DEVICE FOR GRIPPING A LOAD, IN PARTICULAR FOR GRIPPING ONE OR MORE INTERMODAL CONTAINERS

Description

Field of application of the present invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for gripping a load, and in particular for gripping one or more intermodal containers.

[0002] Furthermore, the present apparatus is preferably usable in an equipment for lifting and transporting said loads or intermodal containers.State of the art

[0003] Apparatuses for gripping one or more intermodal containers are known, which are used in a lifting and transporting equipment of said intermodal containers, and which comprise means for supporting the apparatus, in particular connectable to the lifting and transporting equipment to which the apparatus is associated, i.e., connectable to corresponding means for lifting and lowering the same lifting and transporting equipment, and means, in particular that can be activated and deactivated, for gripping said intermodal container and including first and second means for gripping said intermodal container at opposite transversal ends thereof.

[0004] A problem felt in already-known these gripping apparatuses relates to the difficulty in positioning the lifting and transporting equipment with respect to the intermodal container to be picked up or the zone where said intermodal container has to be placed. In fact, such positioning of the equipment has to be particularly accurate, and however performing that is always difficult to the driver of the lifting and transporting equipment to perform, who often has to repeat the maneuver to achieve a better positioning of said lifting and transporting equipment with respect to the zone where the container is to be positioned or picked up. In practice, this leads to excessive working times and in any case is a cause of stress and fatigue to said driver.

[0005] In the field, anyhow, the need to have an apparatus for gripping a load or a respective intermodal container that is flexible and versatile to be used is also generally felt.

[0006] Furthermore, in the field, the need is felt to have an apparatus for gripping a load or a respective intermodal container available that allows the load or container to be gripped in an effective manner.

[0007] In addition, in the field, the need is also felt to have an apparatus for gripping a load or a respective intermodal container that is of essential configuration, i.e., that uses a relatively small number of components.

[0008] EP2628703A1 discloses an apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.Summary of the invention.

[0009] By the present invention, it is desired to propose a new and alternative solution to the solutions known so far, and in particular it is proposed to solve one or more of the drawbacks or problems referred to above and / or to meet one or more needs referred to above, and / or anyhow felt in the art, and in particular inferable from the above.

[0010] Therefore, the invention provides an apparatus according to claim 1.

[0011] In this manner, by suitably maneuvering only the gripping means, it is possible to obtain a high maneuverability and operational accuracy during the load gripping and / or release phase or of the respective container. It is thereby possible to operate with greater speed, productive yield and working comfort for the operator, thus achieving a greater working precision, moreover with a lower risk that accidents or other negative events occur.Brief description of the drawings

[0012] This and other novel aspects, or specific advantageous implementations, are anyhow set forth in the claims cited below, the technical characteristics of which can be found in the following detailed description, illustrating preferred and advantageous embodiments, which are however to be considered as merely exemplary and non-limiting of the invention; said description being given by reference to the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective, schematic view of a first preferred implementation of apparatus according to the present invention, in an engaging condition with said load, i.e., as illustrated, with a first and a second intermodal containers in a stacked condition; Fig. 2A illustrates a perspective, schematic view of the first preferred implementation of apparatus according to the present invention; Fig. 2B illustrates a perspective, schematic view of the first preferred implementation of apparatus according to the present invention, taken on the opposite side with respect to that of Fig. 2A; Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective, schematic view only of the movement jacks of the first preferred implementation of apparatus according to the present invention; Fig. 4A illustrates a schematic front elevation view of the first preferred implementation of apparatus according to the present invention, particularly illustrating the relative perpendicular upward or alternatively downward movement of said means for gripping said load or respective intermodal container; Fig. 4B illustrates a schematic top plan view of the first preferred implementation of apparatus according to the present invention, particularly illustrating the relative longitudinal forward or alternatively backward movement of said means for gripping said load or respective intermodal container; Fig. 4C illustrates a schematic side elevation view of the first preferred implementation of apparatus according to the present invention, particularly illustrating the relative longitudinal forward or alternatively backward movement of said means for gripping said load or respective intermodal container; Fig. 4D illustrates a schematic side elevation view of the first preferred implementation of apparatus according to the present invention, particularly illustrating the relative rotational movement with respect to a longitudinal axis according to an angular direction or alternatively according to the opposite angular direction of said means for gripping said load or respective intermodal container; Fig. 4E illustrates a schematic side elevation view of the first preferred implementation of apparatus according to the present invention, particularly illustrating the relative rotational movement with respect to a perpendicular axis according to an angular direction or alternatively according to the opposite angular direction of said means for gripping said load or respective intermodal container; Fig. 4F illustrates a schematic side elevation view of the first preferred implementation of apparatus according to the present invention, particularly illustrating the relative rotational movement with respect to a transversal axis according to an angular direction or alternatively according to the opposite angular direction of said means for gripping said load or respective intermodal container; Figures 5 and 6 illustrate respective schematic perspective views of further implementations of the moving means or jacks that can be used in a corresponding second and third preferred implementations of apparatus according to the present invention. Detailed description of preferred implementations of the invention

[0013] In the attached Figures 1 to 4F, a first preferred implementation 10 of an apparatus for gripping a load is illustrated, in particular for gripping one or more intermodal containers 11, which apparatus is usable in an equipment for lifting and transporting said loads or intermodal containers 11, in particular, in Fig. 1 only the cables 13 of the lifting and transporting equipment that are needed to adjust the height of the present apparatus 10, preferably along the respective mast, in particular a telescopic mast, of the equipment, being illustrated.

[0014] However, it has to be understood that the present apparatus could also be associated to moving means of the equipment that are completely different from said cables illustrated herein.

[0015] As illustrated, the apparatus 10 comprises means 12 for supporting the apparatus, in particular connectable to the lifting and transporting equipment to which the apparatus is associated, i.e., connectable to corresponding means 13 for lifting and lowering the same lifting and transporting equipment, and means 14, in particular that can be activated and deactivated, for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, in particular including first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, especially at opposite transversal ends thereof.

[0016] Advantageously, as illustrated, means 16 are provided, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 in relation to said load or respective intermodal container 11 and / or in relation to the zone where said load or respective intermodal container 11 has to be placed.

[0017] In this manner, by suitably maneuvering only the gripping means, or those components that directly support them, it is possible to obtain a high maneuverability and operational accuracy in the gripping or release phase of the load or the respective container. It is thereby possible to operate with greater speed, productive yield and working comfort for the operator, thus achieving a greater working precision, moreover with a lower risk that accidents or other negative events occur.

[0018] As can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, with advantage, means 16 are provided, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 in relation to said equipment for lifting and transporting said loads or intermodal containers 11, in particular with respect to corresponding means, or strut, for lifting and lowering the same lifting and transporting equipment, of these latter only the means, or cables 13 for lifting and lowering the same lifting and transporting equipment being outlined in Fig. 1, which preferably slide inside the same strut, or mast, in particular a telescopic mast, of the equipment.

[0019] In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, means 16 are provided, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 in relation to said means for supporting, and in particular for attaching, 12 the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment.

[0020] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, means 18 are provided for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11.

[0021] As can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, with particular advantage, said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 are movably supported by said means 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment.

[0022] With advantage, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said means 16 that are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container are interposed between said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 and said means 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment.

[0023] With particular advantage, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 comprise means 181, 182 that are adapted to move said gripping means 14, in particular said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, relatively to one another, in particular transversally to one another, especially to adjust the position of said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 to said load or respective intermodal container 11, in particular to the front or transversal dimension of the same load or respective intermodal container 11.

[0024] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 support a respective extension or movable arm, in particular a first and a second extension or movable arms, 181, 182 for the support, in particular at the respective free end, of corresponding means, in particular of respective first and second means, 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11; especially said extension or arm being movable according to a transversal direction, i.e., said first and second extension or arms 181, 182 being movable according to opposite transversal directions.

[0025] With particular advantage, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, means 16 are provided, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 in such a way as to cause the same means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 making at least one respective movement in a corresponding linear and / or angular direction, in particular a plurality of linear and / or angular movements, preferably two or more linear and / or angular movements, i.e., two or more, and preferably three, linear and / or angular movements selected from the movements that are described herein below in the present description, in an optimal manner three linear movements and three angular movements, for example like those that will best be seen from the rest of the present description.

[0026] As can be seen in particular from Fig. 4A, advantageously, means 16 are provided, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, with a perpendicular upward or, alternatively, downward movement, as can be clearly seen from the arrows marked with the reference P in Fig. 4A.

[0027] In a particularly advantageous manner, means 16 are provided, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, with a longitudinal forward or alternatively backward movement, as can be clearly seen from the arrows marked with the reference L in Fig. 4B,

[0028] In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 4C, means 16 are provided, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, with a transversal right-wise or alternatively left-wise movement, as can be clearly seen from the arrows marked with the reference T in Fig. 4C.

[0029] In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 4A, means 16 are provided, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 together, and in particular to move said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 with a rotational movement with respect to the longitudinal direction according to a respective angular direction or alternatively according to the opposite angular direction, as can be clearly seen from the arrows marked with the reference RL in Fig. 4D.

[0030] Advantageously, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 4A, means 16 are provided, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, with a rotational movement with respect to the perpendicular direction according to a respective angular direction or alternatively according to the opposite angular direction, as can be clearly seen from the arrows marked with the reference RP in Fig. 4E.

[0031] As can be seen in particular from Fig. 4A, in an advantageous manner, means 16 are provided, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, with a rotational movement with respect to the transversal direction according to a respective angular direction or alternatively according to the opposite angular direction, as can be clearly seen from the arrows marked with the reference RT in Fig. 4F.

[0032] In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, means 16 are provided, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, and in particular to support said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, which are in the form of corresponding actuator means 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, in particular in the form of linearly extended actuator means.

[0033] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said actuator means 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166 are in the form of corresponding hydraulic jack means, especially having a corresponding end secured to said means 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment and the corresponding other end secured to said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11.

[0034] With advantage, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said means 16 that are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 comprise hydraulic jack means, in particular a first and a second hydraulic jacks, 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly.

[0035] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said means 16 that are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 comprise hydraulic jack means, in particular a first and a second hydraulic jacks, 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally.

[0036] As can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, with advantage, said means 16 that are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 comprise hydraulic jack means extending at least partially transversally, and in particular that comprise a first and a second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, i.e., which have a respective component according to the transversal direction and a respective component according to the longitudinal direction.

[0037] With particular advantage, as can be seen from said Figure 4A, said means 16 that are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, with a perpendicular upward or, alternatively, downward movement, comprise said hydraulic jack means, in particular a first and a second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly.

[0038] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figure 4B, said means 16 that are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, with a longitudinal forward or alternatively backward movement, comprise said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally and said first and second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, which move, or extend, with an equal motion component according to the longitudinal direction.

[0039] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figure 4C, said means 16 that are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, with a transversal right-wise or alternatively left-wise movement, comprise said first and second hydraulic jacks, 165, 166 which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, in particular which move, or extend, with an equal motion component according to the transversal direction.

[0040] In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figure 4D, said means 16 that are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, with a rotational movement with respect to the longitudinal direction according to a respective angular direction or alternatively according to the opposite angular direction, comprise said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly, in particular which move, or extend, perpendicularly upwardly or downwardly in an alternated manner to one another.

[0041] As can be seen from said Figure 4E, advantageously, means 16 that are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, with a rotational movement with respect to the perpendicular direction according to a respective angular direction or alternatively according to the opposite angular direction, comprise said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally, in particular which move, or extend, longitudinally forwards or backwards in an alternated manner to one another.

[0042] With particular advantage, as can be seen from said Figure 4F, said means 16 that are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, with a rotational movement with respect to the transversal direction according to a respective angular direction or alternatively according to the opposite angular direction, comprise said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally which move, or extend, longitudinally forwards or backwards in a coordinated manner to one another.

[0043] In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, are rotatably supported through corresponding hinging means 20.

[0044] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, in particular, said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, are rotatably supported with respect to a longitudinal axis through corresponding hinging means 20.

[0045] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, in particular, said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, are rotatably supported with respect to a transversal axis through corresponding hinging means 20.

[0046] As can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, with advantage, in particular, said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, are rotatably supported with respect to a perpendicular axis through corresponding hinging means 20.

[0047] In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said hinging means comprise common hinge means 20 with respect to which said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, or said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, rotate with respect to a corresponding longitudinal axis and / or with respect to a corresponding perpendicular axis and / or with respect to a corresponding transversal axis.

[0048] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said hinging means consist of spherical hinge means 20, with respect to which hinge means 20, said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, or said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, can rotate with respect to a corresponding longitudinal axis, with respect to a corresponding perpendicular axis and with respect to a corresponding transversal axis.

[0049] With particular advantage, as can be seen from said Figures, said spherical hinge means are defined by a single spherical hinge 20.

[0050] In this manner, a kinematic configuration is obtained that is particularly essential, i.e., that employs a relatively reduced number of components, and that is operatively particularly efficient.

[0051] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said hinging means, in particular said spherical hinge means, 20 are provided inferiorly to said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11.

[0052] As can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, in an advantageous manner, said spherical hinge means, in particular said single spherical hinge 20, are, or is, at the end, in particular the front end, of said first and second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, i.e., are, or is, at the common attachment point of said first and second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely.

[0053] In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, the respective actuator means, or respective hydraulic jacks, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166 are connected, in particular at the respective ends, to said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, and / or to said means 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment, in a pivoting or freely rotatable manner.

[0054] In this manner, said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 have a suitable and corresponding freedom of movement.

[0055] Advantageously, as can be seen from Figures 1 to 4F, said jack means, in particular said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly are connected, in particular at the respective end, to said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, and / or to said means 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment, in a pivoting or freely rotatable manner.

[0056] In this manner, said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, have a corresponding freedom of movement.

[0057] Advantageously, as can be seen from Figures 1 to 4F, said hydraulic jack means, in particular said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally are connected, in particular at the respective end, to said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, and / or to said means 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment, in a pivoting or freely rotatable manner.

[0058] In this manner, said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, have a corresponding freedom of movement.

[0059] In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from Figures 1 to 4F, said jack means extending at least partially transversally, and in particular said first and second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, are connected, in particular at the respective end, to said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, and / or to said means 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment, in a pivoting or freely rotatable manner.

[0060] In this manner, said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, have a corresponding freedom of movement.

[0061] As can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, with advantage, said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly are transversally spaced apart, in particular by a transversal distance that corresponds, or substantially corresponds, i.e., according to another embodiment not illustrated in the attached figures, which could be larger than the width of the mast, in particular the telescopic mast, of said lifting and transporting equipment, and especially by a distance that is equal to or greater than the third part of the transverse width of said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11.

[0062] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly, are mutually parallel.

[0063] With advantage, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly, lie, or deploy or retract, on a corresponding perpendicular plane, in particular parallel to the front plane of engagement, or rest, to said load or respective intermodal container 11 by said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, and / or parallel to the plane onto which the mast, in particular the telescopic mast, of said lifting and transporting equipment, lies or extends; especially said lying plane said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly, being longitudinally located intermediate to these plane for resting to said load or respective intermodal container 11 and lying plane of the mast.

[0064] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said hinging means, or the spherical hinge, 20 are transversally in an intermediate position in relation to said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly.

[0065] With particular advantage, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally are transversally spaced apart, in particular by a transversal distance that corresponds, or substantially corresponds, i.e., preferably, as illustrated, that is larger, than the width of the mast, in particular a telescopic mast, of said lifting and transporting equipment, and especially by a distance that is equal to or greater than the third part of the transverse width of said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11.

[0066] As can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, with particular advantage, said first and second hydraulic jacks, 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally, are mutually parallel.

[0067] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally, lie, in particular deploy or retract, on a corresponding longitudinal plane, in particular perpendicular to the front plane for the engagement, or rest, to said load or respective intermodal container 11 by said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, and / or perpendicular to the plane onto which the mast, in particular a telescopic mast, lies or extends, of said lifting and transporting equipment; especially, said lying plane of said first and second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally, extending superiorly to said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., to the corresponding means 183, 184 that movably carry said arms or extensions 181, 182 supporting said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, how it will be in any case best understood from the following of the present description.

[0068] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said hinging means, or spherical hinges, 20 are arranged transversally in an intermediate position in relation to said first and second hydraulic jacks, 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally.

[0069] In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks, 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally, and said first and second hydraulic jacks, 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, are perpendicularly spaced apart.

[0070] In a particularly advantageous manner, said first and second hydraulic jacks, 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, have the respective front end at the centre line of said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 and / or the corresponding rear end that is transversally interposed between the corresponding one of said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162 which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly and the corresponding one of said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally.

[0071] As can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, advantageously, said first and second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, lie, in particular deploy and retract, on a corresponding plane that is parallel to the lying plane of said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally.

[0072] In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, lie, in particular deploy and retract, on a corresponding longitudinal plane, in particular perpendicular to the front plane for the engagement, or rest, to said load or respective intermodal container 11 by said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, and / or perpendicular to the plane onto which the mast, in particular a telescopic mast, lies or extends, of said lifting and transporting equipment; especially, said lying plane of said first and second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, extending to a position below said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, i.e., inferiorly to the corresponding means 183, 184 that movably carry said arms or extensions 181, 182, which support said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11.

[0073] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally, are transversally outer with respect to said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly.

[0074] In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly, lie on a perpendicular plane that is longitudinally interposed between the respective opposite pivotal ends of said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally and / or the respective opposite pivotal ends of said first and second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely.

[0075] With advantage, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, are connected to said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, in particular to said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, at a common front pivotal point 20.

[0076] As can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, advantageously, said means 12 for supporting the apparatus, in particular connectable to the lifting and transporting equipment to which the apparatus is associated, i.e., connectable to corresponding means 13 for lifting and lowering the same lifting and transporting equipment, are in the form of a respective frame member 12.

[0077] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said means, or frame member, 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10, to said lifting and transporting equipment, comprise a first and a second perpendicular members, or masts, 121, 122, transversally spaced apart, and in particular at which respective means, or rollers, 17 for sliding on corresponding perpendicular guides are provided, not illustrated in the attached Figures, of the mast, in particular a telescopic mast, of the lifting and transporting equipment, in particular which sliding means, or rollers, 17 are mounted on the opposite inner faces of said perpendicular members, or masts, 121, 122 of the frame 12.

[0078] With particular advantage, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said means, or frame member, 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment comprise a first and a second transversal members, or crossbeams, 123, 124, perpendicularly spaced apart, and in particular for the attachment of the lifting and lowering means 13 of said lifting and transporting equipment, which in particular attach, in 19, to the lower transversal member 124, as can be clearly seen from said Fig. 1.

[0079] With advantage, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second transversal members, or crossbeams, 123, 124, are connected to said perpendicular members, or masts, 121, 122 of the same means, or frame member, 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment, in particular through corresponding first and second short longitudinal members, or spars, 125, 126, frontally extending from the respective perpendicular member, or mast, 121, 122.

[0080] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second transversal members, or crossbeams, 123, 124, are mutually connected by a corresponding perpendicular reinforcing plate 127, which in particular is coplanar to the same first and second transversal members, or crossbeams, 123, 124.

[0081] As can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, in a particularly advantageous manner, said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 comprise means 183, 184, movably carrying said first and second arms or extensions, 181, 182, which support said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11; in particular, these movably carrying means comprise a first and a second tubular members 183, 184 for slidingly housing said respective one of said first and second arms or extensions 181, 182, which support said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, especially which first and second sliding housing tubular members 183, 184 are open at a respective side end for the output of the respective one of said first and second arms or extensions 181, 182.

[0082] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second tubular members 183, 184 for slidingly housing said first and second arms or extensions 181, 182 which respectively support said first and second gripping means 141, 142 are mutually integral.

[0083] With particular advantage, said first and second tubular members 183, 184 for slidingly housing said first and second arms or extensions 181, 182, which respectively support said first and second gripping means 141, 142, extend mutually parallel to one another.

[0084] In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second tubular members 183, 184, for slidingly housing said first and second arms or extensions 181, 182 which respectively support said first and second gripping means 141, 142, are mutually integral through corresponding wrapping means 189, 189.

[0085] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second tubular members 183, 184 for slidingly housing said first and second arms or extensions 181, 182, which respectively support said first and second gripping means 141, 142, are perpendicularly mutually aligned and overlapping.

[0086] As can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, advantageously, said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly, are connected, i.e., have a respective end that is connected, to the corresponding transversal member, or crossbeam, in particular an upper crossbeam 123, of said means, or frame member, 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment, in particular being connected to a corresponding projection 123' extending longitudinally forwards and / or superiorly thereto.

[0087] With advantage, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly, are connected, i.e., have a respective end, i.e., the other end with respect to the one, which is connected to said means, or frame member, 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment, that is connected to said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, in particular to a corresponding projection 180 extending longitudinally backwards therefrom, and preferably arranged inferiorly to the same means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11.

[0088] In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally, are connected, i.e., have a respective end that is connected, to the respective first and second perpendicular members, or masts, 121, 122 of said means, or frame 12 for supporting said gripping apparatus 10, in particular to a projection 126 extending transversally outwardly therefrom.

[0089] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally, are connected, i.e., have a respective end, i.e., the other end with respect to the one, which is connected to said means, or frame member, 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment, that is connected to said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, in particular to a corresponding projection 187 extending perpendicularly therefrom, preferably in the upper part of said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11.

[0090] With particular advantage, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said first and second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, are connected, i.e., have a respective end that is connected, to the respective first and second perpendicular members, or masts, 121, 122 of said means, or frame, 12 for supporting said gripping apparatus 10, in particular to a corresponding extension 127', in particular a lower extension, thereof.

[0091] As can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, advantageously, said first and second hydraulic jacks 165, 166, which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, have the respective end, i.e., the other end with respect to the one that is connected to said means, or frame member, 12 for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus 10 to said lifting and transporting equipment, that is connected, to said means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, especially to a corresponding projection 188 extending, in particular in a central position, to the same means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, in particular inferiorly thereto.

[0092] In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said projection 188, extending in a central position to the same means 18 for supporting said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, and especially inferiorly thereto, houses said hinge means, or spherical hinge 20.

[0093] In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, in particular said first and second means 141, 142 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, comprise respective means 141', 142' for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, especially cooperating with a corresponding housing on the respective load or intermodal container 11, i.e., in particular comprising a first and a second gripping members 141', 142', at the opposite transversal ends of said apparatus 10.

[0094] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 comprise resting means for said load or respective intermodal container 11, in particular a first and a second surface 141", 142" for resting said load or respective intermodal container 11, at the opposite transversal ends of said apparatus 10, which resting surfaces 141", 142" are respectively arranged below the corresponding first and second gripping members 140, 140 of said load or intermodal container 11.

[0095] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures 1 to 4F, said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11 comprise means for resting said load or respective intermodal container 11, in particular a first and a second surface 141"', 142‴ for resting said load or an overlapped intermodal container 11, at the opposite transversal ends of said apparatus 10, which resting surfaces 141‴, 142‴ are respectively arranged above the corresponding first and second gripping members 140, 140 of said load or intermodal container 11.

[0096] As can be seen from the subsequent Figure 5, in an advantageous manner, in accordance with a second preferred implementation 200, the components of which are similar, or equivalent, to those of the first preferred implementation, are marked by the same numeral references and, not to unduly burden the present description, are not explained again in detail, said hydraulic jack means 16, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, in addition to said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly, to said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally, comprise a third and a fourth hydraulic jacks 265, 266, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally and one hydraulic jack, 267 which is directed, or which extends, transversally.

[0097] With advantage, as can be seen from the subsequent Figure 6, in accordance with a third preferred implementation 200, the components of which are similar, or equivalent, to those of the previous preferred implementations, are marked by the same numeral references and, not to unduly burden the present description, are not explained again in detail, said hydraulic jack means 16, which are adapted to move said means 14 for gripping said load or respective intermodal container 11, in addition to said first and second hydraulic jacks 161, 162, which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly, to said first and second hydraulic jacks 163, 164, which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally, and to a hydraulic jack 267, which is directed transversally, comprise a third hydraulic jack, 365 which is directed longitudinally.

[0098] In practice, as is apparent, the technical characteristics illustrated above allow, singularly or in a respective combination, achieving one or more of the following advantageous results: it is possible to obtain a high maneuverability and operational accuracy in the gripping or release phases of the load or the respective container; it is thereby possible to operate with greater speed, productive yield and working comfort for the operator; a greater working precision is obtained, moreover with a lower risk that accidents or other negative events occur; a kinematic configuration is obtained, which is particularly essential, i.e., which is such as to allow using a relatively reduced number of components, and which is in any case particularly effective; an apparatus for gripping a load or a respective intermodal container is obtained, the use of which is particularly flexible and versatile.

[0099] The present invention is susceptible of a clear industrial application. Those skilled in the art will be able to devise a number of modifications and / or variations to be made to the same invention, while remaining within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for gripping a load, in particular for gripping one or more intermodal containers (11), which can be used in an equipment for lifting and transporting said loads or intermodal containers; the apparatus comprising means (12) for supporting the apparatus, in particular connectable to the lifting and transporting equipment to which the apparatus is associated, i.e., connectable to corresponding means (13) for lifting and lowering the same lifting and transporting equipment, and means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), in particular including first and second means (141, 142) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), especially at opposite transversal ends thereof; characterized in that means (16) are provided, which are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means (141, 142) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means (18) for supporting said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11),-with a rotational movement with respect to the perpendicular direction according to a respective angular direction or alternatively according to the opposite angular direction.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that means (16) are provided, which are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) in relation to said load or respective intermodal container (11) and / or in relation to the zone where said load or respective intermodal container (11) has to be placed.

3. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (16) are provided, which are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) in relation to said equipment for lifting and transporting said loads or intermodal containers (11), in particular with respect to corresponding means, or strut, for lifting and lowering the same lifting and transporting equipment.

4. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (16) are provided, which are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) in relation to said means (12) for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus (10) to said lifting and transporting equipment.

5. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (18) are provided, for supporting said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11); in that said means (18) for supporting said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) are movably supported by said means (12) for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus (10) to said lifting and transporting equipment; and in that said means (16) that are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container are interposed between said means (18) for supporting said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) and said means (12) for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus (10) to said lifting and transporting equipment.

6. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (16) are provided, which are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means (141, 142) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means (18) for supporting said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), with a perpendicular upward or, alternatively, downward movement.

7. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (16) are provided, which are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means (141, 142) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means (18) for supporting said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), with a longitudinal forward or alternatively backward movement.

8. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (16) are provided, which are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means (141, 142) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means (18) for supporting said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), with a transversal right-wise or alternatively left-wise movement.

9. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (16) are provided, which are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means (141, 142) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means (18) for supporting said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), with a rotational movement with respect to the longitudinal direction according to a respective angular direction or alternatively according to the opposite angular direction.

10. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (16) are provided, which are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), i.e., that are adapted to move said first and second means (141, 142) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) together, and in particular that are adapted to move said means (18) for supporting said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), with a rotational movement with respect to the transversal direction according to a respective angular direction or alternatively according to the opposite angular direction.

11. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that means (16) are provided, which are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), and in particular which are adapted to support said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11), which are in the form of corresponding actuator means (161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166), in particular in the form of linearly extended actuator means.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that said actuator means (161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166) are in the form of corresponding hydraulic jack means, especially having a corresponding end secured to said means (12) for the support, and in particular the attachment, of the apparatus (10) to said lifting and transporting equipment and the corresponding other end secured to said means (18) for supporting said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11).

13. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 11 and 12, characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) comprise hydraulic jack means, in particular a first and a second hydraulic jacks, (161, 162), which are directed, or which extend, perpendicularly.

14. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 11 to 13, characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) comprise hydraulic jack means, in particular a first and a second hydraulic jacks, (163, 164), which are directed, or which extend, longitudinally.

15. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims 11 to 14, characterized in that said means (16) that are adapted to move said means (14) for gripping said load or respective intermodal container (11) comprise hydraulic jack means extending at least partially transversally, and in particular that comprise a first and a second hydraulic jacks, (165, 166) which are directed, or which extend, obliquely, i.e., which have a respective component according to the transversal direction and a respective component according to the longitudinal direction.