Package pick-up device having pivoting retaining elements

A pick-up device for packages, comprising:

• a frame;
• a first retaining element having a first retaining side and a second retaining element having a second retaining side, the first retaining element and said second retaining element being operably connected to said frame, and each of said first retaining element and said second retaining element configured for holding a package or portion thereof;
• wherein the first retaining element and the second retaining element are disposed for movement between a starting position and a pivoted position;
• wherein in said starting position, the first retaining side and the second retaining side are disposed adjacent to each other in an aligned position;
• wherein the first retaining element and the second retaining element are pivotable about a common pivot axis, so that in said pivoted position, the first retaining element is disposed at a first angle relative to its orientation in said aligned position, and said second retaining element is disposed at a second angle relative to its orientation in said aligned position, wherein both the first and the second angles are greater than zero;
• and
• wherein one of the first retaining element or the second retaining element comprises a gripper, wherein the gripper has one or more gripper arms, and wherein each gripper arm has one or more tines.