Abstract:
Sulky apparatus for use behind a self-propelled machine including sulky operator riding apparatus for supporting an operator behind a self-propelled machine that the sulky apparatus is attached to, an upward extending control column adapted to be located near the operator controls for the self-propelled machine, a deployment boom attached to the sulky operator riding apparatus for deploying the sulky operator riding apparatus having a lower portion pivotally attached to the control column for deploying and for retracting the sulky operator riding apparatus to a stored position, and sulky apparatus control apparatus for controlling the operation of the sulky apparatus deployment boom. The control apparatus includes a gas filled cylinder and a chain.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Sulky apparatus for use with self-propelled machinery such as self-propelled lawn mowers have been in use for sometime and they allow the operator of self-propelled machinery to operate the machinery much more efficiently and allow much more to be accomplished with the machinery than was possible prior to such sulky apparatus. Typically, the sulky apparatus included a platform for the operator to stand upon and some type of boom that was attached to the operator platform at one end and to the self-propelled machinery at the other end of the boom. Some means for storing the sulky apparatus, such as a hook and chain was also provided to store the sulky apparatus when it was not in use. However, even with such sulky apparatus, the operator had to deploy the sulky apparatus manually plus it had to be stored in a position by hooking it into an out of the way position or the like. This need for manual deployment and storage of the sulky apparatus was inconvenient and time consuming and greatly reduced the operator&#39;s efficiency and work performance. 
     Such manually operated sulky apparatus have been improved by the addition of an energy storing member that provides for automatic retraction of the sulky apparatus operator riding platform and hence eliminates some of the manual work associated with the use of the sulky apparatus. An example of such a sulky apparatus is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,140. Even with such an energy storing device, present sulky apparatus lack the ability to readily be adjustable to operate efficiently on different types of terrain and to be adjustable for different size operators, different operational modes and for different types of self-propelled machinery. Moreover, present sulky apparatus lack safety or protective features to protect an operator riding on the sulky apparatus riding platform in the event of a sudden unexpected stop such as when the self-propelled machinery hits an object which is quite common during the operation of most self-propelled machinery. 
     The present sulky apparatus invention overcomes these deficiencies present in the prior art sulky apparatus and provides sulky apparatus that allows the operator to have a sulky apparatus that is adaptable to various types of terrain and types and makes of self-propelled machinery. Also, present sulky apparatus invention allows the operator to select the position of the sulky apparatus riding platform to suit the operator&#39;s size and preferences. The operator is also able to readily select an automatic retraction mode or a continuously deployed mode for the sulky apparatus riding platform and this allows the operator to operate the present sulky apparatus invention in a much more efficient and productive manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to sulky apparatus and more particularly to improved sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to control the manner in which the sulky apparatus is operated. 
     It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus with multiple capabilities. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that has different modes of operation. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to select the mode of operation best suited for the intended operation of the associated self-propelled machinery. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to select the desired position for the sulky riding platform. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to select the desired deployed position for the sulky riding platform. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to select the desired deployed position for the sulky riding platform based upon the desired operation of the attached self-propelled machinery. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to select the desired deployed position for the sulky riding platform based upon the size of the operator. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to select the desired deployed position for the sulky riding platform based upon the size and shape of the attached self-propelled machinery. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus adapted to be used with multiple types of self-propelled machines. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that is easy to operate by the operator of the sulky apparatus. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that does not distract the operator of the sulky apparatus from the operation of the attached self-propelled machinery. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that has the controls for the sulky apparatus located near the controls for the attached self-propelled machinery. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that is easy to move to a stored position. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that has multiple storage positions. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that is safe to use. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that has protection for the operator of the sulky apparatus. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that protects the operator from sudden impact of the self-propelled machinery with an object. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that is easy to service. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that is easy to disassemble. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that is easy to repair. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that has few moving parts to wear out. 
     These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following described sulky apparatus invention that includes sulky operator riding means for supporting an operator behind a self-propelled machine that the sulky apparatus is attached to, sulky apparatus deployment means attached to the sulky operator riding means for deploying the sulky operator riding means to the operational position for the sulky operator riding means and for retracting the sulky operator riding means to a stored position, and sulky apparatus control means for controlling the operation of the sulky apparatus deployment means. The operator riding means includes wheel and a wheel cover assembly and an operator riding platform that extends outward from the wheel cover assembly. The sulky apparatus deployment means includes an adjustable deployment boom that is pivotally connected at the outer end portion to the operator riding means and the control means includes energy storing means that includes a gas filled cylinder and as well as chain for deploying the operator riding means at various vertical locations. The sulky apparatus invention includes provisions for storing the operator riding means in two different positions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be hereinafter more completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of the sulky apparatus invention attached to a self-propelled lawn mower and illustrating the sulky apparatus multiple deployment positioning capability; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of the sulky apparatus invention set forth in  FIG. 1  with certain portions thereof removed to show how the interior parts function and illustrating how the riding platform and associated wheel structure rotates; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged disassembled view with certain parts broken away of a portion of the structure illustrated in  FIG. 2  illustrating the internal components in further detail; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged sectional and exploded view of a portion of the structure illustrated in  FIG. 2  taken within the circle  4  thereof with certain parts omitted; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged side elevational view with certain portions broken away of a portion of the controls for the sulky apparatus that are located within the circle  5  and taken in the direction of the arrow  5  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of a portion of the sulky apparatus invention with certain details omitted illustrating one of the invention&#39;s storage modes; and 
         FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of a portion of the sulky apparatus invention with certain details omitted illustrating the invention&#39;s other storage mode. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , the sulky apparatus invention is illustrated and is designated generally by the number  10 . The sulky apparatus invention  10  is illustrated connected to a self-propelled lawnmower that is designated generally by the number  12  by a conventional connecting apparatus  14 . The lawn mower  12 , in its self, forms no part of the present invention  10  and is conventional in design. The sulky apparatus invention  10  comprises a housing and control column  16  that is configured to be attached to the connecting apparatus  14  in such a manner that the housing and control column  16  projects upward from the connecting apparatus  14  so that the upper end portion  18  of the housing and control column  16  is located in the vicinity of the control handles  20  (only one of which is illustrated) of the lawn mower  12  to give the operator of the lawn mower  12  and the sulky apparatus  10  easy access to the upper end portion  18  of the housing and control column  16 . The sulky apparatus  10  also comprises a deployment boom  22  that is pivotally connected at its inner end  24  by a pivot pin  26  to the lower end portion  28  of the housing and control column  16 . The sulky apparatus  10  also comprises operator riding means  30  for permitting an operator to ride behind the lawn mower  12  or the like. This operator riding means  30  is pivotally connected to the outer end portion  32  of the deployment boom  22  by a pivot assembly  34  connected to the boom end portion  32 . The operator riding means  30  comprises a wheel  36  and a wheel cover assembly  38  and an operator riding platform  40  extending outward from the wheel cover assembly  38  as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the sulky apparatus  10  also comprises control means  42  for controlling the positioning of the deployment boom  22  and the attached operator riding means  30 . This control means  42  includes retraction chain means  44  including a chain  80  and the control handle  46  as well as numerous other components that will be herein after described in detail. The control means  42  allows the operator to control the position of the deployment boom  22  and the attached operator riding means  30  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  by the dashed lines showing various positions for the boom  22  and the attached operator riding means  30 .  FIG. 2  illustrates further details of the control means  42  that allows the operator to control the position of the deployment boom  22  and the attached operator riding means  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , portions of the of the housing and control column  16  have been removed to show important components of the control means  42  that are located within the housing and control column  16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the housing and control column  16  is manufactured from two elongated hollow rectangular cross section aluminum members  47  and  48 . The elongated hollow member  48  that is located closest to the operator riding means  30  has a larger hollow rectangular cross section than the other elongated hollow member  47 . The elongated hollow rectangular cross section aluminum members  47  and  48  are welded together to form the housing and control column  16 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the arrangement of the various components in the elongated hollow rectangular cross section aluminum members  47  and  48  and  FIG. 3  also illustrates the same members when they have been disassembled from the elongated hollow rectangular cross section aluminum members  47  and  48 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the elongated hollow rectangular cross section aluminum member  48  contains energy storing means  50  for providing stored energy to operate the boom  22  fixed in place in the lower portion  52  of the member  48 . In the preferred embodiment, the energy storing means  50  comprises a gas filled elongated cylinder  54  with an upward extending elongated rod  56  that exerts an upward force designated by the letter F. This force F is used to operate the boom  22  as will be herein after described in detail. The elongated force exerting rod  56  is connected at its outer end to one end of a rectangular shaped nylon block  58 . It will be noted that this block  58  has a series of identical locking steps  60  machined or cast in it. These steps  60  are used with a locking apparatus  62  in a manner that will be herein after described in detail. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the nylon block  58  has a rectangular shaped connecting member  64  extending from the side  66  of the block  58 . This connecting member  64  is sized shaped and located to slide in an elongated slot  68  ( FIGS. 2 and 5 ) that extends through the walls of the rectangular cross section members  47  and  48 . The outer end portion  70  of the connecting member  64  is connected to the end  72  of an elongated rod  74  whose other end  76  is connected to the end  78  of a flexible chain  80 . The chain  80  is fed through two closely spaced wheels  82  and  84  that have the respective axle holes  86  and  88 . When assembled, the wheels  82  and  84  are positioned in the lower portion  98  of the aluminum rectangular cross section member  48  so that their axle holes  86  and  88  match up with the respective holes  102  and  100  that extend through the lower portion  98  of the member  48  and the respective holes  90   a  and  90   b  and  92   a  and  92   b  in the respective parallel spaced apart plates  92  and  96  are located so that they match the aligned respective holes  102  and  86  in the lower portion  98  and the wheel  82  and the holes  100  and  88  in the lower portion  98  and the wheel  84 . An appropriate conventional shoulder bolt (not shown) is then passed through the respective holes  90   a , 102 ,  86 ,  102 , and  90   b  and secured in place by a conventional nut (not shown) and another such appropriate conventional shoulder bolt (not shown) is then passed through the respective holes  92   a , 100 ,  88 ,  100 , and  92   b  and secured in place by a conventional nut (not shown). In this manner, the lower portion  98  of the aluminum rectangular cross section member  48  is secured to the parallel plates  94  and  96  that project from and are welded to the connecting means  14  and the wheels  82  and  84  are rotatably mounted in the lower portion  98  of the member  48  with the shoulder bolts serving as axles for the wheels  82  and  84 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the lower end portion of the chain  112  has an attached fastener  114  that is adapted to be connected to the deployment boom  22  by a conventional bolt  116  or the like at a point  118 . The deployment boom  22  has an inner section  120  and an outer section  122  and a portion of the outer section  122  is hollow and is sized and shaped to receive a portion of inner section  120 . A series of substantially equally spaced and sized holes  124 ,  126  and  128  are provided in the sides of the inner section  120  and one hole  130  is provided in the outer section  122 . These respective holes  124 ,  126  and  128  and  130  and an associated pin  135  that is sized and shaped to fit in the holes  124 ,  126  and  128  and  130  allow the overall length of the deployment boom  22  to be varied by the operator to suit the operator&#39;s needs or preferences by inserting the pin in the hole  130  when it is lined up with one of the holes  124 ,  126  and  128 . Of course, varying the overall length of the deployment boom  22  will also vary the location of the operator riding means  30  since it is attached to the outer end portion  32  of the deployment boom  22  by the pivot assembly  34 . This arrangement provides means for allowing the operator to vary the length of the boom  22 . 
     It will be noted that oppositely located cylindrical shaped substantially identical handles  136  and  138  are welded in place on the sides of the outer end portion  32  of the deployment boom  22 . These handles  136  and  138  are for use by the operator to deploy the deployment boom  22  and the attached operator riding means  30 . The operator can also deploy the deployment boom  22  and the attached operator riding means  30  by placing a foot on the operator riding means  30  and exerting a downward force through the foot to pull and push the operator riding means  30  and the attached deployment boom  22  to the extended in-use position. 
     The details of the pivot assembly  34  of the sulky apparatus  10  that allows the operator riding means  30  to pivot about the end portion  32  of the deployment boom  22  is illustrated in greater detail in the enlarged  FIG. 4  that is partly in section and party exploded or disassembled with certain portions thereof broken away for clarity. As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the pivot assembly  34  interconnects the outer end portion  32  of the deployment boom  22  and the end portion  140  of an attaching member  142  ( FIG. 4 ) of the operator riding means  30 . As indicated, the pivot assembly  34  allows the riding means  30  to freely pivot about the outer end portion  32  of the deployment boom  22 . The pivot assembly  34  also has structure for positioning the operator riding means  30  in the stored positions. Consequently, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the pivot assembly  34  includes means  144  for rotatably connecting the operator riding means  30  to the deployment boom  22  and means  146  for locating the operator riding means  30  in a stored position. The means  144  for rotatably connecting the operator riding means  30  to the deployment boom  22  comprises a hollow cylindrical shaped bearing housing  148  that contains upper and lower conventional sealed bearings  150  and  152  that are spaced apart by a hollow cylindrical shaped bearing spacer  154 . The bearings  150  and  152  and the hollow cylindrical shaped bearing spacer  154  have respective circular cross section holes  156 ,  158  and  160  in them that are sized to receive the shaft portion  162  of the bolt  164 . The upper end of the bearing housing  148  is closed by a thin circular cylindrical bearing housing cap  166  that is illustrated in its removed position. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the means  146  for locating the operator riding means  30  in a stored position is comprises a locking pin assembly  168  that is secured to the outer surface  170  of the bearing housing  148 . The locking pin assembly  168  includes two spaced apart identical upper and lower mounting projections  172  and  174  whose inner surfaces are welded to the outer surface  170  of the bearing housing  148 . These upper and lower mounting projections  172  and  174  have respective circular cross section holes  176  and  178  in them that are sized to slidably receive a circular cross section cylindrical shaft  180  of a positioning pin  182  that also has an enlarged head portion  183 . A compression coil spring  184  is located around the cylindrical shaft  180 . This compression spring  184  exerts an upward force on a C-clip  186  that is adapted to be connected to the shaft  180  and is illustrated in its removed position in  FIG. 4 . Consequently, the compression spring  184  exerts an upward force U+ on the entire positioning pin  182  through the C-clip  186 . 
     Further structure that forms part of the means  146  for locating the operator riding means  30  in a stored position is set forth in  FIG. 4  below the rotatable connecting means  144  and is illustrated in its disassembled condition with certain portions thereof broken away for clarity. This means  146  for locating the operator riding means  30  in a stored position includes a thin circular locating plate  188  that has two oppositely located circular holes  190  and  192  that extend through the plate  188  and are sized and positioned to slidably receive the lower end portion  194  of the positioning pin  182 . This locating plate  188  has a centrally located circular hole  196  extending through it that is sized to receive the rotatable connecting means  144  and six identical equally spaced threaded assembly holes  198  are located around the periphery of the plate  188 . It will be noted that only some of these holes  198  are shown for clarity. This plate  188  is made from a suitable grade of steel. 
     A steel retainer  195  is illustrated just above the plate  188  and this retainer has a circular cross section cylindrical shaped lower portion  197  that has a diameter that allows the lower portion  197  to side into the hole  196  in the locating plate  188 . The retainer  195  has an upper integral smaller circular cross section cylindrical portion  201  with a diameter that substantially matches the diameter of the bearing  152  and a centrally located circular cross section hole  203  extends through the retainer  195  and is sized to receive the shaft portion  162  of the bolt  164 . Located just below the plate  188  is a circular cross section nylon clutch disk  200  that is thicker than the plate  188 . This disk  200  has a centrally located circular hole  202  extending through it that is of the same sized as the hole  196  in the locating plate  188  and six identical equally spaced assembly holes  204  are located around the periphery of the disk  200 . It will be noted that only one of these holes  204  are shown for clarity. The clutch disk  200  has a circular cross section cylindrical depression or pocket  205  in it that is sized to slidably receive two thirds of the thickness of a circular steel plate  206  that is described below. 
     Just below the clutch disk  200  is a smaller thin circular cross section cylindrical steel plate  206  that only has a non-circular centrally located hole  208  extending through it. This hole  208  is sized and shaped to slidably receive the upper portion  210  of a generally circular cross section cylindrical shaped bushing  212  whose lower portion  213  is welded to the outer end portion  140  of the attaching member  142  of the operator riding means  30 . In the preferred embodiment, the hole  208  has a double D configuration or is shaped like a a rectangle but with partial circular end portions. However, any non-circular cross section will work for the hole  208  as long as the cross section of the upper portion  210  of a bushing  212  has a matching cross section. Located just below the plate  206 , is a thin circular cross section cylindrical nylon clutch disk  216  that is substantially identical to the nylon clutch disk  200  but is not as thick as the clutch disk  200 . This disk  216  has a centrally located circular hole  218  extending through it that is sized to receive the bushing  212  and six identical equally spaced assembly holes  226  are located around the periphery of the disk  216 . Again, it will be noted that only some of these holes  220  are shown for clarity. 
     Located just below the disk  216 , is a steel plate  222  that is similar to the previously described steel plate  188 , but lacks any holes for the positioning pin  182 . This plate  222  has a centrally located circular hole  224  extending through it that is sized to receive the bushing  212  and six identical equally spaced assembly holes  226  are located around the periphery of the plate  222 . Again, it will be noted that only some of these holes  226  are shown for clarity. This plate  222  is made from a suitable grade of steel. It will be noted that the bushing  212  has a central circular hole  228  through it that allows the bolt shaft  162  to be passed through it. This hole  228  is drilled not only through the bushing  212  but also completely through the end portion  140  of the attaching member  142  so as to permit passage of the bolt shaft  162  through the attaching member  142  as well as the bushing  212 . 
     In order to assemble the structure set forth in  FIG. 4 , the bushing  212  that is welded to the end portion  140  of the attaching member  142 , is inserted into the holes  224 ,  218  and  208  with the non-circular portion  210  of the bushing  212  fitting into the non-circular hole  208  in the plate  206 . The shaft  162  of the bolt  164  is then passed through the hole  228  in the bushing and through the hole  203  in the retainer  195  and through the holes  158 ,  160  and  156  in the respective bearing  152 , spacer  154  and bearing  150 . The threaded end  230  of the bolt  164  will then protrude above the bearing  150  where the nut  232  will be tightly secured to the threaded end  230 . Then, the smaller bolts  234 , only one is illustrated for clarity, will be inserted from below, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , into the holes  226 ,  220 ,  204  and  198  in the respective disks or plates  222 ,  216 ,  200  and  188  and the threaded portion  235  of the bolts will be tightly screwed into the threaded holes  198  in the locating plate  188 . The bearing housing cap  166  will be replaced to complete the assembly of the structure set forth in  FIG. 4 . It will be noted that the shaft  162  of the bolt  164  and the hole  228  through the bushing  212  and the end portion  140  of the attaching member  142  are sized so that the bolt shaft  162  is a press fit in the hole  228  and hence the bolt shaft  162  is fixed in the hole  228  and is not able to rotate. 
     In view of this arrangement set forth in  FIG. 4 , possible breakage or damage of the positioning pin  182  is prevented when the positioning pin  182  is located in one of the locking holes  190  or  192  in the locating plate  188  and a blow or the like is delivered to the operator riding means  30 . This is because the force of the blow to the operator riding means  30  will be transmitted to the attaching member  142  and the bushing  212  and to the non-circular portion  210  of the bushing  212  that fits into the non-circular hole  208  in the plate  206  which will cause the plate  206  to turn, but the plate  206  is located in the cavity or pocket in  205  in the clutch disk  200  and this cavity  205  is sized to slidably receive a portion of circular steel plate  206  and this clutch disk pocket  205  allows the steel plate to rotate rather than transmit any force from the blow or the like from the operator riding means  30 . Consequently, no force is transmitted to the positioning pin  182  that could damage the positioning pin  182 . 
     The details of how the nylon block  58  and its machined or cast steps  60  function are illustrated in the enlarged view set forth in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  illustrates in greater detail the locking apparatus  62  that was previously illustrated in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , this locking apparatus  62  is connected by a pin  238  or the like to two substantially identical mounting members  240  (that is partially broken away) and  242  that are welded to and project outwardly from the outer surface  244  of the hollow rectangular cross section member  48 . As illustrated, the locking apparatus  62 , includes an engaging member  246  that is pivotally mounted on the pin  238  that is mounted in and extends outward from the mounting member  242 . This engaging member  246  has a flat end portion  248  whose end tip  250  is shaped, adapted and located to engage the teeth  60  on the nylon block  58  and lock the block  58  in place within the tube  48 . The other end portion  252  of the engaging member  246  is bent to fit around an outward force exerting coil spring  254  that exerts an outward force labeled C+ on the associated end portion  252  of the engaging member  246  and this forces the end tip  250  to engage the teeth  60  of the block  58 . An opening  256  is present in the outer wall  258  of the tube  48  and the flat end portion  248  extends through this opening  256 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the operating handle  46  has a straight circular cross section portion  259  and this straight circular cross section portion  259  has an integral outwardly extending rectangular shaped projection  260  that is located adjacent the flat end portion  248  of the engaging member  246 . 
     In view of this arrangement, downward pressure or force from the hand of the operator, represented by the letter D on the handle  46  causes its straight circular cross section portion  259  to rotate clockwise as represented by the letter R and as a consequence the integral outwardly extending rectangular shaped projection  260  also rotates in the direction R and allows the end portion  250  of the flat end portion to engage a tooth of the teeth  60  of the block  58  as illustrated in  FIG. 5  by the solid lines. Conversely, when the handle  46  is pushed upward by the operator&#39;s hand, as represented by the letter U, the handle  46  causes its straight circular cross section portion  259  to rotate counterclockwise as represented by the letter C and this causes integral outwardly extending rectangular shaped projection  260  to push against the flat end portion  248  to cause the flat end portion to move to the dashed line position in  FIG. 5  so that its end portion  250  no longer engages any of the teeth  60  on the block  58 . Due to the movement of the end portion  250  to the dashed line position, the block  58  is free to move upward and will move upward automatically due to any force exerted by the connected elongated rod  56  that is connected to the gas cylinder  54 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate the operator riding means  30 , the pivot assembly  34  and portions of the attached deployment boom  22  in their retracted or stored positions. In  FIGS. 6 and 7  it will be noted that the handles  136  and  138  have been omitted for clarity.  FIG. 6  illustrates the more usual storage position for the operator riding means  30  and that is with the circular shaped mounting plate  188  that is attached to the end portion  140  of the attaching member  142  rotated so that the operator riding means  30  is extended in a downward direction. In this stored position, the sulky operator riding means  30  is stored out of the way so that the operator can conveniently walk behind the lawn mower  12  while performing standard mowing operations and is also readily available for deployable use by an operator. This storage position is made possible in view of the construction of the pivot assembly  34  that was discussed in connection with  FIG. 4 . As indicated in connection with  FIG. 4 , the upper end portion of the positioning pin  182  has an enlarged head portion  183  and the spring  184  biases the positioning pin  182  upward or outward so that the lower end portion  194  of the positioning pin  182  is prevented from entering the holes  190  or  192  in the mounting plate  188 . However, when the operator riding means  30  and the attached pivot assembly  34  are retracted to the retracted or stored position in  FIG. 6 , the head portion  183  of the positioning pin  182  contacts the outer surface of the elongated hollow rectangular cross section aluminum member  48  at the point  262  and the head portion  183  is pushed toward the rotatable mounting plate  188 . 
     As previously indicated, with respect to  FIG. 4 , the mounting plate  188  has two oppositely located circular holes  190  and  192  extending through the outer periphery of the mounting plate  188  and these holes  190  and  192  are sized and located to receive the end portion  194  of the positioning pin  182  and consequently when the head portion  183  is pushed it pushes the end portion  194  of the positioning pin  182  into one of the holes  190  or  192  depending on the position of the rotatable mounting plate  188 . In this case, with the operator riding means  30  in a downward position, the end portion  194  of the positioning pin  182  would be pushed into the hole  192  to lock the plate  188  in place and hence the operator riding means  30  is locked in place to prevent the operator riding means  30  from swinging or moving from this storage position during mowing operations. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another storage position for the operator riding means  30  and that is with the circular shaped mounting plate  188  that is attached to the end portion  140  of the attaching member  142  rotated so that the operator riding means  30  is extended in an upward direction. As previously indicated, the positioning pin  182  has an enlarged head portion  183  and the spring  184  biases the positioning pin  182  upward or outward so that the lower end portion  194  of the positioning pin  182  is prevented from entering the holes  190  or  192  in the mounting plate  188 . However, when the operator riding means  30  and the attached pivot assembly  34  are retracted to the retracted or stored position in  FIG. 7 , the head portion  183  of the positioning pin  182  contacts the outer surface of the elongated hollow rectangular cross section aluminum member  48  at the point  262  and the head portion  183  is pushed toward the rotatable mounting plate  188 . As indicated previously, the mounting plate  188  has two oppositely located circular holes  190  and  192  extending through the outer periphery of the mounting plate  188  and these holes  190  and  192  are sized and located to receive the end portion  194  of a positioning pin  182  and consequently when the head portion  183  is pushed it pushes the end portion  194  of the locking pin  182  into one of the holes  190  or  192  depending on the position of the rotatable mounting plate  188 . In this case, with the operator riding means  30  in an upward position, the end portion  194  of the positioning pin  182  would be pushed into the hole  190 . This position, with the operator riding means  30  in a upward position can be preferred when the sulky apparatus  10  and the attached mower or the like  12  are being transported. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 6  and  7 , the sulky apparatus  10  is provided with safety means  264  for protecting an operator of the sulky apparatus  10  from injury in the event that the sulky apparatus or the attached self-propelled equipment  12  strikes an object or comes to an abrupt stop. The safety means  264  includes a rectangular shaped curved cushion member  266  that is attached to the rear edge of the upper end of the elongated hollow rectangular cross section aluminum member  48  by a hinge member  270  that permits the cushion member  266  to pivot about the upper end of the member  48 . An elongated shock absorbing member  272  has one end connected to the back of the curved cushion member  266  and the other end is connected to the side of the elongated hollow rectangular cross section member  48 . Consequently, this curved cushion member  266  is in position to contact the upper portion of an operator in the event that the sulky apparatus  10  and the attached self-propelled equipment  12  strike an object or comes to an abrupt stop. When this occurs and the operator is thrown forward and the upper portion of an operator contacts the curved cushion member  266 , the cushion member  266  can pivot forward toward the lawn mower or the like  12  and the attached elongated shock absorbing member  272  will absorb some of the force of the impact of the operator with the curved cushion member  266 . 
     The sulky apparatus  10  is made from conventional materials using conventional techniques known in the art. Except where indicated, the metal components of the sulky apparatus are made from common cold rolled steel using conventional milling, broaching, cutting and drilling and forming techniques. The gas filled elongated cylinder  54  is a Gas Spring No. GGS203-090-K available from H. A. Gudden Industries and other suppliers. The shock absorbing member  272  is a Gas Spring No. GGS-22-060-K also available from H. A. Gudden Industries and other suppliers. The chain  80  is a common motorcycle type chain that is cut to a suitable length. 
     The sulky apparatus  10  is used in the following manner. Normally, the sulky apparatus  10  would be transported in the storage position illustrated in  FIG. 7  or possibly  FIG. 6  with the operator riding means  30  stored out of the way. The position illustrated in  FIG. 7  offers the advantage of allowing the sulky apparatus  10  to be transported in a more compact configuration than the position set forth in  FIG. 6 . In order to use the sulky apparatus  10 , the operator needs to pull the operator riding means  30  from its stored position illustrated in  FIG. 6  or  FIG. 7 . This is accomplished by the operator manually pulling down on the handle  136  or  138  ( FIG. 2 ) or by the operator using a foot to pull down the operator riding means  30  in the previously described manner. This downward pulling force results in not only the operator riding means  30  being pulled down, but also the attached deployment boom  22  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  as well as the chain  112  that is attached to the boom  22 . With the control handle  46  in the engaged downward position D, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the end tip  250 , as indicated in the solid lines, of the engaging member  246  engages the teeth  60  on the block  58  and consequently, when the operator stops the downward pulling force on the operator riding means  30  and the attached deployment boom  22 , the boom  22  and the attached operator riding means  30  will stop in one of the downward positions illustrated by the dashed lines in  FIG. 1  depending upon which tooth  60  was engaged by the end tip  250  of the engaging member  246  of the locking apparatus  62  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     When the operator steps onto the operator riding platform  40  the operator&#39;s body weight will automatically cause the boom  32 , the chain  80 , the connecting member  74 , the nylon block  58 , and the elongated rod  56  of the gas filled cylinder  54  to all move in a downward direction allowing the teeth  60  to slip past and not be engage by the end portion  250  of the engaging member  246 . This allows the operator riding means  30  to rest upon and follow the terrain conditions since the downward travel of the operator riding means  30  is unrestricted. At the same time, upward pull do to the force of the gas filled cylinder  54  is prevented since any upward movement of the block  58  is prevented by the engagement of the end tip  250  with the upper surface of one of the teeth  60  of the block  58  when the handle  46  is in the down or D position. With the handle  46  in this down D position, the operator can operate the sulky apparatus  10  and the attached lawn mower  12  in a conventional manner without the gas filled cylinder  54  being able to exert an upward pulling force to attempt to pull the chain  80  and the boom  32  and the operator riding means  30  upward. 
     If the operator wants to change the vertical position of the operator riding means  30 , the operator merely steps off of the riding platform  40  and manually moves control handle  46  to the non-engaged position, represented by the letter U in  FIG. 5 , so that the end tip  250  of the engaging member  246  will not engage the teeth  60  on the block  58  as represented by the dashed lines. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the operator riding means  30  is capable of freely pivoting about the attached boom  22  as the operator riding means  30  is in use in view of the previously described rotatable connecting means  144 . When the operator is done with the operator riding means  30 , the operator steps off the operator riding means  30  and moves the control handle  46  to the non-engaged position, indicated by the letter U, to cause the integral outwardly extending rectangular shaped projection  260  to rotate in the direction C and push the flat end portion  248  to the dashed line position in  FIG. 5  so that its end portion  250  no longer engages any of the teeth  60  on the block  58 . As a consequence, due to the movement of the end portion  250  to the dashed line position, the block  58  is free to move upward and will tend to move upward due to the force exerted by the connected elongated rod  56  that is attached to the gas filled cylinder  54  which results in an upward force being applied to the chain  112  that tends to pull the attached boom  22  and the connected operator riding means  30  upward. However, the operator riding means  30  must be rotated horizontally with respect to the attached boom  22  toward the inner section  120  of the boom  22  to allow the upward force from the gas filled cylinder  54  to pull the boom  22  and the attached operator riding means  30  upward. Otherwise, with the operator riding means extended outward the force from the gas filled cylinder  54  is insufficient to pull the boom  22  and the attached operator riding means  30  upward. As the connected operator riding means  30  is moving upward, it will automatically move, due to gravity, to the downward storage position illustrated in  FIG. 6 . However, if the operator wants to move the operator riding means  30  to the storage position illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the operator must manually pull outward on the operator riding means rotate the operator riding means  30  to the upward storage positions illustrated  FIG. 7  and then release the operator riding means  30 . 
     It should be noted that the operator can use the operator riding means  30  with the handle  46  in the upward or U position with the operator riding means  30  extending outward and in this position the operator riding means  30  will remain in the extended or deployed position. However, gas filled cylinder  54  will exert an upward force on the operator riding means  30  that will tend to cushion the ride or feel of the operator riding means  30  that the operator experiences. This cushioning effect is desired by many operators 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , the operator riding means  30  can be rotated so that the attaching member  142  of the of the operator riding means  30  extends downward as illustrated in  FIG. 6  or the operator riding means  30  can be rotated so that the attaching member  142  of the of the operator riding means  30  extends upward as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In either position as previously indicated, the enlarged head portion  183  of the positioning pin  182  contacts the member  48  at a point  262  and this results in a force being exerted on the head portion  183  of the positioning pin  182  that pushes the positioning pin  182  outward away from the member  48  and into one of the holes  190  or  192  in the previously described locating plate  188 . 
     As previously indicated with respect to  FIG. 4  the positioning pin  182  will not be damaged by an inadvertent blow or the like to the operator riding means  30 . The positioning pin  182  is protected due to the previously described clutch structure set forth in  FIG. 4 . Consequently, a blow or the like to the operator riding means can not be transmitted to the positioning pin  182 . 
     Although the invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to a certain preferred embodiment, it will be understood that variations or modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.