Abstract: A cargo container handling implement, i.e., a grappler spreader, having the customary four grappling arms for the bottom lifting of piggy-back trailers and four latch units for interlocking with the top latch receptacles of cargo containers, and, in addition, a mechanism by which the latch units are adjustable with respect to the remainder of the grappler spreader in its lateral direction to enable the implement to support a container with the vertical plane of its outwardly offset side beyond the lateral extremities of the adjacent pair of upwardly stored grappling arms.

Abstract: A spreader for lifting containers comprises a generally rectangular frame having container engaging devices adjacent the corners thereof and being mountable on the tines of a fork truck or the like for movement rotatably about a generally vertical axis, and horizontally in directions both parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the tines. The frame includes base and upper frames, and at least one of such frames includes an elongated slot extending generally parallel to one of the horizontal directions of movement. A pin extending outwardly from the other of such frames is received in the slot for restraining the upper frame against complete displacement from the base frame, as well as for guiding certain movements of the upper frame relative to the base frame.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cargo container spreader arranged as an articulated assembly of which a main frame or spreader portions supporting a cargo container may be shifted in substantially universal angular movements relative to a spreader supporting facility, such as a crane, through suspension of the main frame on a pair of spaced upright subframes with respect to which the main frame is horizontally movable in its transverse direction. Skewing of the main frame occurs when it is shifted relative to the subframes in opposite transverse directions.