Abstract:
Sulky apparatus for use behind a self-propelled operator controlled machine such as lawn mowers that includes a sulky riding platform, a sulky boom having an inner end and an outer end for connecting the sulky riding platform to the self-propelled machine that is to tow the sulky riding platform, a pivotal connecting system for pivotally connecting the sulky riding platform to the outer end of the sulky boom and an adjusting system for adjusting the pivotal connecting system. The adjusting system for adjusting the pivotal connecting system is particularly useful in properly connecting the sulky apparatus to self-propelled machines that have different height frames. In another embodiment of the sulky apparatus invention for use behind a self-propelled machine that has operator control handles that includes a sulky riding platform, a sulky boom having an inner end and an outer end for connecting the sulky riding platform to the self-propelled machine that is to tow the sulky riding platform the invention includes a storage system for storing the sulky riding platform below the operator control handles of the self-propelled operator controlled machine. The storage system also includes an important brake system for preventing swinging or similar movement of the stored sulky riding platform.

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 includes a platform for the operator to stand upon that has a single wheel that rides on the ground 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. Examples of such a sulky apparatus are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,527,285 and in U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,957. In spite of the extensive use of such sulky apparatus, there are a number of problems that detract from the effective use of the present sulky apparatus. This sulky apparatus invention solves three of the present problems that are associated with current sulky apparatus and with their use. 
     The sulky usually has a riding platform that rides on the ground that an operator stands on and this is pivotally connected to a connecting boom that is in turn connected to the vehicle, such as a lawn mower, that is being driven by the operator. The pivotal connection between the riding platform and the boom usually uses a circular cross section cylinder that extends upward from the riding platform and a corresponding connecting portion on the outer end of the connecting boom that has a circular cross section hole that accepts and slides over the circular cross section cylinder that extends upward from the riding platform. This arrangement permits the riding platform to freely pivot about the outer end portion of the connecting boom. The proper operation of the sulky apparatus requires that the circular cross section cylinder or pivot pin that extends upward from the riding platform be substantially perpendicular to the adjacent ground. If this upward extending cylinder becomes tilted, this causes the riding sulky platform to not maintain a level riding surface while it is rotating during turns and maneuvers, which sulkies are constantly required to perform during their operation. This creates a rough irregular ride for the mower operator, and can also cause platform “shoveling” while the mower is driven backwards in reverse with the operator on foot off the sulky riding platform which is quite common. Shoveling is where, due to the upward extending cylinder becoming tilted, in the reverse mode, the reversing sulky platform edge actually attempts to dig into the adjacent ground or turf creating a very hazardous mower linear jack-knifing action which potentially can cause the mower, or other connected equipment, to flip over onto the operator causing operator injury. 
     Other operational problems, caused by the upward extending cylinder becoming tilted, is a constant platform grinding and scraping during turns due to constant riding platform wobbling. This, of course, is undesirable do to the damage to the customer&#39;s property as well as the physical damage this causes to the parts of the sulky itself. 
     Another problem with previous sulkies is that self-propelled mowers from different manufacturers have mower frames that have different heights and hence different height attachment points for the inner end of the sulky attachment boom. With the wide variety of commercial walk behind mowers types and the various different manufactures thereof, sulky mower frame mounting points can deviate by up to 12 inches in height as measured from the ground up to the mower frame&#39;s mounting area of a particular mower machine. This means that with a rigid or fixed sulky pivotal connection between the riding platform and the boom, most sulkies either are mounted and operated in poor working condition with a undesirable pivot pin tilt either aft or stern, or an attempt was made to correct this through the use of specially designed mounting brackets. Unfortunately for sulkies and their operators, generally sulkies are never properly matched to the correct mower deck height primarily because most sulkies are mass produced with just one particular pivotal connection between the riding platform and the boom. Whether or not the pivot pin is 90 degrees with the ground is strictly determined by the particular degree or angle the factory welded the pivoting axis structure to the end of the protruding boom arm and also the distance from the ground up to the sulky platform hitch mounting connection of the particular mower&#39;s rear frame. Consequently, pivot pin angles are rarely correct, at 90 degrees with the adjacent ground. 
     To help solve this industry wide problem, certain sulky manufacturers began providing various optional mounting hardware such as an inner end pivoting sulky attachment coupler height adjustment plates to use during the sulky attachment process. Unfortunately, however, most or all of these mounting kits and hardware either confused the purchaser and were not used at all, or were used but became cantilevering devices which began bending, deforming, and frequently actually broke the mower frames adjacent to where the adjustment plates were used. 
     The present invention allows the operator to manually attach the inner end portion of the sulky boom for different height frame attachment locations and then make the adjustments to insure that the circular cross section cylinder that extends upward from the riding platform, the pivot pin, is substantially perpendicular to the adjacent ground. With an adjustable pivot pin connection, discussed previously, the mounting height point becomes irrelevant because after the sulky hitch is attached to any particular mower frame at virtually any potential sulky hitch mounting height off the ground, the operator simply permanently adjusts the sulky riding platform&#39;s pivot pin to substantially 90 degrees to the ground below the pivot pin and the operator is done. 
     Another problem with previous sulkies is that that they do not provide proper compact onboard storage for the sulky riding platform that permits the operator to use the self-propelled mower or the like in the normal manner without using the sulky. This operator walking mode typically is desired to mow hills, embankments, drainage ditches, narrow turf areas and difficult tight spots or physically complicated mowing situations such as for example around a tree, near a fence, or abreast of a hill or fragile object such as a cable service box or telephone pole, etc. These examples and others can occur on any particular mowing job. 
     Currently, the sulky riding platform is stored on the mower when it is not in use by hanging it on a chain or strap or the like. Unfortunately, this allows the stored sulky platform to dangle in a free-swinging manner, usually just underneath the mower&#39;s handle bars, which also happens to be very close to the operator&#39;s own body. As a consequence, the operator, while attempting to operate their mower in a normal manner, is undesirably faced with a loose swinging and flailing sulky platform near the operator&#39;s body that can strike the operator and cause injury. With this invention, this problem is eliminated through the use of a brake system that prevents the stored sulky platform from swinging. Even though swing is prevented by this brake, it is very easy to release the brake and move the sulky platform into position for the operator to ride upon the sulky&#39;s riding platform. 
     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 adjust the sulky apparatus so that it operates properly. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to properly adjust the connection between the sulky riding platform and the sulky riding platform connecting boom so that the sulky riding platform operates properly. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to properly adjust the connection between the sulky riding platform and the sulky riding platform connecting boom so that the sulky riding platform operates safely. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to properly adjust the connection between the sulky riding platform and the sulky riding platform connecting boom so that the sulky riding platform operates smoothly. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to easily adjust the pivotal connection between the sulky riding platform and the sulky riding platform connecting boom. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to properly adjust the pivotal connection between the sulky riding platform and the sulky riding platform connecting boom with a minimum of tools. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to store 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 store the sulky riding platform out of the way of the operator that is using the attached lawn mower. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to secure the sulky riding platform in the stored position. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to prevent the stored sulky riding platform from moving. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to prevent the stored sulky riding platform from swinging when the sulky riding platform is in the stored position. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to readily remove the sulky riding platform from the stored position. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to connect the sulky apparatus to different types of lawn mowers. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide sulky apparatus that allows the operator of the sulky apparatus to connect the sulky apparatus to lawn mowers having different height frames and adjust the connection between the sulky riding platform and the sulky riding platform connecting boom so that the sulky riding platform operates properly. 
     These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following described sulky apparatus invention for use behind a self-propelled machine that includes a sulky riding platform with a single wheel rim and tire for allowing the operator riding platform to move along the ground, a sulky boom having an inner end and an outer end for connecting the sulky riding platform to the self-propelled machine that is to tow the sulky riding platform, pivotal connecting means for pivotally connecting the sulky riding platform to the outer end of the sulky boom and sulky pivotal connection adjusting means for adjusting the pivotal connecting means. The invention also includes storage means for storing the sulky apparatus below the operator control handles of the self-propelled operator controlled machine and out of the way of the operator of the self-propelled operator controlled machine including braking means for preventing stored riding platform swinging. 
    
    
     
       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 right side perspective view of the sulky apparatus invention showing the sulky apparatus in the in use position with a portion thereof broken away; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of certain parts of the sulky apparatus invention illustrated in  FIG. 1  disassembled, illustrating the details of the connection of the outer end of the sulky boom to the sulky riding platform; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of certain parts of the sulky apparatus invention set forth in  FIG. 1  showing certain parts of the sulky apparatus invention disassembled illustrating additional details of the connection of the outer end of the sulky boom to the sulky riding platform; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of certain parts of the sulky apparatus invention set forth in  FIG. 2  showing certain parts of the sulky apparatus invention further disassembled illustrating additional details related to the connection of the outer end of the sulky boom to the sulky riding platform; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of certain parts of the sulky apparatus invention set forth in  FIG. 4  showing certain parts of the sulky apparatus invention in their assembled condition; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged partial sectional view of a connecting pin and associated structure taken on the plane indicated by the line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5  showing the interior parts of a connecting pin assembly of the sulky apparatus invention showing the connecting pin assembly in the connected position; 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the structure set forth in  FIG. 6  showing the connecting pin assembly in the unconnected position: 
         FIG. 8  is a right side perspective view of the sulky apparatus invention illustrating the adjustment of a turnbuckle system that forms part of the sulky apparatus invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a right side perspective view of the sulky apparatus invention illustrating the adjustment of a turnbuckle system for using the sulky apparatus invention behind self-propelled lawn mowers having different height frames; 
         FIG. 10  is a right side perspective view of the sulky apparatus invention showing the sulky riding platform in the folded position in preparation for being moved to the storage position; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the sulky apparatus invention showing the sulky riding platform in the storage position between the handles of a self-propelled lawn mower; and 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the sulky apparatus invention illustrated in  FIG. 11  illustrating the braking system of the sulky apparatus invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , the sulky apparatus invention is illustrated and is designated generally by the number  10 . As illustrated, the sulky apparatus invention  10  includes an elongated boom assembly  12  that is connected to a pivot assembly  14  that is connected to the forward end portion  15  of a sulky riding platform  16 . The pivot assembly  14  comprises means for connecting the boom assembly  12  to the sulky riding platform  16 . The sulky riding platform  16  and the associated wheel rim  17  and tire  19  are conventional and are not novel and hence will not be described in any detail. The boom assembly  12  comprises an elongated boom member  18  that is connected at its forward end  20  by a conventional pivotal connector  22  to the frame  24  of a conventional self-propelled lawn mower  26  or the like. The pivotal connector  22  allows the boom member  18  to be manually pivoted upward as illustrated by the arrow A in  FIG. 1 . 
     The details of the pivot assembly  14  are illustrated in the disassembled views set forth in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pivot assembly  14  includes an upward projecting solid cylindrical straight pin member  28  whose lower end portion  30  passes through and is connected by welding or the like to a flange member  33  that surrounds the exterior of the pin member  28 . The lower end portion  30 , below the flange member  33 , is also connected to a generally cylindrical cross section member  32  in a manner that will hereinafter described in detail. The member  32  is in turn connected by welding or the like to the forward end portion  15  of the sulky riding platform  16 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a generally cylindrically shaped elongated pin housing  36  has an elongated circular cross section hole  38  extending lengthwise through it that is sized and shaped to receive the solid cylindrical straight pin member  28 . The tolerances between the outside of the pin member  28  and adjacent walls of the hole  38  in the pin housing  36  are sufficient to allow the pin member  28  to freely rotate within the hole  38  in the elongated pin housing  36 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 , the pin housing  36  is rotatably secured to the top of the pin member  28  by a fastener  37  and the adjacent associated washer  39 . In the preferred embodiment, the fastener is a flat head socket head cap screw size 5/16″-18×⅞″. This screw is available from the McMaster Carr Company of ElmHurst, Ill. The washer  39  is made from solid steel cylindrical bar stock with a diameter equal to that of the pin housing  36  and a ¼″ thick piece is cut off. A 0.320 center hole is then drilled through this ¼″ piece and a 82 degree countersink tool is then used to machine out a matching conical surface to match the underside surface of the flat head socket head cap screw fastener  37 . This fastener  37  screws into a threaded hole  41  on the top of the pin member  28  as illustrated in  FIG. 2  and the washer  39  retains the pin housing  36  on the pin member  28 . It is important to note that after the screw fastener  37  is tightened, there should be a slight gap between the underside of the washer  39  and the adjacent top of the pin housing  36 . This gap prevents binding and allows rotation between the pin housing  36  and the pin member  28 . In addition, the pin housing  36  is slightly shorter than the pin member  28  and this allows the pin housing  36  to freely rotate about the pin member  28 . The lower end of the pin housing  36  also contacts the upper flat surface of the flange member  33  and is free to rotate on this flat surface as best illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 4 . and  5 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5 , the pin housing  36  has a thin generally rectangular shaped connecting plate  40  projecting from its outer surface  42  toward the outer end portion  44  of the elongated boom member  18 . The connecting plate  40  is welded to the outer surface  42  of the pin housing  36 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the connecting plate  40  has a circular hole  46  extending through its lower portion  48  and an elongated slot  50  located in its upper portion  52  and the connecting plate  40  slides between two flat substantially identical spaced apart projections  54  and  56  that have substantially identical circular holes  58  and  60  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) in them that are the same size as the hole  46  in the connecting plate  40 . A circular cylindrical pivot fastener  62  is passed through the holes  58  and  60  and secured in place in the holes  58  and  60  by a hex-head nut and washer  64  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . It will be noted in  FIG. 4 , that a nut  65  has been removed from the threaded portion  66  of the cylindrical pivot fastener  62  in order to illustrate the hole  60 . This arrangement allows the pivot assembly  14  to pivot about the fastener  62  up and down at the outer end portion  44  of the elongated boom member  18 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , the elongated boom member  18  has a conventional commercial turnbuckle assembly  78  attached to it. In this connection, a fastening projection  68  is welded to the top portion  70  of the boom member  18  and a shoulder bolt fastening member  72  extends through the fastening projection  68  and into a flat pivoting connecting member  74  that has a left-handed threaded portion that threads onto the inner left-handed end  76  of turnbuckle  78 . The other right-handed threaded end  80  of the turnbuckle  78  has a generally rectangular shaped fastening member  82  threaded on it. The turnbuckle  78  and associated structure comprise means for adjusting the previously mentioned means for connecting the boom assembly  12  to the operator riding platform  16  as will hereinafter be described in detail. The fastening member  82  and how it functions will also be hereinafter described in detail.  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3  also illustrate a brake pad  84 , a brake drum  86 , a handle and plunger  88  and a plunger cylinder  90  that form part of a brake system  100  that will hereinafter be described in detail. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 8, 9, 10 and 12  the elongated boom member  18  has a pneumatic power cylinder  102  attached to it. In this connection, as indicated in  FIG. 1 , a fastening projection  104  is welded to the top portion  70  of the boom member  18  adjacent to the previously described fastening projection  68 . The inner end  106  of the pneumatic power cylinder  102  is a screw-on eyelet that is part of the pneumatic cylinder  102  and is connected to the fastening projection  104  by a shoulder bolt  108  that extends through the fastening projection  104  and the screw-on eyelet that is part of the pneumatic cylinder  102  and the outer end  110  of the pneumatic power cylinder  102  snaps on to an associated fastener  112  (see  FIG. 3 ) that is welded to the top outer portion of a rectangular shaped mounting block  113  that is in turn welded to the pin housing  36 . It will be noted that the outer end  110  of the pneumatic cylinder that snaps on the associated fastener  112  is not illustrated in  FIG. 3  in order to illustrate the fastener  112 . 
     The pneumatic power cylinder  102  is a conventional commercial item, Gas Spring #9416K14, for one hundred and thirty pounds that is available from McMaster Carr Company of Robbinsville, N.J. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate how the fastening member  82  is connected to the pivot assembly  14  and how it is assembled and interacts with associated components. As best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the fastening member  82  has an inner threaded end portion  114  that is threaded and welded on the mating threads of the threaded end  80  of the turnbuckle  78 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , two substantially identical spaced apart projecting portions  116  and  118  are located on the other end of the fastening member  82 . These projecting portions  116  and  118  have respective substantially identical rounded ends  120  and  122  and respective substantially identical circular holes  124  and  126  that extend through the rounded ends  120  and  122  of the projecting portions  116  and  118 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5  a linkage member  132  is designed to be connected to the fastening member  82  and this linkage member  132  has a thin rectangular shaped body  134  with a rounded end portion  144  ( FIG. 4 ). A circular cross section pin  140  projects outward from the inner side of the body  134  near its inner end  142  and this pin  140  is sized and shaped to slide into the respective substantially identical circular holes  124  and  126  that extend through the outer portions  120  and  122  of the projecting portions  116  and  118 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the pin  140  is also sized and shaped to fit into the elongated slot  50  in the connecting plate  40 . The outer end  144  of the body  134  has a circular hole  146  located in it that is sized, shaped and located to allow the outer cylindrical end portion  148  of a locking pin assembly  150  to pass through it. In this connection, in normal use, the outer end  144  of the body  134  that has the circular hole  146  located in it, is located in a slot  152  in the locking pin assembly  150  and is held in this position in the slot  152  by a small coil spring  154  whose upper end  156  is connected to a small hook  158  connected to the outer side of the body  134  and whose lower end  160  is connected to a hook  162  on the outside of the pin housing  36 . The outer end  110  of the pneumatic power cylinder  102  and its associated snap fastener block  113  are also illustrated in  FIG. 4  and, as illustrated by the arrow labeled X, the outer end  110  of the pneumatic power cylinder and its associated snap fastener block  113  result in an outward force being exerted in the X direction on the pin housing  36 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the structure set forth in  FIG. 4  in its assembled configuration and, as illustrated, the linkage member  132  serves the important function of connecting the upper portion  164  of the pivot assembly  14  to the fastening member  82  that has the inner threaded end portion  114  that is threaded on the mating threads of the threaded end  80  of the turnbuckle  78 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a partial sectional view of the locking pin assembly  150  taken on the plane illustrated by the line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in order to accomplish the connection to the upper portion  164  of the pivot assembly  14 , a cylindrical end portion  148  extends through the hole  146  in the body  134  ( FIG. 4 ) and through a circular cross section hole  190  in the outer end portion  168  of the locking pin assembly  150 . The hole  190  is sized and shaped to receive the cylindrical end portion  148 . It will be noted, that if the cylindrical end portion  148  does not extend through the hole  146  in the body  134  ( FIG. 4 ) and through the circular cross section hole  190  in the outer end portion  168  of the locking pin assembly  150 , then there is no connection between the upper portion  164  of the pivot assembly  14  and the fastening member  82 . Consequently, it is very important that the cylindrical end portion  148  extend through the hole  146  in the body  134  ( FIG. 4 ) and through the circular cross section hole  190  in the outer end portion  168  of the locking pin assembly  150 , and that the outer end portion  148  is held in this position by spring force that is provided by the locking pin assembly  150  as will be hereinafter described in detail. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates how the spring force is applied to retain the outer end portion  148  in the position illustrated in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 6  illustrates the previously mentioned handle and plunger  88  and the plunger cylinder  90 . The handle and plunger  88  includes an elongated circular cross section uniform diameter shaft  170  whose outer portion  172  slides within a circular cross section hole  174  in a threaded bolt  176  whose lower threaded portion  178  is sized and shaped to be threaded into the threaded aperture  180  in a generally cylindrical shaped spring housing  182 . The spring housing  182  has a centrally located enlarged circular cross section bore  184  that contains a coil spring  186  that exerts a spring force indicated by the arrow S against an adjacently located collar  188  that is located around and is permanently attached to the shaft  170 . The end portion  148  of the shaft  170 , the portion of the shaft  170  beyond the collar  188 , extends into a centrally located circular cross section hole  190  that extends completely through a generally rectangular shaped locking block  192  that is secured to the adjacent end of the spring housing  182  by conventional means such as by welding or the like, As illustrated, the threaded upper end portion  194  of the shaft  170  is threaded into in a round plastic ball  196 . In assembling the locking pin assembly  150 , the shaft  170  and the attached collar member  188 , the coil spring  186  will be appropriately inserted into the bore  182  in the spring housing  184  and then the hole in the threaded bolt  176  will be slipped over the outer end of the shaft  170  and the threaded bolt  176  will be secured in the threaded portion in the upper end of the spring housing  182 . The ball  196  will be added and secured in place last by screwing it on the threaded end portion  194  of the shaft  170 . The ball  196  serves as a convenient handle as will hereinafter be described in detail. In order to gain access to the shaft  170  and the coil spring  186  for repair or replacement, the threaded bolt  176  is removed from the spring housing  182 . The ball  196  is then unscrewed from the threaded end  194  of the shaft  170  and then the coil spring  186  and shaft  170  can be repaired or replaced. 
     In  FIG. 6 , it will be noted that the outer end portion  168  of the locking pin assembly  150  has the locking block  192  and that the locking block  192  has the slot  152  that is sized and located to receive the outer end  144  of the linkage member  132  and its hole  146  in the slot  152 . It will also be noted, that the end portion  148  extends through the hole  190  in the locking block  192 . Since the coil spring  186  exerts a spring force indicated by the arrow S against the adjacently located collar  188  that is located around and is permanently attached to the shaft  170 , this causes the end portion  148  to remain in the hole  146  in the outer end portion  144  the body  134  and secure the linkage member  132  in the slot  152  in the locking block  192  and in the hole  190  in the locking block  192  until the ball handle  196  is manually pulled outward. The spring housing  182  and the attached locking block  192  are permanently secured to the outside of the pin housing  36  by welding or the like so that the long axis of the spring housing  182  and the attached locking block  192  is substantially perpendicular to the long axis of the pin housing  36  as illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the structure set forth in  FIG. 6  when the ball  196  is pulled outward. In  FIG. 7 , it will be noted that the end portion  148  has been retracted so that it is no longer located in the locking block  192 . This occurs because, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , with the ball  196  in the outward position, the shaft  170  and the attached collar  188  have been moved outward resulting in compression of the coil spring  186  and movement of the end portion  148  out of the hole  146  in the outer end portion  144  the linkage member  132  and into the bore  184  in the spring housing  182 . Since the end portion  148  is no longer located in the hole  146  in the outer portion  144  of the linkage member  132 , the linkage member  132  can be moved in the slot  152  in the locking block  192  and in  FIG. 7  the linkage member  132 , with its hole  146 , is shown moved in the slot  152 . This movement in the slot  152  is made possible in view of the previously mentioned slot  50  in the connecting plate  40  that allows the pin  140  to move in the slot and hence the linkage member  132  that is connected to the pin  140  to also move in the slot  152 . It will be noted in  FIG. 7 , that the slot  152  has a bottom wall  153  that is located at a depth that results in the linkage member  132  being located at a depth in the slot  152  so that its hole  146  is located at a depth in the slot  152  so that the end portion  148  can enter the hole  146  when the pin assembly is in the locked configuration illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     As previously indicated,  FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5  illustrate a brake system  100  that includes a brake pad  84 , a brake drum  86 , a handle and plunger  88  and a plunger cylinder  90 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the brake drum  86  comprises a circular narrow cylindrical brake surface  198  that is secured to the upper surface  200  of the of the brake drum  86  by welding or the like. The upper surface  200  has a circular cross section hole  202  in its center that is sized slightly larger than the pivot pin  28  shaft and hence the hole  202  allows the disc  200  and the entire brake drum  86  to be slipped over and around the fixed pivot pin  28  shaft. As illustrated in  FIG. 2  the edges of the hole  202  are secured to the outside upper surface of the flange member  33  by welding from underneath the disc  200 . As previously mentioned, another essential component of the brake system  100  is the brake pad  84 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 , the brake pad  84  has an outer curved surface  212  that is curved to match the curved cylindrical brake surface  198 . The brake pad  84  is secured in place by a clamping member  213  that clamps the brake pad  84  in position so that its curved surface  212  is pressed against the narrow cylindrical brake surface  198  when the brake system  100  is activated as will be hereinafter described in detail. The upper portion  214  of the brake clamping member  213  is secured by a connecting block  216  to the lower outer under portion of boom assembly  12  by welding or the like. The pneumatic power cylinder  102  illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 8, 9, 10 and 12  also has a function in the brake system  100 . The purpose of the brake system  100  is to prevent the sulky riding platform  16  from swinging when the sulky riding platform  16  is in its stored position in a manner that will be hereinafter described in detail. 
     The use and functioning of the sulky apparatus invention  10  will now be described in detail. As indicated previously, the proper operation of a sulky requires that the circular cross section cylinder or pivot pin  28  that extends upward from the sulky riding platform  16  be substantially perpendicular to the adjacent ground. With this sulky apparatus invention  10 , this is easy to accomplish using the turnbuckle  78  that is connected between the fastening projection  68  and the pin housing  36  through the previously described fastening member  82 , the linkage member  132  that in turn is connected to the end portion  148  of the handle and plunger  88  and a plunger cylinder  90  that is in turn welded to the outside of the pin housing  36  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 . As mentioned above, since the turnbuckle  78  is connected to a fastening projection  68  that is welded to the top portion  70  of the boom member  18  at one end and effectively connected to the outside of the pin housing  36  on the other end and as indicated previously the pin housing  36  pivots about the pivot fastener  62 , any change in the length of the turnbuckle  78  will cause corresponding rotation of the pin housing  36  and the cylindrical straight pin member  28  located in the pin housing  36  about the pivot fastener  62 . As a result of this, the turnbuckle  78  can be used to achieve the desired ninety degree relationship of the straight pin member  28  with the adjacent ground G ( FIG. 8 ). 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the use of the turnbuckle  78  to adjust the orientation of the pin member  28 . As illustrated, the turnbuckle  78  has a central housing  218  that has threaded end portions  220  and  222  that are threaded on the respective inner and outer ends  76  and  80  of the turnbuckle  78 . The threaded end portions  220  and  222  each have an exterior surface with identical hexagonal shaped flat surfaces  224  and  226  that accept the end  228  of a open end wrench  230  or the like as illustrated for the threaded portion  222 . It will also be noted that two hexagonal lock nuts  232  and  234  are threaded on the respective inner and outer ends  76  and  80  of the turnbuckle  78  and it will be noted that the end portion  236  of another identical open end wrench  230  is located on the hexagonal surface  226 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the ideal orientation for the pin member  28  is illustrated by the vertical line V and the intersecting horizontal line H where the line V forms a ninety degree angle with the line H. It will be noted that the pin member  28  in  FIG. 8  is not oriented in a proper ninety degree angular relationship with the ground G below the pin member  28 . Consequently, proper adjustment of the turnbuckle  78  is required. In order to accomplish this adjustment, the two hexagonal lock nuts  232  and  234  would be loosened using an open end wrench  230 . The housing  218  would then be rotated using an open end wrench  230  to either shorten or lengthen the length L of the turnbuckle  78 . In the situation illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the length L would be decreased to bring the pin member  28  into a perpendicular relationship with the adjacent terrain or ground plain G. After this had been accomplished, the two hexagonal lock nuts  232  and  234  would be tightened using the open end wrench  230  so that the length L of the turnbuckle  78  would not change when the sulky apparatus  10  is in use. 
     The primary purpose of the previously described turnbuckle  78  system is to allow the sulky riding platform  16  and its associated boom assembly  12  with its boom member  18  to be connected to different self-propelled lawn mowers or the like that have different height frames.  FIG. 9  illustrates the sulky apparatus invention  10  in use with a different self-propelled lawn mower  240  or the like that has a higher height frame  242  than the previous frame  24  for the self-propelled lawn mower  26 . In order to use the sulky apparatus  10  with the higher height frame  242  mower  240 , the operator manually raises the inner end of the boom  20  and connects the conventional connector  22  in a conventional manner to the high frame  242  of the new lawn mower  240 . Then, the operator adjusts the angle of the pivot pin  28  with the adjacent ground G in the manner set forth previously with respect to  FIG. 8 . 
     In order to store the sulky apparatus riding platform  16 , the platform  16  is manually rotated as indicated by the arrow labeled R to the position illustrated in  FIG. 10  that is directly under the boom assembly  12 . This rotation is made possible due to the pin member  28  that is attached to the sulky riding platform  16  that freely rotates within the hole  38  in the elongated pin housing  36 . The sulky riding platform  16  is then manually lifted upward as indicated by the arrow U in  FIG. 10  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 11  where the sulky riding platform  16  is connected to a conventional adjustable strap  244  that is attached to the self-propelled lawn mower  26  at a location between the handles  246  and  248  by a hook  250  that is welded to and extends from the outer interior  252  of the brake drum  86  as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Alternatively, a conventional chain can be substituted for the strap  244 . In manually lifting upward as indicated by the arrow U, the riding platform  16  and the boom  12  is rotated about the pivotal connector  22 . This connection secures the sulky riding platform  16  at a location just underneath the handles  246  and  248  of the self-propelled lawn mower  26  where it is out of the way and does not interfere with the operator and the use of the self-propelled lawn mower  26 . However, this connection using the hook  250  and the strap  244  does not prevent riding platform  16  from swinging from side to side as illustrated by the arrows labeled SW in  FIG. 11 . 
     However, the brake system  100  that is part of the sulky apparatus invention  10  prevents such swinging or back and forth oscillation. In order to use the brake system  100 , after the riding platform  16  has been manually connected between the handles  246  and  248 , the operator manually pulls the riding platform  16  outward to relieve force from the gas spring  102  that is present between the locking shaft tip  148  and the adjacent hole  146  in the locking bar  134 , while simultaneously pulling outward on the ball handle  196  as indicated in  FIG. 7 . As indicated in  FIG. 7 , when the ball handle  196  is pulled outward this results in the end portion  148  being pulled out of the hole  146 . When this occurs, the outer end portion  144  of the body  134  of the linkage member  132  is no longer secured in the slot  152  in the locking block  192 . As a result, the upper portion  164  of the pivot assembly  14  is no longer connected to the linkage member  132  as illustrated in  FIG. 4  and the pivot assembly  14  is free to rotate about the pivot fastener  62  illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 12 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the outer end  110  of the pneumatic power cylinder  102  is connected to the top outer portion of the pin housing  36  of the pivot assembly  14  and the outer end  110  of the pneumatic power cylinder  102  pushes against the top outer portion of the pin housing  36  and causes the pin housing  36  and the connected brake drum  86  to rotate as indicated by the arrow labeled B about the pivot fastener  62  so that the brake drum  86  presses against the adjacent brake pad  84 . As a result of the brake drum  86  being pressed against the adjacent brake pad  84 , the pivot assembly  14  and the attached sulky riding platform  16  is no longer free to move such as to swing or oscillate on the strap  244  since the brake pad  84  is attached through the upper portion  214  of the brake clamping member  213  to the lower outer under portion of boom assembly  12  by the connecting block  216 . When the operator wants to release the brake system  100 , the operator merely manually pulls outward on a low portion of the riding platform  16  causing the compression of the previously described pneumatic power cylinder  102 . Additionally, the resulting outward movement of the riding platform  16  results in the spring force S exerted by the coil spring  186  pushing the end portion  148  into the hole  146  in the outer end portion  144  of the body  134  to secure the linkage member  132  in the slot  152  in the locking block  192  in the previously described manner associated with  FIG. 6 . The operator then manually releases the hook  250  from the strap  244  and lowers the sulky riding platform  16  to the ground and manually rotates the sulky riding platform  16  approximately 180 degrees. Then the operator steps aboard the sulky riding platform  16  and allows the self-propelled lawn mower  26  to tow the operator. 
     It should be clearly understood that the only time that the end portion  148  is not in the hole  146  is when the ball handle  196  has been pulled outward to activate the brake system  100 . Also, when the operator pulls outward on the underneath portion of the riding platform  16  to disengage the brake system  100  this results in the rotation of the pivot housing  36  about the pivot fastener  62  and this causes the linkage member  132  to slide in the slot  152  in the locking block  192  until the outer end portion  148  enters the hole  146  in the linkage member  132  due to the spring  186  exerting the spring force S on the outer end portion  148  as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     The details of how the pin member  28  is connected to the tubular frame member  32  are also illustrated in  FIG. 12 . As illustrated, the flange member  33  that is located around the lower portion  30  of the pin member  28  is welded in place underneath or to the left as the flange member  33  is oriented in  FIG. 12  to the lower portion  30 . The lower portion  30  is in turn welded to an oval shaped end cap  254  that is in turn welded to the adjacent end of the tubular frame member  32  that, as indicated previously, is connected to the forward end portion  15  sulky riding platform  16 . In view of this construction, when the pin member  28  is adjusted in the previously described manner to make its long axis perpendicular to the adjacent ground plane G, this also results in connected sulky riding platform being made parallel to the adjacent ground plane G. 
     The sulky apparatus  10  is constructed of conventional materials known in the sulky apparatus construction art. The manufacturing techniques used in manufacturing the sulky apparatus  10  including those used in cutting, drilling, milling, and welding are all common and well known in the sulky manufacturing art. The brake pad  84  is made from neoprene rubber available from Columbia Rubber Company of Beltsville, Md. and is machined by a water jet machine. 
     Although the invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, 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.