FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a mechanism for indicating steering position of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Farm vehicles such as tractors, harvesters, cultivators, among others are used to perform tasks such as ploughing, tilling, harrowing, planting, etc. Certain type of fields have several rows of crops with minimal space between such rows to maximize crop yield in a given area, and for certain tasks such as planting/seeding, spraying, harvesting, etc., it is essential that the farm vehicle is driven along a straight path to maximize yield/productivity
Vehicles are now equipped with steering systems which ease manoeuvrability of the vehicle. However, to constantly drive or maintain the vehicle along a straight path an operator has to rely on his/her own judgement, which is challenging. Moreover, terrain on which farm vehicles are driven is uneven/unpaved making it is even more challenging for the operator to drive or maintain the farm vehicle in a straight/desired path.
In view of the aforesaid, there is a need in the art to overcome at-least the aforesaid problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention in one aspect provides a mechanism for indicating steering position of a vehicle, the mechanism comprising a link assembly mounted on a steering linkage, the link assembly comprising a main link parallel with the steering linkage, and a pair of mounting links for interconnecting the main link with the steering linkage causing the main link to move depending upon position of the steering linkage; and a vertical link positioned on the main link to move in conjunction with the main link/steering linkage, the vertical link extends towards a top end, at the top end the vertical link configured to be visible from an operator cabin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[006] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 shows a mechanism for indicating steering position of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows a mechanism for indicating steering position of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 and 4 shows an illustrative representation of the mechanism adapted to a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[007] The present invention is directed towards a mechanism for indicating steering position of vehicle basis which the operator can correct or continue to keep the steering position in a desired direction.
[008] Figure 1 shows a mechanism 100 for indicating steering position of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the mechanism 100 is adapted to a steering linkage 10 which is connected to front wheels W of the vehicle. The steering linkage 10 comprises a center link 12 with a tie rod 14, 16 on each end of the center link 12. The center link 12 is interconnected with a steering wheel 18, and upon operation of the steering wheel 18 the center link 12 moves left or right depending upon operation of the steering wheel 18 to turn the wheels W due to the movement of the tie rods 14, 16. [009] The mechanism 100 of the present invention comprises a link assembly 110 and a vertical link 120. The link assembly 110 comprises of a main link 112 and pair of mounting links 114. The main link 112 as shown in the figure 1 and 2, is parallel with the steering linkage 10, and the pair of mounting links 114 interconnect the main link 112 with the steering linkage 10. Each mounting link 114 is coupled to the steering linkage 10 via a coupling sleeve or fasteners.

Alternately, the mounting link 114 can be welded to the steering linkage 10. Similarly, the main link 112 is coupled to the mounting links 114 via a coupling sleeve or fasteners or can be welded to each-other. The pair of mounting links 114 are coupled to the tie rods 14, 16 of the steering linkage 10. Accordingly, position of the main link 112 varies with change in position of the steering linkage 10. [010] The vertical link 120 as shown in figure 1 is positioned on the main link 112 to move in conjunction with the steering linkage 10. The vertical link 120 extends to a top end. Thus, movement of the steering linkage 10 translates into movement of the vertical link 120, thus indicative of the steering position of the vehicle. The vertical link 120 is positioned at center of the main link 112. Accordingly, the vertical link 120 will be at the center when the steering linkage 10 or steering wheel 18 for driving along straight path. Further, the top end of the vertical link 120 is configured to be visible from an operator cabin. The vertical link 120 serves as a pointer/indicator to the operator who can adjust the steering position depending upon position of the vertical link 120. The link assembly 110 is preferably made of steel and has an anti-corrosive coating.
[011] Figures 3 and 4 show an illustrative representation the mechanism 100 adapted to a vehicle. The vehicle shown is a tractor T. However, adapting the mechanism 100 to other types of vehicles is within the scope of the invention. The mechanism 100 in an embodiment can be retrofitted to the vehicle/ tractor T, wherein the link assembly 110 is coupled to the steering linkage 10 and is enclosed within the hood of the vehicle/ tractor. In this regard, the main link 112 or the connecting link may extend through engine compartment of the vehicle. Accordingly, the links may be offset or bent so as to avoid interference with any parts/ components contained within the hood. Figure 2 shows the vertical link offset from the main link. Further, as shown, hood of the tractor T has a slot X. The slot X further comprises of plurality of bristles or rubber padding to prevent dust or other articles from seeping/ entering into the engine compartment. The slot X allows the top end of the vertical link 120 to pass through such that the top end is visible from the operator cabin. Further, an indicia C is provided adjacent to the slot X of the hood, whereby the indicia is indicative of steering position of the

vehicle. The indicia is at the center point and corresponds with straight steering position. Further, the hood assembly may have additional/further indicia to indicate other steering positions. The top end of the vertical link 120 depending upon the steering position moves horizontally along the slot X, and the indicia in alignment with the top end of the vertical link 120 indicates steering position of the vehicle. Accordingly, the operator intending to drive straight has to ensure that the top end of the vertical link 120 is aligned with the center point C. Any deviation in the steering position due to external factors causing the steering linkage 10 to move will translate to the linkage assembly which in turn will translate to the vertical link 120. The operator upon observing the deviation of the vertical link 120 can correct the steering position until the vertical link 120 realigns to the center point, thereby ensuring that the vehicle travels along a straight path.
[012] Advantageously, the present invention assists the operator to understand whether the vehicle is traveling along a desired or straight path enabling the operator to correct or maintain the desired or straight steering position. Further, the mechanism of the present invention does not rely on any sensors or other electronic systems, which makes the invention cost-effective.
[013] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

WE CLAIM:
1. A mechanism (100) for indicating steering position of a vehicle, the
mechanism (100) comprising:
a link assembly (110) mounted on a steering linkage (10), the link assembly (110) comprising a main link (112) parallel with the steering linkage (10), and a pair of mounting links (114) for interconnecting the main link (112) with the steering linkage (10) causing the main link (112) to move depending upon position of the steering linkage (10); and
a vertical link (120) positioned on the main link (112) to move in conjunction with the steering linkage (10), the vertical link (120) extends towards a top end, the top end of the vertical link (120) configured to be visible from an operator cabin.
2. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top end of the vertical link (120) extends through a slot (X) provided in a hood of the vehicle, the vertical link (120) movable along a horizontal axis within the slot (X).
3. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one indicia (C) corresponding to straight steering position is provided adjacent to the slot (X) of the hood whereby alignment of the top end of the vertical link (120) with the indicia indicates straight steering position of the vehicle.
4. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each mounting link (114) is coupled to each tie-rod of the steering linkage (10).
5. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical link (120) is mounted at center of the main link (112).

6. The mechanism (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical link (120) is offset from the main link (112).