Means for manipulating and transporting loads

A manipulator for handling a heavy load, the load being of a type having a surface defining an opening into and from which a manipulator member can be inserted and removed and wherein the center of gravity of the load is located in the opening, the manipulator comprising the combination of

• a pivot pin having a central axis;
• holding means insertable into the opening in said heavy load for engaging said surface defining the opening in said load;
• means for attaching said holding means to one end of said pivot pin with said holding means at the center of gravity of said load when said holding means engages said surface such that said holding means is rotatable about said central axis of said pivot pin and so that rotation of said holding means about said central axis causes rotation of said load about its center of gravity;
• and
• mounted means including a vehicle having a longitudinal axis for rotatably holding said pivot pin with said central axis of said pivot pin at a first predetermined angle between zero and ninety degrees with respect to a horizontal plane and a second predetermined angle between zero and ninety degrees with respect to a vertical plane containing said longitudinal axis of said vehicle whereby rotation of said pivot pin moves said holding means and said load through three orthogonal positions.