Expandable top-handling container attachment

Claim 1

A cargo container lift frame comprising an upright frame, extensible transverse beam means mounted on said upright frame, first and second lift beams pivotally secured to said transverse beam means, wherein said transverse beam means comprise, a plurality of extensible beams wherein said plurality of extensible beams comprise, a first transverse beam member having means associated therewith slidably securing a second transverse beam member, and a third transverse beam member to opposite ends of said first transverse beam member, wherein said means slidably securing said beam members comprise, means defining a transverse opening in each end of said first beam member slidably receiving said second and said third beam member in opposite ends of said first beam member, container engaging means mounted on said lift beams at locations for mating with top corner fittings on a cargo container, power means for extending and retracting said transverse beam means whereby said lift frame may accommodate containers of various lengths, wherein said power means comprise, hydraulic cylinder means associated with said beams for extending and retracting said beams, and control valve means for controlling said hydraulic cylinder means, wherein said hydraulic cylinder means comprise, a first hydraulic cylinder means operatively connected between said first and second transverse beam members, and a second hydraulic cylinder means operatively connected between said first and third transverse beam members, and wherein said first hydraulic cylinder means comprises, first and second hydraulic cylinder, said first and second cylinders being operatively connected by first slidable link means, and wherein said second hydraulic cylinder means comprise, third and fourth hydraulic cylinders, said third and fourth cylinders being operatively connected by second slidable link means.