Multi-axis load gripping arm

A gripping clamp for a forklift truck, the clamp comprising:

• (a) a first gripping arm including a first elongate block arranged to engage an elongate lower portion of a load, a longitudinal axis of said first block approximately parallel to a bottom surface of said load, and a second elongate block spaced apart from said first block in a direction normal to said longitudinal axis of said first block and arranged to engage a second elongate portion of said load more distant from said bottom surface of said load than any part of said lower portion, said first block and said second block fixedly defining a plane and arranged to pivot about said longitudinal axis of said first block and to pivot about a second axis substantially normal to said longitudinal axis of said first block and parallel to said plane defined by said first block and said second block;
• and
• (b) a second gripping arm including a third elongate block arranged to engage an elongate second lower portion of said load, a longitudinal axis of said third block approximately parallel to said bottom surface of said load, and a fourth elongate block spaced apart from said third block in a direction normal to a longitudinal axis of said third block and arranged to engage another elongate portion of said load more distant from said bottom surface of said load than any part of said second lower portion, said third block and said fourth block fixedly defining a plane and arranged to pivot about said longitudinal axis of said third block and to pivot about an axis substantially normal to said longitudinal axis of said third block and parallel to said plane defined by said third block and said fourth block;
• wherein said first gripping arm and said second gripping arm are movable together to clamp a load between said elongate blocks.