1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a joystick, and, more particularly, to a joystick for controlling a ground engaging vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various methods have been used for the steering of vehicles such as controlling the direction and application of power to vehicle wheels. For controlling animal pulled vehicles a rein system was devised in which the desired direction and speed of the animal is conveyed to the animal using reins attached to the halter and/or bit system. It is known to use steering wheels to control the direction of vehicles, such as cars. The rotation of the steering wheel causes a pivoting of wheels that are steered to thereby cause a change in direction of the vehicle. Clutches and/or brakes activated by two levers have been utilized to control each side of a tracked vehicle, allowing the combination of the positioning of the levers to independently control the driven tracks located on each side of the vehicle. This allows one side of the vehicle to be driven forward while the other side is being driven backward to quickly turn the tracked vehicle.
Joysticks are utilized to steer aircraft by having the joystick to control two of the steering systems, which are the elevator and the ailerons. Joysticks have also been utilized to control the steering of lawnmowers and other ground engaging vehicles. The joystick controls the steering and/or drive controls to thereby provide for the application of power and/or steer wheels to alter the direction of the vehicle.
What is needed in the art is a joystick positioning mechanism that is economical to produce and reliable.