WO2012114166A2

WO2012114166A2 - Equipment for engaging and disengaging a load

Info

Publication number: WO2012114166A2
Application number: PCT/IB2011/054556
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cristiano Manzi
Original assignee: B-P Battioni E Pagani S.P.A.
Priority date: 2011-02-25
Filing date: 2011-10-14
Publication date: 2012-08-30
Also published as: ITBO20110013U1; WO2012114166A3

Abstract

Described is an equipment (10) for engaging and disengaging a container (C) or a similar load, in particular an empty container, associable with an apparatus (11) for transferring the container and comprising means (12, 12) of engaging, or gripping, the container (C), which are designed to extend, in use, immediately in front of the front wheels, or the like, of the apparatus for transferring the container.

Description

EQUIPMENT FOR ENGAGING AND DISENGAGING A LOAD.

Technical Field

This invention relates to an equipment for engaging and disengaging a load, in particular a container or a similar load.

In particular, the equipment is suitable for engaging or disengaging a first and a second container.

Background Art

Equipment for engaging and disengaging a container are known, which can be associated with an apparatus for transferring the container, in particular in the form of a forklift truck having relative means for lifting the container, to which the engaging equipment is applied, and front and rear wheels for moving the truck along the ground.

The prior art equipment for engaging the container comprise front means of engaging a relative container, that is, which engage the container at the face of the container which is in front of the lifting equipment, and have the drawback of a limited capacity to avoid hazardous unstabilising effects caused by the position of the forklift truck.

In addition, the prior art engaging equipment is, also, excessively bulky and heavy.

This invention therefore proposes a new solution as an alternative to the solutions known up to now and, more specifically, proposes to overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks and/or problems.

Disclosure of the Invention

Therefore, an equipment is provided for engaging and disengaging a load, in particular a container, or a similar load, especially for engaging or disengaging a first and a second container; the equipment can be associated with an apparatus for transferring the load or container, in particular in the form of an apparatus having relative lifting means to which the equipment is applied and relative means for moving the apparatus along the ground, the equipment comprises means for engaging the load or container which lie on a plane transversal to the longitudinal direction of the apparatus; the apparatus being characterised in that the means of engaging the container are designed to be positioned, in use, on a transversal plane which extends immediately in front of the means of moving the apparatus.

In this way, it is possible to engage a load or container which is positioned in front of the transfer apparatus and the gripping equipment and at the same time keep the container, or load, as close as possible to the transfer apparatus, which is advantageous in terms of its stability and the consequent greater load-bearing capacity which may be guaranteed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other innovative aspects are set out in the appended claims and its technical features and advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows of non-limiting example embodiments of it with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a preferred embodiment of equipment for engaging a load or container according to this invention and mounted on a corresponding apparatus for transferring and lifting the container;

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic side view of the equipment according to this invention mounted on the apparatus for transferring the load or container, which is shown schematically with reference solely to the front and lower part of it;

- Figure 3 illustrates a front view solely of the preferred embodiment of the equipment for engaging the load or container;

Figure 4 illustrates a side view solely of the preferred embodiment of the equipment for engaging the load or container;

Figure 5 illustrates a top plan view solely of the preferred embodiment of the equipment for engaging the load or container;

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the equipment for engaging the load or container in the rest condition, with sliding members carrying the engagement means withdrawn inside the body of the equipment;

- Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view, similar to that of Figure 6, with the sliding members supporting the means of engaging the load or container in the extended position outside the respective support body of the equipment;

Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the end support bracket of the means of engaging the load or container, positioned as seen by the operator positioned in the driving cab of the apparatus for transferring the load or container and in the engaging position of a corresponding container;

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a detail relative to the engaging zone of the load or container showing in particular the connection of the support bracket of the means of engaging the container to the relative sliding member;

Figure 10 illustrates a front view of a sliding member and relative bracket for engaging the load or container, according to a second preferred embodiment of the equipment;

Figure 11 illustrates a top plan view of the second embodiment illustrated in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a horizontal cross section through line B-B of Figure 10.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment 10 of equipment for engaging and disengaging a container C, or similar load, and preferably in the form of a container which is empty, or not excessively heavy.

The equipment 10 can be associated with an apparatus 11 for moving the load or container, in particular in the form of an apparatus 11 having respective lifting means 13 to which the equipment 10 is applied and which also comprises means 15 for moving the apparatus along the ground.

More specifically, the movement means 15 comprise front movement means between which the lifting means 13 extend.

In practice, the apparatus for moving or transferring the container is in the form of a forklift truck, which comprises a front upright preferably of the telescopic type 13 and wheels forming the means of moving the equipment 11, in particular, front wheels 15, 15, between which the lifting upright 13 extends, which in turn has, as illustrated, respective posts 13', 13' .

As illustrated, the transferring apparatus comprises, obviously, a support framework resting on the wheels, or means, 15 for moving and has a driving cabin 17 to the rear and longitudinally aligned with the lifting upright 13.

The equipment 10 is designed to engage the front of the container C, otherwise, it is designed to engage a respective container at an elongate and vertical side wall of the container C. In turn, the equipment 10 comprises means 12 of engaging or gripping the container C, which are supported by respective mobile means 14, which allow the positioning at respective gripping zones of the respective container C.

In practice, first and second engaging means are provided for corresponding transversal ends of the wall, positioned in front of the equipment of the container, which are transversally spaced from each other.

The means 12 of engaging and gripping the container C can be suitably positioned, to be able to engage containers of any size, in particular with any length "1".

For this purpose, the mobile means 14 allow the positioning of the means

12 for engaging or gripping the container C at respective longitudinal gripping zones of the container, in particular, located at the longitudinal ends of the container and on the upper part of the container, or, in the event of also engaging a second container stacked on the first container, on the lower part of the container.

The equipment allows the gripping of a container on the front of a respective wall, in particular on a longitudinal side wall C of the container.

In other words, the means of engaging, or gripping, 12 comprise transversal faces 12' of engaging the, or against the, opposite front face C of the container C, or face C positioned in front of the equipment.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the apparatus 11 extends according to a longitudinal direction L, in particular of normal forward movement or direction of travel of the apparatus according to a rectilinear direction.

In addition, the means of engaging, or gripping, 12 comprise transversal faces 12' of engaging the, or against the, opposite front face C of the container C, which lie on a plane T transversal to the longitudinal direction L of the apparatus.

Advantageously, the means 12 of engaging the container are designed to be positioned, in use, that is, associated with the transferring apparatus, on a transversal plane T, which extends immediately in front of the means 15, 15 for moving the apparatus, in particular, immediately in front of, or downstream of, the front end 15' of the moving means 15.

According to another aspect, the means 12, 12 for engaging, or gripping, the container C are designed to extend, in use, immediately downstream, or immediately in front of, the means 15 for moving the apparatus.

In practice, the engaging or gripping means 12, 12 extend longitudinally immediately downstream, or in front of, the front end of the moving means, in particular of the front wheels 15, 14 of the apparatus. The engaging means 12, 12 are supported by respective mobile means 14, 14, which are in the form of respective first and second sliding members, or beams, with rectangular cross section, and which extend from transversal, or lateral, ends opposite to the tubular body, or box, 16 for supporting and guiding the sliding members, which will be better described below.

The means 14, 14 for supporting the support means 12, 12 of the container C are movable transversally to the equipment 10 and to the respective support and guide means 16.

More specifically, the mobile means 14, 14 for supporting the respective means 12, 12 for engaging the container are moved transversally, in particular according to a horizontal, or substantially horizontal, direction for positioning the engaging means 12, 12, in a suitable position for engaging the container.

More specifically, the mobile means 14, 14 are moved to a desired position between a withdrawn rest position, illustrated in Figure 6, and a position of maximum extension of the mobile means 14, 14 outside the support and guide body, or box, 16, illustrated in Figure 7.

According to another advantageous aspect, the mobile means 14, 14, which support the means 12, 12 for engaging, or gripping, the container C are designed to be positioned, in use - that is, once the equipment is supported by the apparatus for transferring the container - above and vertically aligned with the means 15, 15 for moving the apparatus, in particular, the front means, or wheels, 15, 15 for moving the apparatus 11.

As illustrated, the means 12, 12 for engaging, or gripping, the container C protrude in front of the mobile means 14, 14, which support them, so as to be, in an operating condition - that is, with the equipment mounted on the apparatus for transferring the container - positioned in front of the mobile means 15, 15.

As already indicated, the means 14, 14 for supporting the means 12, 12 for engaging, or gripping, the container C are mobile relative to respective support and guide means 16, which are advantageously positioned, in use, above and vertically aligned with the means 15, 15 for moving the apparatus, in particular being positioned above and vertically aligned with the front means 15, 15, or front wheels, for moving the transport apparatus of the container C.

In practice, with this equipment it is possible to grip the container C in a closer position with respect to the axis or centre of gravity of the wheels or mobile means of the equipment, compared with that of the prior art gripping equipment. As a result, there is an advantageous and greater stability during the transport, as well as a greater lifting capacity for the apparatus, which is fitted with this equipment.

According to another aspect, the mobile means 14, 14 for supporting the means of engaging or gripping 12, 12 the container C extend vertically aligned with the plan projection of the means 15, 15 of moving the apparatus.

According to yet another aspect, the support and guide means 16 for the mobile means 14, 14 extend vertically aligned with the plan projection of the means 15, 15 of moving the apparatus.

As illustrated, the equipment 10 also comprises means 18 of connecting the transferring apparatus, in particular to the means 13 for lifting the transferring equipment 11.

Advantageously, the means 12, 12 for engaging, or gripping, the container C are longitudinally spaced from the connecting means 18, so as to be positioned, in use, immediately in front of the means 15, 15 for moving the apparatus, in particular the front means or wheels 15, 15 of the apparatus, or truck, 11.

Similarly, the mobile means 14, 14 for supporting the means 12, 12 for engaging the container C are longitudinally spaced from the connecting means 18, so as to be positioned, in use, above and vertically aligned with the means 15, 15 for moving the apparatus, in particular the front means or wheels 15, 15 for moving the apparatus.

In addition, the support and guide means 16 for the means 14, 14 for supporting the means 12, 12 for engaging the container C are longitudinally spaced from the connecting means 18, so as to be positioned, in use, above and vertically aligned with the means 15, 15 for moving the apparatus, in particular the front means or wheels 15, 15 for moving the apparatus.

The means 18 for connecting to the apparatus are part of a respective connecting frame 20 for the support and guide means 16.

The means for connecting to the apparatus comprise corresponding seats 18 for inserting respective pins for connecting to the means for lifting the apparatus to which the equipment is associated.

More specifically, a plurality of seats are provided, in particular four seats, in the form of respective circular holes extending transversally and subdivided into a first and a second pair of seats 18, 18, which are transversally spaced from each other and which are positioned in the rear part of the frame 20 for connecting to the apparatus. More specifically, the first and second pair of connecting seats 18, 18 are spaced so as to be associated with chains for lifting the upright 13 of the equipment, which are not illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Each pair of seats 18, 18 are provided with an upper seat and a lower seat, which are vertically aligned with each other.

As illustrated, the support and guide means 16 for the mobile means 14, 14 supporting the means for engaging or gripping the container C are in the form of a corresponding tubular body, or box, in particular with a rectangular cross-section, which extends transversally and laterally outside the connecting frame 20.

As illustrated, the support and guide means 16 are in the form of a tubular body, or box, in particular with a rectangular cross-section elongated vertically.

The box 16 is open at the opposite transversal, or lateral, ends for allowing the extension outside the respective mobile means 14, 14 for supporting the means 12, 12 for engaging the container C; the mobile means 14, 14 sliding inside the tubular body 16.

The support and guide tubular body, or box, 16 extends, in use, above the means 15, 15 for moving the apparatus.

As illustrated, the support and guide tubular body, or box, 16 has a plurality of peripheral walls to the front 16a and rear 16b, respectively, which extend in height, and in particular vertically, and respective upper and lower short peripheral walls 16c, 16d, which extend longitudinally or horizontally, as well as a respective intermediate partition 16e, which extends, in particular, between the front wall 16a and the rear wall 16d and which is designed to subdivide the box 16 into a first and a second channel, above and below, respectively, for slidably accommodating corresponding mobile means or members 14, 14, which support respective means 12, 12 for engaging or gripping the container.

The guide channels are denoted by the reference numerals 161, 162 in the accompanying drawings.

In practice, support and guide means 16 are advantageously provided for the mobile means 14, 14 supporting the means 12, 12 for engaging the container; the support and guide means 16 are mobile relative to the means 18 for connecting to the apparatus.

More specifically, the support and guide means 16 are mobile transversally relative to the means 18 for connecting to the apparatus, in such a way that the apparatus may be located in a position longitudinally off centre relative to the transferring apparatus and thereby be able to grip a container which is positioned in an off centre fashion or shifted transversally relative to the longitudinal axis L of the transferring apparatus 11.

In addition, the support and guide means 16 are, advantageously, angularly mobile relative to the means 18 for connecting to the apparatus.

The support and guide means 16 are, also, perpendicularly, or vertically, mobile relative to the means 18 for connecting to the apparatus.

For this purpose, the connecting frame 20 forms housing means 21 for retaining and transversal sliding for the support and guide means 16 of the mobile support means 14, 14.

Advantageously, the connecting frame 20 forms housing means 21 for retaining and perpendicular sliding for the support and guide means 16 of the mobile support means 14, 14.

More specifically, the connecting frame 20 forms housing means 21, which accommodate, with perpendicular clearance, the support and guide means 16 of the mobile support means 14, 14 for a perpendicular movement of the mobile means 16, especially for allowing an angular rotational movement of the mobile means 16 relative to the connecting frame 20.

The housing means for retaining and transversal sliding for the support and guide means comprise a first and a second annular portion, 22, 24, which are transversally spaced between each other and which accommodate internally, and in a slidable fashion, in particular in a transversal direction and in a perpendicular direction, the support and guide means 16.

As illustrated, the connecting frame 20 comprises a first and a second rear upright 26, 28, which are transversally spaced from each other and which extend longitudinally, for a short stretch, forming respective seats or transversal holes 18 forming means of connecting the equipment to the transferring apparatus 11.

The connecting frame 20 also has a rear plate 30, which extends vertically, in use, and from which the rear connecting uprights 26, 28 extend rearwards.

The connecting uprights 26, 28 are fixed to the plate 30, which is suitably shaped, at the connecting zones of the uprights, that is, it has a shape such as to form an extension upwards and an extension downwards at the lateral connecting zone of the relative upright, in such a way as to support, or connect, completely the relative upright 26, 28.

The connecting frame 20 also comprises an upper plate 32, which extends horizontally, in use, and it extends longitudinally forwards starting from the rear plate 30. Moreover, the connecting frame 20 has a lower plate 34, which also extends horizontally and parallel to the upper plate 32 protruding forwards from the rear plate 30.

The upper and lower plates 32 and 34 are integral to the rear plate 30 and are perpendicularly spaced to each other by more than the height of the support and guide tubular body, or box, 16, for allowing a perpendicular movement and/or rotation relative to the fixed, or connecting, frame 20.

The connecting frame 20 also has a first and a second front upright 36, 38, in particular which form, together with the transversal plates 30, 32, 34 of the frame, the housing means 21.

The connecting frame 20 also has transversally spaced longitudinal connecting portions between the rear plate 30 and the front upright 36, 38.

The longitudinal connecting portion extends from the raised and lowered portion of the rear plate 30, at the relative rear upright 26, 28 for the connecting seats to the apparatus.

Each longitudinal portion comprises a respective upper longitudinal plate 40, 42 which extends from the upper horizontal transversal plate 32 and a lower longitudinal plate 44, 46 which extends from the lower horizontal plate 34 of the connecting frame 20.

Actuator means 50 are, advantageously, provided, in particular in the form of a respective hydraulic cylinder, which transversally move the support and guide means 16 relative to the connecting means 18.

The actuator means 50 are fixed, in a freely rotatable fashion, to the connecting frame 20 and to the support and guide means 16. For this purpose, relative rotatable connecting pins are provided respectively 50a, 50b for connecting to the connecting frame 20 and to the support and guide box or tubular body 16, respectively for connecting to the cylinder 50' and to the rod 50" of the hydraulic actuator 50.

More specifically, as illustrated, the means 50 for driving the transversal movement of the support and guide means 16 are connected between the transversal end of the support and guide means 16 and the upper plate 32, or upper cross member, of the connecting means, or frame, 20.

Actuator means 60, 61 for the angular movement of the support and guide means 16 relative to the connecting frame 20 are also provided.

Actuator means 60, 61 for the perpendicular movement of the support and guide means 16 relative to the connecting frame 20 are also provided. In practice, the actuator means 60 and 61 for the angular movement of the support and guide means 16 relative to the connecting frame 20 also move the support and guide means 16 perpendicularly relative to the connecting frame 20.

In this way, another degree of freedom is possible for the positioning movement of the engaging devices 12 relative to the container, in order to grip, with greater efficiency and safety, any container however it is positioned, that is, positioned obliquely, or not parallel, relative to the transferring apparatus 11.

The connecting frame 20 therefore forms a housing for retaining and perpendicular sliding for the support and guide means 16.

The connecting frame 20 therefore forms a housing for retaining and angular rotating for the support and guide means 16.

The tubular body 16 is perpendicularly mobile and/or angularly mobile within the relative housing forming the means for retaining the support and guide means 16 on the connecting frame 18.

As illustrated, the actuator means of the angular movement of the support and guide means 16 comprise a respective actuator device 60, which is in particular in the form of a respective hydraulic cylinder.

As illustrated, the actuator means of the angular movement of the support and guide means 16, that is, in the perpendicular movement of the support and guide means 16 relative to the connecting frame 20, also comprise a second actuator device 61, which is in particular in the form of a respective hydraulic cylinder.

The first and second actuator device 60, 61 are transversally spaced from each other and they are provided, in particular, close to a corresponding annular housing 22, 24, in particular being positioned between the annular housings 22, 24. In practice, the relative actuator device is close to a respective annular housing and it is provided between the annular housings 22, 24.

The first and the second actuator device 60, 61 may be operated, in a different manner to each other, that is, in particular providing a different lengthening of the respective rod, in order to obtain a rotation of the support and guide means 16 relative to the connecting frame 20.

The actuator means 60, 61 of the angular movement of the support and guide means, or of their perpendicular movement, extend between the connecting frame 20 and the tubular body or box 16, in particular between a lower portion of the connecting frame 20 and the lower face of the support and guide tubular body.

The actuator means 60, 61 are fixed to the rear plate 30, in particular to an extension portion below the rear plate 30 of the connecting frame 20 and they are connected to the lower face 16d of the support and guide tubular body, or box, 16, so as to allow a transversal movement of it.

The actuator means 60, 61 are connected to the support and guide tubular body, or box, 16, through corresponding runner means 601, that allow a transversal movement of it, which extend in particular between the upper end of the actuator means and the lower face 16d of the tubular body 16.

In practice, the actuator means 60, 61 extend perpendicularly and, in particular, below the tubular body or box 16, as well as below the lower horizontal plate 34 of the frame.

In addition, the actuators 60, 61 extend from the lower protrusion of the rear plate 30 of the connecting frame 20, to which they are fixed in an articulated fashion.

Considering now the engaging means of the container 12, 12 it may be seen that these means are supported by a relative bracket 70, which protrudes in front of the mobile support means 14, 14.

In practice, the bracket 70 extends from the free end of the mobile support means 14, 14.

In more detail, the bracket 70 is made from a tubular body in particular with a suitably shaped quadrangular, or square, base, as will become clearer as this description continues and suitable for allowing the vision of the engaging element by an operator located in the driving cabin of 17 of the apparatus.

In practice, the bracket 70 supporting the relative engaging means 12, 12 is designed not to be positioned on the parts or portions of the bracket on the eye line between the operator in the driving position and the engaging, or connecting, element 12, 12 of the container C, with the container in the engaging or gripping position, in particular with the container resting on the ground or on the same support surface as the transferring apparatus.

More specifically, the engaging means of the container 12, 12 are supported by a relative bracket 70, 70 which is designed to position the engaging means in a position transversally spaced from the free end 14' of the mobile support means 14, 14.

The relative support bracket 70 of the engaging means of the container 12 has a perpendicular portion 70a for connecting to the respective mobile sliding member 14.

The relative support bracket 70 of the engaging means of the container 12 also has a transversal portion 70b, which extends from the upper end of the perpendicular portion of the bracket 70a. The transversal portion 70b supports at the relative free end of the respective means for engaging and gripping the container 12.

As illustrated, the lower sliding member 14 is connected to the lower part of the respective perpendicular portion 70a, whilst the upper sliding member 14 is connected to the upper part of the respective perpendicular portion 70a.

In practice, the two brackets 70 and 70 are shaped in such a way that they fully coincide with each other.

As illustrated, the perpendicular portion 70a of the bracket 70 extends above the guide and sliding means, or box, 16.

As may be clearly inferred with reference to Figure 9, the engaging means

12 comprise, supported by the relative bracket 70, and at the free end of the transversal portion 70b which is positioned above the box 16, means 121 for engaging the container comprising a respective fixed perpendicular jaw 121a extending from the front face of the means 121 and a mobile jaw 121b rotatable according to a perpendicular axis and operated by a corresponding actuator 121c extending longitudinally and outside the bracket 70.

The engaging and gripping means being suitable for gripping a first container, positioned underneath, and, if necessary, a second container stacked on the first container and resting on top of it.

As may be clearly inferred also with reference to Figure 9, the engaging cylinder 121 is supported by a horizontal plate 12 Id, which extends behind the bracket 70 and the front surface 12' of the engaging means 12.

The bracket also has a perpendicular portion 70c, which extends upwards from the end of the upper transversal portion 70b and which supports, at the respective upper free end of the corresponding engaging means 122, a container positioned above and to be lifted together with the container C engaged by engaging means 121.

The engaging means 12 of the container C also comprise perpendicular supporting surfaces 123 which are designed to rest on the front face of the container C, in position underlying the engaging zone by the means 121.

In practice, the container supporting means 123 are support means for the vertical side face of the container C.

The supporting surfaces or faces 123 are supported by an oblique portion 70d of the bracket 70 which extends below the main perpendicular portion 70a of the bracket, in particular from the lower end of this, forming a corresponding angle with the perpendicular portion 70a. As illustrated, the supporting portion 123 is perpendicularly aligned with the fixed jaw 121a of the engaging means 121.

The perpendicular portion 70a has the respective lower end, which is substantially at the lower surface of the guide and sliding means, or tubular box, 16.

In practice, the means 12 for engaging the container are composed of the means 121 of engaging the container 121 which are positioned above the container supporting means 123.

The means 121 of engaging the container are supported at the free, or lateral, end of the upper transversal portion 70b of the bracket 70, whilst the means 123 of supporting the container are supported at the free end of the lower oblique portion 70b of the bracket 70, being perpendicularly aligned with the engaging means 121, in particular, as stated, with the fixed jaw 121a.

In practice, the end of the oblique portion 70d of the bracket 70, which supports the supporting means 123, is located transversally spaced from the perpendicular portion 70a, that is, from the end 14' of the mobile sliding member 14.

The bracket 70 for supporting the means for engaging the container 12 has an oblique portion 70d, which extends perpendicularly from the side opposite to that on which the means 121 for engaging the container are provided, and which is designed to support the means 123 for supporting an opposite face of the container C.

As illustrated, the linear and oblique portion 70d extends laterally and towards the outside of the equipment.

As illustrated in Figure 9, the bracket 70 which supports the means 12 of engaging the container is connected to, or supported by, respective sliding member 14, 14 using a device, or angular insert, 147, which extends from the free end of the sliding member 14 and which has a front face 147a to which the rear face of the bracket 70, 70 is made integral.

The front face 147a of the connecting insert is substantially aligned with the front face of the sliding member 14.

Reference numeral 70' in Figure 9 denotes the rear face of the bracket 70 supporting the means of retaining the container which is connected to the insert

147.

In practice, the angular insert 147 allows the bracket 70, 70 to be positioned in front of the sliding member 14 which supports it. As illustrated, the engaging means have a front face 12' engaging with the opposite surface or vertical wall of the container, from which the fixed engaging jaw 121a extends longitudinally.

The face 12' supporting the engaging means and the face 12' of lower supporting means 123 are vertically aligned with each other or are coplanar with each other in a respective transversal vertical plane T.

Figures 10 to 12 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the sliding member with a respective bracket 170 mounted which supports the means of engaging the container.

Also in this second preferred embodiment the means 12, 12 of engaging the container are supported by a relative bracket 170, which protrudes in front of the mobile support means 14.

As illustrated, the bracket 170 extends from the free end of the mobile support means, or sliding member, 14.

In more detail, the second preferred embodiment of bracket 170 is made from a body which has a closed ring configuration and it is designed to allow the vision of the engaging element, in particular of the engaging element 121, by an operator located in the cabin or driving position 17 of the apparatus, like the first preferred embodiment of bracket 70.

In practice, the bracket 170 supporting the means 12 of engaging the container C is formed by a body which has a closed ring configuration and it is designed to allow the vision of the engaging element 12, by an operator located in the cabin or driving position of the apparatus.

As illustrated and as will become clearer as this description continues, the bracket 170 supporting the means 12 of engaging the container C has a perpendicular portion 170d, which supports the engaging means 12 and which is transversally spaced by a perpendicular portion 170a connecting to the mobile support means 14.

More specifically, the closed circular body comprises tubular elements, in particular with a quadrangular, or rectangular, base, which form the upright transversally inside for connection to the bracket and the upright transversally outside, or end, which supports the engaging means 12, as will become clearer as this description continues.

In practice, the bracket 170 supporting the relative engaging means 12 is designed not to be positioned on the parts or portions of the bracket on the eye line between the operator in the driving position and the engaging, or connecting, element 12 of the container C, with the container in the engaging or gripping position, in particular with the container resting on the ground or on the same support surface as the transferring apparatus.

More specifically, also in this second preferred embodiment, the means of engaging the container 12 are supported by a relative bracket 170 which is designed to position the engaging means in a position transversally spaced from the free end 14' of the mobile support means, or sliding member, 14.

The relative support bracket 170 of the means 12 of engaging the container has a perpendicular portion, or upright, 170a for connecting to the respective mobile sliding member 14.

The relative support bracket 170 of the means 12 of engaging the container also has an upper transversal portion 170b and a lower transversal portion 170e, which extend from the upper and lower ends of the perpendicular portion of the bracket 170a.

The transversal portions 170b and 170e support a perpendicular end portion, or upright, 170d which, at the relative upper and lower end support respective means 12 for engaging and gripping the container.

As illustrated, the perpendicular portions, or uprights, 170a, 170d are parallel to each other and/or vertical in use.

Also in this second preferred embodiment, the engaging means 12 comprise, supported by the respective bracket 170 and at the upper end of the perpendicular portion 170d, means 121 for engaging the container exactly the same as those of the first preferred embodiment and they are not therefore re- described in detail.

More specifically, as may be clearly inferred from the drawings, the engaging cylinder is supported on a respective horizontal plate 12 Id, which extends behind the bracket 170 and the front surface 12' of the engaging means 12.

This second preferred embodiment of the bracket 170 also has a perpendicular portion 170c, which extends upwards from the end of the perpendicular portion 170d and which supports, at the respective upper free end of the corresponding engaging means 122, a container positioned above and to be lifted together with the container C and it is also engaged by the engaging means 121.

Also in this second preferred embodiment, the engaging means 12 of the container C also comprise perpendicular supporting surfaces 123 which are designed to rest on the front face of the container C, in position underlying the engaging zone by the means 121. In practice, the container supporting means 123 are support means for the vertical front face of the container C.

The supporting surfaces or faces 123 are supported on the end perpendicular portion 170d of the bracket 170, in particular at the lower end of this portion 170d.

As illustrated, the supporting portion 123 is perpendicularly aligned with the fixed jaw of the engaging means 121.

In this second preferred embodiment, the means 121 of engaging the container are supported at the extension of the upper transversal portion 170b of the bracket 170, whilst the means 123 of supporting the container are supported at the extension of the lower transversal portion 170e and they are, as for the first preferred embodiment, perpendicularly aligned with the engaging means 121.

In practice, the ends of the perpendicular portion 170d of the bracket 170, which supports the support means 12, are located transversally spaced from the perpendicular portion 170a, that is, from the end 14' of the mobile sliding member 14.

The support bracket 170 of the means 12 of engaging the container has transversal, or horizontal, portions 170b, 170e, for connecting between the perpendicular portions 170a, 170d, which extend, staring from the inner upright 170a, laterally and towards the outside of the equipment.

As illustrated, the bracket 170 which supports the means 12 of engaging the container is connected to, or supported by, the respective sliding member 14, 14 using a device, or insert, 147', which extends, forwards, from the free end of the sliding member 14 and which has a front face 147 'a to which the side face of the perpendicular portion, or upright, 170a of the bracket 170 is made integral.

In this way, as for the first preferred embodiment, the rear face of the bracket, in particular of the perpendicular upright 170a, is substantially aligned with the front face of the sliding member 14.

Reference numeral 170' in Figure 11 denotes the rear face of the bracket 170 supporting the means of retaining the container which is connected to the insert 147'.

In practice, the insert 147', which inserts into or connects with the sliding member 14 allows the bracket 170 to be positioned in front of the sliding member 14 which supports it.

As illustrated, the engaging means 121, in particular like the supporting means 123, have a front face 12' engaging with the opposite surface or vertical wall of the container, from which the fixed engaging jaw extends longitudinally. The face 12' supporting the engaging means and the face 12' of lower supporting means 123 are vertically aligned with each other or are coplanar with each other in a respective transversal vertical plane T.

The invention described has evident industrial application. It would be 5 obvious to one skilled in the art that several changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, described in depth above. In particular, one skilled in the art could easily imagine further preferred embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein. It will also be understood that all the details of the l o invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. An equipment (10) for engaging and disengaging at least one container (C) or a similar load, particularly for engaging or disengaging a first and a second container, the equipment can be associated with an apparatus (11) for transferring the load or container, in particular in the form of an apparatus (11) having respective lifting means (13), to which the equipment is applied, and respective means (15) for moving the equipment along the ground, the equipment comprises means (12) of engaging the load or container (C) which lie on a plane (T) transversal to the longitudinal direction (L) of the equipment; the apparatus being characterised in that the means (12) of engaging the load or container are designed to be positioned, in use, on a transversal plane (T) which extends immediately in front of the means (15) of moving the apparatus.

2. The equipment according to claim 1 or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means (12) of engaging the load or container

(C), which are supported by respective mobile means (14) which allow the positioning at respective gripping zones of the respective load or container (C), the means (12) of engaging the load or container (C) protruding in front of the mobile means (14) and being, in use, positioned in front of the mobile means (15, 15) of the apparatus.

3. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that mobile means (14) are provided which support the means (12) of engaging the load or container (C) designed to be positioned, in use, above and vertically aligned with the means (15) for moving the apparatus.

4. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that support and guide means (16) are provided for the mobile means (14) for supporting the means (12) of engaging the load or container (C), the support and guide means (16) being positioned, in use, above and vertically aligned with the means (15) for moving the apparatus.

5. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises means (18) for connecting to the transferring apparatus.

6. The equipment according to claim 5, characterised in that the means (12) for engaging the load or container (C) are longitudinally spaced from the connecting means (18), so as to be positioned, in use, immediately downstream of, or in front of, the means (15, 15) for moving the apparatus.

7. The equipment according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that mobile means (14) which support the means (12) of engaging the load or container (C) are longitudinally spaced from the connection means (18) so as to be positioned, in use, above and vertically aligned with the means for moving the apparatus.

8. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 5 to 7, characterised in that the support and guide means (16) for the mobile means (14, 14) which support the means (12, 12) of engaging the load or container (C) are longitudinally spaced from the connection means (18) so as to be positioned, in use, above and vertically aligned with the means for moving the apparatus.

9. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 5 to 8, characterised in that the connection means (18) are part of a respective connecting frame (20) for the support and guide means (16).

10. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that it comprises guide and support means (16) which are in the form of an open- ended tubular body, or box, for the extension outside the mobile means (14, 14) for supporting the means (12, 12) of engaging the load or container which slide inside the tubular body (16).

11. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the mobile means (14) for supporting the engaging means (12) are moved transversally for positioning the engaging means (12) in a suitable position for engaging the load or container (C) between a withdrawn position and a position of maximum extension.

12. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that support and guide means (16) are provided for the mobile means (14, 14) supporting the engaging means (12, 12), the support and guide means (16) being movable relative to the means (18) for connecting to the apparatus.

13. The equipment according to claim 12, characterised in that the support and 5 guide means (16) are movable transversally relative to the means (18) for connecting to the apparatus.

14. The equipment according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the support and guide means (16) are movable perpendicularly relative to the means (18) for connecting to the apparatus.

0 15. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 12 to 14, characterised in that the support and guide means (16) are movable angularly relative to the means (18) for connecting to the apparatus.

16. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the tubular support and guide body (16) extends transversally and laterally to5 the connecting frame (20).

17. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the tubular support and guide body (16) extends, in use, above the means (15, 15) for moving the apparatus.

18. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in o that the mobile means of supporting the means of engaging the container comprise relative first and second sliding members (14, 14) which extend from opposite transversal ends of the tubular body (16).

19. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the tubular support and guide body, or box (16) has a first and a second5 housing and guide channel (161, 162) for relative mobile support elements (14, 14) for corresponding means (12, 12) of engaging the container.

20. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 9 to 19, characterised in that the connecting frame (20) forms housing means (21) for retaining and transversal sliding for the support and guide means (16).

0 21. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 9 to 20, characterised in that the connecting frame (20) forms housing means (21) for retaining and perpendicular sliding for the support and guide means (16).

22. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 9 to 21, characterised in that the connecting frame (20) forms housing means (21) for retaining and angular sliding for the support and guide means (16).

23. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 9 to 22, characterised in that the connecting frame (20) forms housing means (21) which house, with perpendicular clearance, the support and guide means (16) of the mobile support means (14, 14) for a perpendicular movement.

24. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the housing means for retaining and transversal sliding for the support and guide means (16) comprise a first and a second annular portion, (22, 24), which are transversally spaced, which accommodate internally and in a slidable fashion the support and guide means (16).

25. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 9 to 24, characterised in that the connecting frame (20) comprises a first and second rear upright (26, 28) having relative connecting seats (18, 18).

26. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 9 to 25, characterised in that the connecting frame (20) has a rear plate (30).

27. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 9 to 26, characterised in that the connecting frame (20) has an upper plate (32).

28. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 9 to 27, characterised in that the connecting frame (20) has a lower plate (34).

29. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 9 to 28, characterised in that the connecting frame (20) comprises a first and second rear upright (36, 38).

30. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 9 to 29, characterised in that the connecting frame (20) has transversally spaced longitudinal connecting portions between the rear plate (30) and the front uprights (36, 38) of the connecting frame.

31. The equipment according to claim 30, characterised in that each longitudinal portion comprises an upper longitudinal plate (40, 42) and a lower longitudinal plate (44, 46).

32. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that actuator means (50) are provided which transversally move the support and guide means (16) relative to the connecting means (18).

33. The equipment according to claim 32, characterised in that the actuator means (50) are fixed in a freely rotatable fashion to the connecting frame (20) and to the support and guide means (16).

34. The equipment according to claim 32 or 33, characterised in that the actuator means (50) which transversally move the support and guide means (16) are connected between a transversal end of the support and guide means (16) and the upper cross-bar of the connecting means (20).

35. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that actuator means (60, 61) are provided for the angular movement of the support and guide means (16) relative to the connecting means (20).

36. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that actuator means (60, 61) are provided for the perpendicular movement of the support and guide means (16) relative to the connecting means (20).

37. The equipment according to claim 35 or 36, characterised in that the actuator means for the angular and/or perpendicular movement of the support and guide means (16) comprise an actuator device (60).

38. The equipment according to claim 37, characterised in that the actuator means for the angular and/or perpendicular movement of the support and guide means (16) comprise a second actuator device (61).

39. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 35 to 38, characterised in that the first and second actuator devices (60, 61) are transversally spaced from each other.

40. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 35 to 39, characterised in that the respective actuator device (60, 61) is close to a relative annular housing (22, 24).

41. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 35 to 40, characterised in that the actuator means (60, 61) for the angular and/or perpendicular movement of the support and guide means (16) extend between the connecting frame (20) and the support and guide tubular body, or box (16).

42. The equipment according to claim 41, characterised in that the actuator means (60, 61) for the angular and/or perpendicular movement of the support and guide means (16) extend from the rear plate (30) of the connecting frame (20).

43. The equipment according to claim 41 or 42, characterised in that the actuator means (60, 61) for the angular and/or perpendicular movement of the support and guide means (16) are connected to the lower face (16d) of the support and guide tubular body, or box, (16), so as to allow a transversal movement of it.

44. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 41 to 43, characterised in that the actuator means (60, 61) for the angular and/or perpendicular movement of the support and guide means (16) are connected to the support and guide tubular body, or box, through corresponding runner means, that allow a transversal movement of the tubular body (16).

45. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 35 to 44, characterised in that the actuator means (60, 61) for the angular and/or perpendicular movement of the support and guide means (16) extend below the tubular body, or box, (16).

46. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the means (12, 12) of engaging the container are supported by a relative bracket (70, 70) which protrudes in front of the mobile support means (14, 14).

47. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the means (12, 12) of engaging the container are supported by a relative bracket (70) which extends from the free end of the mobile support means (14, 14).

48. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the means (12, 12) of engaging the container are supported by a relative bracket (70, 70) which is designed to position the engaging means (12, 12) in a position transversally spaced from the free end of the mobile support means (14, 14).

49. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the means (12, 12) of engaging the container are supported by a relative bracket (70, 70) which is designed to position the engaging means (12, 12) in a position perpendicularly spaced from the free end of the mobile support means (14, 14).

50. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 46 to 49, characterised in that the bracket (70, 70) supporting the means (12, 12) of engaging the container has a perpendicular portion connecting to the respective sliding member (14, 14).

51. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 46 to 50, characterised in that the bracket (70, 70) supporting the engaging means (12, 12) has a transversal portion (70b) which extends from the perpendicular portion connecting to the respective sliding member (14, 14) and which supports, in particular at the respective free end, the means of engaging the container (12, 12).

52. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 46 to 51, characterised in that the bracket (70, 70) supporting the means (12, 12) of engaging the container has a perpendicular portion (70a) connecting to the respective sliding member (14, 14) which extends above the guide and support means (16).

53. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 46 to 52, characterised in that the bracket (70, 70) for supporting the means (12, 12) for engaging the container has an oblique portion (70d) which extends perpendicularly from the side opposite to that on which the means (121) for engaging the container are provided and which is designed to support the means (123) for supporting the opposite face of the container (C).

54. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 46 to 53, characterised in that the bracket (70, 70) supporting the means (12, 12) of engaging the container has an oblique portion which extends from the perpendicular portion (70a).

55. The equipment according to claim 54, characterised in that the bracket (70, 70) supporting the means (12, 12) of engaging the container has an oblique portion (70d) which extends from the lower end of the perpendicular portion (70a).

56. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims from 46 to 55, characterised in that the bracket (70, 70) supporting the means (12, 12) of engaging the container has an oblique portion (70d) which extends towards the outside of the equipment.

57. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the supporting means (12) comprise means (121) of engaging the container.

58. The equipment according to claim 57, characterised in that the means (121) of engaging the container are supported at the free end of the upper transversal portion (70b) of the bracket (70).

59. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the engaging means (12) comprise means (123) of supporting the container.

60. The equipment according to claim 59, characterised in that the means (123) of supporting the container are supported at the free end of the lower oblique portion (70b) of the bracket (70).

61. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the means for connecting to the apparatus comprise corresponding seats (18) for inserting respective pins for connecting to the apparatus.

62. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the bracket (70, 70) supporting the means (12, 12) of engaging the container is connected to the respective sliding member (14, 14) using a device, or angular insert (147) which positions the bracket (70, 70) in front of the sliding member (14, 14).

63. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the means (14) of supporting the means (12) of engaging the container (C) are movable transversally to the equipment (10).

64. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the means (14) of supporting the means (12) of engaging the container (C) are movable laterally to the support and guide means (16).

65. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the bracket (70) supporting the relative engaging means (12) is designed not to be positioned on the parts or portions of the bracket on the eye line between the operator in the driving position and the engaging element (12) of the container in the gripping position.

66. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the bracket (170) supporting the means (12) of engaging the container (C) is formed by a body which has a closed ring configuration and it is designed to allow the vision of the engaging element by an operator located in the cabin or driving position of the apparatus.

67. The equipment according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the bracket (170) supporting the means (12) of engaging the container (C) has a perpendicular portion (170d) which supports the engaging means (12) and which is transversally spaced by a perpendicular portion (170a) connecting to the mobile support means (14).

68. The equipment according to claim 1, characterised in that the mobile means (14) which support the means (12) of engaging the load or container (C) are longitudinally spaced from the connecting means (18) so as to be positioned, in use, above and vertically aligned with the means for moving the apparatus; in that it comprises guide and support means (16) which are in the form of an open-ended tubular body, or box, for the extension outside the mobile means (14, 14) supporting the means (12, 12) for engaging the load or container which slide inside the tubular body (16); in that the support and guide means (16) are movable transversally relative to the means (18) for connecting to the apparatus; in that the support and guide means (16) are movable perpendicularly to the apparatus and/or they are movable angularly relative to the means (18) for connecting to the apparatus; in that the tubular support and guide body (16) extends, in use, above the means (15, 15) for moving the apparatus; in that a connecting frame (20) forms housing means (21) which house, with perpendicular clearance, the support and guide means (16) of the mobile support means (14, 14) for a perpendicular movement.; and in that the means (12, 12) of engaging the container are supported by a relative bracket (70, 70) which protrudes in front of the mobile support means (14, 14), and the means (12, 12) of engaging the container and which extends from the free end of the mobile support means (14, 14); the bracket (70, 70) being designed to position the engaging means (12, 12) in a position perpendicularly spaced from the free end of the mobile support means (14, 14), and being designed not to be positioned on the parts or portions of the bracket on the eye line between the operator in the driving position and the engaging element (12) of the container in the gripping position.

69. The equipment according to claim 68, characterised in that the bracket (170) supporting the means (12) of engaging the container (C) is formed by a body which has a closed ring configuration and in that the bracket (170) supporting the means (12) of engaging the container (C) has a perpendicular portion (170d) which supports the engaging means (12) and which is transversally spaced by a perpendicular portion (170a) connecting to the mobile support means (14).

70. The apparatus for moving a load, in particular having a respective means for lifting the load, characterised in that it comprises an apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims.

71. The equipment as in any of the preceding claims and/or as described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.