Apparatus for handling a plurality of signature bundles

摘要

Apparatus is provided for handling signature bundles. The apparatus is specifically designed to handle at least two signature bundles at once, including ones of different lengths. The apparatus includes a generally C- shaped frame with legs and a connecting frame member. One of the legs has a fluid-operated cylinder mounted thereon with a piston rod extending toward the other leg. A pivotable bar has an intermediate portion connected to an outer end of the piston rod and two clamping pads are pivotally connected to outer end portions of said pivotable bar. This arrangement enables the clamping pads to simultaneously clamp two signature bundles of different lengths between themselves and the other leg when the piston rod is moved toward the other leg. The apparatus is carried by a hoist bar having a hoist loop connected to a hoist by means of which the bundles can be raised and lowered as well as being moved about. The end of the connecting bar opposite the hoist loop is pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of the connecting frame member so that the frame can be pivoted on a horizontal axis about the connecting bar so as to move the signature bundles between horizontal and vertical positions, as desired.