CLIAMS:We claim:
1. An interlock mechanism for controlling gear shifts in a vehicle, said interlock mechanism comprising:
a locking plate operatively connected to a gear shifting lever; and
a spring loaded plunger operatively connected to said locking plate and a clutch pedal lever,
wherein
said locking plate is configured to lock the movement of said gear shifting lever; and
said plunger is configured to release said locking plate on engagement of said clutch pedal lever.
2. The interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said gear shifting lever is a forward-reverse gear shifting lever.
3. The interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle is a tractor.
4. The interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plunger is loaded by a torsional spring.
5. The interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a bracket for actuating said plunger.

6. The interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 5, further comprises a link for transmitting motion between said clutch pedal lever and said bracket.
7. The interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 6, further comprises a guide plate for supporting said bracket and said locking plate.
8. The forward-reverse gear shifting lever as claimed in claim 2 is used for shifting between a forward gear and a reverse gear.

Date: 24 July 2014 Signature:
Kalyan Chakravarthy
,TagSPECI:FORM 2
The Patent Act 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules, 2005

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(SEE SECTION 10 AND RULE 13)

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

“INTERLOCK MECHANISM FOR FORWARD-REVERSE GEAR SHIFTS IN TRACTORS”

APPLICANTS:
Name: Mahindra & Mahindra Limited
Nationality: Indian
Address Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.,
MRV, Mahindra World City (MWC),
Plot No. 41/1, Anjur Post, Chengalpattu,
Kanchipuram District – 603204 (TN) INDIA

The following specification particularly describes and ascertains the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:-
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to transmission systems in vehicles, and more particularly but not exclusively to interlock mechanisms for forward-reverse shift rail in transmission systems of tractors/similar vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[001] Generally, tractors frequently operate between forward & reverse (FR) gears for operating as shuttle in particular operations. This frequent forward-reverse gear shifting for operating the tractor as shuttle must be smooth & quick for extended performance. This is achieved by using synchromesh type gearbox. However the performance, life & reliability of synchromesh gearbox depend on the complete disengagement of the clutch by the operator before forward-reverse gear shifting. This calls for an interlock mechanism to ensure the clutch is disengaged completely for operating between forward-reverse gear shifting.
[002] Presently in certain vehicles interlock mechanisms are provided inside the transmission housing, thereby preventing the operator from tampering the mechanism. However, the interlock mechanism that are provided inside the transmission housing involve huge costs associated with machining of rails, oil seals etc., Further it is difficult to assess the conventional interlock mechanism for maintenance as the mechanism is provided inside the transmission housing.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a simple interlock mechanism in tractors/similar vehicles that is provided outside the transmission housing. Further, there exists a need for an interlock mechanism that can eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[004] The principle object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a simple interlock mechanism outside the transmission housing for forward-reverse shift rail in tractors/similar vehicles.
[005] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an interlock mechanism that involves less moving parts.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an interlock mechanism that provides ease of maintenance.
[007] Yet, another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an interlock mechanism independent of clutch wear setting.
[008] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[009] The embodiments of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the interlock mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the interlock mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of various elements of the interlock mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the interlock mechanism with the FR gear shifting lever in forward position according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the interlock mechanism with the FR gear shifting lever in neutral position according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the interlock mechanism with the FR gear shifting lever in reverse position according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 7 depicts a sectional side view of the interlock mechanism showing the position of the slots of the locking plate in communication with plunger at forward position of FR gear shifting lever according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 8 depicts a sectional side view of the interlock mechanism showing the position of the slots of the locking plate in communication with the plunger at neutral position of FR gear shifting lever according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 9 depicts a sectional side view of the interlock mechanism showing the position of the slots of the locking plate in communication with the plunger at reverse position of FR gear shifting lever according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0019] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the interlock mechanism assembled with a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0021] The embodiments herein achieve a simple interlock mechanism provided outside the transmission housing for forward-reverse shift rail in tractors/similar vehicles. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 10, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the interlock mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The interlock mechanism 100 includes a clutch pedal lever 102, a link 104, a bracket 106, a plunger 108, a torsional spring 110, a first pin 112, a second pin 113, a guide plate 114, a locking plate 116, a FR (forward-reverse) gear shifting lever 118, a shifting link 120, an outer cam 122, an inner cam 124, a cam shaft 126, a shift rail 128, a shifting fork 130, a sleeve 132 and a detent spring mechanism 134.
[0023] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the interlock mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the clutch pedal lever 102 includes a hollow shaft 102a at one end and a pedal 102b at other end. Further the clutch pedal lever 102 includes a protruding member 102c below the hollow shaft 102a. The protruding member 102c is parallel to the hollow shaft 102a as shown in Fig. 3. The purpose of the protruding member 102c is to receive the link 104. The purpose of the hollow shaft 102a is to receive a shaft 136 or any similar means to facilitate the mounting of the interlock mechanism 100 as shown in fig. 10. The pedal 102b is used for pushing/engaging the clutch pedal lever 102 for disengaging the clutch (not shown) and for lowering the plunger 108 thereby allowing FR gear shifting lever 118 to shift between a forward and a reverse gear(not shown).
[0024] In an embodiment the link 104 includes a first member A and a second member B as shown in fig. 3. The first member A has a first end and a second end. The first end of the first member A is provided with a hollow shaft 104c for receiving the protruding member 102c of the clutch pedal lever 102 and second end is provided with a plurality of nuts 104d. The second end of the first member A receiving the nuts 104d is provided with external threading for receiving the nuts 104d. The second member B includes a first leg 104f and a second leg 104g. The legs 104f and 104g are transverse to each other. In an embodiment the legs 104f and 104g are at right angles to each other. Each of the legs 104f and 104g are provided with an opening 104e at ends of each of the legs 104f and 104g. The opening 104e (not shown) at the first leg 104f of the second member B is used for receiving the first member A at its second end provided with nuts 104d while the other opening 104e at the second leg 104g is used for receiving the bracket 106. The first leg 104f is provided in between the nuts 104d of the first member A for connecting and securing the second member B. Further by adjusting the nuts 104d the position of the second member B can be adjusted, thereby the length of the link 104 can be increased or decreased. Thus the link 104 is provided with a travel setting adjustment enabling the interlock mechanism 100 to operate independent of the clutch wear. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide a link 104 made of single member without otherwise deterring the intended function of the link 104 as can be deduced from the description. The link 104 is used for connecting the clutch pedal lever 102 and the bracket 106 for transmitting motion from said clutch pedal lever 102 to said bracket 106.
[0025] In an embodiment the bracket 106 includes a first leg 106a and a second leg 106b and a protruding member 106c as shown in fig. 3. In an embodiment the bracket 106 is L shape. The protruding member 106c is provided at the end of the first leg 106a. The protruding member 106c is transverse to the surface of the bracket 106. The protruding member 106c is used for connecting the link 104 through the opening 104e at the second leg 104g of the link 104. Further the bracket 106 includes an opening 106d at its centre and an opening 106e at its second leg 106b. The opening 106d is used for receiving the first pin 112. The opening 106e is used for receiving the second pin 113. In an embodiment the opening 106e is designed in a way such that when bracket 106 rotates, the bracket 106 slides over the second pin 113 through the opening 106e for raising or lowering the plunger 108. The bracket 106 further includes a small opening 106f at any one of its leg 106a or 106b or at its centre, for receiving the torsional spring 110. The purpose of the bracket 106 is to raise or lower the plunger 108.
[0026] The plunger 108 includes a first end 108a and a second end 108b. The plunger 108 is provided inside a housing 109. The second end 108b of the plunger 108 is seated above the second leg 106b of the bracket 106. The housing 109 includes a plurality of parallel legs 109a that are spaced apart. The legs 109a are provided with openings 109b for receiving the second pin 113. The opening 106e at the second leg 106b of the bracket 106 is positioned below the second end 108b of the plunger 108 and in between the parallel legs 109a of the housing 109. Thereafter, the second pin 113 is received through the openings 109b and the opening 106e. The housing 109 is provided with an opening (not shown) at its top portion (not shown) for receiving the plunger 108. The plunger 108 raises and lowers through the opening (not shown) at the top of the housing 109. The second end 108b of the plunger 108 is configured in a way such that the plunger 108 doesn’t get removed/escape from the housing 109 through the opening (not shown) at the top the housing 109. The purpose of the plunger 108 is to lock the rotation or movement of the FR gear shifting lever 118 through the locking plate 116. The plunger 108 is loaded by the torsional spring 110.
[0027] In an embodiment the torsional spring 110 is used for loading the plunger 108 by providing the required motion to the bracket 106 to uphold the plunger 108 in raised position when the pedal 102b of the clutch pedal lever is not engaged. The torsional spring 110 has a first end 110a and a second end 110b as shown in Fig. 3. first end 110a of the torsional spring 110 is received by a small opening 106f provided in the bracket 106 while the second end 110b is received by an opening 115b of the guide plate 114. When the clutch pedal lever 102 is released, the clutch is engaged and the torsional spring 110 provides the required force and motion to the bracket 106 to restore the bracket 106 to its initial state upholding the plunger 108 in raised position.
[0028] In an embodiment the first pin 112 includes a first end 112a and a second end 112b as shown in fig. 3. The second end 112b is provided with an opening 112c for receiving a cotter pin (not shown). The purpose of the first pin 112 is to hold the bracket 106 with the guide plate 114 and to act as a pivot for rotation of the bracket 106. The first pin 112 receives said torsional spring and used for mounting said torsional spring 110.
[0029] In an embodiment the second pin 113 includes a first end (not shown) and a second end (not shown) as shown in fig. 3. The second end is provided with an opening (not shown) for receiving a cotter pin (not shown). The purpose of the second pin 113 is to support/hold the second leg 106b of the bracket 106 through the opening 106e and openings 109b, thereby facilitating the movement of the second leg 106b of the bracket 106 for raising or lowering the plunger 108.
[0030] In an embodiment, the guide plate 114 includes a first leg 114a and a second leg 114b as shown in fig.3. The first leg 114a is transverse to the second leg 114b. In an embodiment the first leg 114a is perpendicular to the second leg 114b. The first leg 114a includes a plurality of openings 114c for receiving screws (not shown) for mounting the guide plate 114 with the steering mounting column of the vehicle as shown in fig. 10. The second leg 114b includes an opening 114d for receiving the FR gear shifting lever 118 with the locking plate 116. The second leg 114b further includes an opening 114e for receiving the plunger 108. The plunger 108 is further received by the locking plate 116 provided at the top of the second leg 114b. The guide plate 114 includes a plurality of parallel legs 115 spaced apart provided at the bottom of the second leg 114b. Each of the parallel legs 115 is provided with an opening 115a for receiving the first pin 112 and for supporting the bracket 106 through the opening 106d and the first pin 112. Further, at least one of the parallel legs 115 is provided with a small opening 115b for receiving the second end 110b of the torsional spring 110. The guide plate 114 is used for supporting the bracket 106 and locking plate 116.
[0031] In an embodiment the locking plate 116 includes an opening 116a for receiving the FR gear shifting lever 118 and a plurality of slots 116b for receiving the plunger 108 as shown in fig. 3. The locking plate 116 is received by the FR gear shifting lever 118 through the opening 116a and the locking plate 116 is welded to the FR gear shifting lever 118. Thereafter, the FR gear shifting lever 118 along with the locking plate 116 is received by the guide plate 114 at the second leg 114b through the opening 114d. The locking plate 116 is positioned above the top of the second leg 114b of the guide plate 114. Hence the plunger 108 is received by at least one of the slots 116b of the guide plate 116 for each position of the FR gear shifting lever 118. As the locking plate 116 is welded with the FR gear shifting lever 118, movement of the FR gear shifting lever 118 results in the movement of the locking plate 116 i.e the locking plate moves along with the FR gear shifting lever 118. Each of the plurality of slots 116b corresponds to at least one particular position of FR gear shifting lever 118 such as forward, reverse or neutral position. Hence each of the slots 116b indicates one of the position of the FR gear shifting lever 118 such as forward, reverse and neutral position. The locking plate 116 is used for restricting the movement of the FR gear shifting lever 118, by receiving the plunger 108 through the slots 116b.
[0032] In an embodiment, the FR gear shifting lever 118 includes a first end 118a and a second 118b as shown in fig.3. The first end 118a is transverse to the second end 118b. The second end 118b of the FR gear shifting lever 118 is provided in communication with the Shifting link 120. The first end 118a of the FR gear shifting lever 118 is used by the vehicle operator for engaging the Shift rail 128 to forward, reverse or neutral position. The FR gear shifting lever 118 is used for shifting between forward and reverse gears (not shown) and for moving/rotating the locking plate 116. The FR gear shifting lever 118 is rotated as per the requirement for engaging the Shift rail 128 in forward, reverse or neutral position. In an embodiment to engage the Shift rail 128 from the neutral position, the FR gear shifting lever 118 is rotated clockwise to engage the Shift rail 128 in forward position and rotated anticlockwise for reverse position. To engage the Shift rail 128 to neutral position from the forward or reverse position the FR gear shifting lever 118 is rotated (clockwise or anticlockwise) half way between the forward or reverse position of the FR gear shifting lever 118.
[0033] The Shifting link 120 is provided in communication with the FR gear shifting lever 118 at one end and to the outer cam 122 at the other end. The Shifting link 120 transfers the motion of the FR gear shifting lever 118 to the outer cam 122. The outer cam 122 is mounted at one end of the cam shaft 126. The other end of cam shaft 126 receives the inner cam 124. The inner cam 124 is provided in communication with the Shifting fork 130 which is mounted on the Shift rail 128. The outer cam 122 transfers the motion from the Shifting link 120 to the inner cam 124 through the cam shaft 126. The inner cam 124 in turn transmits the motion to the Shifting fork 130.
[0034] One end of the Shifting fork 130 is provided with an opening for receiving the Shift rail 128 while the other end of the Shifting fork holds the Sleeve 132. The movement of the Shifting fork 130 results in the engagement of the Sleeve 132 with the appropriate gears (not shown) for forward or reverse movement of the vehicle. The Sleeve 132 doesn’t engage with any gears (not shown) at neutral position of the Shift rail 128. As the Shifting fork 130 is mounted on the Shift rail 128, the movement of the Shifting fork 130 results in the movement of the Shift rail 128. The Shift rail 128 includes a plurality of grooves (not shown) (each for forward, reverse and neutral position) for receiving the ball (not shown) of the detent spring mechanism 134. The purpose of the detent spring mechanism 134 is for providing the user with a positive feel during shifting. In an embodiment, the Shift rail 128 is said to be in forward position, when Sleeve 132 engages with forward gears (not shown). Similarly the Shift rail 128 is said to be in reverse position, when Sleeve 132 engages with reverse gears (not shown). Similarly the Shift rail 128 is said to be in neutral position, when Sleeve 132 doesn’t engage with forward or reverse gears (not shown).
[0035] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the interlock mechanism with the FR gear shifting lever locked in forward position according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. To engage the Shift rail 128 in forward position, the pedal 102b of the clutch pedal lever 102 is pressed which in turn pulls the link 104 and simultaneously disengages the clutch (not shown). The link 104 in turn pulls the bracket 106 loaded with the torsional spring 110, as the link 104 is connected with the bracket 106. The link 104 pulls the bracket 106 against the force of the torsional spring 110. This movement of the link 104 rotates the bracket 106, as it is hinged between the parallel legs 115 of the guide plate 114. As the bracket 106 rotates the plunger 108 lowers, thereby releasing the lock of the plunger 108 with any of the slot 116b of locking plate 116 as shown in fig.7. Now the FR gear shifting lever 118 is free to move. Thereafter, the FR gear shifting lever 118 is moved to forward position, which results in the movement of the Shift rail 128 to forward position through the Shifting link 120, outer cam 122, inner cam 124, cam shaft 126, Shifting fork 130 and Sleeve 132. Once the FR gear shifting lever 118 is moved to forward position, the pedal 102b of the clutch pedal lever 102 is released, resulting in the engagement of clutch (not shown). Simultaneously, the bracket 106 rotates back to its initial state due to the force of the torsional spring 110, resulting in the lifting of the plunger 108. As the locking plate 116 moves along with the FR gear shifting lever 118, the plunger 108 locks the locking plate 116 through one of the plurality of slot 116b corresponding to the forward position of the FR gear shifting lever 118 thereby restricting the movement of FR gear shifting lever 118 without disengaging the clutch (not shown).
[0036] FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the interlock mechanism with the FR gear shifting lever locked in reverse position according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. To engage the Shift rail 128 in reverse position, the pedal 102b of the clutch pedal lever 102 is pressed which in turn pulls the link 104 and simultaneously disengages the clutch (not shown). The link 104 in turn pulls the bracket 106 loaded with the torsional spring 110, as the link 104 is connected with the bracket 106. The link 104 pulls the bracket 106 against the force of the torsional spring 110. This movement of the link 104 rotates the bracket 106, as it is hinged between the parallel legs 115 of the guide plate 114. As the bracket 106 rotates the plunger 108 lowers, thereby releasing the lock of the plunger 108 with any of the slot 116b of the locking plate as shown in fig.9. Now the FR gear shifting lever 118 is free to move. Thereafter, the FR gear shifting lever 118 is moved to reverse position, which results in the movement of the Shift rail 128 to reverse position through the Shifting link 120, outer cam 122, inner cam 124, cam shaft 126, Shifting fork 130 and Sleeve 132. Once the FR gear shifting lever 118 is moved to reverse position, the pedal 102b of the clutch pedal lever 102 is released, resulting in the engagement of clutch (not shown). Simultaneously, the bracket 106 rotates back to its initial state due to the force of the torsional spring 110, resulting in the lifting of the plunger 108. As the locking plate 116 moves along with the FR gear shifting lever 118, the plunger 108 locks the locking plate 116 through one of the plurality of slot 116b corresponding to the reverse position of the FR gear shifting lever 118 thereby restricting the movement of FR gear shifting lever 118 without disengaging the clutch (not shown).
[0037] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the interlock mechanism with the FR gear shifting lever locked in neutral position according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. To engage the Shift rail 128 in neutral position, the pedal 102b of the clutch pedal lever 102 is pressed which in turn pulls the link 104 and simultaneously disengages the clutch (not shown). The link 104 in turn pulls the bracket 106 loaded with the torsional spring 110, as the link 104 is connected with the bracket 106. The link 104 pulls the bracket 106 against the force of the torsional spring 110. This movement of the link 104 rotates the bracket 106, as it is hinged between the parallel legs 115 of the guide plate 114. As the bracket 106 rotates, the plunger 108 lowers, thereby releasing the lock of the plunger 108 with any of the slot 116b of the locking plate as shown in fig.9. Now the FR gear shifting lever 118 is free to move. Thereafter, the FR gear shifting lever 118 is moved to neutral position, which results in the movement of the Shift rail 128 to neutral position through the Shifting link 120, outer cam 122, inner cam 124, cam shaft 126, Shifting fork 130 and Sleeve 132. Once the FR gear shifting lever 118 is moved to neutral position, the pedal 102b of the clutch pedal lever 102 is released, resulting in the engagement of clutch (not shown). Simultaneously, the bracket 106 rotates back to its initial state due to the force of the torsional spring 110, resulting in the lifting of the plunger 108. As the locking plate 116 moves along with the FR gear shifting lever 118, the plunger 108 locks the locking plate 116 through one of the plurality of slot 116b corresponding to the neutral position of the FR gear shifting lever 118 thereby restricting the movement of FR gear shifting lever 118 without disengaging the clutch (not shown).
[0038] In an embodiment the interlock mechanism is provided for the forward-reverse gear shifting in tractors. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the interlock mechanism can be provided to similar or other vehicles for FR shuttle operations. Further this interlock mechanism can be provided for any vehicles with little or minor modifications. In an embodiment the interlock mechanism is provided for tractors using synchromesh gearbox. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the interlock mechanism can be used for constant mesh gear box or any other type of gear box without otherwise deterring the intended function of the interlock mechanism as can be deduced from the description. The word forward-reverse and word FR are used synonymously throughout the description.
[0039] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim:
1. An interlock mechanism for controlling gear shifts in a vehicle, said interlock mechanism comprising:
a locking plate operatively connected to a gear shifting lever; and
a spring loaded plunger operatively connected to said locking plate and a clutch pedal lever,
wherein
said locking plate is configured to lock the movement of said gear shifting lever; and
said plunger is configured to release said locking plate on engagement of said clutch pedal lever.
2. The interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said gear shifting lever is a forward-reverse gear shifting lever.
3. The interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle is a tractor.
4. The interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plunger is loaded by a torsional spring.
5. The interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, further comprises a bracket for actuating said plunger.

6. The interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 5, further comprises a link for transmitting motion between said clutch pedal lever and said bracket.
7. The interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 6, further comprises a guide plate for supporting said bracket and said locking plate.
8. The forward-reverse gear shifting lever as claimed in claim 2 is used for shifting between a forward gear and a reverse gear.

Date: 24 July 2014 Signature:
Kalyan Chakravarthy

ABSTRACT
Interlock mechanism for forward-reverse gear shifting in tractors include a locking plate operatively connected to a gear shifting lever, a spring loaded plunger operatively connected to the locking plate and a clutch pedal lever. The locking plate is configured to lock the movement of gear shifting lever and the plunger is configured to release the locking plate on engagement of the clutch pedal lever.
Fig. 1