Variable footprint container handling equipment.

Abstract

A first column (455) adapted to be attached to a fifth wheel (430) of a tractor (410), a second column (475) to which a first floating ground support wheel (480) is attached so as to be movable, a third column (500) to which a second floating ground support wheel (505) is attached so as to be movable, a lift device (540, 545, 550, 555, 560, 565, 570, 575, 580, 585) for lifting a container (105), and a connecting device (520, 530, 535) configured to connect the second column (475) and the third column (500) to the first column (455) and to move at least one of the second column (475) and the third column (500) between a first position in which the distance of the third column (50) from the second column (475) is maximum, and a second position in which the distance is minimum.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container handling equipment (ISO) with a variable footprint, i.e., an ISO that can be arranged in a working configuration in which it is possible to raise and lower containers to and from the bed of an articulated truck, and in a storage / transport configuration in which it is not possible to raise and lower containers. In particular, the footprint of the equipment in the storage / transport configuration is smaller than the footprint in the working configuration, so that the equipment can be placed on the bed of a standard articulated truck and transported on normal roads open to the public. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, container handling equipment is known that can change its intended footprint as a set of maximum height, width and length of the equipment in order to switch from a working configuration in which one or at most two containers are lifted and transported over land to a storage or transport configuration in which the footprint is reduced compared to the working configuration, for example so that the containers can be transported on the loading platform of a standard articulated truck circulating on city roads.

[0003] Such devices typically comprise a variable footprint frame, for example with extendable vertical side members and / or uprights, which rests on the ground on at least three and preferably four wheels, at least one and preferably two of which are drive wheels to enable movement of the frame and a container attached to the frame by a lifting device.

[0004] The device is therefore provided with a motor that provides the necessary power to the drive wheels to move the device, and a cockpit for an operator to operate the device in. The motor may be a hydraulic motor driven by a fluid pressurized by a motor pump connected to a frame of variable footprint.

[0005] As can be inferred, the motor and cockpit have a significant footprint, which is inconsistent with the need to minimize the footprint of the device in storage / transport form. It can also be inferred that such components complicate and lengthen design / manufacturing times and constitute a significant weight burden.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned problems of the prior art devices. This object is achieved by the features of the invention as set forth in the independent claims. The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In particular, the present invention makes available a variable footprint handling device for handling containers. - a first column adapted to be attached to a fifth wheel of a tractor; - a second column to which the first floating ground support wheel is attached so as to be able to float; a third column to which the second floating ground support wheel is attached so as to be able to float; - A lifting device for lifting the container; - a connection device configured to couple the second column and the third column to the first column and to move at least one of the second column and the third column between a first position in which the distance of the third column from the second column is maximized and a second position in which said distance is minimized; Equipped with.

[0008] This solution makes available a more compact, light, easily transportable and economical variable footprint container handling device with the same performance compared to the prior art devices. In particular, this advantage is brought about by the fact that the device does not need a drive wheel to handle the container, since it can utilize the drive wheel of the tractor, with a fifth wheel (or any other equivalent connecting member), for example provided in a floating manner, to which the first column is adapted to be connected. As no drive wheel is required at all, it is therefore also not necessary to have a hydraulic / hydrodynamic motor, as is generally used by the prior art devices to rotate the ground support wheels, nor to have means for controlling and directing the drive wheel and for driving the device, since such means are already included in the tractor. As will be explained below, the device may also have a pump driven by an electric or endothermic motor for generating a pressurized fluid capable of operating the connecting device, which can be smaller and therefore less bulky than the prior art devices, since it does not need to provide sufficient power to also operate the drive wheel. Furthermore, the device does not include an on-board pump for operating the connected device, and it is not excluded that it can be connected to a pump external to the device. The device, once in a transport configuration that does not protrude from the bed of the articulated truck, can also be transported on the bed of a standard articulated truck on public open roads.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, a system is designed to improve the compactness of the system when in a transport configuration while maintaining high functionality in an operational configuration, The connection device is - a first cross member having a first end connected to the first column and a second end connected to the third column; - a second cross member having a first end rigidly fixed to the second column and a second end hinged to one of the first column and the first cross member about a vertical axis of rotation; an actuator configured to rotationally move the second column about a vertical axis of rotation.

[0010] Yet another aspect of the invention provides that the actuator may be a linear actuator having a first end hinged to one of the first column, the first cross member and the third column and an opposing second end hinged to one of the second column and the second cross member.

[0011] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the third column and the second column may be telescoping. In this way, it is possible to reduce the footprint in the transport configuration while maintaining the same footprint in the operation configuration. Another aspect of the invention, in which the first column and the first cross member can be telescopic, can contribute to improving this advantage.

[0012] Additionally, this feature allows the column to be raised to a point where the first and second cross members are above the tractor, thus allowing the implement to be brought forward of the tractor for improved maneuverability while at the same time allowing the implement to be loaded onto the bed. According to one aspect of the present invention, the lift device comprises: - a first arm connected to the second column and extending laterally along the longitudinal direction; - a second arm connected to the third column and extending laterally along the longitudinal direction; a first container gripper at least partially wrapped around a first wheel hinged near a first end of the first arm remote from the second column and integral with a first rope operated by a first actuator; a second container gripper at least partially wrapped around a second wheel hinged near a second end of the first arm, remote from the second column, opposite the first end, and integral with a second rope operated by a second actuator; a third container gripper at least partially wrapped around a third wheel hinged to the second arm near the first end remote from the third column and integral with a third rope operated by a third actuator; a fourth container gripper at least partially wrapped around a fourth wheel hinged near a second end of the second arm, remote from the third column, opposite the first end, and integral with a fourth rope operated by a fourth actuator; At least one of the first arm and the second arm may be hinged to each column about a vertical hinge axis.

[0013] In this way, the footprint of the device can be reduced and, rather than having two arms that would otherwise come into contact with each other on the way from the first position to the second position if they were all rigidly fixed to the columns, i.e. rigidly fixed without any residual degrees of freedom, it is possible to allow at least one of the arms to fit the other well before the proposed solution, for example remaining parallel instead of intersecting, and thus bringing the second and third columns closer to each other.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus may include a pump driven by the motor and operably connected to the connecting device for moving the first column between the first and second positions, the pump and motor being connected to one of the three columns or the connecting device.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the second end of the first cross member may be hinged to the third column about a first axis of rotation and the first end of the second cross member may be hinged to the second column about a second axis of rotation. In this way, it is possible to rotate the first and second columns relative to the cross members of the connecting device, so that the device can keep the ground-supporting wheels parallel to each other even when loads larger or smaller than ISO containers are being handled.Without this feature, at positions other than the optimum design distance between the third and second columns, the wheels would roll on cross tracks since they are hinged to each column only about a horizontal axis of rotation, and would therefore be forced to creep if the device was moved on a linear axis.

[0016] The invention also makes available a container handling system comprising a tractor equipped with a fifth wheel and an apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the first column is removably connected to the fifth wheel of the tractor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the figures illustrated in the accompanying tables. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic plan view of a container handling system according to the present invention, including a container handling apparatus according to the present invention, shown during the step of handling the container on land; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the container handling system of the previous figure, shown in the step of lifting or unloading a container onto or from the bed of an articulated truck; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the container handling apparatus of the preceding figures, shown in a transport configuration during transport on the platform of an articulated truck; [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the container handling apparatus shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the device in a transport configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the tractor of the system of the previous drawings; [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a system according to the present invention shown in a step of handling a container relative to the ground. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of the system of FIG. 8 shown in a transport configuration. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing another embodiment of the device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] With particular reference to these figures, a system for handling containers 105 (ISO containers), in particular of the type capable of autonomously moving along publicly open roads and highways, is generally designated by the numeral 100. In the embodiment shown, the system 100 is capable of handling one container, however, by appropriate scaling of the system within the scope of one skilled in the art, the inventive concept underlying the system can be adapted to the transport of two containers, one stacked vertically on top of the other.

[0019] The containers 105 that can be handled by the system are preferably ISO containers (eg, equipped with connecting members in the form of pins and / or slots) adapted to be grasped by the system 100, for example by hooks.

[0020] The system 400 comprises a tractor 410, i.e. a self-propelled vehicle suitable for land transport, comprising a chassis 415 on which are mounted at least one pair of drive and steer wheels 420, or one pair of drive wheels and one pair of steer wheels (possibly and typically also at least one pair of idler wheels 425).

[0021] The tractor shown is a self-propelled vehicle adapted to transport articulated vehicles, i.e. load carriers resting on the ground by means of idler wheels, but it is not excluded that the tractor may also be another self-propelled vehicle, such as a forklift.

[0022] A carrier is defined as a frame with a flat upper surface for supporting an item, e.g., a container, to which are attached a number of ground-bearing wheels, all of which are idlers. In practice, a carrier requires a tractor to move it.

[0023] The tractor 410 includes a motor (not shown) for generating the power required by the drive wheels to move the tractor, and a transmission (if the motor is endothermic) for transferring the motor's energy to the drive wheels.

[0024] The tractor 410 further includes a steering system (not shown) for controlling the steering wheels or the steering and drive wheels, a cockpit adapted to accommodate a tractor operator, and a controller for operating the tractor system.

[0025] The tractor 410 includes a fifth wheel 430 (as known internationally) which is mounted to the frame of the tractor and adapted to allow removable connection of a bed to be towed and which supports a portion of the bed.

[0026] Specifically, the fifth wheel 430 comprises a plate with a substantially flat upper surface 435 (which is typically lubricated to reduce friction with the portion of the carrier that rests thereon) having a recess 440 formed therein that is adapted to allow insertion of a carrier pin.

[0027] The fifth wheel therefore includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively retain and release a pin (of the cargo bed) inserted within the recess. The cockpit is located at the front of the tractor, while the fifth wheel 430 is located at the rear of the tractor.

[0028] The system 100 further comprises variable footprint handling devices 401, 401' (hereafter abbreviated as devices 401, 401') for handling the containers 105. In particular, the handling performed by the devices includes lifting, lowering and maintaining the containers in a lifted state from the ground. Also, the devices can be connected to a tractor 410, which allows the devices to handle the containers by moving them horizontally in space while keeping them suspended, as described below.

[0029] The apparatus 401, 401' is a variable footprint apparatus because it is capable of changing its footprint between a work (or operational) configuration in which a container (or pair of containers) can be lifted / lowered and left suspended, and a storage or transport configuration in which the maximum overall footprint of the apparatus 401, 401' is reduced compared to the work configuration.

[0030] It is specified that variable footprint means the possibility to vary at least one of the dimensions, height, width and length, in the space between them. Height is measured vertically, while width and length are perpendicular to each other and in a horizontal plane. Furthermore, in this discussion, width is used with respect to a measurement direction perpendicular to the tractor's linear direction, and length is used with reference to a measurement direction parallel to the tractor's linear direction and perpendicular to the length, when the device 401, 401' is connected to the tractor and aligned with the tractor (as seen in the figures). The maximum overall footprint can be thought of as the volume of the smallest parallelepiped that completely contains the device 401, 401'.

[0031] The apparatus 401, 401' comprises a frame of variable footprint, which may also be defined as "having a variable geometry", adapted to be removably coupled to the tractor 410, i.e. to a fifth wheel 430 of the tractor, and moved by the tractor.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the frame is capable of varying its footprint in all three directions shown (height, width and length), however, in less preferred embodiments not shown, the frame may vary its footprint in only its width, or in its width and length, but not in its height.

[0033] The change in the footprint of the frame allows the device 401, 401' to operate between an operational configuration in which it can handle containers, i.e., lift, suspend and keep containers suspended, and a transport or storage configuration in which the device 401, 401' is adapted to be transported on the bed of an articulated truck, i.e., a bed coupled to a tractor. In the transport configuration, the device 401, 401' is not configured to handle containers.

[0034] In the operational configuration, the footprint of the frame (and devices 401, 401') is maximum, while in the transport or storage configuration it is minimum. The variable footprint frame extends longitudinally along a vertical, i.e., primarily vertical, axis and includes a first column 455 adapted to be removably coupled to a tractor. In particular, the implements 401, 401' are coupled to the tractor only via the first column.

[0035] The first column 455 is adapted to be loosely mounted, i.e. attached, to the fifth wheel 430 of the tractor such that the first column can rotate relative to the tractor about a vertical axis of rotation R1. Alternatively, the column may have a lower part that is rigidly fixable to the fifth wheel 430, i.e. rigidly fixable without any residual degree of freedom, the remaining part of the first column being rotatably mounted relative to said lower part about the vertical axis of rotation R1.

[0036] For connection to the fifth wheel, the first column includes a coupling located at the lower end 456 of the first column. Such a coupling device may, for example, be one known to a person skilled in the art for fastening the carrier to the fifth wheel of a tractor and may comprise a pin (not shown) adapted to be inserted into a recess 440 of the fifth wheel 430. As an alternative to a fifth wheel, it is obviously not excluded that the tractor is provided with a system for an in situ connection of the first column. In such a case, the tractor may, for example, be provided with a vertical pin into which the lower part of the first column fits to achieve a funnel-shaped pair with a vertical axis of rotation R1.

[0037] In the embodiment shown, the first column is telescoping and can vary its longitudinal dimension along the vertical direction. The first column thus comprises a lower portion 460 constituting the lower portion of the first column, and an upper portion 465 which is movable relative to the lower portion along the vertical direction, such as by a linear actuator 470 .

[0038] The variable footprint frame then comprises a second column 475 (vertical, i.e. extending longitudinally along a vertical axis), on which is freely mounted a first floating ground support wheel 480. In practice, the second column rests on the ground (only) by means of the first floating wheel connected to the lower end of the second column.

[0039] The first idler wheel 480 is rotatably mounted on the second column 475 at least about a horizontal axis of rotation. It is not excluded that the first idler wheel 480 may also be rotatably mounted on the second column 475 about a vertical axis of rotation, for example coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the column.

[0040] The first idler 480 may be at least partially vertically aligned with the second column. Preferably, the second column completely overlaps the first idler in a plan view. In the illustrated embodiment, to further reduce the footprint, the second column includes a cavity 485 in which the first idler wheel 480 is at least partially housed.

[0041] For example, to allow for further reduction in footprint while at the same time allowing the wheels to overcome obstacles when extending, the second column may also include a drive configured to selectively cause the first idler wheel to protrude from the cavity (so that at least one-third of the wheel protrudes) or retract into the cavity (so that no more than one-quarter of the wheel protrudes from the cavity). It is not excluded that the second column may comprise a plurality of ground-supporting wheels hingedly connected to the second column in a freely movable manner.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the second column is telescoping and can change its longitudinal dimension along a vertical direction. In particular, the second column can include a lower portion 490 to which the first idler wheel 480 is directly attached in the manner described above, and an upper portion 495 that is movable relative to the lower portion along a vertical axis. For example, actuation of the second portion can be performed by a linear actuator 496 as shown. The second column 475 is spaced a non-zero amount from the first column.

[0043] The variable footprint frame also comprises a third column 500 (vertical, i.e. extending longitudinally along a vertical axis), to which is freely mounted a second floating ground support wheel 505. In practice, the third column rests on the ground (only) by means of the second floating wheel connected to the lower end of the third column.

[0044] The second idler wheel is rotatably connected to the third column 500 at least about a horizontal axis of rotation. It is not excluded that the second idler wheel is also rotatably attached to the third column 500 about a vertical axis of rotation, for example, coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the column. The second idler wheel may be at least partially vertically aligned with the third column. Preferably, the third column completely overlaps the second idler wheel in a plan view. In the illustrated embodiment, to further reduce the footprint, the third column includes a cavity 510 in which the second idler is at least partially housed.

[0045] For example, to allow for further reduction in footprint while at the same time allowing the wheels to overcome obstacles as they are extended, the third column may also include a drive configured to cause the first idler wheel to protrude from the cavity (so that at least one-third of the wheel protrudes) or retract into the cavity (so that no more than one-quarter of the wheel protrudes from the cavity). It is not excluded that the third column may comprise a plurality of ground supporting wheels hingedly connected to the third column in a freely movable manner.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, the third column is telescopic and can vary its longitudinal dimension along the vertical direction. In particular, the third column may comprise a lower portion to which the second idler is directly attached in the manner described above, and an upper portion movable relative to the lower portion along a vertical axis. For example, actuation of the second portion may be performed by a linear actuator y as shown. The third column 500 is spaced a non-zero amount from both the first column 455 and the second column 475 .

[0047] Preferably, the variable footprint frame does not include any other support columns other than the first, second and third columns, in other words the weight of the device 401, 401' and its associated container is discharged towards the ground only through the first, second and third columns.

[0048] Further, in use, the device 401, 401' contacts the ground only via the first idler wheel, the second idler wheel, and the tractor when the device 401, 401' is coupled to the tractor (alternatively, the device 401, 401' may be momentarily supported by a stand and / or variable extension support legs).

[0049] The variable footprint frame comprises connecting devices connecting the second column 475 and the third column 500 to the first column 455 and configured, for example by actuators and links and / or joints, to move at least one of the three columns relative to the other of the three columns between a first position in which the planar footprint of the device 401, 401', i.e. the variable footprint frame, is maximum (in this position the device 401, 401' has a predetermined footprint in a planar view) and a second position in which the planar footprint of the device 401, 401', i.e. the variable footprint frame, is smaller than the planar footprint of the device 401, 401' in the first position.

[0050] Note that the planar footprint is the width and length of the frame in plan view, or it can be understood as the area of ​​a triangle lying on a horizontal plane, whose vertices are located in each column.

[0051] The first position of the connecting device is a position which it must assume in order to realise an operating form of the device 401, 401' capable of transporting containers, and the second position is a position which it must assume in order to realise a transport form of the device 401, 401'.

[0052] In the first position, the container that is lifted or suspended or maintained in a suspended state by the device 401, 401' is (directly) interposed between the first column, the second column and the third column. The direction in which the width of the device 401, 401' is measured may also be defined as the direction of the horizontal distance between the second column 475 and the third column 500 when the connecting device is in the first position.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection device is configured to move at least one of the second column and the third column between a first position in which the distance (horizontally and at a minimum) of the third column from the second column is maximum, and a second position in which said distance is minimum. When the connection device is in the first position, the second and third columns are positioned at substantially the same distance (horizontally) from a vertical centerline plane of the device 401, 401' that intersects with the first column and is interposed between the second and third columns.

[0054] In the path between the first position and the second position, the distance of the second column from the first column and the distance of the third column from the first column remain unchanged. In practice, the connection device is configured to move the third column and the second column towards or away from each other, for example by rotating at least one of them about a vertical axis of rotation.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the connection device comprises a first cross member 520 having a first end 520a connected, for example without any residual degrees of freedom, to the first column 455, i.e. the (upper) top of the first column, and an opposite second end 520b connected, for example without any residual degrees of freedom, to the third column 500, i.e. the (upper) top of the third column. For example, the first cross member is disposed horizontally.

[0056] The first cross member 520 is preferably telescoping so that the horizontal distance between its first end 520a and second end 520b can be varied. This allows the horizontal distance between the first column 455 and the second column 475 to be varied, improving the compactness of the variable footprint frame. In particular, as will become apparent below, the illustrated embodiment combined with a telescoping first cross member allows the horizontal distance of the third and second columns relative to the first column to be varied.

[0057] In this manner, the first cross member may have a first portion having a first end 520a and a second portion having a second end 520b movable relative to the first portion along a linear axis by the linear actuator 525. The first cross member has only the two ends and is directly connected only to the first column and the third column.

[0058] To improve the footprint, the first cross member is formed such that, in plan view, the first portion is inclined relative to the second portion, e.g., the longitudinal axes of these portions intersect and form an obtuse angle (consisting of between 90° and 180°) facing the first cross member, and essentially the second portion extends from the first portion in a direction away from the second column.

[0059] The connection device also comprises a second cross-piece 530 provided with a first end 530a rigidly fixed (without residual degrees of freedom) to the second column 475, i.e. to the top (upper) of the second column 475, and an opposite second end 530b hinged to the first cross-piece, i.e. to the second part of the first cross-piece and to one of the first columns, about a vertical axis of rotation T2. ​​In the illustrated embodiment, the second end is hinged to the second part of the first cross-piece, whereby the telescopic members of the first cross-piece allow the horizontal distance of the third and second columns relative to the first column to be changed. The second cross member has only both ends and is, for example, directly connected only to the second column and the first cross member. For example, the second cross member is disposed horizontally.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, the second cross member is preferably non-stretchable. However, in other embodiments, it is not excluded that it may be extendable so that the horizontal distance between the first end and the second end can be changed.

[0061] The first and second cross members are positioned at a vertical height such that they are generally above the containers being handled without interfering with the containers being handled. The connection device further comprises an actuator 535 configured to rotate the second column relative to the rotation axis T2 and relative to the first cross member, i.e. to move the second cross member 530 to which the second column is rigidly fixed, relative to the rotation axis T2 and relative to the first cross member.

[0062] Rotation of the third column about the axis of rotation T2 by the actuator 535 enables the connection device to be actuated between its first and second positions. For example, the actuator 535 is a linear actuator having a first end 535a hinged to one of the first column 455 and the first cross member 520 and an opposite second end 535b hinged to one of the fourth column 475 and the second cross member 530.

[0063] The actuator comprises a first portion provided at a first end and a second portion provided at a second end and movable relative to the first portion along a linear axis, such linear axis being preferably a horizontal axis. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first end 535a is hinged to a first cross member and the second end is hinged to a second cross member. The actuator is preferably of the hydraulic / pneumatic type.

[0064] In another, not shown, less preferred embodiment, it is not excluded that the connecting device may comprise a horizontally arranged telescopic cross member connecting the second column to the first column, which telescopic cross member allows the second and third columns to be moved closer or further away from each other by varying its longitudinal extension, the telescopic cross member being perpendicular to the vertical centerline plane interposed between the second and third columns through the first column.

[0065] Connected to the variable footprint frame is a lifting device configured for lifting the container (relative to the ground, i.e. relative to the vertical height of the wheels), i.e. so that the container can be lifted, held lifted and lowered. The lift device comprises a first part connected (directly) to the second column and a second part connected (directly) to the third column. Each section includes a connecting member or lower support for the container that is actuable at least along a vertical direction to lift, hold the container elevated and lower the container.

[0066] Connected to the variable footprint frame is a lifting device configured for lifting the container (relative to the ground, i.e. relative to the vertical height of the wheels), i.e. so that the container can be lifted, held lifted and lowered. The lift device comprises a first part connected (directly) to the second column and a second part connected (directly) to the third column. Each section includes a connecting member or lower support for the container that is actuable at least along a vertical direction to lift, hold the container elevated and lower the container.

[0067] The lifting device comprises a first arm 540 connected to the second column 475 and extending laterally along a longitudinal direction (horizontal direction) thereof, and a second arm 545 connected to the third column and extending laterally along a longitudinal direction (horizontal direction) thereof, in particular, the arms are connected to their respective columns at their respective central portions, and both longitudinal ends of the arms are distal from their respective columns.

[0068] At least one of the arms is freely hinged about a vertical axis of rotation T3 to the respective column to which it is connected. For example, the second arm is hinged to the third column according to a vertical hinge axis T3, and the first arm is rigidly fixed to the third column without any residual degrees of freedom.

[0069] The first arm 540 and the second arm 545 are, for example, straight and are preferably adapted as straight bars arranged with a horizontal longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection device may include an actuator 546 configured to rotate the second arm about a corresponding vertical hinge axis T3. Instead of an actuator, a mechanism may be provided to lock and unlock the rotation of the arm relative to the column.

[0070] And the connection mechanism is: - a first container gripper 550, such as a first hook, at least partially wrapped around a first wheel 560 hinged (loosely) near a first end 540a of a first arm 540 remote from the second column 475, and integrated with a first rope 555 operated by a first actuator 565; - a second hook-like second container gripper 570 integrated with a second rope 575 at least partially wound around a second wheel 580 hinged (loosely) near a second end 540b of the first arm 540 opposite the first end 540a remote from the second column 475, the second rope 575 being operated by a second actuator 585; - a third container gripper (not shown), such as a third hook, at least partially wrapped around a third wheel 595 hinged (loosely) near a first end 545a of the second arm 545 remote from the third column 500, and integrated with a third rope 590 operated by a third actuator (not shown); - a fourth container gripper (not shown), such as, for example, a fourth hook, at least partially wound around a fourth wheel 605 hinged (loosely) near the second end 545b of the second arm 545 opposite the first column away from the third column 500, and integrated with a fourth rope 600 operated by a fourth actuator (not shown). The parts connected to the second arm (not shown) are identical to the corresponding parts connected to the first arm.

[0071] It is not excluded that in other embodiments, the actuators may comprise linear actuators with one end attached (e.g., rigidly or hingedly) to the respective arms and an opposite end to which the respective grippers are connected (e.g., rigidly or hingedly). In such embodiments, the grippers may be forks of the type used in forklifts, or hooks.

[0072] In an embodiment not shown, the lifting device may have at least two pairs of forks, one pair rigidly connected to the top of the second column and the other pair rigidly connected to the top of the third column, such that the forks can be inserted under the container by the telescopic columns, and then the container can be lifted while pushing from below.

[0073] The apparatus 401, 401' may include a pump (not shown) driven by a motor (not shown) and operably connected to the connecting device for moving the first column between the first and second positions, i.e., for powering an actuator of the connecting device.

[0074] As can be imagined, such a pump can also be used to power other actuators that may be present, for example when a particular member, such as a column, extends or retracts.

[0075] These pumps and motors are smaller in size than prior art devices because they only need to power the drive portion of the variable footprint frame and do not need to drive wheels to move the frame. The pump and motor are connected to one of three columns or a connecting device.

[0076] The operational configuration of the device 401, 401', ie the variable footprint frame, occurs when the connection device is in its first position and all telescoping columns are in their maximum longitudinal extension positions.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the operating configuration occurs when the connecting device is in its first position, all telescopic columns are in their maximum longitudinal extension positions, the idler wheels protrude at least one-third out of the cavities, and the spacer bars are interposed between the arms of the lifting device.

[0078] The operating configuration coincides with when the connection device is in the first position only in a less preferred embodiment in which the column is not telescopic, the wheels are not within a cavity formed in the column but are movable relative to the cavity, and the lifting device has forks instead of hinged arms that are vertically movable along the column.

[0079] The transport configuration of the device 401, 401', ie the variable footprint frame, occurs when the connection device is in the second position and all telescoping columns are in their minimum longitudinal extension positions.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport configuration occurs when the connection device is in the second position, all telescopic columns are in their minimum longitudinal extension positions, the idler wheels protrude less than one-quarter out of the cavity, the first cross member is in its minimum longitudinal extension position, and no spacer bars are interposed between the arms of the lifting device.

[0081] The transport configuration coincides with when the connecting device is in the second position only in a less preferred embodiment in which the column is not telescopic, the first cross member is not telescopic, the wheels are not within a cavity formed in the column but are movable relative to the cavity, and the lifting device comprises a fork that is vertically movable along the column.

[0082] The illustrated devices 401, 401' can be coupled to any tractor having a fifth wheel, i.e. to the tractor of a combination truck. Alternatively, it is also possible to envisage the use of a special tractor with a fifth wheel (or a special tractor with a device for fixing the device with a pin or a circular seat that allows the device 401, 401' to be remotely coupled to the special tractor and to form a funnel-like pair with a vertical axis of rotation with the first column of the device 401, 401'). For example, such a tractor may be an adapted forklift or other self-propelled industrial vehicle.

[0083] The system may include a stand 610 having a pair of horizontal extendable upper cross members arranged side by side and parallel to one another and configured to extend and retract while the connection device is operated between the first and second positions by supporting the first and second cross members and following them in their movement to a path between the second position and the first position, to facilitate loading and transporting the device on a carrier when the device is in the transport configuration.

[0084] 8 and 9 show another embodiment of a system 400' according to the invention, device 401' differing from device 400 only in that the second cross-piece is hinged to the first cross-piece by means of an attachment part which projects from the first cross-piece along a horizontal direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first cross-piece, i.e. an attachment part of the first part of the first cross-piece. In particular, said attachment part extends in the direction of projecting from the first cross-piece more than the maximum width of the first cross-piece measured along a direction transverse to its longitudinal axis.

[0085] FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment of a system designated 400″, which differs from system 400′ in that it comprises a device 401″ in which the second end 520b of the first cross-member is hinged to the third column, i.e. to the (upper) top of the third column, about a vertical axis of rotation T4, and the first end 530a of the second cross-member is hinged to the second column, i.e. to the (upper) top of the second column, about a vertical axis of rotation T5.

[0086] In such a case, the device may include at least a first locking mechanism (not shown) operable between a first position that permits rotation of the third column relative to the first cross member and a second position that locks relative rotation between the first cross member and the third column. The first locking mechanism may include an actuator (not shown) configured to rotationally move the third column about a rotation axis T4, i.e., relative to the first cross member, and selectively lock the relative angular position between the third column and the first cross member.

[0087] The device may also include a second locking mechanism (not shown) operable between at least a first position that permits rotation of the third column relative to the first cross member and a second position that locks relative rotation between the second cross member and the second column. The second locking mechanism may include an actuator (not shown) configured to rotationally move the second column about a rotation axis T5, i.e., to rotate the second column relative to the second cross member, and selectively lock the relative angular position between the second column and the second cross member.

[0088] In another embodiment not shown, the columns are connected to the cross members as in the embodiment systems 400, 400', but it is not excluded that the ground supporting wheels are hinged to the respective columns about a vertical axis of rotation.

[0089] The operation of the system 400, 400', 400'' according to the present invention is as follows. The equipment is transported in a transport configuration arranged above a platform that is pulled by a tractor that transports it to the location where it is to be used to handle the containers (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0090] Upon arrival at the destination, the equipment is brought from the transport configuration into an operational configuration that supports the equipment during this transition, for example by placing it on a special stand such as stand 610, or by being lifted by a forklift or by a crane.

[0091] First, in the transition from the transport mode to the operation mode, the drive of the connecting device which rotates the second cross-member 530 about the vertical rotation axis T2 is operated to bring it from the second position to the first position. After that, the first column 455 can already be connected to the fifth wheel 430 of the tractor. If the column is telescoping as shown, the column and possibly the first cross member are also extended.

[0092] Also, as shown, the lifting device comprises arms 540, 545, which from the position seen in plan view in FIG. 6 are rotated, for example by the actuators provided, about their respective vertical hinge axes, so as to reach a first position of the connecting device, in which the arms are positioned parallel to a vertical centerline plane of the device whose longitudinal axes are parallel to each other and equidistant from the third and second columns and intersect with the first column.

[0093] When the apparatus is in the operational configuration and connected to the tractor, the apparatus is moved by the tractor to the container to be lifted and positioned so that the container is between the first column, the second column, and the third column.

[0094] In the illustrated embodiment, the container is also interposed, in plan view, between a first arm and a second arm that laterally sandwich the container. At this point, the container is grasped by the grippers of the lifting device and raised away from contact with the ground or the platform on which the container rests.

[0095] While the equipment keeps the container lifted, the tractor moves the equipment to where the container is to be dropped off or lowered. For example, the telescoping first column allows the first cross member to be positioned at a height higher than a portion of the top of the tractor, so that the tractor can be oriented so that the second and third columns, and thus the lift equipment, are in front of the cockpit (as shown in FIG. 3).

[0096] Once the equipment has completed its work, it can be returned to its transport configuration and stored at the work site or transported to another location (work site or storage site). In the illustrated system, the first and second cross members can be placed on a stand 610 that can support the cross members from below while they move from a first position to a second position by means of the extendable cross members. If the column and first cross member are telescopic, as in the case shown, they are also placed in a position of minimal longitudinal extension.

[0097] The second arm 545 is rotated so as not to contact the first arm when the connecting device moves from the first position to the second position, and the first arm connected to the second column rotates together with the second arm about a vertical rotation axis T2. For example, if the second arm is not rotated about an axis T3 to keep the second arm parallel to the first arm while the first arm rotates about the vertical rotation axis T2, its first end 545a will soon come into contact with the second arm.

[0098] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to several modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In fact, the materials used, the incidental shapes and sizes may be any as required without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. A variable footprint handling device (401, 401', 401") for handling a container (105), comprising: a first column (455) adapted to be attached to the fifth wheel (430) of the tractor (410); a second column (475) to which a first floating ground-supporting wheel (480) is loosely connected; a third column (500) to which a second floating ground support wheel (505) is loosely connected; - a lifting device (540, 545, 550, 555, 560, 565, 570, 575, 580, 585) for lifting said container (105); a device (401, 401', 401") comprising a connection device (520, 530, 535) configured to connect said second column (475) and said third column (500) to said first column (455) and to move at least one of said second column (475) and said third column (500) between a first position in which the distance of said third column (500) from said second column (475) is maximum, and a second position in which said distance is minimum.

2. The connection device, a first cross-piece (520) having a first end (520a) connected to said first column (455) and a second end (520b) connected to said third column (500); a second cross-piece (530) with a first end (530a) rigidly fixed to said second column (475) and a second end (530b) hinged to one of said first column (455) and said first cross-piece (520) about a vertical axis of rotation (T2); - an actuator (535) configured to move said second column (475) in rotation about said vertical axis of rotation (T2).

3. 3. The apparatus (401, 401', 401") of claim 2, wherein the actuator (535) is a linear actuator having a first end (535a) hinged to one of the first column (455), the first cross member (520) and the third column (500), and an opposite second end (535b) hinged to one of the second column (475) and the second cross member (530).

4. The apparatus (401, 401', 401") of claim 1, wherein said third column (500) and said second column (475) are telescopic.

5. The apparatus (401, 401', 401") of claim 1, wherein the first column (455) and the first cross member (520) are telescopic.

6. The lift device is a first arm (540) connected to the second column (475) and extending laterally along its longitudinal direction; a second arm (545) connected to the third column (500) and extending laterally along the longitudinal direction; a first container (105) gripper (550) at least partially wrapped around a first wheel (560) hinged to said first arm (540) near a first end (540a) remote from said second column (475) and integrated with a first rope (555) operated by a first actuator (565); a second container (105) gripper (570) integrated with a second rope (575) at least partially wrapped around a second wheel (580) hinged near a second end (540b) of the first arm (540) remote from the second column (475) and opposite to the first end, and operated by a second actuator (585); a third container gripper integrated with a third rope (590) at least partially wrapped around a third wheel (595) hinged to the second arm (545) near its first end (545a) remote from the third column (500) and operated by a third actuator; a fourth container gripper integrated with a fourth rope (600) operated by a fourth actuator, the fourth rope (600) being at least partially wound around a fourth wheel (605) hinged to the second arm (545) near a second end (545b) remote from the third column (500) and opposite to the first end, 2. The apparatus (401, 401', 401") of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first arm (540) and said second arm (545) is hinged to each column about a vertical hinge axis (T3).

7. 2. The apparatus (401, 401', 401") of claim 1, further comprising a pump driven by a motor and operably connected to the connecting device for moving the first column (455) between the first position and the second position, the pump and the motor being connected to at least one of the first column (455), the second column (475) or the third column (500), or the connecting device.

8. 3. The apparatus (401") of claim 2, wherein the second end (520b) of the first cross member (520) is hinged to the third column (500) about a vertical axis of rotation (T4) and the first end (530a) of the second cross member (530) is hinged to the second column (475) about a vertical axis of rotation (T5).

9. A system (400, 400') for handling a container (105) comprising a tractor (410) having a fifth wheel (430) and the apparatus (401, 401', 401") of claim 1, wherein the first column (455) is removably connected to the fifth wheel (430) of the tractor.

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