Fork with a clamp and cutting means, vehicle equipped with such a fork

Abstract

A fork comprising a frame (2) equipped with at least one stake (6), the fork being characterized in that it comprises: a clamp (8) carried by the frame, the clamp comprising at least two jaws (11, 12) mounted movable relative to each other, and / or cutting means (25) carried by the frame, the cutting means comprising at least one cutting element (26) mounted movable relative to the frame. A vehicle comprising such a fork. FIGURE IN ABRIDGED FORM: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Clamping fork and cutting means, vehicle equipped with such a fork

[0001] The present invention relates to a fork comprising a clamp and cutting means.

[0002] The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such a fork.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A bale of straw is traditionally shaped into a block and then held together using several strings.

[0005] The straw bales can then be stored and even stacked on top of each other.

[0006] Tractors are usually equipped with a fork fitted with stakes which are driven into the bales so that they can be handled.

[0007] Nevertheless, handling bales of straw remains relatively tedious.

[0008] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention aims in particular to make it easier to use a boot which has been previously tied by at least one tie. Summary of the invention

[0010] For this purpose, according to the invention, a fork is provided comprising a frame provided with at least one pile.

[0011] According to the invention, the fork comprises: - a clamp carried by the frame, the clamp comprising at least two jaws mounted to move relative to each other, and / or - Cutting means carried by the frame, the cutting means comprising at least one cutting member mounted to move relative to the frame.

[0012] The invention thus makes it easier to unstack the bales of straw and / or to untie the bales of straw.

[0013] The invention thus makes it much easier to use a boot.

[0014] Subsequently the terms “superior”, “inferior”, ... must be understood as relative to the operating position of the fork when carried by a vehicle and in contact with one or more boots.

[0015] By "bundle" is meant any assembly of agricultural products joined together by means of one or more links. The term "bundle" therefore also includes the terms bales, bales, etc. The term "bundle" thus includes the notions of packaged or semi-packed plant products such as a bundle of fodder and, for example, a bundle of hay, straw, etc. Preferably, but in a non-limiting manner, the term "bundle" refers to a bundle that can be stacked on top of another.

[0016] Optionally, at least one of the jaws is shaped into an additional pile.

[0017] Optionally, at least one of the jaws has a gripping coating.

[0018] Optionally, the grip coating is rubber-based.

[0019] Optionally, the clamp is mounted to move relative to the frame between a rest position and a service position in which the clamp extends obliquely or orthogonally to the frame.

[0020] Optionally, in its rest position, the clamp extends substantially vertically.

[0021] Optionally, the cutting member comprises an arm provided over at least part of its length with a cutting part.

[0022] Optionally, the cutting member is mounted to move relative to the frame between an inactive position and an active position in which the cutting member extends under the frame.

[0023] Optionally, the fork comprises means for actuating the clamp and means for actuating the cutting member which are powered in operation by the same power source.

[0024] The invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such a fork.

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following description of a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0027] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a fork according to a method of realization particular use of the invention;

[0028] [Fig.2a] [Fig.2a] is a side view of a portion of the fork illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0029] [Fig.2b] [Fig.2b] is an enlarged view of a part of the portion illustrated in [Fig.2a];

[0030] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of another portion of the fork illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0031] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates the different stages for unstacking a pile of bales using the fork illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0032] [Fig.5a] [Fig.5a] schematically illustrates a first part of the steps for untying a bundle using the fork illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0033] [Fig.5b] [Fig.5b] schematically illustrates an additional step for untying a bundle which follows the steps shown schematically in [Fig.5a];

[0034] [Fig.5c] [Fig.5c] schematically illustrates a third part of the steps for untie a bundle which follows the step shown in [Fig.5b];

[0035] [Fig.5d] [Fig.5d] schematically illustrates a step for untying a bundle which follows the steps shown schematically in [Fig.5c]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] [Fig. 1] illustrates a fork according to a particular embodiment of the invention, generally designated by 1.

[0037] The fork 1 comprises a frame 2.

[0038] The frame 2 is preferably made of metal.

[0039] The frame 2 is here shaped so as to have a frame 3. Said frame 3 is formed of profiles.

[0040] The frame 3 extends parallel to a plane defined by a first axis X and a second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis X.

[0041] The frame 2 is provided with means 4 for attaching to a vehicle, in particular a land vehicle, for example a tractor. The attachment means 4 extend in the upper part of the frame 3. The attachment means 4 extend, for example, from the upper end of the frame 3. The upper end is, for example, a bar 5 extending longitudinally along the first axis X. The attachment means 4 extend along a third axis Z orthogonal to the first axis X and to the second axis Y.

[0042] The frame 2 further comprises at least one pile 6.

[0043] The pile 6 has a portion for attachment to the frame 3 and then tapers progressively towards its free end. The pile 6 is for example shaped into a cone, optionally truncated at its free end.

[0044] The frame 2 preferably comprises at least two piles 6 and more preferably at least three piles 6.

[0045] Optionally, the different piles 6 are identical to each other.

[0046] In the present case, the frame 2 comprises three piles 6 arranged in the lower part of the frame 3. At least one of the piles 6 extends longitudinally, for example from the lower end of the frame 3. The lower end is, for example, a bar 7 extending longitudinally along the first axis X. At least one of the piles 6 extends longitudinally parallel to the third axis Z.

[0047] It is noted that the attachment means 4 extend in the opposite direction from at least one of the piles 6.

[0048] In the present case, the different piles 6 are aligned along a line extending parallel to the first axis X. Preferably, the different piles 6 extend at regular intervals along said line. For example, a first pile 6 is arranged on a first edge of the lower end, a second pile 6 is arranged on a second edge of the lower end and a third pile 6 is arranged at equi- distance from the two aforementioned piles 6.

[0049] The fork 1 also comprises a clamp 8 carried by the frame 2.

[0050] The clamp 8 is for example made of metal.

[0051] The clamp 8 extends for example from the middle of the frame 3 along the second axis Y (i.e. the height of the frame 3). For example, the frame 3 comprises a central bar 9 extending longitudinally along the first axis X, said central bar 9 extending equidistant from the upper bar 5 and the lower bar 6, the clamp 8 being carried by said central bar 9.

[0052] Preferably, the clamp 8 also extends from the middle of the frame 3 along the first axis X (i.e. the length of the frame 3). For example, the clamp 8 extends from the middle of the central bar 9.

[0053] In this way the clamp 8 extends from the middle of the frame 3.

[0054] The clamp 8 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2a and 2b.

[0055] The clamp 8 is preferably mounted movably on the frame 2 so as to be able to pivot re relative to frame 2 around a fourth axis A which is parallel to the first axis X.

[0056] Preferably, the clamp 8 can thus pivot between a rest position where the clamp 8 extends along the frame 2 and a service position where the clamp 8 extends transversely or orthogonally to the frame 2.

[0057] Preferably, in its service position, the clamp 8 extends longitudinally along the third axis Z. The clamp 8 thus extends substantially horizontally. The clamp 8 also extends in the same direction as at least one of the piles 6.

[0058] Preferably, in its rest position, the clamp 8 extends longitudinally along the second axis Y. The clamp 8 thus extends substantially vertically. For example, the clamp 8 then extends upwards.

[0059] The clamp 8 comprises a first jaw 11 and a second jaw 12 mounted to move relative to each other.

[0060] This will allow the clamp 8 to be able to clamp one or more links between its two jaws 11, 12 as we will see later.

[0061] According to a particular embodiment, the clamp 8 comprises a plate 13 carrying the first jaw 11 and the second jaw 12.

[0062] The plate 13 is symmetrical along a central plane of symmetry and has in particular two right 14 and left 15 lateral flanks framing the ends of the jaws 11, 12, said ends being those opposite the free ends of the jaws.

[0063] The first jaw 11 is fixed to the plate 13 and is therefore integral in movement with said plate 13.

[0064] The first jaw 11 is arranged above the second jaw 12.

[0065] The first jaw 11 is shaped so as to extend longitudinally along a fifth axis B. The first jaw 11 is shaped as an arm extending recti- alignment along the fifth axis B. The clamp 8 is arranged so that in its service position the fifth axis B is parallel to the third axis Z. The clamp 8 is arranged so that in its rest position the fifth axis B is parallel to the second axis Y.

[0066] The first jaw 11 is preferably covered at least in part with a gripping coating. For example, the lower portion of the first jaw 11, that opposite the second jaw 12, is covered at least in part with a gripping coating. For example, a rubber-based strip 16 is attached to the first jaw to serve as a gripping coating.

[0067] According to a particular embodiment, the second jaw 12 is shaped like a pile. The second jaw 12 therefore has a fixing portion then tapers progressively towards its free end.

[0068] The second jaw 12 is shaped so as to extend longitudinally along a sixth axis C. The second jaw 12 is shaped as an arm extending rectilinearly along the sixth axis C. The clamp 8 is arranged so that in its service position the sixth axis C is parallel to the third axis Z. The clamp 8 is arranged so that in its rest position the sixth axis C is parallel to the second axis Y.

[0069] The first jaw 11 and the second jaw 12 are mounted to move relative to each other in a rotational movement and optionally in a rotational movement of the fourth axis A. The second jaw 12 - and more precisely its fixing portion - is thus mounted on the plate 13 by means of a shaft 17 extending along the fourth axis A and passing through a rear portion of the plate 13 from one side to the other (i.e. the portion of the plate closest to the frame 2).

[0070] Furthermore, the first jaw 11 and the second jaw 12 are mounted to move relative to each other around a seventh axis D, parallel to the fourth axis A, the seventh axis D being arranged closer to the free end of the clamp 8 than the fourth axis A. Furthermore, the first jaw 11 and the second jaw 12 are mounted to move relative to each other so that the seventh axis D can move relative to the fourth axis A while remaining parallel to it. For this purpose, the second jaw 12 is mounted on the plate 13 by means of a shaft 18 extending along the seventh axis D in at least one oblong hole provided in the plate 13: the shaft 18 can thus pivot in said oblong hole along the seventh axis D but also slide along said oblong hole. More precisely, the shaft 18 extends here along the seventh axis D and passes through a middle portion of the plate 13 from one side to the other.The shaft 18 passes in particular through a first oblong hole made in the right flank 14 and a second oblong hole made opposite in the left flank 15, the two oblong holes being identical.

[0071] Preferably, the fork 1 comprises means for relative movement of the clamp 8 with respect to the frame 2 and of the first jaw 11 with respect to the second jaw 12. Preferably, the same movement means ensure both the relative movement of the clamp 8 with respect to the frame 2 and of the second jaw 12 with respect to the first jaw 11.

[0072] For this purpose, the displacement means comprise, for example, a jack 19 whose body is secured to the frame 2 and whose rod is secured to the shaft 18 extending along the seventh axis D.

[0073] Preferably, the jack 19 is arranged so that the rod is secured to a middle part of the shaft 18 (along the seventh axis D). The end of the rod of the jack 19 fixed to the shaft 18 is thus framed by the sides 14, 15 of the plate 13.

[0074] It is therefore understood that the connection between the shaft 18 and the jack 19 only accepts one rotation and that the connection between the shaft 18 and the first jaw 11 only accepts one rotation. On the other hand, the connection between the shaft 18 and the second jaw 12 accepts one rotation and one sliding within the limit of the stroke defined by the oblong holes.

[0075] If the clamp 8 is in the rest position, the jack 19 is actuated to extend its rod, which firstly causes the clamp 8 to rotate relative to the frame 2 along the fourth axis A (and the seventh axis D). Once the clamp 8 is in its service position, the jack 19 continues to extend, which causes the shaft 18 to slide in the oblong holes and therefore the two jaws 11, 12 to move relative to each other (the seventh axis D then moving relative to the fourth axis A).

[0076] Preferably, the two jaws 11, 12 are arranged so that the jack 19 controls the closing of the clamp 8, i.e. the bringing together of the two jaws 11, 12. Once the clamp 8 is in its service position, the jack 19 continues to extend, which causes the shaft 18 to slide in the oblong holes and therefore the two jaws 11, 12 to move together (i.e. closing of the clamp 8) and optionally the shaft 18 to slide in the oblong holes from the upper ends of the oblong holes to the lower ends of the oblong holes.

[0077] According to a particular embodiment, the opening of the clamp 8 (i.e. the separation of the two jaws 11, 12) is done by means of elastic return means. For example, the clamp 8 comprises at least one spring 20 allowing the return of the clamp 8 to the open position. Typically, a first end of the spring 20 is connected to the first jaw 11 and a second end of the spring 20 is connected to the second jaw 12.

[0078] For example, the first end of the spring 20 is connected to the first jaw 11 via at least one pivot of eighth axis E and the second end is connected to the second jaw 12 via at least one pivot of ninth axis F, the eighth axis E and the ninth axis F being parallel to the seventh axis D.

[0079] For example, the first end of the spring 20 is fixed to a spring guide holder 21 which is itself linked in rotation to the first jaw 11 along the eighth axis E and / or the second end of the spring 20 is fixed to a spring guide holder 22 which is itself linked in rotation to the second jaw 12 along the ninth axis F.

[0080] Preferably, the clamp 8 comprises at least two springs (including the spring 20 which has just been described) arranged on either side of the plate 13, the two springs 20 allowing the clamp 8 to be returned to the open position. The two springs 20 are here identical and are fixed in an identical manner to the jaws 11, 12.

[0081] Optionally, the springs 20 are arranged outside the sides 14, 15 of the plate 13 so that the two springs 20 externally frame the plate 13.

[0082] The springs 20 are arranged here on the front portion of the plate 13 (the notions of “front” and “rear” must be understood according to the third axis Z, the rearmost zone of the fork 1 being here the attachment means 4). The axes E and F therefore extend in front of the axis A (i.e. further from the frame 3 than the axis A). The axis F also extends here in front of the axis E and the axis D.

[0083] Therefore, the first part of the stroke of the jack 19 serves to move the clamp 8 into the service position with the clamp 8 open. The shaft 18 then remains in contact with the upper ends of the oblong holes.

[0084] The second part of the stroke of the jack 19 serves to close the clamp 8. For example, the second jaw 12 remains fixed with respect to the frame 2 and the first jaw 11 moves with respect to them. The shaft 18 then slides towards the lower ends of the oblong holes until it comes into contact with said ends.

[0085] When the jack 19 is no longer supplied, the springs 20 naturally open the clamp 8 (which nevertheless remains in the service position). The shaft 18 then slides towards the upper ends of the oblong holes until it comes into contact with said ends.

[0086] According to another aspect, the fork comprises cutting means 25 carried by the frame 2.

[0087] The cutting means 25 are for example made of metal.

[0088] With reference to [Fig. 3], the cutting means 25 comprise a cutting member 26 mounted movably on the frame 2. The cutting member 26 is preferably mounted movably on the frame 2 according to a rotation in direction G. The cutting member 26 is arranged so that the direction G extends parallel to the third axis Z.

[0089] The cutting member 26 comprises an arm 27 extending longitudinally (and here also rectilinearly) in a direction H. The cutting member 26 is arranged so that the direction H extends parallel to the direction G.

[0090] Preferably, the cutting member 26 is arranged so that the arm 27 extends parallel to the piles 6, in the same direction as the piles 6.

[0091] A lower portion of said arm 27 is equipped with a cutting part 28 over at least part of the length of said lower portion (length considered according to direction H) and for example a blade. The cutting portion 28 preferably extends from the free end of the arm 27 to at least half, and preferably at least two-thirds, of the length of the arm 27.

[0092] The cutting member 26 also comprises a base 29 to which the attachment portion of the arm 27 is fixed (portion opposite the free end of the arm 27). The arm 27 is therefore integral with the base 29.

[0093] The cutting member 26 is here mounted movably on the frame 2 by means of the base 29. For this purpose, the fork 1 comprises a shaft 30 ensuring the attachment of the base of the cutting member 26 to the frame 2 by pivoting around the direction G.

[0094] Typically the shaft 30 is arranged at one end of the base 29 opposite that to which the arm 27 is attached.

[0095] The cutting member 26 further comprises means for actuating the cutting member 26 to ensure its pivoting relative to the frame 2 in the direction G.

[0096] For this purpose, the actuating means comprise, for example, at least one jack 31 whose body is fixed to the frame 2 and whose rod is connected to the cutting member 6.

[0097] Preferably, the fork 1 comprises a mechanism 32 for transmitting movement from the jack 31 to the base 29, said transmission mechanism 32 being fixed here on the one hand to the jack 31 and on the other hand to the base 29. Said transmission mechanism 32 is also fixed here also to the frame 2.

[0098] For this purpose, the transmission mechanism 32 comprises, for example, a primary connecting rod 33 articulated at its first end to the rod of the jack 31 by a first shaft 34 and at its second end to the frame 2 by a second shaft 35.

[0099] Furthermore, the transmission mechanism 32 comprises a secondary connecting rod 36 of the transmission mechanism 32 articulated at its first end to the rod of the jack 31 by the same first shaft 34 and at its second end to the base 29 by a third shaft 37.

[0100] The first shaft 34, the second shaft 35 and the third shaft 36 are arranged so as to extend parallel to each other and to the direction H of the shaft. The first shaft 34, the second shaft 35 and the third shaft 36 are arranged so as to extend parallel to the shaft 30 and therefore to the direction G of the shaft.

[0101] From then on, the control of the jack 31 allows the rotation of the cutting member 26, and in particular of its arm 27, around the direction G by means of the transmission mechanism 32.

[0102] For example, the extension of the rod of the jack 31 makes it possible to move the arm 27 from an inactive position to an active position.

[0103] The cutting member 26 is in fact mounted to move relative to the frame 2 between an inactive position and an active position such that: - In the inactive position, the arm 27 extends along one side of the frame 2 and by example at a height greater than (along the second Y axis) to which the piles 6 extend in the frame 2, - In the active position, the arm 27 extends under the frame 2 (i.e. under the lower portion of the frame 2 and therefore under the piles 6).

[0104] The cutting member 26 is preferably arranged so that the base 29 and / or the jack 31 and / or the transmission mechanism 32 are arranged behind the frame 2 (unlike the piles 6, the clamp 8 and a part of the arm 27 which are arranged in front of the frame 2).

[0105] The fork 1 thus described makes it possible to carry out various operations on its own, in particular operations relating to bales and, for example, bales of fodder.

[0106] Such bundles are generally each tied using one tie, several ties or a plurality of ties forming a net which surrounds a given bundle. The bundles are then stored stacked. For example, the ties used are string, rope, plastic threads ...

[0107] The fork 1 firstly allows handling of the bales (in particular thanks to its stakes 6 which can penetrate into a bale and thus allow the fork 1 to be temporarily linked to said bale).

[0108] With reference to [Fig.4], the fork 1 can also be used for a bale unstacking operation.

[0109] Preferably, the fork 1 is controlled so that the rod of the cylinder 19 of the clamp 8 is fully retracted. The clamp 8 is then in the rest position.

[0110] In this way, the clamp 8 extends substantially in the extension of the frame 2.

[0111] It thus avoids interfering with the unstacking operation.

[0112] The fork 1 is then advanced towards a stack of bales so that the stakes 6 penetrate one of the bales.

[0113] Contact with the piles 6 on the one hand and the clamp 8 on the other hand makes it possible to temporarily secure the bale to the fork 1 which can thus remove it from the rest of the pile to place the bale (and any bales arranged above it) on the ground. It should be noted that the bale is then in contact with the clamp 8 which thus participates in holding the bale in place in the fork 1.

[0114] Then the fork 1 is moved back so that the piles 6 come out of the bundle.

[0115] The fork 1 is then advanced again to penetrate a new boot, etc.

[0116] With reference to figures 5a to 5d, the fork 1 can also be used for an operation of untying the bundles.

[0117] With reference to [Fig.5a], the fork 1 is for example controlled so that the rod of the cylinder 19 of the clamp 8 is partially extended. The clamp 8 is then in the service position while being open.

[0118] The fork 1 is then advanced towards a bale so that the piles 6 penetrate into one of the bales. It is then noted that in addition to the fixed piles 6 of the frame 2, the second jaw 12, shaped like a pile, also penetrates inside the bale. The second jaw 12 is however directly above the piles 6 and therefore does not penetrate the bale at the same height as the piles 6. Preferably, the fork 1 is arranged so that the second jaw 12 extends into the bale in the upper part of the bale. More precisely, the fork 1 is preferably arranged so that the second jaw 12 extends along the upper face of the bale between the bale and at least part of the ties which surround it. The second jaw 12 thus preferably extends, not inside the bale, but on the upper surface thereof. Preferably, only links of the boot are then arranged above the second bit 12.

[0119] The fork 1 is further advanced so that the first jaw 11 extends outside the boot and more precisely above the boot (and in particular the upper face of the boot).

[0120] The fork 1 is further advanced so that the cutting member 26 extends outside the boot and more precisely on one of the sides of the boot (and in particular along one of the sides of the boot).

[0121] The cutting member 26 is thus in the inactive position.

[0122] With reference to [Fig.5b], the fork 1 is controlled so that the rod of the cylinder 19 of the clamp 8 is completely extended: the first jaw 11 thus comes into contact with the second jaw 12 (which remains fixed relative to the frame 2 and to the boot). The clamp 8 is then in the service position while being closed. At least part of the links are thus pinched between the two jaws 11 and 12.

[0123] With reference to [Fig.5c], the fork 1 is controlled so that the rod of the cylinder 31 of the cutting means 25 is extended so that the cutting member 26 passes from its inactive position to its active position. As a result, the rotation of the arm 27 causes said arm 27 to pass under the bale, allowing its cutting part 28 to come into contact with the ties of the bale and to cut them.

[0124] With reference to [Fig.5d] the boot can come untied since it is no longer tied and in particular is no longer supported in its lower part.

[0125] Advantageously, the clamp 8 tightens at least part of the links between its two jaws 11, 12 since it is in the closed position.

[0126] Therefore, while the boot is untied, the ties remain stuck in the clamp 8. It is noted that the non-slip coating of the first jaw 11 thus makes it easier to keep the ties in place in the jaws.

[0127] This makes it easier to untie the boot but also limits the presence of ties in the boot.

[0128] It is noted that it is important to first control the movement of the clamp 8 in order to close it before operating the cutting member 26 to untie the bundle.

[0129] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention.

[0130] Thus, instead of a rubber grip coating, the clamp may be provided with another type of coating, for example a fabric grip coating. Instead of being an added strip, the grip coating may be in the form of a varnish, paint, etc. Any part may thus be used to hold the boot tie(s) in place. The grip coating may be associated with the first jaw and / or the second jaw.

[0131] Although here the clamp is positioned centrally, the clamp may be positioned laterally (to the right or to the left) relative to the frame along the first X axis and / or the second Y axis.

[0132] The actuating means may be controlled to actuate the opening of the clamp. The elastic return means may actuate the closing of the clamp. The fork may comprise actuating means for controlling both the opening and closing of the clamp. The fork may comprise elastic return means for controlling both the opening and closing of the clamp. The same actuating means may thus be used to manage both the closing and the opening of the clamp.

[0133] The clamp may be shaped so that one of its jaws is always fixed relative to the frame. For example, the clamp may remain fixed relative to the frame except at the level of its opening / closing movement.

[0134] The cutting means may comprise another number of cutting members and for example at least two cutting members.

[0135] The cutting member can be positioned on the right side as well as on the left side of the frame in the inactive position.

[0136] The means for actuating the clamp and / or the cutting member may be hydraulic and / or of any other nature, for example electrical. Preferably, a single power source will supply both the means for actuating the clamp and those of the cutting member.

[0137] The means for actuating the clamp and / or the cutting member may be controlled by a control member (whether or not part of the fork) ensuring differentiated control of the clamp and / or the cutting member even if the fork is only powered by a single power source. The control member may thus comprise, for example, a sequence valve.

Claims

Claims

1. Fork comprising a frame (2) provided with at least one stake (6), the fork being characterized in that it comprises: - a clamp (8) carried by the frame, the clamp comprising at least two jaws (11, 12) mounted to move relative to each other and - cutting means (25) carried by the frame, the cutting means comprising at least one cutting member (26) mounted to move relative to the frame, and - movement means ensuring both the relative movement of the clamp (8) with respect to the frame (2) and of the second jaw (12) with respect to the first jaw (11).

2. A fork according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the jaws (12) is shaped as an additional stake.

3. Fork according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the clamp comprises a plate (13) carrying the first jaw (11) and the second jaw (12), the second jaw being mounted on the plate by means of a shaft extending into at least one oblong hole provided in the plate (13), the displacement means comprising at least one jack (19) whose body is secured to the frame (2) and whose rod is secured to the shaft (18) extending along an axis.

4. A fork according to claim 3, wherein the first jaw (11) and the second jaw (12) are mounted to move relative to each other about a first axis (D), the shaft (18) extending along the first axis, the first axis (D) being parallel to a second axis (A), the clamp (8) being mounted to move relative to the frame (2) along said second axis (A), the second axis (A) being parallel to a third axis (X), the frame comprising a frame extending parallel to a plane defined by said third axis and a fourth axis (Y) orthogonal to the third axis.

5. Fork according to one of claims 3 or 4, in which the connection between the shaft (18) and the jack (19) only accepts rotation, the connection between the shaft (18) and the first jaw (11) only accepts rotation, the connection between the shaft (18) and the second jaw (12) accepting rotation and sliding within the limit of the stroke defined by the oblong holes.

6. Fork according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the jaws (11) comprises a gripping coating.

7. A fork according to claim 6, wherein the grip coating is rubber-based.

8. Fork according to one of the preceding claims, in which the clamp (8) is mounted to move relative to the frame (2) between a rest position and a service position in which the clamp extends obliquely or orthogonally to the frame.

9. A fork according to claim 8, wherein in its rest position the clamp (8) extends substantially vertically.

10. Fork according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cutting member (26) comprises an arm (27) provided over at least part of its length with a cutting part (28).

11. Fork according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cutting member (26) is mounted to move relative to the frame between an inactive position and an active position in which the cutting member (26) extends under the frame (2).

12. Fork according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means for actuating the clamp (8) and means for actuating the cutting member (26) which are powered in use by the same power source.

13. Vehicle equipped with a fork according to one of claims 1 to 12.