EQUIPMENT FOR HANDLING A LOAD.

Field of application of the present invention

The present invention relates to an equipment for handling a load.

Preferably, said load is in the form of a container, or ISO container, especially for the intermodal transport of goods.

State of the art

Equipment for handling containers, or ISO containers, for the intermodal transport of goods, are known, which comprise support means, or frame, supported on means for moving the equipment, in particular with respect to the ground, in the form of wheels, an arm for lifting and lowering said load, which comprises a base stage connected in a rotatable, i.e., tiltable, manner, with respect to said support means, or frame and suitably swinging, or tiltable, with respect to these, or this, in particular under the impulse of corresponding activation means, and means for gripping and releasing said load, in particular carried at the end of said arm for lifting and lowering said load.

In these already-known equipment, the lifting and lowering arm is of a telescopic type, which one or more stages, or extension member, which extend in extensible and retractable manner with respect to said base stage.

However, said telescopic arm turns out to be excessively heavy; furthermore, also due the fact that it has sliding pads with a friction of the respective extension members or stages, an excessive friction is created, requiring an excessively high consumption of driving energy.

Furthermore, this configuration of a telescopically extendable arm, due to the excessive power requirement for driving, makes the already-known equipment unsuitable for a conversion into purely electrical machines. A further issue with the already-know equipment is the gear that is employed for gripping the load or container, which, because of their internal mechanisms, turn out to be rather heavy, as well as complicated, with the consequence of excessively affecting the stresses that are imparted to, or even the balance stability of, the already-known equipment.

In the field, the need is also felt to have an equipment that is of flexible use, in particular when containers are to be stacked in rows adjacent to each other and placed one behind the other relative to the equipment.

Furthermore, in the field, the need is felt to have an equipment that is as maneuverable as possible so that the logistics of the loads or containers can be simplified to the maximum degree.

In the field, the need is also felt, to have an equipment that improves the operator’s visibility, particularly during the gripping and handling operations of the load or container.

In the field, the need is also felt, to have an equipment that allows reducing the handling of the loads and containers as much as possible.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, with the present invention it is desired to propose a new, alternative solution to the solutions known so far, and in particular it is proposed to obviate one or more of the drawbacks or problems referred to above and/or to meet one or more of the needs referred to above, and/or however felt in the art, and in particular deducible from the above.

Therefore, an equipment for handling a load is provided, in particular said load being in the form of a container, or ISO container, especially for the intermodal transport of goods, comprising support means, or frame, supported on means for moving the equipment, in particular with respect to the ground, preferably in the form of wheels, an arm for lifting and lowering said load, said arm for lifting and lowering said load comprising a base stage connected, in a movable or articulated manner, in particular in a rotatable, i.e., tiltable, manner, with respect to said support means, or frame and suitably swinging, or tiltable, with respect to these, or this, in particular under the impulse of corresponding activation means, and a corresponding extension stage; the equipment further comprises means, or gear, for gripping and releasing said load, in particular carried at the end of said arm for lifting and lowering said load; characterized in that said arm for lifting and lowering said load comprises an extension stage, which is supported by said base stage and which is connected thereto in an articulated manner, preferably in a rotatable, i.e., tiltable, manner, with respect to the same base stage, upon the impulse of corresponding activation means.

In this manner, a lifting and lowering arm is achieved, which is relatively light-weighted, and which does not require a high consumption of driving power.

Brief description of the drawings

This and other novel aspects, or respective advantageous implementations, are however set forth in the attached claims, the specific technical characteristics of which can be found, together with corresponding advantages achieved, in the following description, illustrating in detail merely exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the invention, and which is made with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1A illustrates a schematic, side elevation view of a first preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention;

Fig. 1 B illustrates a schematic, side elevation view of the first preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in a load stacking condition;

Fig. 1 C illustrates a schematic, side elevation view of the first preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in a second load stacking condition;

Fig. 1 D illustrates a schematic, front elevation view of the first preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention;

Fig. 1 E illustrates a schematic, top plan view of the first preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention;

Fig. 1 F illustrates a schematic, top plan view of the first preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in a working condition different from Fig. 1 E;

Fig. 2A illustrates a schematic, side elevation view of a second preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention;

Fig. 2B illustrates a schematic, side elevation view of the second preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in a load stacking condition;

Fig. 2C illustrates a schematic, side elevation view of the second preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in a second load stacking condition;

Fig. 2D illustrates a schematic, front elevation view of the second preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention;

Fig. 2E illustrates a schematic, top plan view of the second preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention;

Fig. 2F illustrates a schematic, top plan view of the second preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in a working condition different from Fig. 1 E; Fig. 3A illustrates a schematic, side elevation view of a third preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention;

Fig. 3B illustrates a schematic, side elevation view of the third preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in a load stacking condition;

Fig. 4A illustrates a schematic, side elevation view of a fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention;

Fig. 4B illustrates a schematic, side elevation view of the fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in a load transporting condition;

Fig. 4C illustrates a schematic, front elevation view of the fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention;

Fig. 4D illustrates a schematic, front elevation view of the fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, with the arm in a lowered condition;

Fig. 4E illustrates a schematic, top plan view of the fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention;

Fig. 4F illustrates a schematic, top plan view of the fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in a working condition different from Fig. 4E, i.e., in a processing condition of a smaller container;

Fig. 4G illustrates a schematic, front elevation view of the fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in an operational condition of rotating the container relative to a longitudinal axis L; Fig. 4H illustrates a schematic, top plan view of the fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in an operational condition of rotating the container relative to a perpendicular axis P;

Fig. 41 illustrates a schematic, top plan view of the fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in an operational condition of translating the container relative to a transverse direction T;

Fig. 4L illustrates a schematic, top plan view of the fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in an operational condition of translating the equipment and the container according to the opposite transverse directions T;

Fig. 4M illustrates a schematic, top plan view of the fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in an operational condition of rotating the equipment relative to a perpendicular axis P;

Fig. 4N illustrates a schematic, side elevation view of the fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in a load stacking condition;

Fig. 40 illustrates a schematic, side elevation view of the fourth preferred implementation of equipment for handling a load according to the present invention, in another load stacking condition.

Detailed description of preferred implementations of the invention

In the attached figures 1A to 1 F, and 2A to 2F, a first and a second preferred implementations 10, 100 of equipment for handling a load 11 are illustrated.

As best understood from the figures 1 B and 1 C, and 2B and 2C, in particular the present equipment is adapted to handle containers, or ISO containers, 1 1 , especially for the intermodal transport of goods, especially in the form of a container in a full condition or of a container in an empty condition, in particular to be stacked one upon another, and/or in corresponding stacks that are different and adjacent to one another 1 T, 1 T.

As illustrated, the equipment 10 comprises support means, or frame, 12 supported on means 14 for moving the equipment 10, in particular with respect to the ground, preferably in the form of wheels 14, preferentially two front wheels, or pair of front wheels, 14, 14 and two rear wheels 14, 14, these latter being especially of the steering type.

As illustrated, the equipment 10 further comprises an arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 , said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 comprises a base stage 161 , which is connected to the support means, or frame, 12, via a corresponding articulated connection, in particular of the hinge type 160, i.e. , in a movable manner, especially in a rotatable manner, in particular with respect to a corresponding horizontal axis, i.e., tiltable, with respect to said support means, or frame 12, and is suitably swinging, or tiltable, with respect to these, or this, in particular under the impulse of corresponding activation means 162, 162.

As illustrated, said activation means 162, 162 are especially connected between said base stage 161 and said support means, or frame, 12, in particular between a respective portion 162a, projecting superiorly in a position that faces the frame 12, and a portion 162b integral in an intermediate position to the member 161 of the base stage of the arm 16, in particular projecting therefrom and in a lower position relative to the portion 161 a of said base stage 161 , from which the activation means 165 per Io extension stage 164 extend, as however will be best seen from the following of the present description.

As illustrated, said activation means 162, 162 are in the form of a first and a second actuators and especially are each respectively in the form of a respective jack or hydraulic cylinder.

As illustrated, the equipment 10 also comprises means, or gear, 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 , in particular carried at the end of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 .

In an appreciably advantageous manner, as illustrated, said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 comprises an extension stage 164, which is supported by said base stage 161 and which is connected thereto via a corresponding articulated connection, in particular of the hinge type, 163, i.e. , preferably in a rotatable manner, in particular with respect to a corresponding horizontal axis, in other words, tiltable, with respect to the same base stage 161 , upon the impulse of corresponding activation means 165, 165.

In this manner, a lifting and lowering arm is achieved, which is relatively light-weighted and which does not require a high consumption of driving power.

Furthermore, in this manner, the present equipment is particularly suitable to be electrically driven.

Furthermore, the present equipment is of a particularly flexible and easy use, in particular when the containers have to be stacked in rows adjacent to each other and placed one behind the other relative to the same equipment.

As is clear from said figures, with advantage, said extension stage 164 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 extends from a corresponding, in particular upper, end of said base stage 161 .

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, said extension stage 164 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 comprises a respective elongated member, in particular a first and a second elongated members 166, 166, preferably transversally spaced apart from each other, in particular respectively in the form of a corresponding section bar, in particular in metal, especially tubular, preferably with a quadrangular or square cross-section. With appreciable advantage, as is clear from said figures, said extension stage 164 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 comprises a transverse member 167 for the articulation to said base stage 161 , in particular comprising, or composed of, a corresponding section bar, especially tubular, preferably with a quadrangular or square cross-section, and preferably in metal.

As is clear from said figures, in an advantageous manner, in practice, said extension stage 164 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 comprises a transverse member 167 which supports and from which the respective elongated member extends, or from which said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of the same extension stage extend.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, said first and second elongated members 166, 166 extend from the opposite ends of said transverse member 167 of said extension stage 164 of the arm 16 for lifting and lowering the load 11 .

With advantage, as is clear from said figures, said means 165, 165 for activating the rotation, or tilting, of said extension stage 164 with respect to said base stage 161 are connected between said extension stage 164 and said base stage 161 , in particular between said transverse articulation and/or support member 167 of said extension stage 164 and said base stage 161.

As is clear from said figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said means 165, 165 for activating the rotation, or tilting, of said extension stage 164 with respect to said base stage 161 are connected to a longitudinal protrusion 167a of said transverse articulation and/or support member 167 of said extension stage 164, in particular to a free end of this longitudinal protrusion 167a.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, said means 165, 165 for activating the rotation, or tilting, of said extension stage 164 with respect to said base stage 161 are connected to a corresponding, in particular protruding, portion 161 a of said base stage 161 , which is integral in an intermediate, or substantially median, position with said base stage 161.

In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, said means 165, 165 for activating the rotation, or tilting, of said extension stage 164 with respect to said base stage 161 , comprise a respective actuator, in particular a first and a second actuators 165, 165, preferably parallel to each other, and especially each respectively in the form of a respective jack or hydraulic cylinder.

Therefore, advantageously, as is clear from the same figures, in practice, a first and a second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 are provided, which are movable so that the respective free ends thereof can be moved away from or closer to each other.

As is clear from the same figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, in practice, a first and a second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 are provided, which are connected to the corresponding transverse articulation and/or support member 167 through a respective articulated connection, in particular of the hinge type, 168, 168 in a rotatable manner, in particular with respect to a corresponding perpendicular axis, to said transverse articulation and/or support member 167 and/or to the corresponding elongated member 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, so as to be able to move away or bring the same first and second elongated members 166, 166 closer to/from each other, in particular the free end thereof, as best understood from said figures 1 E, 1 F, 2E, and 2F.

As is clear from said figures, with advantage, and as in any case will be best understood from the following of the present description, means for adjusting the width of said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 are provided, in particular defined by said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

In practice, preferably, said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 define means for adjusting the width of said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 .

In this manner, as will in any case become clearer from the following of the present description, it is possible to obtain means for gripping and releasing said load that are particularly simplified and light-weighted, i.e., such as to have a lesser impact on the stresses and the balance of the equipment, thus also on the energy requirements of the equipment.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, means 169, 169 for activating the distancing and/or the approaching of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 of the arm 16 for lifting and lowering the load 11 , i.e., of the respective free ends are provided.

As is clear from said figures, with appreciable advantage, said means 169, 169, for activating the distancing and/or the approaching of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, are provided between said transverse articulation and/or support member 167 and the respective elongated member 166, 166 of the same extension stage 164.

As is clear from said figures, in an advantageous manner, said means 169, 169, for activating the distancing and/or the approaching of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, comprise a first and a second actuators, in particular in the form of corresponding jacks or hydraulic cylinders, each activating in rotation with respect to the corresponding perpendicular axis a respective elongated member 166, 166 of said extension stage 165.

In an appreciably advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, said first and second actuators 169, 169, defining said means for activating the distancing and/or approaching of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, are respectively connected to said transverse articulation and/or support member 167 at an intermediate point between the connecting point of the respective elongated member 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 and the centre for the connection to said base stage of the arm and/or from which said protrusion 167a extends.

As is clear from said figures, with advantage, said first and second actuators 169, 169, defining said means for activating the distancing and/or approaching of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, are connected to respective elongated member 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 at an intermediate point thereof, in particular at a point comprised between the central line and the respective end 168 for the connection to said transverse articulation member 167.

As is clear from said figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 are movable between a distanced position, preferably in which the free ends of the same first and second elongated members 166, 166 are reciprocally distanced from each other by a stretch greater than the width of said transverse articulation member 167, in particular to an extent equal to or greater than twice this width, and a closed-up position, preferably in which said first and second elongated members 166, 166 are parallel to each other and the free ends of the same first and second elongated members 166, 166 are reciprocally distanced from each other by a stretch substantially corresponding to the width of said transverse articulation member 167.

With appreciable advantage, as is clear from said figures, said longitudinal protrusion 167a of said transverse articulation and/or support member 167 of said extension stage 164, to which said means 165, 165 for activating the rotation, or tilting, of said extension stage 164 with respect to said base stage 161 are connected, extends downwardly, or angularly spaced apart, relative to said elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164. As is clear from said figures, in an advantageous manner, said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 are supported by said extension stage 164, in particular by said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, preferably at the free end thereof.

As is clear from said figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 are connected, especially via a corresponding articulated connection, in particular of the hinge type, 1668, in a freely rotatable manner, in particular with respect to a corresponding horizontal axis, to said extension stage 164, in particular to said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

In particular, with advantage, as is clear from the figures 1A to 1 F relative to the first preferred implementation of equipment, said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 are hung to said extension stage 164, in particular to said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

As is clear from said figures 1A to 1 F, with appreciable advantage, said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 are hung to said extension stage 164, in particular to said elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, i.e., to the free end thereof, and from which they extend downwards.

In an advantageous manner, as is clear from the subsequent figure 2A to 2F, in accordance with the second preferred implementation 100 of equipment according to the present invention, the components of which that are similar, or equivalent, to those of the previous preferred implementation are marked with the same numeral references and, in order not to overburden the present description, are not commented in detail again, it is provided for that said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 are supported to, and in particular extend preferentially frontally in a hanging condition from, said extension stage 164, in particular to said elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, i.e. , from the free end thereof.

As is clear from said figures 2A to 2F, in an appreciably advantageous manner, in accordance with the second preferred implementation, 20 are provided, for activating in rotation said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 , in particular relative to a horizontally-directed axis, i.e., relative to the corresponding hinge 1668 for the connection to said extension stage 164, in particular to said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

In this manner, it is possible to keep the load in a suitable and advantageous angular position.

As is clear from said figures 2A to 2F, with advantage, in accordance with the second preferred implementation, said means 20 for activating in rotation said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 are provided for between said extension stage 164 and said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 , in particular between said elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, and said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 .

As is clear from said figures 2A to 2F, with appreciable advantage, in accordance with the second preferred implementation, said means 20 for activating in rotation said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 extend starting from the respective end upstream thereof, in the proximity of the corresponding hinge 168 for the connection to said transverse articulation member 167.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures 2A to 2F, in accordance with the second preferred implementation, said means 20 for activating in rotation said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 extend superiorly to said extension stage 164, in particular superiorly to said elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164. As is clear from said figures 2A to 2F, in an advantageous manner, in accordance with the second preferred implementation, said means for activating in rotation said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 comprise a respective actuator 202, 202, in particular in the form of a corresponding jack or hydraulic cylinder for each corresponding elongated member 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, which, at the respective end upstream of said elongated member 166, 166, extends starting from a corresponding portion projecting, in particular superiorly projecting, relative to the same elongated member 166, 166.

As is clear from said figures 1A to 1 F, with advantage, with reference to the first preferred implementation, said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 comprise means 181 for supporting corresponding means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11 .

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, said means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11 comprise corresponding means 180, 180 for grasping, in particular directly grasping, said load, or container, 11 , in particular transversally outermost relative to the same means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 .

As is clear from said figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11 extend inferiorly to said support means 181 .

As is clear from said figures, in an advantageous manner, means 183 are provided, which are adapted to move said means 182 for engaging and disengaging said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 with relation to said corresponding support means 181 , in particular for a better positioning, in a releasing or grasping position, of the same load or container 11 .

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, said support means 181 of said means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11 comprise corresponding first and second support members 181 a, 181 b, which are transversally spaced apart from each other, and which preferably are at opposite ends of said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 , which first and second support members 181 a, 181 b are especially connected in an articulated manner to said elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

Furthermore, as is clear from said figures 2A to 2F, in an appreciably advantageous manner, in accordance with the second preferred implementation 100 of equipment, said first and second support members 181 a, 181 b are connected in an articulated manner to said means 20 for activating in rotation said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 , in particular to the respective actuator 202, 202 thereof.

As is clear from said figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said first and second support members 181 a, 181 b comprise, respectively, a corresponding longitudinal portion 1811 and a perpendicular portion 181 p, in particular extending downwards, in use, preferably from said longitudinal portion 1811, i.e., from an upstream, or equipment-facing, end thereof.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures 2A to 2F, in accordance with the second preferred implementation of equipment 100, said means 20 for activating in rotation said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 , i.e., the respective actuator 202, connect, or connects, to the respective first and second support members 181 a, 181 b at the junction point 18lp between said longitudinal portion 1811 and said perpendicular portion 181 p of the respective first and second support members 181a, 181 b.

As is clear from said figures 1 A to 1 F, with appreciable advantage, in accordance with the first preferred implementation 10 of equipment, said longitudinal portion 1811 and said perpendicular portion 181 p of the respective first and second support members 181 a, 181 b are in the form of corresponding rectilinear members, and/or extend tilted by, or defining, an angle therebetween.

As is clear from said figures 2A to 2F, in an appreciably advantageous manner, in accordance with the second preferred implementation 100 of equipment, said longitudinal portion 1811 is in the form of a corresponding rectilinear member, and said perpendicular portion 181 p is in the form of a corresponding arched member, in particular with its concavity facing inwardly, i.e., towards said means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11 , the respective one of said first and second support members 181 a, 181 b extending between an upstream end for the articulation of the respective one of said support means 181 and an opposite longitudinal free end, passing through the common junction point 181 Ip, in particular for the articulation of said means 20 for activating in rotation said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 , i.e., of the respective actuator 202.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures 2A to 2F, in accordance with the second preferred implementation 100 of equipment, said upstream, or articulating, end 1668, of the respective one of said first and second support members 181 a, 181 b, is at, substantially horizontally at, said means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11 .

As is clear from said figures, with advantage, said means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11 are movably supported with respect to said corresponding support means 181 and/or to said equipment 10, i.e., to said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11.

As is clear from said figures, with appreciable advantage, said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 are extensible and retractable, in particular in corresponding working positions, preferably for grasping loads or containers having different widths, in particular, in this manner containers having widths of 20 ft or 40 ft can be grabbed.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, said means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11 are supported by, in particular hung to, said support means 181 , i.e., to said first and second support members 181a, 181 b, through corresponding actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, which extend, in particular vertically, 184, 184, 184, 184, i.e., a first pair 184, 184 and a second pair 184, 184 of actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, preferably located at the opposite side ends of said support means 181 , i.e., at, and supported by, said first and second support members 181 a, 181 b, in particular by the longitudinal portion 1811 thereof.

As is clear from said figures, in an advantageous manner, means are provided, which are adapted to move said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 , in particular defined by said means 183 which are adapted to move said means 182 for engaging and disengaging said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 with relation to said corresponding support means 181 , which comprise means for rotating with respect to a longitudinal axis, i.e., with respect to an axis concordant with the extension or advancement direction of the equipment, preferably horizontal, said load 11 , and in particular comprising corresponding actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, which extend, in particular vertically, 184, 184, 184, 184, i.e., a first pair 184, 184 and a second pair 184, 184 of actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, preferably located at the opposite side ends of said support means 181 , i.e., at, and supported by, said first and second support members 181 a, 181 b.

As is clear from said figures, with advantage, means are provided, which are adapted to move said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 , in particular defined by said means 183 which are adapted to move said means 182 for engaging and disengaging said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 with relation to said corresponding support means 181 , which comprise means for rotating with respect to a perpendicular, preferably vertical, axis said load 11 , and in particular comprising corresponding actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, which extend, in particular horizontally and longitudinally, 185, 185, i.e. , a first 185 and a second 185 actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, preferably located at the opposite side ends of said support means 181 , i.e., at, and supported by, said first and second support members 181a, 181 b.

Advantageously, means adapted to move said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 can be also provided for, in particular defined by said means 183 which are adapted to move said means 182 for engaging and disengaging said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 with relation to said corresponding support means 181 , which comprise means to rotate with respect to a transverse, preferably horizontal, axis said load 11 , and for example comprising corresponding actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, which extend, in particular vertically, 184, 184, 184, 184, i.e., a first pair 184, 184 and a second pair 184, 184 of actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, preferably located at the opposite side ends of said support means 181 , i.e., at, and supported by, said first and second support members 181a, 181 b.

As is clear from said figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, means are provided, which are adapted to move said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 , in particular defined by said means 183 which are adapted to move said means 182 for engaging and disengaging said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 with relation to said corresponding support means 181 , which comprise means for transversally, or horizontally, translating said load 11 , and in particular comprising corresponding actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, which extend, in particular obliquely and/or transversally, 186, 186, i.e., a first 186 and a second 186 actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, which extend, in particular obliquely, preferably located in a corresponding transverse plane and operating on the opposite side ends of said support means 181 , i.e., at, and supported by, said first and second support members 181 a, 181 b. As is clear from said figures, in an advantageous manner, means are provided, which are adapted to move said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 , in particular defined by said means 183 which are adapted to move said means 182 for engaging and disengaging said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 with relation to said corresponding support means 181 , which comprise means for longitudinally, or horizontally, translating said load 11 and in particular comprising corresponding actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, which extend, in particular horizontally and longitudinally, 185, 185, i.e., a first 185 and a second 185 actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, preferably located at the opposite side ends of said support means 181 , i.e., at, and supported by, said first and second support members 181a, 181 b.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, means are provided, which are adapted to move said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 , in particular defined by said means 183 which are adapted to move said means 182 for engaging and disengaging said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load or container 11 with relation to said corresponding support means 181 , which comprise means for perpendicularly, or vertically, translating said load 11 , and in particular comprising corresponding actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, which extend, in particular vertically, 184, 184, 184, 184, i.e., a first pair 184, 184 and a second pair 184, 184 of actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, preferably located at the opposite side ends of said support means 181 , i.e., at, and supported by, said first and second support members 181a, 181 b.

As is clear from said figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 , i.e., the respective support means 181 comprise an elongated transverse 1810, which supports said means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11. As is clear from said figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said elongated transverse 1810 is transversally extensible and retractable, in particular between a retracted or closed-up position and an extended or distanced position, in particular for grasping corresponding loads or containers, for example to grasp containers having a width of 20 ft or 40 ft, and being especially of a telescopic type, i.e. , having a plurality of members 1810a connected to each other in a telescopic manner, preferably extending or retracting upon the activation by said means 169, 169 for activating the distancing and/or the approaching of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 , i.e., said elongated transverse 1810, supports, in particular at the respective and opposite transverse ends, corresponding outermost head members 180’, 180’, which carry, preferably projecting downwardly, said means 180, 180 for grasping, in particular directly grasping, said load, or container, 11.

As is clear from said figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 comprise a planar member 1811 , in particular extending between the opposite outermost head members 180’, 180’ carrying said means 180, 180 for grasping said load 11 , which said planar member 1811 is supported by said elongated transverse 1810 and is extensible and retractable together therewith.

As is clear from said figures, with appreciable advantage, actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, are provided, which extend, in particular vertically, 184, 184, 184, 184, i.e., the respective pair 184, 184 of actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, preferably located at the respective side end of said support means 181 , i.e., at, and supported by, the corresponding support members 181a, 181 b, extend from the corresponding longitudinal portion 1811, in particular from corresponding opposite longitudinal ends thereof, of the respective one of said first and second support members 181 a, 181 b and connect to said means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11 , i.e., to the corresponding planar member 1811 supporting said means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11 .

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, corresponding actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, are provided, in particular said first and said second actuators or hydraulic cylinders 185, 185, which extend, in particular horizontally and longitudinally, preferably located at the opposite side ends of said support means 181 , i.e., at, and supported by, said first and second support members 181 a, 181 b, extend from the corresponding perpendicular portion 181 p, in particular from the lower end thereof, of the respective one of said first and second support members 181a, 181 b, and connect to said means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11 , i.e., to the corresponding planar member 1811 supporting said means 182 for engaging and disengaging with said load, or container, 11 .

As is clear from said figures, with appreciable advantage, said corresponding actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, are provided, in particular said first and said second actuators or hydraulic cylinders 186, 186, which extend, in particular obliquely and/or transversally, 186, 186, i.e., a first 186 and a second 186 actuators, or hydraulic cylinders, which extend, in particular obliquely, and preferably located in a corresponding transverse plane, extend from said elongated transverse 1810 and/or from the corresponding first and second support members 181 a, 181 b of said support means 181 of said means 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 .

As is clear from said figures, with advantage, said support means, or frame, 12 of said equipment 10 comprise, or support, a manoeuvring station, or cabin 121.

In particular, as is clear from said figures, said base stage 161 is pivoted to said support means, or frame, 12, in particular in a rear position, in particular rear relative to said manoeuvring station, or cabin 121 , especially to a protrusion extending upwardly from the platform of said support means, or frame, 12.

As is clear from said figures, in an advantageous manner, said activation means 162, 162 between said base stage 161 and said support means, or frame, 12 are connected to said base stage 161 in a position 162b that is lower than the connection of said means 165, 165 for activating the rotation, or tilting, of said extension stage 164 with respect to said base stage

161 , in particular in a longitudinally spaced apart position therefrom.

As is clear from said figures, with advantage, said activation means

162, 162, in particular connected between said base stage 161 and said support means, or frame, 12 comprise a first and a second actuators 162, 162, in particular parallel and/or transversally spaced apart from each other.

As is clear from said figures, with advantage, said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 is, transversally, centrally positioned with respect to said support means, or frame 12.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, said base stage 161 is in the form of an elongated member, in particular defined by a section bar in tubular metal, in particular quadrangular or squared, and having and end that connects to said support means, or frame, 12 and the other end from which said extension stage 164 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 extends.

Advantageously, from the subsequent figures 3A and 3B, a third preferred implementation 200 of equipment according to the present invention can be seen, which has components that are similar, or equivalent, to those of the previous preferred implementations, that are marked with the same numeral references that have been used in the previous implementations and which, in order not to overburden the present description, are not commented in detail again. This third preferred implementation 200 of equipment differs from the previous implementations in that, in this one, the respective extension stage 164, of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering the load 11 , comprises a single elongated member 366, in particular centrally positioned, and especially of a tubular configuration, in particular with a quadrangular or square crosssection, i.e., in the form of a metal section bar, which single elongated member 366 of the extension stage is directly pivoted to said base stage 161 , i.e., to the tubular member defining it, especially connecting to each other at respective, opposite ends.

As is clear from said figures 3A and 3B, in an advantageous manner, in this third preferred implementation, said means 165, 165 for activating the rotation, or tilting, of said extension stage 364 with respect to said base stage 161 are in the form of a corresponding actuator, or hydraulic cylinder, which extends between a portion, in particular a projecting portion, 161 a of said base stage 161 , and which is integral in an intermediate, or substantially median, position with said base stage 161 , and a portion, in particular a projecting portion, 367a of said elongated member 366, in particular integral in an intermediate, or substantially median, portion to said elongated member 366.

As illustrated, this third implementation of equipment is suitable to support means 18’ for gripping and releasing said load 11 of a conventional type, as said figures 3A and 3B illustrate.

In the figures 4A to 40, a fourth preferred implementation 300 of equipment according to the present invention is illustrated. In this fourth preferred implementation 300, those components that are similar or equivalent to those of the first preferred implementation are marked with the same numeral references used in the previous preferred implementations and, in order not to overburden the present description, are not commented in detail again. As is clear from said figures, this fourth preferred implementation 300 relates to an equipment for handling a load 11 , in particular with said load being in the form of a container, or ISO container, 11 , especially for the intermodal transport of goods.

As is clear from said figures, also this fourth preferred implementation 300 of equipment comprises support means, or frame, 12 supported on means 14 for moving the equipment 10, in particular with respect to the ground, preferably in the form of wheels 14, an arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 , said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 comprising a base stage 161 connected, in a movable or articulated manner, in particular in a rotatable, i.e., tiltable, manner, with respect to said support means, or frame 12 and suitably swinging, or tiltable, with respect to these, or this, in particular under the impulse of corresponding activation means 162, 162, and a corresponding extension stage 124.

As is clear from said figures, also this fourth preferred implementation 300 of equipment further comprises means, or gear, 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 , in particular carried at the end of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 .

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures also in this fourth preferred implementation it is provided that said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 comprises an extension stage 164, which is supported by said base stage 161 and which is connected in an articulated manner, preferably in a rotatable manner, with respect to the same base stage 161 , upon the impulse of corresponding activation means, in particular those marked with the numeral references 165, and 176 as in any case will be best understood from the following of the present description.

Furthermore, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, it is advantageously provided for said base stage 161 to be shaped as a portal. In this manner, an appreciable visibility of the load attachment zone by the driver located in the manoeuvring station or cabin can be achieved.

Advantageously, in particular from said figures, it can be seen that in this fourth preferred implementation of equipment 300, said base stage 161 comprises a first and a second uprights 1610, 1610, in particular transversally spaced apart from each other.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, the base stage 161 further comprises a transverse, 1611 , in particular connecting said first and second uprights 1610, 1610 to each other, and especially carried, or integral, to said first and second uprights 1610, 1610 at the free end thereof.

As is clear from said figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second uprights 1610, 1610 are located at, or in the proximity of, opposite side ends 121, 121 of said support means, or frame, 12.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second uprights 1610, 1610 are spaced apart from each other by an extent that is larger than the width of the manoeuvring station, or cabin 121 , in particular by an extent that is larger than twice the width of the same manoeuvring station, or cabin 121.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second uprights 1610, 1610 have an arched configuration, in particular concave in the direction of the rear part of the equipment.

As is clear from said figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second uprights 1610, 1610 are connected to the support means, or frame, 12, via a corresponding articulated connection, in particular of the hinge type 160, i.e., are movably connected, especially in a rotatable manner, in particular with respect to a corresponding horizontal axis, with respect to said support means, or frame 12 and are suitably swinging, or tiltable, with respect to these, or this, in particular under the impulse of corresponding activation means 162, 162, in particular in the form of corresponding actuators, i.e., preferably in the form of corresponding jacks or hydraulic cylinders.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second uprights 1610, 1610 are connected to the support means, or frame, 12 in a zone that is longitudinally in the proximity of the rear wheels 14, 14 of the equipment.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said activation means 162 of said base stage 161 are provided between said support means, or frame, 12 and the respective upright 1610, 1610 thereof. Said activation means 162, 162 are especially connected between said base stage 161 and said support means, or frame, 12, in particular between a respective portion 162a, projecting superiorly in a position that faces the frame 12, and a portion 162b integral in an intermediate position to the respective upright 1610, 1610 of the base stage of the arm 16 and projecting therefrom, and in particular located at the upper zone, i.e., located in the top half, of said first and second uprights 1610, 1610.

As is clear from said figures, with appreciable advantage, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, uncoupling means 17 are provided, of said extension stage 164, in particular of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of the same extension stage 164, i.e., of a respective end thereof, from said base stage 161 .

In this manner, a particularly articulated and flexible movement for said extension stage 164 can be achieved.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, according to another aspect, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 comprises an intermediate stage 17 between said base stage 161 and said extension stage 164, in particular defining said uncoupling means of said extension stage 164 from said base stage 161 .

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said extension stage 164 is connected in an articulated manner, preferably in a rotatable, i.e., tiltable, manner, to the same base stage 161 , through said intermediate stage 17.

With advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said intermediate stage 17 is supported, in particular directly supported, by said base stage 161 .

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said intermediate stage 17 supports, in particular directly supports, said extension stage 164.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said intermediate stage 17 is connected in an articulated manner, preferably in a rotatable, i.e., tiltable, manner, to said base stage 161.

In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said extension stage 164 is connected in an articulated manner, preferably in a rotatable, i.e., tiltable, manner, to said intermediate stage 17.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said intermediate stage 17 is connected to, or supported by, said transverse, 1611 of said base stage 161 .

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said intermediate stage 17 is connected to said base stage 161 , i.e., to said transverse, 1611 thereof, in particular in a rotatable manner with respect to a corresponding, especially horizontal, axis through corresponding hinge means 178.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said extension stage 164 is three- dimensionally connected in a rotatable manner relative to said intermediate stage 17, in particular through corresponding ball-joint or three-dimensional hinge means 179, 179.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said intermediate stage 17 comprises a first and a second members 171 , 171.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 are movable, in particular rotatable, especially rotatable about a common rotational axis, in particular horizontal, with respect to said base stage 161.

In an appreciably advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 are movable, in particular rotatable, with respect to said base stage 161 , independently of each other.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 are side by side relative to each other.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 are transversally spaced apart from each other.

With appreciable advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and/or said second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 are in a general portal configuration.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and/or said second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 have a first and a second uprights 172, 172 transversally spaced apart from each other and a transverse 173, in particular an outer transverse, for the connection of said first and second uprights 172, 172.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second uprights 172, 172, of said first and/or said second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17, have, according to the longitudinal direction, a curved shape, in particular convex towards the extrados, or towards the direction that is rear relative to the equipment.

With advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and/or second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 are hinged, in particular the respective first and/or second uprights 172, 172 of the same first and/or second members 171 , 171 of the intermediate stage 17, are hinged, in particular inferiorly to said base stage 161 , i.e., to said transverse 161 1 thereof, in particular through planar hinges 178.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, in particular from figure 4L, said first and said second members 171 , of said intermediate stage 17 are movable, in particular in a coincident manner, or simultaneously, in the same, especially angular, direction, to move said load, or container, 11 forward or backward.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and said second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 are movable, in particular in a coincident manner, or simultaneously, in opposite, in particular angular, directions, to rotate with respect to a perpendicular or vertical axis said load, or container, 11 , as seen from the figure 4H with respect to said support means, or frame, 12, or to transversally translate, to the right or left, said load, or container, 11 with respect to said support means, or frame 12, as seen from the figure 4I.

In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second uprights 172, 172, of said first and/or said second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17, comprise a transversally outer upright and a transversally inner upright, in particular the transversally outer upright of the respective one of said first and/or said second members 171 , 171 , of said intermediate stage 17, being vertically aligned to the corresponding one of said first and second uprights 1610, 1610 of said base stage 161 .

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, first activation means 174 and second activation means 175 are provided, respectively for said first and said second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17.

In this manner, said first and said second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 can be thereby actuated independently, and the operational versatility of the equipment can thus be increased.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, means 174, 175 are provided for actuating, in particular in rotation, especially with respect to said base stage 161 , said intermediate stage 17.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second activation means 174, 175 respectively for said first and said second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 comprise an actuator, in particular a first and a second driving actuators 176, 176 or 176, 176 for each of said first and second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17, preferably respectively at the intrados zone and the extrados zone of the corresponding first and second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17.

Especially, said actuator, in particular said first and second actuators, 176, 176 or 176, 176 are in the form of corresponding jacks or hydraulic cylinders. Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, the respective actuator, in particular said first and second driving actuators 176, 176 or 176, 176 for each of said first and second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 operate on, or are connected to, the inner upright 172 of said first and second members 171 , 171.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second activation means 174, 175, respectively for said first and said second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17, are provided between said base stage 161 and said intermediate stage 17, in particular between said outermost transverse 1611 of said base stage 161 , especially at an intermediate zone thereof, in particular between a respective portion 178a, projecting anteriorly or posteriorly, and a corresponding, especially inner, upright of said respective first and/or second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17, in particular connecting to an intermediate zone thereof, especially to an anteriorly or posteriorly projecting portion 178b.

In an appreciably advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said intermediate stage 17 has a length that is less than that of said base stage 161 and/or of said extension stage 164, in particular less than half the length of said base stage 161 and/or said extension stage 164.

Advantageously, as can be seen, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said extension stage 164 comprises a first and a second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, which in particular extend, especially directly, from said intermediate stage 17.

Advantageously, as can be seen, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, the extension stage 164, i.e., the respective one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, has a length corresponding, or substantially corresponding, to that of said base stage 161 .

With appreciable advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, the respective one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 is in the form of a linear, or rectilinear, section bar, i.e., respectively in the form of a corresponding section bar, in particular in metal, especially tubular, preferably with a quadrangular or square cross-section.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, the respective one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, in particular the respective end 166’ for the attachment to the remaining part of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 , i.e., to said intermediate stage 17 thereof, are transversally spaced apart, transversally to one another, especially arranging perpendicularly at or in the proximity of the side ends 121, 121 of said support means, or frame, 12, i.e., perpendicularly at, or substantially perpendicularly at, i.e., perpendicularly aligned, or substantially perpendicularly aligned, to the respective uprights 1610, 1610 of said base stage 161 and/or to the outer uprights of the respective one of said first and second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said extension stage 164, in particular said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, extend from the end of said intermediate stage 17 that is opposite the one for the connection to said base stage 161 .

With advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said extension stage 164, in particular said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, extend, especially directly, from the outermost transverse 173 of the respective one of said first and/or second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17, in particular from the respective outer side end thereof.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 are three-dimensionally movable in a rotatable manner, preferably through corresponding ball-joint or three-dimensional hinge means 179, in particular relative to a respective end, in particular an upstream end, for the attachment to the rest of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 , in particular to said intermediate stage 17 of said same arm 16.

In this manner, it is thereby possible to move said means, or gear, 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 in a particularly flexible manner, i.e., in a plurality of positions, in particular causing said load, or container, 11 , to perform a corresponding rotational movement with respect to an axis longitudinal to the equipment, and/or a corresponding rotational movement relative to a perpendicular axis to the same equipment and/or a transverse translational movement relative to the same equipment.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, in particular the respective free ends 166”, 166” of said same first and said second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, are movable, in particular transversally or horizontally, between a widened position and a closed-up position to couple loads, or containers, 11 having lengths or widths that are different from one another, in particular as can be best understood from said figures 4E and 4F.

In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 are movable, in particular the respective free ends 166”, 166” of said same first and said second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, are movable perpendicularly to one another, especially in opposite perpendicular directions, to rotate said load, or container, 11 relative to an axis L that is longitudinal to the equipment, in particular as can be seen from Fig. 4G.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 are movable, in particular the respective free ends 166”, 166” of said same first and said second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, are longitudinally movable one relative to the other, and especially said first and second members 171 , 171 , are movable in opposite angular directions, to rotate said load, or container, 11 relative to an axis perpendicular to the equipment, in particular as can be best understood from said figure 4H.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 are movable, in particular the respective free ends 166”, 166” of said same first and said second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, are longitudinally movable one relative to the other, and especially said first and second members 171 , 171 , are movable in opposite angular directions, transversally translate, for example by a stretch X, said load, or container, 11 relative to the equipment, in particular as can be best understood from said figure 4I.

In practice, in a particularly advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, in particular the respective free ends 166”, 166” of said same first and said second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, are movable independently of each other. Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, means 165, 165, 169, 169 are provided, for activating the movement of said extension stage 164, in particular of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

In particular, said activation means 169, 169, such as said activation means 165, 165, are in the form of corresponding actuators, i.e. , preferably are in the form of corresponding jacks or hydraulic cylinders.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means for activating the movement of said extension stage 164, in particular of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, comprise means 165, 165 for activating the movement of said extension stage 164, in particular of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, relative to said intermediate stage 17 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 , i.e., with respect to said base stage 161 , which in particular are adapted to rotate said extension stage 164, i.e., said first and said second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, relative to said intermediate stage 17 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 , i.e., with respect to said base stage 161 , i.e., relative to the connection hinges 179 and/or 178.

In an appreciably advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 165, 165 for activating the movement of said extension stage 164, in particular of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, relative to said intermediate stage 17 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 , i.e., with respect to said base stage 161 , are connected between said base stage 161 and said extension stage 164, i.e., said first and said second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, in particular between a respective portion 165a, projecting from said base stage 161 , i.e., from the corresponding upright 1610, 1610 thereof, especially at the corresponding portion 162b for said activation means 162 of said base stage 161 , and a portion 165b projecting, in particular in an intermediate position, from the respective first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means for activating the movement of said extension stage 164, in particular of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, comprise means 169, 169, for activating the relative movement of said first and second elongated members 166, 166, of said extension stage 164, relative to said intermediate stage 17 and/or one relative to the other.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 169, 169 for activating the relative movement of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 relative to said intermediate stage 17 and/or one relative to the other are adapted to move closer or to move away said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 to/from one another.

With appreciable advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 169, 169 for activating the relative movement of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, relative to said intermediate stage 17 and/or one relative to the other, are provided between said intermediate stage 17, in particular the respective one of said first and second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 , i.e. , the respective outermost transverse 173, 173 thereof, and said corresponding first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 169, 169 for activating the relative movement of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, relative to said intermediate stage 17 and/or one relative to the other, are connected between said intermediate stage 17, in particular the respective one of said first and second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 , i.e. , the respective outermost transverse 173, 173 thereof and said corresponding first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, in particular between a respective portion 169a, projecting from said intermediate stage 17, in particular from the respective one of said first and second members 171 , 171 of said intermediate stage 17 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 , i.e., from the respective outermost transverse 173, 173 thereof, at the transverse end that is inner or opposite the attachment end of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, and a respective portion 169b, 169b, projecting from the respective first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, at an intermediate zone thereof, preferably downstream of the attachment protrusion 165b, 165b for said means 165, 165 for activating the movement of said extension stage 164, in particular of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, relative to said intermediate stage 17 of said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 , i.e., with respect to said base stage 161.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, the means, or gear, 18 for gripping and releasing said load 11 comprise, or comprises, a first 191 and a second 191 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 .

With advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 are independent and/or separated from each other, in particular, they are movable independently of each other.

In this manner, means for gripping the load or container that are particularly light-weighted and versatile can be obtained.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 are respectively carried by said extension stage 164, in particular by a corresponding one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, and especially are, in use, transversally spaced apart from each other, and/or are respectively movable relative to said extension stage 164, in particular with respect to a corresponding one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, upon the impulse of corresponding activation means 197, 198.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 are carried at the free end 166” of said extension stage 164, in particular of the respective one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166.

In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 comprise respectively a corresponding support body, or frame, 193, 193 supporting respective means, or organs, 194 for grasping the load or container 11 .

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, the respective one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , i.e. , the respective support body, or frame, 193, 193, is hung, in particular through a corresponding upper end 193’, to the end 166” of said extension stage 164, in particular of the respective one of said first and said second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means, or organs, 194 for grasping the load or container 11 of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , project from a lower end 193” of the respective one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , i.e., from the corresponding support body, or frame, 193, 193.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, the respective one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , i.e., the respective support body, or frame, 193, 193, is connected to said extension stage 164, in particular to the respective one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, through a hinge, or junction, 195, that allows a rotation relative to a perpendicular axis P, and/or a rotation, or swinging, relative to a horizontal axis, preferably a longitudinal one L.

In this manner, the respective one of said first 191 and second 192 gripping members can always be kept in a suitable position for gripping and releasing said load, or container, 11.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, the respective hinge, or junction, 195, that allows a rotation relative to a perpendicular axis P, and/or a rotation, or swinging, relative to a horizontal axis, preferably a longitudinal one, L, is carried by said extension stage 164, in particular from the respective one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164, especially at the respective free end.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said support body, or frame, 193, 193 of the respective one of said first 191 and second 192 gripping members, of said load, or container, 11 , comprises a lower strut 1931 , in particular supporting said means, or organs, 194 for grasping the load or container 11 , and opposite rafters 1932, 1932, extending from said strut 1931 and converging to an end 1933 for the connection to said extension stage 164, in particular to the respective one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

In an appreciably advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, means 196 are provided, for adjusting the position of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , i.e., means for activating the relative movement of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 with respect to said extension stage 164, i.e., with respect to the corresponding one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

In this manner, the load or container can thus be grasped in an optimal and quick manner.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 196 for adjusting the position of said first

191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , i.e., said means for activating the relative movement of said first 191 and second

192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , are adapted to keep said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 mutually parallel.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 196 for adjusting the position of said first

191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , i.e., said means for activating the relative movement of said first 191 and second

192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , are adapted to keep said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 longitudinally oriented, in particular oriented in a compliant or parallel manner to the side flanks 11’, 1 T of said load, or container, 11.

With appreciable advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 196 for adjusting the position of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , i.e., said means for activating the relative movement of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , are adapted to keep said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 perpendicular or vertical, in particular perpendicular with respect to said load, or container, 11 , i.e., to the respective upper wall 11” thereof.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 196 for adjusting the position of said first

191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , i.e., said means for activating the relative movement of said first 191 and second

192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , are provided between the respective one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 and said extension stage 164, in particular the corresponding one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 196 for adjusting the position of said first

191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , i.e., said means for activating the relative movement of said first 191 and second

192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , comprise means 197 that are adapted to activate a rotation according to a perpendicular axis of the corresponding one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 with respect to the corresponding one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11. With advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means that are adapted to activate a rotation according to a perpendicular axis of the corresponding one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , with respect to the corresponding one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , are provided between an outermost pin 1660 of said extension stage 164, in particular of the corresponding one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 and the upper part of the respective one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 .

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means that are adapted to activate a rotation according to a perpendicular axis of the corresponding one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , with respect to the corresponding one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , are in the form of a corresponding rotating or rotary actuator 197.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 196 for adjusting the position of said first

191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , i.e., said means for activating the relative movement of said first 191 and second

192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , comprise means 198 that are adapted to activate a rotation, or swinging, according to a corresponding horizontal, preferably longitudinal, axis of the corresponding one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 with respect to the corresponding said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 .

In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 198 that are adapted to activate a rotation, or swinging, according to a corresponding horizontal, preferably longitudinal, axis of the corresponding one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 with respect to the corresponding said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , are provided between an outermost pin 1660 projecting, in particular internally, from said extension stage 164, in particular from the corresponding one of said first and second elongated members 166, 166 of said extension stage 164 and an intermediate zone of the side flank of the respective one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means that are adapted to activate a rotation, or swinging, according to a corresponding horizontal, preferably longitudinal, axis of the corresponding one of said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 with respect to the corresponding said first 191 and second 192 members for gripping said load, or container, 11 , are in the form of a linear actuator 198.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, the manoeuvring station, or cabin 121 is movable with respect to said support means, or frame, 12.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, the manoeuvring station, or cabin 121 is vertically, or perpendicularly, movable with respect to said support means, or frame, 12.

In this manner, it is possible to improve the driver’s visibility, and in particular, it is possible to easily couple, i.e., to lift and lower, especially without needing to move other loads or containers, even a load or container that is in a rear row relative to the one that is arranged frontally to the equipment, i.e., to the same driver, as best understood from the figures 4N and 40.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said manoeuvring station, or cabin 121 is movable between a lowered position, in particular for the forward driving of the equipment and/or at or in the proximity of said support means, or frame, 12, and a lifted position, especially said cabin 121 being adapted to be located in any desired position between these same positions.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said manoeuvring station, or cabin 121 is movable along a corresponding pillar member 122.

In an appreciably advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said pillar member 122 is located posteriorly to said arm 16 for lifting and lowering said load 11 , in particular posteriorly to said base stage 161 thereof.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said pillar member 122 has a height that is more than twice the height of said manoeuvring station, or cabin 121 .

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said manoeuvring station, or cabin 121 is cantileverly supported by said pillar member 122 and/or is anteriorly positioned relative thereto.

With appreciable advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said manoeuvring station, or cabin 121 is movable in height substantially up to the upper end of said base stage 161 , when it is oriented vertically or substantially vertically, i.e. , slightly below the upper or outermost end of said base stage 161 , when it is oriented vertically or substantially vertically, preferably, in the lifted position, said manoeuvring station, or cabin 121 is below, in particular slightly below, said outermost transverse 1611 of said base stage 161 . Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, means for activating the vertical or perpendicular movement of said manoeuvring station, or cabin 121 , are provided, while not being particularly illustrated in the attached figures.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 14 for moving the equipment 10, in particular with respect to the ground, preferably in the form of wheels 14, comprise two pairs of front twinned wheels 14’, 14’ and two individual rear wheels 14”, 14”.

With advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 14 for moving the equipment 10, in particular with respect to the ground, preferably in the form of wheels 14, comprise first and second front wheel means 14’, 14’, transversally aligned and spaced apart from each other, and first and second rear wheel means 14”, 14”, transversally aligned and spaced apart from each other, said first and second front wheel means 14’, 14’ and said first and second rear wheel means 14”, 14” are longitudinally spaced apart from each other.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 14 for moving the equipment 10, in particular with respect to the ground, preferably in the form of wheels 14, comprise first and second front wheel means 14’, 14’, transversally spaced apart from each other and preferentially provided for at the opposite side zones of said support means, or frame, 12, and first and second rear wheel means 14”, 14”, transversally spaced apart from each other and preferentially provided for at the opposite side zones of said support means, or frame, 12.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said first and second front wheel means 14’, 14’ and/or said first and second rear wheel means 14”, 14” are respectively orientable, i.e. , steerable, with respect to a corresponding vertical or perpendicular axis, in particular each of said first and second front wheel means 14’, 14’ and of said first and second rear wheel means 14”, 14” is orientable, i.e., steerable, with respect to a corresponding vertical or perpendicular axis.

In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, each of said first and second front wheel means 14’, 14’ and of said first and second rear wheel means 14”, 14”, is orientable, i.e., steerable, independently of the other wheel means.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, each of said first and second front wheel means 14’, 14’ and of said first and second rear wheel means 14”, 14”, comprises respectively a wheel, i.e., also a first and a second wheels.

Advantageously, as seen from the figure 4M, said means 14 for moving the equipment 10, in particular with respect to the ground, preferably in the form of wheels 14, are adapted to rotate the equipment relative to a perpendicular, or vertical, axis having a respective centre of rotation C.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as seen from the figure 4M, said first and second front wheel means 14’, 14’ and said first and second rear wheel means 14”, 14”, i.e., the respective wheel or pair of wheels thereof, are oriented so that they have the same centre of rotation C.

Advantageously, as seen from the figure 4M, said centre of rotation C of the equipment is at the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the equipment.

Advantageously, as seen from the figure 4M, said centre of rotation C of the equipment is inside the contour in plan of the equipment.

In an appreciably advantageous manner, as seen from the figure 4M, said centre of rotation C of the equipment, in particular according to the longitudinal direction, is central, or substantially central, to the contour in plan of the equipment.

In this manner, the equipment can perform an advantageous rotational manoeuvre, relative to a perpendicular axis, of said load, or container, 11.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, according to a different configuration, however not illustrated in the attached figures, it can be contemplated that said centre of rotation of the equipment is outside the contour in plan of the equipment.

With appreciable advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 14 for moving the equipment 10, in particular said first and second front wheel means 14’, 14’, and said first and second rear wheel means 14”, 14”, are oriented, i.e., said wheels 14’, 14’, 14”, 14”, are oriented, mutually parallel and according to the longitudinal direction in the standard forward or reverse driving.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said means 14 for moving the equipment 10, in particular said first and second front wheel means 14’, 14’, and said first and second rear wheel means 14”, 14”, are oriented, i.e., said wheels 14’, 14’, 14”, 14”, are oriented, according to an angle according to the longitudinal direction in the standard forward or reverse driving, and in particular are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in the standard forward or reverse driving, as can be seen from fig. 4N.

In this manner, the equipment can thus perform an advantageous translational manoeuvre, in particular in a direction parallel to the laying zone of said load, or container, 11 .

With advantage, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said support means, or frame, 12 have a shape in plan that is generally rectangular and elongated according to the longitudinal direction, and/or define, or defines, corresponding front 122 and rear 123 transverse faces and opposite side faces 124, 125, especially generally diverging towards the front of the equipment.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said support means, or frame, 12 further have, or has, a generally planar upper face 126, and a lower face 127, beyond which said means 14 for moving the equipment 10 extend, preferably in the form of wheels 14.

In practice, as illustrated, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, it is provided that one or more of said activation means of the equipment is in the form of hydraulic activation means.

In particular, as illustrated, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, it is provided that one or more of said activation means of the equipment 162, 165, 169, 178, 198 is in the form of a corresponding, especially linear or rectilinear, jack, in particular of the hydraulic type.

Advantageously, as is clear from said figures, said support means, or frame, 12 have, or has, in plan, a maximum longitudinal length that is less than twice the maximum transverse width of the equipment, in particular a maximum longitudinal length that is less than 1 ,5 folds the maximum transverse width of the same equipment.

In a particularly advantageous manner, as is clear from said figures, in this fourth preferred implementation 300, said support means, or frame, 12 have, or has, in plan, a maximum transverse width, in particular at the front zone, i.e. , of the front wheels 14’, of the equipment and a minimum transverse width, in particular at the rear zone, i.e., of the rear wheels 14”, of the same equipment, preferably said maximum transverse width is less than twice the minimum transverse width, and especially said maximum transverse width is less than 1 ,5 folds the minimum transverse width.

However, it is understood that, while in the present preferred implementations actuators of the hydraulic type are used, and in particular in the form of corresponding cylinders or hydraulic jacks, the same actuators could also be of another type, for example of the electrical type.

In practice, as can be understood, the technical characteristics illustrated above allow, individually or in a respective combination, to achieve one or more of the following advantageous results:

- a lifting and lowering arm is achieved, which is relatively light- weighted and which does not require a high consumption of driving power;

- an equipment that is particularly adapted to an electric-type propulsion is achieved;

- the present equipment is especially easy and flexible to use, in particular when the containers need to be stacked on rows adjacent to each other and placed one behind the other with respect to the same equipment;

- the load can be kept in a suitable and advantageous angular position;

- a gear, or means, for gripping and releasing said load that are particularly simplified and light-weighted, i.e. , such as to have a lesser impact on the mechanical stresses and the energy consumption of the equipment, can be obtained;

- an appreciable visibility of the load attachment zone by the driver located in the manoeuvring station or cabin can be achieved;

- a particularly flexible movement of said extension stage can be thereby achieved;

- said first and said second members of said intermediate stage can thus be actuated independently, thus increasing the operational versatility of the equipment, i.e., the number and type of manoeuvres that can be performed;

- in particular, it is thereby possible to move said means, or gear, for gripping and releasing said load in a particularly flexible manner, i.e., in a plurality of positions, in particular making said load, or container, to perform a corresponding rotational movement with respect to an axis longitudinal to the equipment, and/or a corresponding rotational movement relative to an axis perpendicular to the same equipment and/or a transverse translational movement relative to the same equipment; - the respective first and second members for gripping said load, or container can always be kept in a suitable position;

- the load or container can thus be grasped in an optimal and quick manner;

- it is possible to improve the driver’s visibility, and in particular it is possible to easily couple, i.e. , to lift and lower, especially without needing to move other loads or containers, even a load or container that is in a rear row relative to the one that is arranged frontally to the equipment, i.e. , to the same driver;

- the equipment can thus perform an advantageous translational manoeuvre, in particular in a direction parallel to the laying zone of said load, or container;

- the handling operations of loads and containers can be considerably reduced.

The present invention is susceptible of obvious industrial application.

Furthermore, 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 inventive concept, as widely set forth. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will be able to devise further preferred implementations of the invention, which comprise one or more of the characteristics illustrated above of the preferred implementation referred to above, in particular, as set forth in the attached claims. Furthermore, it shall also be understood that all the details of the invention can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.