Container handler fork assembly improvements

A container handler, comprising:

• a first frame;
• at least one lift arm coupled with the first frame;
• at least one first actuator operative to move the at least one lift arm with respect to the first frame;
• a fork assembly coupled with the at least one lift arm, the fork assembly comprising a second frame and a carriage operative to move between a first position and a second position with respect to the second frame, the carriage carrying a pair of tines;
• wherein the carriage comprises at least one tube telescopically received within at least one corresponding sleeve of the second frame;
• wherein each tine extends generally orthogonally from the carriage through a respective slot defined in the second frame;
• and
• the fork assembly further comprising at least one second actuator coupled with the carriage;
• wherein movement of the at least one second actuator causes the carriage to move with respect to the second frame between the first and second positions.

A vehicle, comprising:

• a chassis;
• at least one lift arm pivotably coupled with the chassis, the at least one lift arm movable between a stowed position and an extended position with respect to the chassis based on actuation of at least one first linear actuator coupled between the chassis and the at least one lift arm;
• and
• the at least one lift arm further comprising a fork assembly coupled thereto, the fork assembly comprising a frame and a pair of tines;
• wherein each of the pair of tines is coupled with at least one first tube, and wherein the frame comprises at least one second tube axially aligned with the at least one first tube;
• wherein the frame is pivotable with respect to the at least one lift arm in response to actuation of at least one second linear actuator coupled between the frame and the at least one lift arm;
• wherein the tines are operative to translate with respect to the frame in response to actuation of at least one third linear actuator;
• wherein the tines are coupled with a carriage, and the third linear actuator is coupled between the carriage and the frame;
• wherein the at least one first tube translates within a longitudinal aperture defined in the at least one second tube.

A vehicle, comprising:

• a chassis;
• at least one lift arm pivotably coupled with the chassis, the at least one lift arm movable between a stowed position and an extended position with respect to the chassis based on actuation of at least one first linear actuator coupled between the chassis and the at least one lift arm;
• and
• the at least one lift arm further comprising a fork assembly coupled thereto, the fork assembly comprising a frame and a pair of tines;
• wherein each of the pair of tines is coupled with at least one first tube, and wherein the frame comprises at least one second tube axially aligned with the at least one first tube;
• wherein the frame is pivotable with respect to the at least one lift arm in response to actuation of at least one second linear actuator coupled between the frame and the at least one lift arm;
• wherein the tines are operative to translate with respect to the frame in response to actuation of at least one third linear actuator;
• wherein the at least one third linear actuator comprises two hydraulic cylinders.