Expandable side-handling container attachment

Claim 1

A cargo container lift frame comprising an upright frame, extensible transverse beam means mounted on said upright frame, container engaging means mounted on said transverse beam means for mating with corner fittings formed into containers, wherein said transverse beam means comprise, a plurality of extensible beams, wherein said plurality of 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, 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 cylinders, 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.