Gripping apparatus

A gripping apparatus for gripping an object, said apparatus including

• a support frame,
• first arm means supported to said frame for pivotal movement about a first axis,
• second arm means supported to said frame for pivotal movement about a second axis substantially parallel to and spaced from said first axis,
• first flexible element means fixedly secured at one end to a free end of said first arm means,
• second flexible element means fixedly secured at one end to a free end of said second arm means, both said flexible element means being further fixedly secured to said frame at positions spaced from said first and second axes, both said flexible element means normally being in a non-tense state, and
• means for pivotally moving said arm means towards each other so that the respective said flexible element means engage opposite sides of said object whereby said element means are placed in tension and apply a gripping force to said object, and away from each other to release said gripping force.

A gripping apparatus for use with a refuse vehicle for gripping a refuse container, said gripping apparatus including

• first and second arm means, said first and second arm means being supported for pivotal movement about first and second spaced apart substantially parallel pivot axes,
• a first flexible element fixed at one end to the outer end of said first arm means and fixed at its other end to a first anchoring point located between said first and second pivot axes,
• a second flexible element fixed at one end to the outer end of said second arm means and fixed at its other end to a second anchoring point located between said first and second pivot axes, and
• actuating means for actuating said arm means for movement towards and away from each other, movement of said arm means towards each other reducing the distance between said outer end of said first arm means and said first anchoring point, and
• the distance between said outer end of said second arm means and said second anchoring point being such that the respective flexible elements fixed between said outer ends of said arm means and the respective first and second anchoring points become slack,
• said elements, when moved inwardly towards each other by said first and second arm means, engaging a refuse container located therebetween and wrapping about opposite sides of said container to thereby be placed in tension to grip said container.