Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A rollover protection system (100) for a tractor (600) comprising:
pair of spaced apart posts (110), each post (110) at a bottom end (110A) mounted adjacent to an operator seat (602) and extending curvilinearly towards a top end (110B) in parallel with the operator seat (602) whereby the top end (110B) is offset from the bottom end (110A) creating a space (Z) between the posts (110) and the operator seat (602);
a cross member (120) extending between the pair of posts (110);
a hinge mechanism (130) provided at the top end (110B) of each post (110), the cross member (120) mounted to the hinge mechanism (130) of each post (110) enabling the cross member (120) to move in one or more positions about the hinge mechanism (130).

2. The rollover protection system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross member (120) comprises a horizontal bar with legs extending on both sides of the horizontal bar.

3. The rollover protection system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the posts (110) extends backwardly and upwardly.

4. The rollover protection system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom end (110A) of each post (110) is mounted on a rear axle carrier (610) of the tractor (600).

5. The rollover protection system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hinge mechanism (130) comprises:
a fixed member (132) mounted on each post (110), the fixed member (132) comprising plurality of holes (X, Y);
a movable member (134) mounted on each end of the cross member and pivotally adapted to the fixed member (132) via a pivot pin (136) enabling the cross member (120) to move pivotally about the posts (110), the movable member (134) comprising plurality of locking holes (Y) whereby at least one locking hole (Y) of the movable member (134) is aligned with at least one hole (X) of the fixed member (132) as the cross member (120) is moved to different positions; and
a locking pin assembly (140) configured to be received by at least one of the locking holes (Y) of the movable member (134) aligned with the holes (X) of the fixed member (132).

6. The rollover protection system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the holes (X, Y) are angularly positioned.
7. The rollover protection system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking pin assembly (140) is removably adapted/received by the aligned holes (X, Y).

8. The rollover protection system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fixed member (132) comprises spaced apart plates (132a, b) configured to envelope the post (110), each plate (132a, b) comprising plurality of holes (X).

9. The rollover protection system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the movable member (134) comprises spaced apart of plates (134a, b) configured to envelope the cross member (120) and the fixed member (132), each plate (134a, b) comprising plurality of locking holes (Y).

10. The rollover protection system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking pin assembly (140) comprises a locking pin (142) and a clip (144), the locking pin (142) adaptable to the aligned holes (X,Y) and the clip (144) adaptable to the locking pin (142) to lock movement of the locking pin (142).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The invention generally relates to a system for protection of tractor operators in the event of rolling over of tractors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Tractors are used to perform tasks such as ploughing, tilling, harrowing, planting, etc. in fields which have rough or uneven terrain. Accordingly, tractors have a higher ground clearance and a higher centre of gravity compared to regular automobiles.
[003] Tractors are thus prone to rolling over causing fatal injuries to the tractor operator and even death in some cases. Most tractors are provided without a cabin, exposing operators of such tractors to a higher risk in cases of tractor overturn or rollover.
[004] Rollover protection system or structure (ROPS) for tractors are intended to protect the operator from injuries/fatalities caused due to tractor overturn or rollover. Such systems/structures typically comprise of spaced apart bars or posts with a horizontal top post interconnecting the bars. The spaced apart bars are mounted on the tractor around seat of the tractor to protect the operator. The positioning and general dimensions of the ROPS restrict movement of the seat in view of safety of operator. In certain cases, the ROPS may even obstruct field of view of the operator.
[005] In view of the above, there is a need for an improved rollover protection system for tractors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] Accordingly, the present invention is one aspect provides a rollover protection system for a tractor. The rollover protection system comprises a pair of spaced apart posts. Each post has a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end of each post is mounted adjacent to an operator seat. Further, each post extends curvilinearly towards a top end. The posts also extend in parallel with an operator seat. The posts extend in a manner such that the top end is offset from the bottom end. Accordingly, a space is created between the operator seat and the pair of posts. The rollover protection system further comprises a cross member. The cross member extends between the pair of posts. Further, the rollover protection system comprises a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism is provided at the top end of each post. The cross member is mounted to the hinge mechanism of each post. This enables the cross member to move in one or more positions about the hinge mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[007] 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 rollover protection system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the rollover protection system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a hinge mechanism of the rollover protection system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 shows a configuration of the rollover protecting system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 shows a configuration of the rollover protection system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a rollover protection system mounted upon a tractor.
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a rollover protection system mounted on a tractor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[008] The present invention is directed towards a rollover protection system for a tractor. The rollover protection system is designed to enhance/provide operator safety and also address problems associated with operator comfort due to installation of rollover protection system.
[009] Figure 1 and 2 show a rollover protection system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As discussed hereinbefore the rollover protection system is for a tractor. However, adapting the rollover protection system to other vehicles is well within the scope of the invention. Considering rollover protection system is usually for operator safety, it is provided in or around an operator cabin/station. In an embodiment the rollover protection system of the present invention extends in parallel with an operator seat such that there is a space created between the operator seat and rollover protection system. This allows the operator seat to be adjusted or moved in different positions or orientations as per the operator’s requirement.
[010] The rollover protection system 100 comprises pair of posts 110, a cross member 120, and a hinge mechanism 130. As shown in figure 1, the pair of posts 110 are spaced apart. Further, each post 110 extends from a bottom end 110A to a top end 110B, wherein each post 110 extends curvilinearly. In this regard the posts 110 extend backwardly and upwardly in a curvilinear manner. At the bottom end 110A, each post 110 is mounted adjacent to an operator seat 602 of a tractor 600 via fasteners such as bolts. Further, the top end 110B is offset from the bottom end 110A. This creates a space Z between the posts 110 and the operator seat 602. At the top end 110B of each post 110, the hinge mechanism 130 is provided. The cross member 120 extends between the pair of posts 110. In an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in the figures, the cross member 120 has an inverted U shape and comprises a horizontal bar with legs extending on both sides of the horizontal bar. The cross member 120 is mounted on the hinge mechanism 130 whereby the legs of the cross member 120 are mounted on the hinge mechanism 130.
[011] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the hinge mechanism 130. Each hinge mechanism 130 comprises of a fixed member 132 and a movable member 134. The fixed member 132 is mounted on the post 110, and the movable member 134 is mounted at each leg of the cross member. In this regard, the fixed member 132 is welded with each post 110, and the movable member 134 is welded with each end/leg of the cross member. As shown in figure 3, the fixed member 132 has spaced apart plate 132a, b configured to envelope the post 110, and the movable member 134 has spaced apart plates 134a, b to envelope the cross member 120 and the fixed member 132.
[012] The movable member 134 is pivotally adapted to the fixed member 132 via a pivot pin 136 enabling the cross member 120 to move pivotally about the posts 110. In an embodiment of the invention the fixed member 132 has plurality of holes X provided on each plate 132a, b and the movable member 134 has plurality of locking holes Y provided on each plate 134a, b. The holes X, Y are angularly positioned from each other, and at least one locking hole Y of the movable member 134 aligns with at least one hole X of the fixed member 132 as the cross member 120 is moved to different positions so as to lock the movable member 134 and thereby the cross member 120 at an angle. The holes X, Y are configured to receive a locking pin assembly 140 (as shown in figure 4 and 5) so as to lock the movable member 134 with the fixed member 132, and thereby the cross member 120 with respect to the posts 110. The locking pin assembly 140 is removably adapted/received by the holes – hole X aligned with locking hole Y. The locking pin assembly 140 in an embodiment comprises a locking pin 142 and a clip 144, whereby the locking pin 142 is adapted to the aligned holes and the clip 144 is adapted to the locking pin 142 to lock movement of the locking pin 142. The clip 144 is preferably an r-clip.
[013] The hinge mechanism 130 thus enables the cross member 120 to move in one or more positions as per requirement. In this regard, the cross member 120 is movable between at least two folded positions and one extended position. The extended position is shown in figure 1, and the folded position are shown in figure 4 and 5. The cross member 120 is usually moved to the folded position to reduce overall height of the tractor 600. In an embodiment, the cross member 120 is movable to a first folded position as shown in figure 4, and a second folded position shown in figure 5. In the first folded position, the cross member 120 is perpendicular with the posts 110 reducing overall height of the tractor 600. The cross member 120 can be moved to the first folded position for low height farming such as chicken poultry or for narrow or height congested areas like under bridge area. In the second folded position, the cross member is parallel with the posts 110, thereby reducing overall height as well as length of the tractor 600. In this regard, as can be seen in the figure 4, in the first folded position the cross member is perpendicular with the posts 110 which may pose a difficulty while parking the tractor 600 or may even damage equipment or operator around the tractor 600. Accordingly, the cross member 120 can be moved to the first folded position or the second folded position as per requirement. To move the cross member 120 from the extended position to the first folding position or the second folding position, the locking pin assembly 140 is removed from the aligned holes X, Y. Thereafter the cross member 120 is moved to the required position and locked by adapting the locking pin assembly 140 to the aligned holes X, Y.
[014] Reference is made to figure 6 and 7, where the rollover protection system 100 discussed hereinbefore is adapted to a tractor 600. The posts 110 as shown are mounted on each side of a rear axle carrier 610 of the tractor 600 whereby the rollover protection system 100 is supported on both sides and weight of the rollover protection system 100 is more uniformly shared. Further, as can be seen in figure 7, the curvilinear profile of the posts 110 creates the space Z between the posts 110 and the operator seat 602 allowing for seat adjustment as per operator’s requirement and comfort. Further, the height of the rollover system increases the overall height of the tractor 600 and could cause a hindrance in passing through areas which have a low height clearance. Accordingly, the hinge mechanism 130 enables the operator to reduce overall height of tractor 600, by moving the rollover protection system 100 to one of the folded positions.
[015] Advantageously, the rollover protection system 100 of the present invention provides operator safety, enhances operator comfort by allowing the operator seat 602 to be adjusted, and flexibility to adjust the rollover protection system 100 in different configurations as per operator requirement
[016] 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.