Container handling apparatus

US6749388B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventor

• Hans Schmidt · Germering, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 8, 2002
• Grant date: Jun 15, 2004
• Expiry date: May 8, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B66C19/007
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A container handling apparatus utilising a cradle (1) having a chassis (2) adapted specifically for attachment to the top of the shipping container (C) and having lifting legs (3) attached to each corner of the chassis and incorporating lifting rams. The legs are pivotably attached at pivot points to the respective corners whereby to be swung between positions extending alongside the chassis in a stored orientation and positions extending downwardly from the chassis in a ground engaging orientation. The pivotable attachments for said lifting legs are such that the positions of the legs can be extended and retracted laterally of the chassis, whilst in the lower ends of said legs carry wheels (8) for mobility whereby the cradle with the legs extending downwardly from the chassis in a ground engaging orientation with, or without, a container suspended beneath said chassis, can be moved from one position to another. The pivotable attachments of the lifting legs to said chassis are such that the lateral movement of said legs, and their pivotable movement, relative to said chassis is accomplished simultaneously, or independently. The corners of the chassis have means (16) for attachment …