Side latch assembly for lifting trailers and containers

A side latch assembly for lifting a load carrying structure used for intermodal transportation comprising,

• side fitting means for mounting at an upper side location on an external surface of said structure, said side fitting means including attachment receiving means thereon for at times engaging said side latch assembly,
• horizontal beam means secured to a spreader apparatus for positioning over a top side of the load carrying structure in proximity to the location of said side fitting means mounted on the structure,
• latch arm means secured to distal ends of said beam means for preselected vertical movement thereon,
• adjusting means for positioning said latch arm means adjacent said side fitting means,
• sensor means for contacting a top side of the side fitting means to position said latch arm means adjacent said side fitting means,
• extension means for reciprocable movement within said latch arm means, and
• adjustable gripping means secured to said extension means for at times engaging said attachment receiving means of the side fitting means in a vise-like interlocked connection therebetween,
• whereby when said adjustable gripping means is connected with said attachment receiving means, said side latch assembly is operable to lift the structure.