Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to forklifts, and in particularly to, a forklift with transverse movement of mast and a lifting assembly for a forklift with transversely moveable mast.

BACKGROUND
[0002] A forklift, also known as a lift truck, is a powered industrial truck used for the efficient handling and transportation of materials in various industries. Forklifts are widely used in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and construction sites. They play a crucial role in material handling, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and improving overall operational productivity. A forklift typically has a pair of fork-like attachments (tines) at the front for lifting and carrying loads. The forklift may be powered by an internal combustion engine (gasoline, diesel, or propane) or an electric motor. The primary function of the forklift is to lift and lower loads. This is achieved through a hydraulic lifting mechanism connected to the forks. The forklift further includes a mast which is a vertical assembly that supports the lifting mechanism. It can be adjusted to different heights, allowing the forks to reach varying levels. An operator can control the forklift's movements using pedals and levers, manipulating the mast, forks, and other functions.
[0003] However, forklifts (in particularly, rough terrain forklifts) do not possess the capability of enabling transverse movement of the mast. The forklifts neither have such capability through inbuilt side-sift mechanism nor through the steering mechanism. Hence, the forklift has to move either in forward or reverse direction using the steering mechanism to achieve the transverse position. As a result, the payload unloading location has to be achieved by the forklift through to-and-fro movement of the forklift using steering mechanism only. This not only makes the entire process cumbersome, but also introduces delays, and may lead to accidents as well.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for forklifts with transverse movement of mast, or a retrofittable lifting assemblies for forklifts with transversely moveable mast.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In an embodiment, a forklift with a transverse movement of the mast is disclosed. The forklift may include a chassis defining a front end and a rear end. The chassis may include a cylindrical member positioned towards the front end of the chassis, and oriented transversely to the forklift. The forklift may further include a mast positioned towards the front end of the chassis, and mounted on the cylindrical member. The forklift may further include an actuator which may include an associated first end and a second. The actuator may be coupled to the mast via the first end. Further, the actuator may be coupled to the chassis (102) via the second end. The actuator may be configured to cause a transverse movement of the mast, for a precise positioning of the mast relative to a payload.
[0006] In another embodiment, a lifting assembly for a forklift is disclosed. The lifting assembly may include a cylindrical member configured to be fitted to a chassis of the forklift and be positioned towards a front end of the chassis and oriented transversely to the forklift. The lifting assembly may further include a mast positioned towards the front end of the chassis, and mounted on the cylindrical member. The lifting assembly may further include an actuator comprising an associated first end and a second. The actuator may be coupled to the mast via the first end. Further, the actuator may be configured to be coupled to the chassis via the second end. The actuator may be further configured to be coupled with an actuating unit of the forklift. The actuator may be configured to cause a transverse movement of the mast, for a precise positioning of the mast relative to a payload, based on a trigger received from the actuating unit of the forklift.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[0008] FIG. 1A illustrates a first perspective view of a forklift a mast, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 1B illustrates a second perspective view of the forklift the mast of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 2A illustrates a first bottom perspective view of a portion of the forklift, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 2B illustrates a second bottom perspective view of the portion of the forklift, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram of a process of transverse movement of the mast, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 4A illustrates a magnified view of a secondary actuator corresponding to a section A as shown in FIG. 1B, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the forklift with the mast tilted with respect to the vertical, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a hydraulic system of the forklift, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a lifting assembly for the forklift, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[0018] A forklift with transverse movement of mast, and a retrofittable lifting assembly for forklifts with transversely moveable mast are disclosed. The transverse movement of the mast on either side of the forklift longitudinal axis allows for precise alignment of the mast with the payload. The mast is mounted on a cylindrical member in such a way that it can slide on the cylindrical shaft through a force generated by a double-acting hydraulic cylinder mounted on the chassis and connected to the mast. The double acting hydraulic cylinder may move the mast along with the payload in to-and-fro direction. Hence, whenever the forklift operator has to unload the payload at a location which is at a certain distance in the transverse direction of the longitudinal axis of the forklift, the operator does not need to adjust the position of the forklift through steering. Instead, the forklift operator may use the to-and-fro movement of the forklift to push the mast in transverse direction to unload the material at the desired location. This mechanism saves the operation time hence fuel which makes the system more efficient and economical.
[0019] Referring to FIGs. 1A-1B, a first perspective view 100A of a forklift 100 with a mast 104 and a second perspective view 100B of the forklift 100 without the mast 104, respectively, are illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The forklift 100, as shown in FIG. 1, may include a chassis 102 which may define a front end 102A and a rear end 102B. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the chassis 102 may serve as the foundation or framework for the structure of the forklift 100. It is a critical component that provides structural integrity and support for various essential parts of the forklift. The chassis 102 typically includes a frame, axles, wheels, and other structural elements that form the base of the forklift. In addition to supporting lifting mechanism of the forklift 100, the chassis 102 may also house power source, such as an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, along with the transmission and other vital components. The chassis 102 may be constructed from robust materials like steel to ensure strength and longevity. For example, the chassis 102 may have a ladder configuration.
[0020] In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may include a cylindrical member 106 positioned towards the front end 102A of the chassis 102. The cylindrical member 106 may be oriented transversely to the forklift 100. In other words, the cylindrical member 106 may be oriented along the width of the forklift 100. It should be noted that the cylindrical member 106 may be a part of the existing forklift 100, or it may be fitted (retrofitted) on to the existing forklift 100 to enable the implementation of transverse movement of the mast 104. As such, the cylindrical member 106 may be attached along its extreme ends to tow opposite regions of the chassis 102 of the forklift 100. By way of an example, the cylindrical member 106 may be attached via screws, to the chassis 102. Alternatively, the cylindrical member 106 may be supported by two brackets fitted to the chassis, such that the two extreme ends of the chassis 102 may engage with the two brackets, respectively. The cylindrical member 106 may either have be hollow or a solid body adapted to support the load of the mast 104, and as such may be constructed from rigid material like Steel or another alloy having high load bearing capacity.
[0021] The forklift 100 may further include the mast 104 which may be positioned towards the front end 102A of the chassis 102. As will be appreciated and can be seen in FIG. 1, the mast 104 is a vertical assembly that supports the lifting mechanism and allows the forklift 100 to raise and lower loads. The mast 104 is a crucial component responsible for the vertical movement of forks 102A, providing the necessary elevation to handle and position materials. As such, the mast 104 is typically located towards the front end 102A of the chassis 102 of the forklift 100, and attached to the chassis 102. For example, the mast 104 may include vertical uprights and horizontal rails, forming a framework that guides the lifting carriage and forks along a predetermined path (forks are the arms that extend from the lifting carriage and engage with the load). Further, a lifting carriage may be mounted on the mast 104 that moves vertically along the rails and supports the forks, and may be connected to the hydraulic system, which controls the lifting and lowering of the forks.
[0022] The mast 104 may be mounted on the cylindrical member 106. To this end, the mast 104 may include at least one sleeve, as is illustrated in a explained in conjunction with FIGs. 2A-2B. The sleeve may be configured to engage with and slide on the cylindrical member 106 to allow the transverse movement of the mast 104 on the cylindrical member 106. It should be noted that the mast 104 may be configured to turn about the cylindrical member 106 via the sleeve 202 to assume a plurality of vertically slanted orientations.
[0023] The forklift 100 may further include an actuator 204, as in illustrated in and explained in conjunction with FIGs. 2A-2B. In some embodiments, the actuator may be a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. As will be understood, the double-acting hydraulic cylinder is a type of hydraulic cylinder that provides powered force in both directions. The double-acting cylinder can extend and retract using hydraulic fluid for both movements. The double-acting cylinder may include a piston with a rod extending from one end. Hydraulic fluid is supplied alternately to each side of the piston, creating movement in both the extension and retraction directions. The operation of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder relies on a hydraulic system, usually powered by a pump. The pump pressurizes hydraulic fluid, which is then directed to either side of the piston to induce movement. To this end, the forklift 100 may also include a hydraulic power unit that may supply hydraulic fluid to and power the double-acting hydraulic cylinder. As will be explained later, the actuator may include an associated first end and a second end. Further, the actuator may be coupled to the mast 104 via the first end. The actuator may be further coupled to the chassis 102 via the second end of the actuator. The actuator may be configured to cause a transverse movement of the mast 104, for a precise positioning of the mast 104 relative to a payload.
[0024] In some embodiments, as illustrated in and explained in conjunction with FIG. 5, the forklift 100 may further include a controller which may be communicatively coupled to the actuator 204. The controller may be configured to receive an instruction signal from a user, via a user interface. The controller may be further configured to generate a trigger for the actuator 204, to trigger the actuator 204 to cause the transverse movement of the mast 104, for the precise positioning of the mast 104 relative to a payload.
[0025] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGs. 1A-1B, the forklift 100 may further include at least one secondary actuator 108. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the forklift 100 may include a pair of secondary actuators 108. Each secondary actuator 108 may include an associated first end 108A and a second end 108B. The first end 108A of each secondary actuator 108 may be coupled to the chassis 102, and the second end 108 of each secondary actuator 108 may be coupled to the mast 104. Each secondary actuator 108 may be configured to turn the mast 104 about the cylindrical member 106 via the sleeve, in response to a linear expansion or retraction of the secondary actuator 108. In other words, by way of the linear expansion or retraction of the secondary actuator 108, the mast 104 may be caused to undergo tilting forward and backward of the mast 104. The tilting of the mast 104 enhances the flexibility and functionality of the forklift 100 during material handling operations. The tilting further allows the forklift operator to adjust the angle of the forks 102A, making it easier to pick up, carry, and deposit loads, especially in situations where the ground may not be level.
[0026] In some embodiments, as shown in and explained in conjunction with FIG. 4A, the second end 108B of the secondary actuator 108 may include a spherical joint to allow a three-dimensional rotation of the secondary actuator 108 relative to the mast 104, to accommodate a first-type rotation of the secondary actuator 108 during the linear expansion or retraction of the secondary actuator 108 for turning (i.e. tilting) the mast 104 about the cylindrical member 106. Further, the three-dimensional rotation of the secondary actuator 108 relative to the mast 104 may accommodate a second-type rotation of the secondary actuator 108 during the transverse movement of the mast 104.
[0027] Referring now to FIGs. 2A-2B, a first bottom perspective view 200A and a second bottom perspective view 200B of a portion of the forklift 100 are illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. The forklift 100, as shown in FIGs. 2A-2B, may include the chassis 102 which may include the cylindrical member 106. The cylindrical member 106 may be oriented transversely to the forklift 100, oriented along the width of the forklift 100. As mentioned above, the cylindrical member 106 may be a part of the existing forklift 100, or it may be fitted (retrofitted) on to the existing forklift 100. As such, the cylindrical member 106 may be attached along its extreme ends to two opposite regions of the chassis 102 of the forklift 100. For example, the cylindrical member 106 may be supported by two brackets fitted to the chassis 102, such that the two extreme ends of the cylindrical member 106 may engage with the two brackets, respectively.
[0028] The forklift 100 may further include the mast 104. As shown in FIGs. 2A-2B, the mast 104 may be mounted on the cylindrical member 106. To this end, the mast 104 may include at least one sleeve 202. The sleeve 202 may be configured to engage with and slide on the cylindrical member 106 to allow the transverse movement of the mast 104 on the cylindrical member 106. Further, the mast 104 may be configured to turn about the cylindrical member 106 via the sleeve 202 to assume a plurality of vertically slanted orientations.
[0029] In some embodiments, the sleeve 202 may be in surface contact with the cylindrical member 106. To reduce friction during movement of the sleeve 202 on the cylindrical member 106, a layer of lubricant may be provided between the surface of the sleeve 202 and the surface of the cylindrical member 106. For example, the sleeve 202 may define a chamber at the interface of the sleeve 202 and the cylindrical member 106, such that the chamber may be filled with the lubricant. For example, the lubricant may be a petroleum-based grease.
[0030] The forklift 100 may further include an actuator 204, as in illustrated in FIGs. 2A-2B. As mentioned above, the actuator 204 may be a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, that can extend and retract using hydraulic fluid for both movements. The double-acting cylinder may include a piston with a rod extending from one end. Hydraulic fluid is supplied alternately to each side of the piston, creating movement in both the extension and retraction directions. A pump pressurizes hydraulic fluid, which is then directed to either side of the piston to induce movement. As such, the forklift 100 may also include a hydraulic power unit that may supply hydraulic fluid to and power the double-acting hydraulic cylinder.
[0031] The actuator 204 may include an associated first end 204A end and a second end 204B. The actuator 204 may be coupled to the mast 104 via the first end 204A, and to the chassis 102 via the second end 204B of the actuator 204. The actuator 204 may be configured to cause a transverse movement of the mast 104, for a precise positioning of the mast 104 relative to a payload.
[0032] In particular, the actuator 204 may be coupled with the mast 104 via the sleeve 202, as shown in FIGs. 2A-2B. In particular, the actuator 204 may be coupled to the sleeve 202 via a projection 202A of the sleeve 202 (the projection 202A may be an extension of the sleeve 202). When activated, the actuator 204 may extend or retract to move the sleeve 202 and therefore case the movement of the mast 104 relative to the cylindrical member 106. This movement may take place either in left direction or right direction, thereby allowing the mast 104 to move transversely leftwards and rightwards (as indicated by the arrow in FIGs. 2A-2B), by a predetermined distance.
[0033] For example, the predetermined distance may be 22 millimetres. As such, by way of the transverse movement of the mast 104 relative to the cylindrical member 106, the mast 104 is able to undergo a total movement of 44 millimetres. The transverse movement (also referred to as “side-to-side” or “lateral shifting” capability of the mast 104 allows the operator (of the forklift 100) to move the forks 104A horizontally without repositioning the entire forklift 100. As such, the transverse movement is a valuable function in material handling operations, contributing to enhanced precision and efficiency. The process of transverse movement of the mast 104 is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.
[0034] Further, in some embodiments, a shifter sleeve may be implemented that provides for applying even and distributed force to the mast 104. By way of implementing the shifter sleeve, the actuator 204 may be coupled to the shifter sleeve instead of the actuator 204 attaching directly to the sleeve 202 or the cylindrical member 106. The shifter sleeve may engage with the sleeve 202 via slider bush. The shifter sleeve also allows for easy servicing of the sleeve 202 and replacing of the slider bush. This is illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, a process flow diagram of a process 300 of transverse movement of the mast 104 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0036] At step 302, the mast 104 is positioned a central (original) position. As such, the sleeve 202 is positioned in the middle of the cylindrical member 106. Further, the actuator 204 may be in the neutral position, i.e. neither extended nor retracted.
[0037] At step 304, the mast 104 is positioned at a left-most position relative to the cylindrical member 106. As such, the sleeve 202 is displaced towards the left after the sleeve 202 has undergone maximum transverse movement towards the left side. To this end, the actuator 204 is in the fully extended position, having pushed the sleeve 202 and the mast to the left-most position relative to the cylindrical member 106. Further, as shown, in the left-most position of the mast 104, the mast 104 may have transversely moved leftwards a predetermined distance ‘X’. In order to cause the actuator 204 to extend to thereby cause the leftwards transverse movement of the sleeve 202 and the mast 104, the operator of the forklift may provide an instruction via a user interface to the controller. The controller may further communicate with the fluid power unit (including a hydraulic pump) coupled with the actuator 204, and pump the hydraulic fluid inside the actuator 204, to cause the actuator 204 to extend.
[0038] At step 306, the mast 104 is positioned at a right-most position relative to the cylindrical member 106. As such, the sleeve 202 is displaced towards the right after the sleeve 202 has undergone maximum transverse movement towards the right side. To this end, the actuator 204 is in the fully retracted position, having pulled the sleeve 202 and the mast 104 to the right-most position relative to the cylindrical member 106. Further, as shown, in the right-most position of the mast 104, the mast 104 may have transversely moved rightwards a predetermined distance ‘X’. In order to cause the actuator 204 to retract to thereby cause the leftwards transverse movement of the sleeve 202 and the mast 104, the operator of the forklift may provide an instruction via the user interface to the controller. The controller may further communicate with the fluid power unit (including a hydraulic pump) coupled with the actuator 204, and pump out the hydraulic fluid from the actuator 204, to cause the actuator 204 to retract.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 4A, a magnified view of the secondary actuator 108 corresponding to a section A as shown in FIG. 1B is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. As mentioned above, the forklift 100 may include the pair of secondary actuators 108, such that each secondary actuator 108 may include the associated first end 108A and the second end 108B. The first end 108A of each secondary actuator 108 may be coupled to the chassis 102, and the second end 108B of each secondary actuator 108 may be coupled to the mast 104. Further, each secondary actuator 108 may be configured to turn the mast 104 about the cylindrical member 106 via the sleeve 202, in response to a linear expansion or retraction of the secondary actuator 108. By way of the linear expansion or retraction of the secondary actuator 108, the mast 104 may be caused to undergo forward and backward tilting. FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of the forklift 100 with the mast 104 tilted with respect to the vertical, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4B, by way of the linear expansion or retraction of the secondary actuator 108, the mast 104 may undergo forward and backward tilting (as indicated by the arrow).
[0040] Further, as mentioned above, the mast 104 may undergo transverse movement as well. As such, the coupling of the second end 108B of each secondary actuator 108 with the mast 104 may be configured to accommodate a first-type rotation (i.e. angular deviation) of the secondary actuator 108 during the linear expansion or retraction of the secondary actuator 108 for backward and forward tilting the mast 104 about the cylindrical member 106. Further, the coupling of the second end 108B of each secondary actuator 108 with the mast 104 may be configured to accommodate a second-type rotation (i.e. angular deviation) of the secondary actuator 108 during the transverse movement of the mast 104 relative to the cylindrical member 106.
[0041] To this end, the in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first end 108A of the secondary actuator 108 may include a spherical joint 402. The spherical joint 402, as will be appreciated, may allow a three-dimensional rotation of the secondary actuator 108 relative to the mast 104, to accommodate the first-type rotation of the secondary actuator 108 relative to the mast 104 during the linear expansion or retraction of the secondary actuator 108 for tilting the mast 104 about the cylindrical member 106. Further, the three-dimensional rotation of the secondary actuator 108 relative to the mast 104 may accommodate the second-type rotation of the secondary actuator 108 relative to the mast 104 during the transverse movement of the mast 104.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 5, a schematic block diagram of a hydraulic system 500 of the forklift 100 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the hydraulic system 500 of the forklift 100 may include a controller 504 which may be communicatively coupled to the actuator 204 and the secondary actuator 108. In particular, the hydraulic system 500 of the forklift 100 may include an actuating unit 506 which may be further coupled with the actuator 204 and the secondary actuator 108. For example, the actuating unit 506 may be a hydraulic power unit including a hydraulic pump which may be configured to pump in or pump out hydraulic fluid from the actuator 204 and the secondary actuator 108. The controller 504 may be configured to receive an instruction signal from a user 502, for example, via a user interface. The controller 504 may be further configured to generate a trigger for the actuator 204, to trigger the actuator 204 to cause the transverse movement of the mast 104, for the precise positioning of the mast 104 relative to a payload. To this end, based on the instruction signal, the actuating unit 506 may accordingly pump in or pump out the hydraulic fluid from the actuator 204, to cause the expansion or retraction of the actuator 204. The controller 504 may be further configured to generate a trigger for the secondary actuator 108, to cause the expansion or retraction of the secondary actuator 108. To this end, based on the instruction signal, the actuating unit 506 may accordingly pump in or pump out the hydraulic fluid from the secondary actuator 108, to cause the expansion or retraction of the secondary actuator 108.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 6, a schematic block diagram of a lifting assembly 600 for a forklift is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. The lifting assembly 600 may be configured to retrofit to the forklift, for example, the forklift 100 as shown in FIG. 1B. The lifting assembly 600 may include a cylindrical member 602 configured to be fitted to the chassis 102 of the forklift 100, and be positioned towards the front end 102A of the chassis 102 and oriented transversely to the forklift 100. The lifting assembly 600 may further include the mast 604 positioned towards the front end 102A of the chassis 102, and mounted on the cylindrical member 602. The lifting assembly 600 may further include the actuator 606. The actuator 606 may include the associated first end 606A and the second end 606B. The actuator 606 may be coupled to the mast 604 via the first end 606A. To this end, the lifting assembly 600 may further include at least one sleeve 608 (corresponding to the sleeve 202) configured to engage with and slide on the cylindrical member 602 to allow the transverse movement of the mast 604 on the cylindrical member 602. Further, the actuator 606 may be configured to be coupled to the chassis 102 via the second end 606B. The actuator 606 may be further configured to be coupled with the actuating unit (e.g. the actuating unit 506) of the forklift 100. The actuator 606 may further configured to cause a transverse movement of the mast 604 for a precise positioning of the mast 604 relative to a payload, based on a trigger received from the actuating unit 506 of the forklift 100.
[0044] As such, the lifting assembly 600 may be retrofitted to the existing forklift which does have the ability for causing the transvers movement of the mast. In order to retrofit the lifting assembly 600 on the existing forklift, the cylindrical member 602 may be fitted to the chassis 102 of the forklift, and be positioned towards the front end of the chassis 102 and oriented transversely to the forklift. Further, the actuator 606 may be coupled to the chassis 102 via the second end 606B. furthermore, the actuator 606 may be coupled to the actuating unit 506 of the forklift.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 7, a perspective view 700 of a portion of the forklift 100 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7, the forklift 100 may further include a shifter sleeve 702. The shifter sleeve 702 may provide for applying even and distributed force from the actuator 204 to the mast 104. By way of implementing the shifter sleeve 702, the actuator 204 may be coupled to the shifter sleeve 702, instead of the actuator 204 attaching directly to the sleeve 202 or the cylindrical member 106. The shifter sleeve 702 may engage with the sleeve 202 via one or more slider bush 704. The shifter sleeve 702 also allows for easy servicing of the sleeve 202 and replacing of the one or more slider bush 704.
[0046] One or more techniques of enabling transverse movement of the mast of a forklift are disclosed. The techniques provide for a forklift which implements the mast configured to undertake the transverse movement. Further, the techniques provide for a lifting assembly which can be retrofitted to an existing forklift to add the functionality of transverse movement of the mast. The transverse movement of the mast may be achieved through the hydraulic power unit that allows the entire mast, along with the forks and load, to shift laterally to the left or right. The transverse movement of the mast provides the operator with the ability to make fine adjustments to the positioning of the forks when picking up or placing a load. This is particularly useful in scenarios where precise alignment is crucial, such as when working with pallets or stacking goods on shelves. The transverse movement of the mast further adds versatility to the forklift, enabling it to handle a variety of loads more efficiently. It is especially beneficial in narrow aisles, tight spaces, or situations where the forklift needs to work around obstacles. Further, the transverse movement of the mast helps reduce the need for constant repositioning of the entire forklift to align with loads. This results in time and effort savings, contributing to increased productivity in material handling tasks. Moreover, the transverse movement of the mast can prevent accidents and damage to both the forklift and the surrounding environment. As such, the transverse movement of the mast enhances the forklift's manoeuvrability and precision during material handling operations.
[0047] It is intended that the disclosure and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:CLAIMS

We claim:
1. A forklift (100) with a transverse movement of the mast (104), the forklift (100) comprising:
a chassis (102) defining a front end (102A) and a rear end (102B), the chassis (102) comprising:
a cylindrical member (106) positioned towards the front end (102A) of the chassis (102), and oriented transversely to the forklift (100);
a mast (104) positioned towards the front end (102A) of the chassis (102), and mounted on the cylindrical member (106);
an actuator (204) comprising an associated first end (204A) and a second end (204B), the actuator (204) being coupled to the mast (104) via the first end (204A), and the actuator (204) being coupled to the chassis (102) via the second end (204B),
wherein the actuator (204) is configured to cause a transverse movement of the mast (104), for a precise positioning of the mast (104) relative to a payload.

2. The forklift (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (204) is a double acting hydraulic cylinder, powered by an actuating unit.

3. The forklift (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a controller (504) communicatively coupled to the actuator (204) and configured to:
receive an instruction signal from a user, via a user interface: and
generate a trigger for the actuator (204), to trigger the actuator (204) to cause the transverse movement of the mast (104), for the precise positioning of the mast (104) relative to a payload.

4. The forklift (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mast (104) comprises:
at least one sleeve (202) configured to engage with and slide on the cylindrical member (106) to allow the transverse movement of the mast (104) on the cylindrical member (106).

5. The forklift (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the mast (104) is configured to turn about the cylindrical member (106) via the sleeve (202) to assume a plurality of vertically slanted orientations.

6. The forklift (100) as claimed in claim 5 further comprising:
a secondary actuator (108) comprising an associated first end (108A) and a second end (108B), the first end (108A) of the secondary actuator (108) being coupled to the chassis (102), and the second end (108B) of the secondary actuator (108) being coupled to the mast (104),
wherein the secondary actuator (108) is configured to turn the mast (104) about the cylindrical member (106) via the sleeve (202), in response to a linear expansion or retraction of the secondary actuator (108).

7. The forklift (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first end of the secondary actuator (108) comprises a spherical joint (402) to allow a three-dimensional rotation of the secondary actuator (108) relative to the mast (104), to accommodate:
a first-type rotation of the secondary actuator (108) relative to the mast (104) during the linear expansion or retraction of the secondary actuator (108) for turning the mast (104) about the cylindrical member (106), and
a second-type rotation of the secondary actuator (108) relative to the mast (104) during the transverse movement of the mast (104).

8. The forklift (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein secondary actuator (108) is a double acting hydraulic cylinder, powered by an actuating unit.

9. A lifting assembly (600) for a forklift, the lifting assembly (600) comprising:
a cylindrical member (602) configured to be fitted to a chassis (102) of the forklift (100) and be positioned towards a front end of the chassis (102) and oriented transversely to the forklift (100);
a mast (604) positioned towards the front end of the chassis (102), and mounted on the cylindrical member (602);
an actuator (606) comprising an associated first end (606A) and a second end (606B), the actuator (606) being coupled to the mast (604) via the first end (606A), the actuator (606) being configured to be coupled to the chassis (102) via the second end (606B), wherein the actuator (606) is further configured to coupled with an actuating unit of the forklift (100),
wherein the actuator (606) is configured to cause a transverse movement of the mast (604), for a precise positioning of the mast (604) relative to a payload, based on a trigger received from the actuating unit of the forklift (100).

10. The lifting assembly (600) as claimed in claim 9, further comprising:
at least one sleeve (608) configured to engage with and slide on the cylindrical member (602) to allow the transverse movement of the mast (604) on the cylindrical member (602).