel to the cross members of the load in said determined relative position, so as to evolve between said limit positions by spacing or mutual approximation, which ensures a connection as reliable as possible hooks on the one hand with the frame and on the other hand with the sleepers of the load, that is to say offers maximum security.

Preferably, the hooks are mutually spaced a distance less than the distance separating the crosspieces in the second limit position and reach their first limit position by mutual spacing, so that it can be ensured by appropriate dimensioning of the chassis and by an appropriate positioning of the axes of articulation of the hooks on it, that the hooks never come out of the plumb of the vertical projection of the chassis which, preferably, has a bulk overall, in plan, at most equal to the overall dimensions, in plan, of the load, to facilitate maneuvers approaching the rudder vis-à-vis the load, even surrounded on all sides, and the maneuvers of the load by means of the rudder.

It will be observed that the cooperation between the hooks and the sleepers of the load makes it possible to ensure precise positioning of the spreader relative to the load in a direction perpendicular to the sleepers.

• au moins deux pattes de centrage guidées, par rapport au châssis, au déplacement entre une première position limite d'appui contre l'une, respective, des deux zones latérales de la charge et une deuxième position limite dans laquelle elles sont décalées par rapport à la zone latérale respective de la charge, suivant une deuxième direction perpendiculaire à la première direction et approximativement parallèle au châssis,
• des moyens commandés pour faire évoluer les pattes de centrage, de façon commandée, de l'une à l'autre desdites positions limites, par rapport au châssis.

The centering means may have various designs but, according to a preferred embodiment, when the load comprises, in addition to said sleepers, by nature or by adaptation equipment, two rigid lateral zones, rigidly connected to the cross members, perpendicular to the cross members and mutually opposite. parallel to the sleepers, they include:

• at least two centering lugs guided relative to the frame, to the displacement between a first limit position against a respective one of the two lateral zones of the load and a second limit position in which they are offset with respect to the respective lateral zone of the load, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and approximately parallel to the chassis,
• controlled means for changing the centering tabs, in a controlled manner, from one to the other of said limit positions, relative to the chassis.

Preferably, in order to make sure that the overall dimensions of the spreader, in plan, fits into the overall space requirement, in plan, of the load, when said lateral zones thereof are are facing each other, the centering tabs are mutually spaced a distance less than the distance separating said lateral zones of the load, parallel to the cross members, in the second limit position and gain their first limit position by mutual spacing.

It is thus possible, in particular, to lift a load initially closely surrounded by other loads or walls inherent to an enclosure in which the load is initially located, or to deposit the load between other loads or in an enclosure which, respectively, surround it closely, without the rudder is an inconvenience and without it is difficult to anchor it on the load or to release it.

However, it is understood that the centering tabs can also be provided to cooperate with mutually opposite side areas of the load, that these side areas are inherent to the load and for example constituted by lateral upper edges thereof or they result from a load adaptation equipment, in which case the centering lugs are spaced apart by a distance less than the distance separating said lateral zones from the load, parallel to the sleepers, in the second limit position and gain their limit position by mutual rapprochement.

The controlled means, changing the hooks and the centering tabs, in a controlled manner, that is preferably remotely controlled, from one to the other of their respective limit positions, with respect to the frame, can be of various designs. but, preferably, they are chosen from a group comprising pneumatic means, hydraulic means and electrical means which, on the one hand, use means that are otherwise present, generally, on a machine handling equipment and, on the other hand, lend themselves to the installation of safeguards avoiding any inadvertent passage of the hooks and legs from one to the other of their limit positions, and in particular to a limit position corresponding to the release of the load vis-à-vis the rudder, to avoid an untimely fall of this load.

Since the load handling operations may require a change in their orientation about an approximately vertical axis, relative to the handling equipment, it is possible to make this change of orientation by twisting intermediate lines. between the frame of the rudder and the handling equipment, but, firstly, such a choice requires giving these lines a certain length, resulting in some instability of the load suspended via the rudder, and on the other hand, the application, in a necessarily manual manner, of a movement of orientation to the load results in a twisting of the suspension lines, resulting in a reduction in their apparent length and consequently in a lifting of the load. It follows that a change of orientation of the latter, with respect to the orientation it tends to take naturally, requires considerable effort, and presents a certain danger since, given its weight, the load tends to return to its original orientation.

An embodiment of the spreader according to the invention is therefore preferred, according to which the suspension means comprise means for guiding in rotation around an axis perpendicular to the frame and passing through said central zone of the upper face thereof. . It is thus possible to reduce the length of the lines, or even to remove any line between a hook of the handling equipment and the rudder according to the invention, that is to say both to limit the risk of sway of load and allow any rotation of it, on any desired angle, effortlessly and without danger. In this respect, it can advantageously be provided that the rotational guiding means are associated, in a manner known per se, controlled drive means, namely preferably remotely controlled, for guiding at will, at a distance, the rudder and the load which it possibly carries around the axis about which the rotation guidance is carried out, which axis naturally tends to be placed at least approximately vertically.

Thus, by properly choosing the handling machine, it is possible to ensure that the load is perfectly guided, with respect thereto, by means of the spreader according to the invention, which considerably increases the ease and precision handling of the load, and considerably limits the dangers that this could pose to people and property around it.

Other features and advantages of a spreader according to the invention will become apparent from the description below, relating to a non-limiting example of embodiment, and the accompanying drawings accompanying this description.

The Figures 1 to 3 illustrate, in perspective views, three states of the same lifter according to the invention, used as an intermediate suspension of a load to a hoist such as a crane, not shown.

In these figures, it is not illustrated that the load 1 that is desired to handle by means of the spreader 2 according to the invention that a frame 3 rigid upper frame, horizontal in a preferred orientation which is the one the load 1 occupies at least approximately during its handling and which will serve as a reference in the following description, both with regard to the frame 3 that the spreader according to the invention 2.

The frame 3, which can be one of the components of a rigid frame forming an integral part of the load 1, or be rigidly attached thereto so as to behave as a whole with it, comprises in particular two rigid longitudinal members 4, rectilinear, oriented in the same longitudinal direction 5, horizontal, located at the same level in the vertical direction and mutually spaced in a transverse direction 6, horizontal, so as to be mutually symmetrical with respect to a first plane vertical 7 symmetry of the frame 3. The latter further comprises, in particular, two rigid cross-members 8, rectilinear, oriented in the direction 6, placed at the same level as the longitudinal members 4 in the vertical direction and mutually spaced in the direction 5, so as to be mutually symmetrical with respect to a second vertical mean plane 9 of symmetry of the frame 3. The two planes 7 and 9 are mutually perpendicular areas and define by their intersection a vertical axis 10 which passes at least approximately through the center of gravity of the load 1.

The sleepers 8 are respectively secured by a respective end, with each of the longitudinal members 4 and they mutually rigidly connect.

The crosspieces 8 and the longitudinal members 4, formed for example by square section tubes, define, by a respective flat top face 11, 12, of the same level in the vertical direction, an upper face 13, flat and horizontal, of the frame 3, c that is to say also of the charge 1.

On the whole of their dimension in the transverse direction 6 or, when the spreader according to the invention 2 is in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 to 3 , at least in a localized manner between the mean plane of symmetry 7 and each of the longitudinal members 4, respectively, each cross member 8 leaves a gap with respect to the load 1 or the remainder of the load 1 a respective unreferenced free space around it to allow localized attachment of the spreader 2 around each cross 8 in the conditions that will emerge from the following description. The development of such a space around each cross 8 is a normal skill of a person skilled in the art, in view of the following description; in the illustrated example, it includes an interior space 45 of the frame 3, free between the longitudinal members 4 and the cross members 8 and free upwards as well as to a certain height below these, a free space also extending over a certain height below each crossbar 8, respectively, and a free space located opposite the inner space 45 with respect to each crossbeam 8, respectively.

Under these conditions, the load 1 can be handled in particular by suspension to a hoist such as a crane, by means of the spreader 2 according to the invention that is just anchored temporarily, rigidly, on the sleepers 8 between the longitudinal members 4 and which will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 .

In its illustrated embodiment, the spreader according to the invention 2 comprises a rigid flat frame 14, made for example in the form of a rigid assembly of four tubes arranged in a rectangle and forming two rectilinear longitudinal beams 15, mutually parallel, connected rigidly, at their ends, by two crosspieces 16 also rectilinear and mutually parallel.

The two longerons 15 have a length greater than the mutual spacing of the two crossbars 8 but less than the overall longitudinal dimension of the load 1, and in particular of the frame 3 rigid upper frame, and the two crosspieces 16 present a length less than that of the crossbars 8, that is to say at the mutual spacing of the two side members 4, so that the frame 14 can come flat, by a planar lower face 17, on the two crosspieces 8, between the two longitudinal members 4, that is to say on the upper face 13 of the frame 3, considered as the upper face of the load 1, in a relative position in which the frame 14 is symmetrical with respect to the two planes 7 and 9, which then more generally constitute two mean planes of symmetry for the assembly of the spreader 2, so that the frame 14 has a central zone along the axis 10, it is that is, at least approximately perpendicular to the center of gravity of the load 1. In this relative position, more specifically, the cross-members 16 of the frame 14 are oriented parallel to the cross-members 8, on which the longitudinal members 4 of the frame 14 rest. , themselves parallel to the spars. 4, and it will be observed that a space remains free between each beam 15 of the frame 14 and the spar 4 respectively closest.

This support position of the frame 14, by its lower face 17, will be referred to laterally on the crosspieces 8 of the rigid upper frame frame 3 to describe the different components of the lifter 2 and their operation.

Upwards, the frame 14 has a planar upper face 18, parallel to its lower face 17 and essentially covered by a flat plate 19 fixed integrally, for example by welding, to the longitudinal members 15 of the frame 14, above this one, leaving in the illustrated example a free space along each crosspiece 16.

In a central zone 20 also constituting a central zone of the upper face 18 of the frame 14, that is to say around the axis 10 and at least approximately perpendicular to the center of gravity of the load 1, the sheet 19 integrally, for example by bolting on a fifth wheel 21 itself fixed to the plate 19, for example by welding, suspension means 22 to the lifting apparatus such as a crane, these suspension means 22 being of preference chosen to be as rigid as possible while allowing a rotation of the frame 14 about an axis perpendicular to the frame 14 and passing through the central zone 20 of its upper face 18, that is to say around an axis coincides with the axis 10, vertical or approximately vertical under normal conditions of use and passing at least approximately through the center of gravity of the load 1.

According to the preferred embodiment that has been illustrated, these suspension means 22 comprise a rigid lower portion 23, secured to the fifth wheel 21, a rigid upper portion 24, intended to be attached to the hoist such as a crane. , for example by direct engagement of a not shown hook of this hoist in a loop 25 that this upper portion 24 has perpendicular to the axis 10, means not shown for guiding the parts 23 and 24 to the relative rotation around the axis 10 without any other possibility of relative displacement and, preferably, controlled motor means, ie preferably remotely controlled, to allow an operator to guide at will, without difficulty, the frame 14 and the load 1 that it carries, around the axis 10, relative to the hoist such as a crane and relative to the ground.

Around two axes 26 parallel to each other and to the crosspieces 16, mutually symmetrical with respect to the axis 10 and to the plane 9 and spaced apart by a distance slightly less than that which separates the two cross members 8 mutually, the longitudinal members 15 of the frame 14 bear, by a journal assembly, a respective rigid yoke 27 consisting of two flat arms 28, each of which is hinged about the corresponding axis 26 on one, respective spars 15 along the frame 14 outwardly thereof, and which are mutually symmetrical with respect to the plane 7, and a cross member 29 parallel to the respective axis 26.

The arms 28, mutually identical, have a generally rectilinear conformation and, under the normal conditions of use of the rudder 2, permanently present at a level higher than that of the upper face 18 of the frame 14 an upper end 30, which is rigidly connects the corresponding cross member 29, and below the lower face 17 of the frame 14 a free lower end 31.

At its lower end 31, each arm 28 is shaped like a hook, like the whole arm 28, in a respective mean plane, not referenced, perpendicular to the axis 26 and each arm 28 is oriented so that the hooks 32 of the two arms 28 corresponding to the same spar 15 are rotated in the direction of a mutual distance. In other words, each hook is rotated in the direction of a distance from the plane 9, with respect to which the arms 28, including the hooks 32, are mutually symmetrical, in particular in a limit position of maximum mutual approximation of the hooks 32 of the arms 28 associated with the same spar 15 and in a limit position of maximum mutual distance of these hooks 32.

• dans la position limite de rapprochement mutuel maximal des crochets 32 des bras 28 associés à un même longeron 15, correspondant pour les traverses 29 à une position limite d'écartement mutuel maximal, comme il est illustré aux figures 1 et 2, les extrémités libres 33 des crochets 32 des bras 28 correspondant à un même longeron 15 soient mutuellement espacées, suivant la direction 5, d'une distance hors tout au plus égale, et de préférence légèrement inférieure, à celle qui sépare mutuellement les deux traverses 8, si bien que le châssis 14 peut alors gagner librement, par un mouvement descendant, une position dans laquelle il s'appuie à plat, de façon stable, par sa face inférieure 17, sur les traverses 8, c'est-à-dire sur la face supérieure 13 du cadre 3 d'ossature supérieure rigide, ou quitter cette position librement par un mouvement ascendant, que
• les crochets 32 soient situés, en particulier par leurs extrémités libres 33, à un niveau inférieur à celui des traverses 8 lorsque le châssis 14 repose à plat, par sa face inférieure 17, sur ces traverses 8, c'est-à-dire sur la face supérieure 13 du cadre 3, alors que les crochets 32 occupent leur position limite de rapprochement mutuel maximal, et que
• par un mouvement de basculement des étriers 27 autour de l'axe 26 respectif, par rapport au châssis 14, sur un angle qui peut être de l'ordre de 45°, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, dans le sens d'un rapprochement mutuel des traverses 29 jusqu'à une position limite de rapprochement mutuel maximal de celles-ci, illustrée à la figure 3, correspondant pour les crochets 32 des bras 28 associés à un même longeron 15 à la position limite d'éloignement mutuel maximal, chacun des crochets 32 vienne faire prise en dessous d'une traverse 8, en ce sens que son extrémité libre 33 est alors placée à l'opposé de cette traverse 8 par rapport au bras 28 correspondant, les extrémités libres 33 des crochets 32 correspondant aux bras 28 associés à un même longeron 15 étant alors mutuellement espacées d'une distance supérieure à celle qui sépare mutuellement les deux traverses 8, et culminant à un même niveau qui peut être le niveau inférieur des traverses 8 ou être voisin de ce niveau inférieur et en particulier supérieur à celui-ci, et que chaque crochet 32 culmine, entre son extrémité libre 33 et le bras 28 correspondant, à un même autre niveau qui peut être, respectivement, inférieur au niveau inférieur des traverses 8 ou identique à ce niveau inférieur.

The arms 28 are dimensioned, in particular with regard to their hook 32, so that:

• in the maximum position of maximum mutual approximation of the hooks 32 of the arms 28 associated with the same spar 15, corresponding to the cross members 29 to a maximum mutual separation limit position, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 , the free ends 33 of the hooks 32 of the arms 28 corresponding to the same spar 15 are mutually spaced, in the direction 5, an overall distance at most equal, and preferably slightly lower, than that which separates the two sleepers mutually 8, so that the frame 14 can then gain freely, by a downward movement, a position in which it rests flat, so stable, by its lower face 17, on the cross members 8, that is to say on the upper face 13 of the frame 3 rigid upper frame, or leave this position freely by an upward movement, that
• the hooks 32 are located, in particular by their free ends 33, at a level lower than that of the crossbars 8 when the chassis 14 rests flat, by its lower surface 17, on these crossbars 8, that is to say on the upper face 13 of the frame 3, while the hooks 32 occupy their limit position of maximum mutual rapprochement, and that
• by a tilting movement of the stirrups 27 around the respective axis 26, with respect to the frame 14, at an angle which may be of the order of 45 °, by way of non-limiting example, in the sense of a bringing the sleepers 29 closer to a maximum position of maximum mutual approximation thereof, illustrated in FIG. figure 3 , corresponding for the hooks 32 of the arms 28 associated with the same spar 15 at the maximum mutual limit position limit, each of the hooks 32 is made to take under a crossbar 8, in that its free end 33 is then placed opposite this crossbar 8 relative to the corresponding arm 28, the free ends 33 of the hooks 32 corresponding to the arms 28 associated with the same spar 15 then being spaced apart by a distance greater than that which separates the two sleepers mutually 8, and culminating at the same level which may be the lower level of the sleepers 8 or be close to this lower level and in particular greater than this, and that each hook 32 culminates, between its free end 33 and the corresponding arm 28 at the same other level which can be, respectively, lower than the lower level of the sleepers 8 or identical to this lower level.

In this respect, between its free end 33 and the corresponding arm 28, each hook 32 may have a conformation complementary to that the corresponding crossbar 8 has downward.

Naturally, the aforementioned movements of descent from the spreader 2 to the frame 3 of upper frame associated with the load 1 and mutual spacing of the hooks 32 assume sufficient dimensions, easily determined by a person skilled in the art, the space left free around each cross member 8 at least in a localized manner, with reference to the direction 6, to which each corresponding hook 32 must engage with it.

To make the hooks 32 move in a controlled manner between the aforementioned limit positions, that is to say to make the crosspieces 29 evolve between the respectively corresponding limit positions, on each of these crosspieces 29 is articulated, around a respective axis 34 parallel to the axis 26, the rod of a respective actuated cylinder 35 whose body is articulated about a respective axis 36, parallel to the axes 34 and 26, on the fifth wheel 21, a respective side of the attachment of the lower part 23 of the suspension means 22.

One skilled in the art will readily understand that the maximum position of maximum mutual distance of the hooks 32, described with reference to the figure 3 , constitutes an anchoring position under a respective cross member 8 to the extent that each hook 32 then engages under this cross, wrapping it from below as soon as this limit position is reached and while the lower face 17 of the chassis 14 rests flat on the crossbar 8, that is to say on the upper face 13 of the frame 3, or after a lifting primer of the spreader 2, resulting in a slight detachment of the underside 17 of the frame 14 relative to the sleepers 8, while the limit position of maximum mutual approximation of the hooks 32, illustrated in FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 , corresponds to a position of total mutual release of the rudder 2 and the crossbars 8, that is to say the rudder 2 and the load 1.

It will be noted that, insofar as, whatever the limit position which they thus occupy under the action of the actuated cylinders 35, the hooks 32 are mutually symmetrical with respect to the plane 9, they tend to provoke, if necessary, a self- centering of the spreader 2 relative to the cross members 8, in the longitudinal direction 5, when they reach their anchor limit position beneath them.

To complete this centering along the transverse direction 6, that is to say with respect to the longitudinal members 4, the plate 19 integral with the frame 14 of the spreader 2 bears integrally, upwardly, between the fifth wheel 21 and, respectively, each of the axes 26, a respective group of two slides 37, for example in the form of a square tube, oriented parallel to the axes 26 and each of which receives and guides sliding parallel to these axes 26, that is to say to the direction 6, a respective straight rod 38.

The rods 38 corresponding to the same group of two slides 37 have at least one end cantilevered out of this slideway 37 and with respect to a respective one of the longitudinal members 15, that is to say a respective side of the plane 7, and each of these rods 38 integrally carries, by this cantilevered end, a respective centering tab 39, which forms a projection downwardly relative to the respective rod 38 and presents in the direction of a distance from the frame 14, at a level which is lower than that of the respective rod 38 and corresponds to that of the longitudinal members 4 when the chassis 14 rests flat on the cross-members 8, a front face 40 for essentially flat and perpendicular to the direction 6. Preferably, however, the end faces 40 are curved slightly downwardly to a respective free lower end, as indicated at 41, so that that the end faces 40 of the two centering tabs 39 corresponding to one and the same group of two slides 37 approach each other downwards, which facilitates an engagement of the crossbar 2 from top to bottom between the two side members 4 when the hooks 32 occupy their position. limit position of maximum mutual rapprochement.

In an upper end zone located above the corresponding rod 38, each centering lug 39 is articulated about an axis 42 parallel to the longitudinal members 15, on the rod of a respective controlled cylinder 43 whose body is articulated about a respective axis 44, parallel to the axes 42, on the respective slide 37.

• une position limite de rapprochement maximal, illustrée à la figure 1, dans laquelle les pattes 39 sont accolées aux longerons 15 du châssis 14 si bien que les faces frontales 40 des pattes 39 correspondant à un même groupe de glissières 37 sont mutuellement espacées d'une distance inférieure à l'écartement mutuel des longerons 4, ce qui permet le libre engagement et le libre dégagement du palonnier 2 par rapport à ces longerons, alors qu'il est par ailleurs libre de s'engager et de se dégager vis-à-vis des traverses 8 compte tenu de la position limite qu'occupent alors les bras 28 et les crochets 32, et
• une position limite telle qu'illustrée aux figures 2 et 3, dans laquelle les pattes 39 associées à un même groupe de glissières 37 sont davantage écartées mutuellement, et prennent appui, par leurs faces frontales 40, respectivement sur l'un et l'autre des longerons 4, dans le sens d'un éloignement par rapport au châssis 14 pour centrer celui-ci par rapport aux longerons 4, suivant la direction transversale 6.

The cylinders 43 constitute controlled means for changing the tabs 39 between two limit positions, namely:

• limit position of maximum approximation, illustrated in figure 1 , in which the tabs 39 are contiguous to the longitudinal members 15 of the frame 14 so that the end faces 40 of the tabs 39 corresponding to one and the same group of slides 37 are mutually spaced by a distance less than the mutual spacing of the longitudinal members 4, which allows the free engagement and the free clearance of the spreader 2 with respect to these side members, while it is also free to engage and disengage vis-à-vis the cross members 8 given the limit position that then occupy the arms 28 and the hooks 32, and
• a limit position as illustrated in figures 2 and 3 , in which the tabs 39 associated with the same group of slides 37 are further mutually spaced, and bear, by their end faces 40, respectively on the one and the other of the longitudinal members 4, in the sense of a distance by relative to the frame 14 to center it with respect to the longitudinal members 4, in the transverse direction 6.

So that the presence of the centering lugs 39 does not constitute an obstacle to the descent of the spreader 2 towards the frame 3 and the load 1 until the lower face 17 of its frame 14 rests flat on the upper face 13 of the frame 3, and to allow the passage of the centering tabs 39 from one to the other of the aforementioned limit positions, the frame 3 and the load 1 leave subsisting with respect to each spar 4, between the longitudinal members 4 and under these at least at longitudinal levels corresponding to those of the centering tabs 39, a free space which can be confused with that which is to be preserved around the crosspieces 8 for the reception of the hooks 32 and their movement. one to the other of their limit positions, as is the case in the illustrated example where this space comprises the interior space 45 of the frame 3 and an extension of this space 45 downwards, to a certain height .

Naturally, appropriate means, known to those skilled in the art, and preferably grouped with the control means of the jacks 35 and suspension means 22, in a same remote control unit 46, are provided for controlling the jacks 43 of such so that in their position described with reference to figures 2 and 3 , the tabs 39 effectively center the chassis 14 relative to the longitudinal members 4. Similarly, any appropriate safety can be provided by the skilled person, in particular to prevent inadvertent return legs 39 and, especially, the hooks 32 at their position of maximum mutual approximation, that is to say of liberation of the load 1.

A person skilled in the art will make the appropriate choices depending on the nature of the cylinders 35 and 43 which, as well as the suspension means 22 able to cause a controlled rotation of the frame 14 and the load 1 about the axis 10 , are advantageously chosen in a group comprising the pneumatic means, the hydraulic means and the electrical means.

It will be observed that, irrespective of the position occupied by the components of the spreader 2 according to the invention which has just been described, this latter may have an overall bulk, in plan, at most equal to, and preferably less than, the overall dimensions, in plan, the load 1. This is true for its frame 14 in the direction 6 and can be easily by the frame 14 in the direction 5; this is also true of its legs 39 in the direction 6, and can be made true also with regard to the stirrups 27 whose dimensioning perpendicular to the respective axis 26, above this axis, can be limited to a value such that the crosspieces 29 form only negligible overhang relative to the cross-members 8, or even form any cantilever with respect to the latter, in the limit position described with reference to FIGS. figures 2 and 3 .

Under these conditions, a spreader 2 according to the invention not only allows simple lifting operations of a load 1, if necessary with rotation around the axis 10, but also load introduction and extraction movements 1 relative to a narrow juxtaposition of such charges or with respect to an enclosure which laterally surrounds them narrowly.

A person skilled in the art will readily understand that such a spreader 2 according to the invention can be used not only for the handling of loads 1 provided, inherently or by adaptation equipment, with a frame 3 of rigid upper framework, but also loads having, in a localized manner, the equivalent of an end section of each cross member 8, intended to receive a respective hook 32, the equivalent of a corresponding neighboring part, of the unreferenced face of a spar 4 facing inward of the interior space 43 of the frame 3, to receive a respective centering lug 39, and the equivalent of the space left free around each cross member 8 and facing each beam 4 to respectively receive a hook 32 and a centering lug 39, for example in the form of an upper flange and a sidewall of a respective pocket formed in a wall, which also defines the equivalent of the upper face 13 of the frame 3, with respect to the load 1.

Similarly, depending on the nature of the latter, a support of the centering lugs 39 in the direction of a distance from the plane 7 may be replaced by a support thereof in the direction of a similar approach with respect to the plane 7, vis-à-vis any technical equivalent of the longitudinal members 4 for this purpose, the adaptation of the shape of the faces 40 of the centering lugs 39 to such a mode of cooperation with the load 1 or with a component related to the latter as the frame 3 falling within the normal abilities of a person skilled in the art.

In addition, the lifter 2 may itself undergo many modifications with respect to what has just been described, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, each pair of hooks 32 associated with the same stirrup 27 may be replaced by a single hook, comparable to a cross member connecting the lower ends 31 of the arms 28, parallel to the respective axis 26, to fit a respective crosspiece 8, or the equivalent, on a dimension much larger than each of the hooks 32 in the direction 6. In addition, the mode of evolution of the hooks 32 and tabs 39 between their limit positions relative to the frame 14 of the rudder 2 can be different from that which has been described and illustrated, the hooks 32 may in particular come to be placed on the cross members 8 opposite to the latter relative to the interior space of the frame 3, in the direction 5, and come s' anchor on the sleepers 8 by a movement of mutual approximation, and the respective movements of rotation of the hooks 32 and translation of the centering tabs 39 relative to the chassis 14 can be replaced respectively by translational movements in the direction 5 and rotation about axes perpendicular to the plane 9, respectively, with respect to this frame 14.

Claims (8)

1. A spreader for cooperating with a load (1), comprising, by nature or through adaptation equipment:

   - two mutually parallel rigid crosspieces (8), rigidly connected to the load (1) so as to be arranged on the top of the latter, defining together or flushing, upwards;

   - an upper planar and horizontal face (13) of the load (1), leaving, with respect to the latter, at least locally, a free space (43) surrounding them respectively and being mutually symmetrical with respect to the plumb (axis 10) of the gravity centre of the load (1), in a privileged orientation that the latter occupies at least approximately;

   said spreader (2) comprising:

   - a flat, rigid frame (14), having an upper face (18) and a lower face (17) shaped so as to be able to be applied flat, stably, on the upper face (13) of the load (1), in a determined relative position such that a central area (20) of the upper face (18) of the frame (14) is arranged plumb (axis 10) with the gravity centre of the load (1),

   - frame hanging means (22) from a handling device, in said central area (20) of the upper face (18) of the frame (14),

   - at least two hooks (32) carried by the frame (14) and guided, with respect to the frame (14), to be moved between a first limit anchoring position on one, respective, of the crosspieces (8) of the load (1), wherein they form a projection under the lower face (17) of the frame (14) and come into engagement under the respective crosspiece (8) of the load (1), in said determined relative position, and a second limit position, wherein they are shifted with respect to the respective crosspiece (8) of the load (1), in a first direction (5) perpendicular to the respective crosspiece in said determined relative position and approximately parallel to the frame (14), and

   - controlled means (35) for causing the hooks (32) to move, controllably, from one to the other of said limit positions, with respect to the frame (14),

   characterized in that the load (1) further comprises two rigid lateral areas (4), rigidly connected to the crosspieces (8), perpendicular to the crosspieces (8) and mutually opposed in parallel with the crosspieces (8), the spreader (2) comprising controlled coercive centring means (39, 43) with respect to the load (1), in parallel with the crosspieces (8) of the latter;
   the controlled centring means (39, 43) comprising:

   - at least two centring tabs (39) being guided, with respect to the frame (14), to be moved between a first limit position abutting against one, respective, of the two lateral areas (4) of the load (1), and a second limit position, wherein they are shifted with respect to the respective lateral area (4) of the load (1), in a second direction (7) perpendicular to the first direction (5) and approximately parallel to the frame (14), and

   - controlled means (43) for causing the centring tabs (39) to move, controllably, from one to the other of said limit positions, with respect to the frame (14),
2. A spreader according to claim 1 for cooperating with a load (1) having said lateral areas (4) thereof being mutually opposite, characterized in that the centring tabs (39) are mutually spaced apart by a distance lower than the distance separating said lateral areas (4) of the load (1), in parallel with the crosspieces (8), in the second limit position and reach their first limit position through being mutually spaced apart.
3. A spreader according to any of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the hooks (32) are hinged on said frame (14) around mutually parallel axes (26), arranged so as to be oriented in parallel with the crosspieces (8) of the load (1) in said determined relative position, so as to move between said limit positions through being mutually spaced apart or brought together.
4. A spreader according to claim 3, characterized in that the hooks (32) are mutually spaced apart by a distance lower than the distance separating the crosspieces (8) in the second limit position and reach their first limit position through being mutually spaced apart.
5. A spreader according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the controlled means (35, 43) are selected among a group comprising pneumatic means, hydraulic means and electric means.
6. A spreader according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the frame (14) has an overall footprint, in plan view, at the most equal to the overall footprint, in plan view, of the load (1).
7. A spreader according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the hanging means (22) comprise rotationally guiding means around an axis (10) perpendicular to the frame (14) and passing through said central area (20).
8. A spreader according to claim 7, characterised in that with the rotationally guiding means are associated motor means controlled for orienting it at will around said axis (10) perpendicular to the frame (14).

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