Apparatus for carrying empty cargo containers

Abstract

The cargo container carrier of this invention is configured to be removably attachable to the carriage structure of a conventional lift truck. The assembly comprises a vertically extensible main frame secured to the lift truck carriage, the frame pivotally supporting a first pair of tiltable container lifting beam sections for adjustment between an operative position in which they are in longitudinal extension, for engaging an empty cargo container for transport, and an inoperative position in which they extend along the lateral sides of the lift truck in order to allow for increased manueverability of the vehicle while not functioning in the transporting of cargo containers, and for operation of the lift truck in conventional uses and in confined spaces. For use with longer cargo containers, the assembly includes a second pair of longer lifting beam sections arranged for adjustment between an operative position in which they are in longitudinal extension, and an inoperative position in which they extend along the lateral sides of the lift truck, the longer beam sections being arranged to overlie and to be secured to the first pair of beam sections when the latter are locked in extended, operative position.