WO2014080359A1

WO2014080359A1 - A side lift truck

Info

Publication number: WO2014080359A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/060307
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cristiano Manzi
Original assignee: Bp S.R.L.
Priority date: 2012-11-23
Filing date: 2013-11-21
Publication date: 2014-05-30
Also published as: ITBO20120638A1

Abstract

A side lift truck (10), in particular for lifting and moving a load, comprises a supporting frame (12), in particular movable over the ground on wheels (14, 16), and load lifting means (22) comprising pickup means (22), supported in a vertically movable manner by a respective mast (24) and able to extend laterally of the lift truck towards and away from a respective position of engaged and disengaged load. The supporting mast (24) is fixed to the lift truck (10), in particular at a lateral position thereof and means are provided for moving the load pickup means relative to the mast towards and away from the position of engaged and disengaged load.

Description

DESCRIPTION

A SIDE LIFT TRUCK

Technical field

This invention relates to a side lift truck. Background art

Side lift trucks are known which comprise a mounting frame movable on wheels and mounting a driving position or driver's cab and load lifting means comprising a load pickup fork which is vertically movable on a respective mast located at a lateral flank of the lift truck, and where the pickup fork is able to extend laterally of the lift truck towards and away from a respective position of engaged and disengaged load.

In these side lift trucks of known type, the mast, with the load pickup fork fixed to it, is movable transversely of the lift truck so as to extend the fork laterally of the lift truck towards and away from the different positions of engaged and disengaged load.

In these lift trucks of known type, it is therefore necessary to provide suitable counterweights for balancing the mast when it is in the most extended position for picking up or releasing the load.

As a result, the lift truck structure is particularly heavy and accordingly requires supporting structures and motors or engines which are sized to match and which in turn require large amounts of material and fuel or, in any case, of propulsive energy.

Moreover, according to the current state of the art, side lift trucks have a lift fork and mast which are movable together within a recessed seat open to one side of the supporting frame of the lift truck.

That means adding even more to the complexity and cost of the frame structure of side lift trucks made according to the current state of the art. Summary of the invention

This invention proposes a novel solution, alternative to the solutions known up to now and such as to overcome one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks and/or problems and/or to meet one or more of the needs mentioned in or inferable from the above.

Accordingly provided is a side lift truck designed to lift and move a respective load, preferably defined by elongate or palletized items, comprising a supporting frame, which is movable on respective ground- supported means, in particular wheels, the frame defining respective and opposite longitudinal ends and respective lateral ends and supporting or defining a driving position; the lift truck comprises load lifting means comprising load pickup means, the pickup means being supported movably and vertically by a respective mast and being designed to extend beyond the respective lateral end, or flank, of the lift truck, in particular towards and away from a respective position of engaged or disengaged load; characterized in that the supporting mast is fastened to the frame of the lift truck, in particular at or close to a lateral end which is opposite to the extended lateral one of the pickup means; and in that there are means which are designed to extend the load pickup means, with respect to the mast, towards and away from the respective position of engaged or disengaged load.

That way, it is possible to make a lift truck with a particularly lightweight structure, requiring a supporting structure and engine having less impact than those of side lift trucks known up to now, thus saving on construction material and fuel or, in any case, propulsive energy.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other innovative aspects, or advantageous features are set out in the appended claims and the technical features and advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows of preferred embodiments of it, to be considered purely as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a first preferred embodiment of a lift truck according to the invention, with the lifting means in the raised position;

- Figure 2 is a side view of the first preferred embodiment of the lift truck, with the lifting means in the lowered position;

- Figures 3A to 3D is a schematic rear view illustrating the first preferred embodiment of the side lift truck in different operating positions;

- Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a second preferred embodiment of the pickup means, or fork, usable in the lift truck according to the invention;

- Figures 5A to 5F are respective side and rear views of a second preferred embodiment of the lift truck according to the invention;

- Figures 6A to 6F are respective side and rear views of a third preferred embodiment of the side lift truck, in particular a multi-directional side lift truck, according to the invention;

- Figures 7A to 7F are respective side and rear views of a fourth preferred embodiment of the side lift truck, in particular a multi-directional side lift truck, equipped with an engagement fork which extends longitudinally beyond the frame or body of the truck;

- Figure 8A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the mast usable in the lift truck according to the invention;

- Figure 8B is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the mast; and

- Figure 8C is a partial cutaway side view of the preferred embodiment of the mast.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Figures 1 to 3D illustrate a first preferred embodiment 10 of a side lift truck which is designed to lift and move a respective load 11 , preferably defined by elongate or palletized articles, that is, packed on a standard pallet which is lifted as in the further preferred embodiments described below. As illustrated, the lift truck comprises a supporting frame 12 which is movable over the ground on respective supporting means, in particular in the form of revolving means, preferably consisting of wheels, and more specifically, a pair of front wheels 14 and a pair of rear wheels 16.

Conventionally, the lift truck has respective opposite longitudinal ends, namely, a front end 12a and a rear end 12p, and respective lateral ends 12s, 12d.

The supporting frame 12 supports or defines a driving position, or cab, 18 from which a user of the lift truck drives and controls the lift truck.

The frame 12 also preferably defines a supporting platform 20 on which the load 11 can be rested.

As illustrated, the lift truck 10 comprises load lifting means comprising load pickup means 22, the pickup means 22 being supported movably and vertically by a respective mast 24 and being designed to move transversely to the lift truck to extend beyond the respective lateral end 12d of the lift truck, in particular towards and away from a respective position of engaged or disengaged load 1.

As illustrated, in the direction of longitudinal extension, or travelling direction, of the first preferred embodiment of the lift truck, the mast has a front face 241a, a rear face 241p and opposite lateral faces 241s and 241d.

As illustrated, the lateral face 241d of the mast is directed towards the inside, or central zone, of the lift truck, that is to say, towards the load pickup side.

Advantageously, the supporting mast 24 is fastened to the lift truck 10, in particular at or close to a lateral end 12s of the lift truck, the lateral end 12s being opposite to, that is, transversely opposite to the end 12d relative to which the load 11 pickup means 22 extend.

Means 26 are also provided for moving the load 11 pickup means 22, with respect to the fixed mast 24, towards and away from the respective position of engaged and disengaged load 11. In particular, the load 11 pickup means are in the form of fork means defining respective arms, or prongs, 23 for picking up the load 11.

In particular, the pickup means 22 comprise load 11 engaging means 25 and means 23 for mounting to the mast 24.

In particular, the means 26 for transversely moving the load pickup means are provided between the load 11 engaging means 25 and the means 23 for mounting to the mast 24.

In practice, the pickup means 22 are designed to extend beyond the respective lateral end 12d of the lift truck and, in particular, means 26 are provided for extending the pickup means 22 relative to the mast 24 towards and away from the respective position of engaged or disengaged load 11.

In practice, the pickup means 22 comprise means 23 for mounting to the mast 24 and load engaging means 25 which are movable relative to the means 23 for mounting to the mast to extend towards and away from the respective position of engaged or disengaged load 11.

In practice, means are provided for moving the load 11 engaging means 25 relative to the means 23 for mounting to the mast 24, between a retracted position, in particular illustrated in Figures 3A and 3C, retracted within the transversal overall dimensions of the lift truck, and an extended position of engaged or disengaged load 11 , in particular illustrated in Figures 3B and 3D, extended in such a way that the load is laterally on the outside of the transversal overall dimensions or outline of the lift truck. As illustrated, in the first preferred embodiment, the mast 24 comprises at least one telescopic member 24a extending vertically from a respective member 24b which is fixed to the frame 12.

In particular, the means 23 for mounting to the mast are movable vertically on, or relative to, the mast 24, in particular relative to the member 24b thereof fixed to the frame.

In particular, the mounting means 23 of the pickup means 22 are connected to the extending or telescopic member 24a of the mast 24 in such a way as to be vertically movable.

In practice, the mounting means 23 are connected to a respective lifting chain of the telescopic or upper member 24a of the mast 24.

Advantageously, the load pickup means 22 extend longitudinally to the truck beyond the respective longitudinal end 12a, 12p thereof, in particular beyond both of the longitudinal ends 12a, 12p of the truck.

In practice, the means 23 for mounting to the mast extend longitudinally to the truck beyond the respective longitudinal end 12a, 12p of the lift truck, in particular beyond both of the longitudinal ends 12a, 12p of the truck. As illustrated, the means 23 for mounting to the mast comprise a respective elongate member 23a which extends longitudinally to the truck and which is preferably in the form of a beam, in particular, horizontal. The elongate member 23a extends longitudinally beyond the respective longitudinal end of the mast 24, in particular beyond both of the opposite longitudinal ends of the mast 24.

In particular, as illustrated, the elongate member 23 is positioned at the front of the mast 24 in the direction of extension of the pickup means.

In practice, the longitudinal member or beam 23a of the supporting means is positioned at the front of the face 241d of the mast, directed towards the product pickup side or towards the side where the load pickup means 22 extend, and the front end of the longitudinal member or beam is.positioned to one side of the inside face 18d of the driver's cab.

In practice, as illustrated, the pickup means 22 of the first preferred embodiment comprises load engaging means 25, 25 which are positioned longitudinally beyond the respective longitudinal end 12a, 12p of the lift truck, in particular beyond both of the longitudinal ends 12a, 12p of the lift truck.

The load pickup means 22 are at least partly longitudinally aligned with the lifting mast 24.

In particular, the connection members 23c, 23c of the means 23 for mounting to the lifting mast 24 are longitudinally aligned with the lifting mast 24.

In practice, the vertical members 23c of the means 23 for mounting to the lifting mast 24 are, longitudinally, on the extension of the front face 241a and rear face 241 p of the mast 24.

Also, as illustrated, the elongate member 23a of the pickup means, when the selfsame pickup means are at the lowered position, is above the load 11 supporting platform 20.

In particular, as illustrated, the mounting means comprise one or more fixed arms, in particular a first and a second fixed arm 23b, 23b, which extend transversely to the lift truck, that is, along the direction of extension of the pickup means and support a respective movable arm 25, 25 for engaging the load 11.

The mounting means also comprise a respective connection member 23c, 23c extending vertically and connecting the elongate member 23a and the respective arm 23b, 23b of the pickup means.

In practice, as illustrated, each arm 23b, 23b and/or each connection member 23c, 23c of the mounting means is positioned beyond the respective end 12a, 12p of the lift truck, and in particular both of the arms 23b, 23b and/or connection members 23c, 23c of the mounting means are positioned beyond both respective ends 12a, 12p of the lift truck.

Further, as illustrated, when the pickup means are at the lowered position, the respective arm 23b, 23b, and/or at least part of the respective connection member 23c, 23c of the mounting means is positioned under the load supporting platform 20.

In practice, at the lowered position, each arm 23b, 23b and/or each connection member 23c, 23c is longitudinally aligned with and beyond the respective longitudinal end 12a, 12p of the lift truck.

As illustrated, each connection member 23c, 23c of the mounting means is inclined, or has a part which is inclined, in the direction of the mast 24, in particular in the direction of the lateral edge 12s of the truck where the mast 24 is located. As illustrated, when the pickup means are at the lowered position, each front connection member 23c extends under the driving position 18, in particular below the driver's zone of view.

Means 26 are advantageously provided for moving the load 11 engaging means or movable arms 25, 25, comprising actuation means 26, and corresponding means for guiding the movement of the engaging means 25, and in particular being provided on the fixed arms 23b, 23b of the pickup means.

In particular, the actuation means comprise a respective actuator, in particular a pressurized fluid driven cylinder 26, especially a hydraulic cylinder.

The actuation means 26 are directly connected between the mounting means, in particular the respective supporting guide arm 23b, 23b and the load engaging means, or arm 25, 25.

In particular, the actuation means 26 extend parallel to the respective arm 23b, 23b of the mounting means and to the corresponding arm 25, 25 of the load engaging means.

In particular, the actuation means, or cylinder, 26 are inside the respective arm 23b of the mounting means and the corresponding arm 25 defining the load engaging means.

Figure 4 shows a second preferred embodiment of the pickup means, or fork, where the engaging means or arms 25, 25 are, as in the first preferred embodiment of the fork, illustrated in Figures 1 to 3D, slidable relative to the arms 23b, 23b as one with the means for mounting to the mast, but where the actuation means 126, being in this case, too, in the form of a corresponding pressurized fluid-driven cylinder, in particular in the form of a hydraulic cylinder, are connected to a corresponding drive linkage 27.

The drive linkage 27 comprises, in particular, a linkage rod 27a which is associated, in articulated fashion, with the engaging means, or arm 25, and which is connected to a crank lever 27d which is in turn associated with, or articulated to, the means for mounting to the mast, in particular to the respective connection member 23c, in particular to the lower part thereof.

In particular, as illustrated, the actuation means, or cylinder, 126 are connected between the mounting means 23 and the linkage rod 27a associated with the engagement means, or arm, 25, in particular having respective ends which are articulated to the mounting means 23 and to the linkage rod, at an intermediate zone thereof, that is, between the respective ends for the articulation thereof respectively to the engaging means 25 and ends for the articulation to the crank lever 27d.

Advantageously, the lift truck has a frame 12 which defines a supporting platform, or table, 20 on which the load 11 can be rested and which, viewed from above, has an elongate and/or quadrangular shape, in particular having a transversal width that is substantially uniform longitudinally, at least downstream or behind the driving position 18.

The frame structure thus obtained is not excessively complex in construction and is reduced in weight but is, at the same time, considerably sturdy.

In particular, the driving position 18 is located at the front longitudinal end 12a of the lift truck and the load platform 20 extends alongside the driving position 18.

In particular, as illustrated, the driver's cab 18 has, in the direction of longitudinal extension, or travelling direction, a front face 18a, a rear face 18p and opposite lateral faces 18s, 18d.

As illustrated, in the first preferred embodiment, the driving position, or driver's cab, 18 is directed longitudinally, that is, towards the front of the truck.

As illustrated, the driving position, or driver's cab, 18 extends above the platform 20, in a zone at the side of the lift truck.

As illustrated, the driving position, or driver's cab, 18 has a width which is less than half the width of the platform 20, or of the lift truck 10. In particular, one lateral face 18s corresponds to the outer left-hand flank of the machine, while the other lateral face 18d is directed towards the inside of the machine, that is, towards the product pickup side, that is, towards the side where the pickup means extend.

As illustrated, the platform 20 has a front transversal edge 20a which terminates against the lateral face 18d of the cab 18, directed towards the inside of the lift truck, and which, together with the cab, defines the full transversal width of the lift truck, and a rear transversal edge 20b, which in turn extends for the full width of the lift truck.

The load supporting platform 20 also has opposite lateral edges 20s, 20d which are longitudinally extended and parallel to each other.

In particular, the lateral edge 20d of the platform, which is directed towards the load pickup side, extends for the full length of the truck.

A large table 20 on which the load can be rested extends between the opposite longitudinal edges 20s, 20d of the platform.

Also, as illustrated, the lifting mast 24 is longitudinally aligned with the driving position 18.

In practice, as illustrated, the mast 24 is slightly offset relative to the driver's cab, being in particular closer to the lateral inside face 18d of the driver's cab.

In a second preferred embodiment 100 of the lift truck, illustrated in Figures 5A to 5F, the frame 112 defines a transversely extended space or seat 113 which opens at a lateral flank 12 of the truck and which is, in particular, at a lateral flank 12d of the truck opposite to the flank where the lifting mast 24 is located.

In the second preferred embodiment 100, the components which are similar to those of the first embodiment 10 are labelled with the same reference numerals and, to avoid an excessively long description, are not described in detail again.

Movable inside this space 113, in particular transversely, are the pickup means, especially the load engaging means, or arms 25, 25, so that they extend towards and away from a respective position of engaged or disengaged load 11.

In practice, the seat, or space, 113 is defined by opposite flanks, or transversal surfaces 113a, 113b, which are longitudinally spaced from each other, and a bottom surface 113c, which extends longitudinally between the transversal flanks.

As illustrated, the opposite flanks, or transversal surfaces 113a, 113b of the seat 113 give onto the side 12d of the frame 12.

As illustrated, the mast has a lower portion 24' which is mounted in the seat 113 at the bottom 113c thereof.

In the second preferred embodiment, the pickup means are of a size such that they are housed, or can be housed, inside the seat 113.

In particular, the pickup means have a supporting crosspiece 123a which is such as to support corresponding engaging arms, or elements, 25, 25 extending in the direction of movement of the pickup means and which are positioned longitudinally outside the mast 24 and inside the transversal surfaces 113a, 113b delimiting the seat 113.

In the second preferred embodiment, too, the load pickup means 22 are at least partly longitudinally aligned with the lifting mast 24.

In particular, the second preferred embodiment, too, comprises vertical members 23c, 23c of the means for mounting to the lifting mast 24, these vertical members 23c, 23c being longitudinally aligned with the lifting mast 24.

Also, as illustrated, the load pickup means 22 and, in particular, the vertical members 23c, 23c of the means 23 for mounting to the load mast 24 extend inside the transversal surfaces 13a, 113b delimiting the lateral seat 113 of the lift truck, in particular longitudinally alongside the mast.

Further, in the second preferred embodiment, the actuation means 126, again in the form of a corresponding pressurized fluid-driven cylinder, and the drive linkage 27 are positioned longitudinally outside the mast 24 and inside the transversal surfaces 113a, 1 3b delimiting the seat 113, in particular alongside the mast when the load engaging means are at the retracted position.

In practice, the actuation means are positioned longitudinally outside the mast 24 in both the first and the second preferred embodiment.

In practice, the second preferred embodiment comprises a platform 112 which, viewed from above, has the general shape of a "C".

As illustrated, the front transversal surface 113a of the seat 113 is substantially at the rear wall of the driver's cab or driving position 18.

Figures 6A to 6F illustrate a third preferred embodiment 200 of the lift truck, in particular in the form of a multi-directional side lift truck.

The multi-directional side lift truck 200 is mounted, as a person skilled in the art will know, on only three wheels, located at the lateral flanks 12d, 12s and consisting of a wheel 116 at the lateral flank 12s, and two wheels 114, 114, at the other lateral flank 12d, these wheels allowing quick and easy movement in aisles between shelving of large warehouses where the lift truck 200 is preferably used.

As is known, if viewed from above, the third preferred embodiment of the lift truck also has the general shape of a "C", defining a space or seat 113 open at one lateral flank 12d of the lift truck, in much the same way as the second preferred embodiment 100 described above.

The components of the third preferred embodiment 200 which are similar to those of the second preferred embodiment 100 are labelled with the same reference numerals and, to avoid an excessively long description, are not described in detail again.

The third preferred embodiment 200 of the lift truck, too, comprises a fixed mast 24, preferably close to or at a respective lateral zone 12s of the lift truck and of the corresponding pickup means, in particular comprising load engaging means, or arms, 25, 25 which are movable relative to the mast 24 inside the seat 113 and which are designed to extend outside of it towards and away from a respective position of engaged and disengaged load 11 , outside the respective lateral flank 12d of the lift truck.

As illustrated, and as is customary, in the third preferred embodiment, too, the driving position 18 faces in the direction of extension of the pickup means, that is to say, it faces towards a corresponding lateral flank 12d of the lift truck.

Figures 7A to 7F illustrate a fourth preferred embodiment 300 of the lift truck, in particular in the form of a multi-directional side lift truck, which is, however, equipped with pickup means, or fork, like those of the first preferred embodiment described above.

The components of the fourth preferred embodiment 300 which are similar to those of the other preferred embodiments described above, in particular the first and third preferred embodiments 10 and 200, are labelled with the same reference numerals and, to avoid an excessively long description, are not described in detail again.

In particular, in the fourth preferred embodiment, too, the load pickup means 22 extend longitudinally to the truck beyond the respective longitudinal end, in particular beyond both of the longitudinal ends 12a, 12p, of the truck.

In practice, as illustrated, in the fourth preferred embodiment, too, when the pickup means are at the lowered position, the respective arm 23b, 23b and/or the respective vertical member 23c, 23c of the mounting means, is positioned beyond the respective end 12a, 12p of the lift truck, under the load supporting platform 20, like the load engaging means 25, 25.

Figures 8A to 8C illustrate a preferred embodiment of the mast 24 used in the preferred embodiments of the lift truck described above.

To allow movement of the movable, or telescopic, portion 24a relative to the fixed portion 24b, this mast advantageously comprises respective slide shoe means which are, in particular, attached to the respective external rod 24e, 24e of the movable frame 24 and move within the seat defined by the external rod 24", 24" of the fixed frame.

In particular, the external rods 24e, 24e of the fixed frame have the shape of a "C" defining the slideway of the shoe 30.

In particular, as may be well inferred from Figure 8C, on each side, there is a first and a second shoe 30, 30 which are vertically spaced from each other.

As is evident from the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments, the longitudinal direction of the lift truck is at right angles to the direction of movement of the pickup means, that is, it coincides with the direction of longest extension of the lift truck.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application. It would be 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 embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the features described herein. Moreover, it will be understood that all the details of the invention may be substituted for technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. A side lift truck (10), designed to lift and move a respective load (11), preferably defined by elongate or palletized items, comprising a supporting frame (12), which is movable on respective ground-supported means, in particular wheels (14, 16), the frame (12) defining respective and opposite longitudinal ends (12a, 12p) and respective lateral ends (12s, 12d) and supporting or defining a driving position (18); the truck (10) comprises load lifting means comprising load (11) pickup means (22), the pickup means (22) being supported movably and vertically by a respective mast (24) and being designed to extend beyond the respective lateral end, or flank (12d), of the lift truck, in particular towards and away from a respective position of engaged or disengaged load (11); characterized in that the supporting mast (24) is fastened to the frame of the lift truck (10), in particular at or close to a lateral end (12s) which is opposite to the extended lateral one of the pickup means (22); and in that there are means (26) which are designed to extend the load (11) pickup means (22), with respect to the mast (24), towards and away from the respective position of engaged or disengaged load (11).

2. The lift truck according to claim 1 or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the pickup means (22) are fork means defining respective load (11) pickup arms, or prongs (23).

3. The lift truck according to either of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the pickup means (22) comprise means (23) for mounting to the mast (24) and load (11) engaging means (25) which are movable with respect to the means (23) for mounting to the mast (24) in order to extend towards and away from the respective position of engaged or disengaged load ( 1).

4. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the mast (24) comprises at least one telescopic member (24a) extending vertically from a respective member (24b) which is fixed to the frame (12).

5. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the means (23) for mounting to the mast are movable vertically relative to the mast (24), in particular relative to the fixed member (24b) thereof.

6. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the load pickup means (22) extend longitudinally to the truck beyond the respective longitudinal end thereof, in particular beyond both of the longitudinal ends (12a, 12p) of the truck.

7. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the load pickup means (22) comprise respective load engaging means (25, 25) which are positioned longitudinally beyond the respective longitudinal end, in particular beyond both of the longitudinal ends (12a, 12p) of the truck.

8. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (23) for mounting to the mast which extend longitudinally to the truck beyond the respective longitudinal end, in particular beyond both of the longitudinal ends (12a, 12p) of the truck.

9. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (23) for mounting to the mast and which comprise a respective elongate member (23a) which extends longitudinally to the truck and which is preferably in the form of a respective beam member.

10. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises means (23) for mounting to the mast which in turn comprise one or more fixed arms (23b, 23b) extending in the extension direction of the pickup means and support a respective movable arm (25, 25) for engaging the load.

11. The lift truck according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises means (23) for mounting to the mast which in turn comprise a respective vertical connection member, in particular a first and a second connection member (23c, 23c), in particular extending vertically, between a respective elongate member (23a) and the respective arm (23b, 23b) which is extended in the extension direction of the pickup means.

12. The lift truck according to claim 11 , characterized in that the respective connection member (23c, 23c) of the mounting means is inclined, or has a part which is inclined, in the direction of the mast (24), in particular in the direction of the lateral edge (12s) of the truck where the mast (24) is located.

13. The lift truck according to claims 10 or 12, characterized in that the respective arm (23b, 23b) and/or the respective connection member (23c, 23c) of the mounting means is positioned beyond the respective longitudinal end of the truck, in particular both of the arms (23b, 23b) and/or connection members (23c, 23c) of the mounting means are respectively positioned beyond both of the longitudinal ends (12a, 12p) of the truck.

14. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims from 3 to 13, characterized in that there are means (26) designed to move the load (11) engaging means (25), which comprise actuation means (26) and movement guiding means of the engaging means (25); in particular, the actuation means comprise a respective actuator, in particular a pressurized fluid driven cylinder (26), especially a hydraulic cylinder.

15. The lift truck according to claim 14, characterized in that the actuation means (26) are directly connected between the mounting means, in particular the respective arm (23b) and the corresponding load engaging means, or arm (25).

16. The lift truck according to claim 14, characterized in that the actuation means (26) are connected to a drive linkage (27), in particular comprising a linkage rod (27a) which is associated with the engaging means, or arm (25) and which is connected to a crank lever (27b) associated with the mounting means, in particular to the respective connection member (23c) of the mounting means.

17. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a load supporting platform (20).

18. The lift truck according to claim 17, characterized in that the load supporting platform (20) has opposite lateral edges (20s, 20d), which are longitudinally extended and parallel to each other.

19. The lift truck according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the lateral edge (20d) of the load supporting platform (20) is directed towards the load pickup side and extends for the full length of the truck.

20. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterized in that the lifting mast (24) is longitudinally aligned with the driving position (18).

21. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the elongate supporting member (23a) is positioned at the front of the mast (24) in the direction of extension of the pickup means.

22. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the load pickup means

(22) are at least partly longitudinally aligned with the lifting mast (24).

23. The lift truck according to claim 22, characterized in that the connection members (23c, 23c) of the means (23) for mounting to the lifting mast (24) are longitudinally aligned with the lifting mast (24).

24. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that in the lowered position of the pickup means, the respective arm (23b, 23b), and/or at least part of the respective connection member (23c, 23c), of the mounting means is positioned under the load supporting platform (20).

25. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the mast (24), to allow movement of the movable, or telescopic, portion (24a) relative to the fixed portion (24b), comprises respective sliding shoe means (30).

26. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a space, or seat (113), is defined in the frame (112), which opens at a lateral flank (12d) of the truck, which is opposite to the one where the lifting mast (24) is located, and in this space (113), the pickup means are movable, in particular the load engaging means, or arms (25, 25), so that they extend towards and away from a respective position of engaged or disengaged load (11).

27. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim 1 , characterized in that the load pickup means

(22) and, in particular, the connection members (23c, 23c) of the means

(23) for mounting to the lifting mast (24), extend internally of the transversal surfaces (113a, 113b) delimiting the lateral seat (113) of the lift truck, being in particular positioned longitudinally alongside the mast.

28. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the preamble to claim , characterized in that the pick up means have corresponding engaging arms, or elements (25, 25), which are longitudinally aligned outside the mast (24), in particular internally of the transversal surfaces (113a, 113b) delimiting the respective seat ( 13) for housing the pick up means.

29. The lift truck according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a multi-directional side lift truck.