Lift truck load clamp for handling paper rolls

Abstract

A paper roll-handling clamp for lift trucks of the pivoted arm type capable of clamping a paper roll and shifting the position of the roll relative to the lift truck between a position of equal extension, wherein the forward ends of the clamp arms extend a substantially equal distance forwardly of the lift truck, and a position of unequal extension wherein the forward end of one clamp arm extends a greater distance forwardly than the forward end of the other clamp arm. The shifting movement of the clamp arms in unison occurs about a first transverse pivot axis, while the pivoting of the clamp arms with respect to one another to perform the clamping function occurs about a second transverse pivot axis located a spaced distance away from the first pivot axis and movable with respect thereto. The employment of the two separate pivot axes for the shifting function and the clamping function respectively enables the center of the paper roll to be placed very close to the longitudinal centerline of the lift truck and axis of rotation of the clamp when the clamp is in the position of equal extension, despite the fact that the first pivot axis about which the shifting movement occurs is offset transversely by a substantial distance from the truck centerline and axis of rotation, and enables the center of the roll to be offset advantageously from the centerline and axis of rotation in the unequal extension position.