Method and apparatus for twist lock manipulation

1. A manipulation device for either securing a twist-lock to a shipping container or releasing it therefrom or both, the device comprising engagement means operative to engage and rotate at least a portion of the twist-lock so as to secure the twist lock in the shipping container or to release it therefrom;

a support member disposed above the engagement means, the support member being arranged to receive and support a mid region of the twist-lock whilst allowing a lower portion of the supported twist-lock to project below the member to be engagable with the engagement means;

said support member being in the form of a plate incorporating at least one aperture allowing the lower portion of the supported twist-lock to project below the plate;

wherein said support member is selectively movable out of alignment with an axis of rotation of the twist-lock.

2. A manipulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the support member is arranged such that the selective movement of the support member causes the twist lock to disengage from said device.

3. A manipulation device according to claim 1 , wherein said support member is selectively pivotable.

4. A manipulation device according to claim 3 , wherein said support member is selectively pivotable about a pivotting axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

5. A manipulation device according to claim 3 , wherein said support member is selectively pivotable about a pivotting axis parallel to the axis of rotation.

6. A manipulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the support member is movable in a direction of an axis of rotation of the engagement means.

7. A manipulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the engagement means is movable relative to the support member in a direction of an axis of rotation of the engagement means.

8. A manipulation device according to claim 1 , wherein both the engagement means and the support member are movable in a direction of an axis of rotation of the engagement means.

9. A manipulation device according to claim 1 , further comprising a frame incorporating the engagement means and the support member, wherein in use, the frame is movable in a direction of an axis of rotation of the engagement means.

10. A manipulation device according to claim 9 , further comprising a housing wherein the frame is disposed within the housing and movable relative to the housing in the direction of the axis of rotation of the engagement means.

11. A manipulation device according to claim 10 , further comprising a height adjustment assembly operative to move the frame relative to the housing in the direction of the axis of rotation of the engagement means.

12. A manipulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the engagement means comprises a plurality of elements that are movable between a retracted and extended position such that a recess operative to receive the twist-lock is formed on retracting selected areas of the elements.

13. A manipulation device according to claim 12 , wherein the engagement means comprises a base plate and side plates, such that at least one of the base plates or the side plates are extendable to vary the size or shape of a recess for receiving a twist-lock.

14. A manipulation device according to claim 1 , wherein the engagement means is in the form of jaws which are operable to grip the twist-lock disposed in the manipulation device.

15. A manipulation device according to claim 1 , further comprising an actuator operative to release a locking mechanism disposed on the twist-lock.