AU2014203049B2 - Sulky, Sulky System and Associated Method. - Google Patents

Abstract

A sulky for a horse, the sulky including a rear section having wheels and a forward section arranged to be attachable with the horse, the rear section and the forward section being pivotally coupled with one another by a coupling, wherein the coupling includes a hand operable release mechanism configured to detach the rear section from the forward section. 1/10 18 12 A,. 16 30 33 / 20 > A6V N A 28 1 -~ ~~,CI33 4$rLA~%sr~t30 32 y 14 22 27 8 26 24/ Figure 1 12 2410 30 S -~ t [~- N20 16-- - s /1 ~ 24 C10 ~ 28 Figure 2

Description

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Sulky, Sulky System and Associated Method

Technical Field

[001] The invention relates to a sulky for horse racing, a sulky system and an associated method of use

Background

[002] Sulkies are used in horse racing to carry a driver behind a horse. A traditional sulky typically includes a frame supporting a seat on which a driver rides and two elongate members extending forward of the seat which are used to connect the sulky to the horse. The frame supports an axle which extends beneath the seat and is arranged to support wheels on either side of the seat.

[003] In use, ends of the two elongate members are coupled to a harness which is fitted to the horse. The harness extends around the forward legs and breast area of the horse. The two elongate members then extend along opposing sides of the horse and are angled downwardly such that the sulky trails behind and clear of the rear legs of the horse.

[004] When a horse is in motion, the horse may sway or undergo side-to-side motion. In particular, when a horse is running around an arc of a track the horse's body may be tilted to the inside of the arc. During this side-to-side or tilting motion a traditional sulky may impose forces, more specifically counter acting forces, on the horse. For example, when the horse is tilted the wheels of the sulky are typically both on the ground and this twisting force is applied back to the horse via the harness.

[005] In some instance, the harness may be able to move to compensate for at least a part of the twisting force. However, at least some force is still transmitted to the horse which may result in the horse "fighting" the sulky and exhausting, and ultimately slowing the horse. The twisting force may also cause the harness to move or be pressed against the body of the horse causing further discomfort to the horse.

[006] In an attempt to address this problem a pivoting sulky design has been developed. Such a pivoting sulky is described WO 83/02757 and is similarly configured to the traditional sulky. However, a pivot is provided between the forward elongate members that connect to the horse and the main frame of the sulky having the seat and wheels attached thereto. The pivot is arranged to allow relative motion between the forward elongate members that connect to the horse and the main frame. This allows side-to-side motion of the forward elongate members which in turn accommodates sway or side-to-side motion of the horse.

[007] A problem with the pivoting sulky design as described above is the relatively complex construction, in particular, complex construction of the pivot. This complex construction increases the overall weight and cost of construction.

[008] Another problem with this pivoting sulky design relates to the safety of such designs whereby it is difficult to quickly detach the forward elongate members from the main frame of the sulky.

[009] Another problem with the above and known sulky designs relates to the overall length of the sulky and, in particular, the position of the pivotal section which results in the length of the sulky being in excess of the allowable length and configuration standards imposed by racing organisations such as the Harness Racing Worldwide organisation allowable standard.

[0010] Another problem with the above and known sulky designs relates to the forward elongate members of the sulky being shaped to fit with a particular horse and these forward elongate members being difficult to adapt to fit with horse of different sizes and shapes.

[0011] Another problem with the above and known sulky designs relates to the comfort and ease of use of the sulky for the driver and the ergonomic fit between the sulky and driver as well as between the sulky and the horse.

[0012] Another problem with the above and known sulky designs relates to the difficulties during the transportation and storage of the sulky.

[0013] The invention described herein seeks to overcome the above described problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

[0014] In accordance with a first main aspect there is provided, a sulky for a horse, the sulky including a rear section having wheels and a forward section arranged to be attachable with the horse, the rear section and the forward section being pivotally coupled with one another by a coupling, wherein the coupling includes keyway supported by one of the rear section and the forward section and a key supported by the other of the rear section and the forward section, the keyway and key being arranged to restrict the relative rotation of the rear section and the forward section.

[0015] In an aspect, the keyway and key are arranged to restrict the relative rotation of the rear frame section and the forward frame section to an angle of less than about degrees.

[0016] In another aspect, the coupling includes a hand operable release mechanism configured to detach the rear section from the forward section.

[0017] In another aspect, the coupling includes coupling member which is arranged to couple the rear section and the forward section, and the release mechanism includes a locking part which is moveable between a locked condition, in which the locking part is engaged with the coupling member to couple the rear section and the forward section in a coupled condition, and a unlocked condition in which the locking part is disengaged from the coupling member thereby allowing decoupling of the rear section and the forward section in a released condition.

[0018] In another aspect, the coupling includes at least one housing supported by at least one of the rear section and the forward section, the at least one housing arranged to at least partially receive the coupling member in the coupled condition.

[0019] In another aspect, the locking part is provided in the form of a quick release pin, and the coupling member includes an aperture which is configured to receive the quick release pin so as to releasably couple the rod to the at least one housing.

[0020] In another aspect, the quick release pin includes a handle which is oriented toward the rear section so as to be accessible, in use, by a driver seated on the rear section.

[0021] In another aspect, the at least one housing includes the keyway and the key extends from the coupling member so as to be receivable by the keyway.

[0022] In another aspect, the at least one housing is provided in the form of corresponding housings supported by each of the rear section and the forward section, the corresponding housings adapted to substantially receive the coupling member in the coupled condition.

[0023] In another aspect, one of the corresponding housings carries the key and the other of the corresponding housing includes the keyway adapted to receive the key in the coupled condition.

[0024] In another aspect, the corresponding housings are arranged to substantially conceal the key and keyway in the coupled condition.

[0025] In another aspect, the key is provided in the form of a lug extending from a first abutment face of the one of the corresponding housings and the keyway is provided in the form of a recess provided within a second abutment face of the other of the corresponding housings, the first and second abutment faces being fitted substantially abutted with one another in the coupled condition so as to conceal the key and keyway.

[0026] In another aspect, the coupling member includes a stem arranged to pass through the corresponding housings and a head arranged to fit with a recess located on the corresponding housing of the forward section.

[0027] In another aspect, the recess and head are arranged to fit with one another such that the coupling member rotates with the corresponding housing of the forward section.

[0028] In another aspect, the coupling is arranged to pivot about an axis substantially aligned with a lengthwise centre axis of the sulky.

[0029] In another aspect, the forward section is substantially wishbone in shape having a rear wishbone portion and free ends extending from the rear wishbone portion, and the rear section includes a forward frame member supported by a rear frame member which spans substantiality between the wheels, wherein the coupling is arranged to couple the rear wishbone portion to the forward frame member of the rear section at a position substantially aligned with the lengthwise centre axis of the sulky.

[0030] In another aspect, the rear section includes a seat supported above and between the wheels.

[0031] In accordance with a second aspect there is provided, a sulky system for fitting with a plurality of horses, the system including a rear section having wheels and a plurality of interchangeable forward sections, wherein each of the interchangeable forward sections are adapted to releasably pivotally couple with the rear section to form a sulky, and wherein each of the interchangeable forward sections are adapted to fit with at least one of the plurality of horses.

[0032] In an aspect, each of the interchangeable forward sections are substantially wish bone shaped having a central portion and free end portions extending from the central portion, wherein the free end portions of each of the interchangeable forward sections are shaped to fit along a side at least one of the plurality of horses.

[0033] In another aspect, the free end portions of each of the interchangeable forward sections include at least one of an inward step and bend arranged so as to fit the free end portions with a side profile of at least one of the plurality of horses.

[0034] In another aspect, the rear section and the forward section are pivotally coupled with one another by a coupling, and wherein the coupling includes a hand operable release mechanism configured to detach the rear section from the forward section.

[0035] In another aspect, the coupling includes coupling member which is arranged to couple the rear section and the forward section, and the release mechanism includes a locking part which is moveable between a locked condition, in which the locking part is engaged with the coupling member to couple the rear section and the forward section in a coupled condition, and a unlocked condition in which the locking part is disengaged from the coupling member thereby allowing decoupling of the rear section and the forward section in a released condition.

[0036] In accordance with a third aspect there is provided, a method of decoupling a forward section and a rear section of a sulky, the method including the steps of a user actuating a release mechanism so as to decouple a coupling thereby allows the forward section and a rear section to be separated.

[0037] In an aspect, the method includes the step of the user actuating a handle of the release mechanism so as to remove a locking part of the release mechanism, the removal of the locking part allowing a coupling member of the coupling to be decoupled.

[0038] In accordance with a fourth aspect there is provided, a sulky for a horse, the sulky including a rear section having wheels and a forward section arranged to be attachable with the horse, the rear section and the forward section being pivotally coupled with one another by a coupling, the coupling including corresponding housings which are each respectively supported by the rear section and the forward section, the corresponding housings being adapted to substantially receive a coupling member in coupled condition, and wherein one of the corresponding housings includes a keyway and the other of the corresponding housing includes a key, the keyway and key being arranged to restrict the relative rotation of the rear section and the forward section.

[0039] In an aspect, the corresponding housings are arranged to substantially conceal the key and keyway.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0040] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0041] Figure 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a sulky;

[0042] Figure 2 is an underside rear perspective view illustrating the sulky;

[0043] Figure 3 is a top view illustrating the sulky;

[0044] Figure 4 is a front view illustrating the sulky;

[0045] Figure 5a is a perspective rear view of the sulky indicating Detail A of a coupling between a forward frame section and a rear frame section of the sulky;

[0046] Figure 5b is a detailed perspective view of the coupling as indicated by Detail A shown in Figure 5a;

[0047] Figure 6a is a is a topside perspective view illustrating the rear frame section of the sulky separated or decoupled from the front frame section of the sulky, and showing the Detail B of the coupling;

[0048] Figure 6b is an exploded parts perspective view of the coupling as indicated by Detail B in Figure 6a;

[0049] Figure 7a is a side view illustrating the sulky and indicating section E-E;

[0050] Figure 7b is a section view, as indicated by section E-E shown in Figure 7a, with the forward frame section and the rear frame section having 0° of rotation there between;

[0051] Figure 7c is another section view, as indicated by section E-E shown in Figure 7a, with the forward frame section and the rear frame section rotated relative to one another;

[0052] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view illustrating a second example of the sulky;

[0053] Figure 9 is an underside rear perspective view illustrating the second example of the sulky;

[0054] Figure 10 is a top view illustrating the second example of the sulky;

[0055] Figure 11 is a side view illustrating the second example of the sulky;

[0056] Figures 12a and 12b are detailed perspective views of the coupling in a coupled condition as identified by Detail G in Figure 8;

[0057] Figure 13 is rear perspective view illustrating the second example of the sulky in a uncoupled condition;

[0058] Figures 14a and 14b, are detailed perspective views of the coupling in the uncoupled condition as identified by Detail J in Figure 13;

[0059] Figure 15a is a side view illustrating the second example of the sulky and indicating section K-K;

[0060] Figure 15b is a section view, as indicated by section K-K shown in Figure 15a, with the forward frame section and the rear frame section having 0° of rotation there between;

[0061] Figure 15c is another section view, as indicated by section K-K shown in Figure 15a, with the forward frame section and the rear frame section having 100 of rotation there between;

[0062] Figure 16 is detailed underside perspective view illustrating the seat as identified by Detail H in Figure 8; and

[0063] Figure 17 is detailed perspective view illustrating one of the foot rests as identified by Detail F in Figure 9.

Detailed Description

[0064] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a sulky 10 for trailing by a horse (not shown). The sulky 10 includes a main or rear frame section 12 having wheels 14 and a forward frame section 16 arranged to be attachable with the horse. The rear frame section 12 and the forward frame section 16 are pivotally coupled with one another by a coupling arrangement 18.

[0065] The main section 12 includes a main cross member 20 which supports a seat 22 on which a driver (not shown) is seated in use, opposing side members 30 which extends forwardly of the main cross member 20 toward the forward frame section 16 and a forward cross frame member 28 which extend between the side members 30.

[0066] The main cross member 20, side members 30 and forward cross frame member 28 define a generally open rectangular shape or void. A shield 32 is arranged to span across the generally open rectangular void to protect the driver and foot rests 33 are located in inner sides of the side members 30 to support the feet of the driver in use.

[0067] The main frame section 12 further includes wheel support struts 24 which extend generally vertically downwardly from the main cross member 20. Each of the wheel support struts 24 support axles 26 of the wheels 14. The wheel support struts 24 are braced by bracing members 27 which are arranged to triangulate the wheel support struts 24 with the opposing side members 30 and the main cross member 20.

[0068] The main frame section 12 and the components thereof may be formed from metal such as steel or aluminium. Alternately, other suitable materials such as carbon fibre may be used.

[0069] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the forward frame section 16 is substantially wishbone in shape having a rear portion 34 and elongate free end portions 36 extending from opposing sides of the rear portion 34. In use, the rear portion 34 is located behind the horse and the free end portions 36 extend along opposing sides of the horse to connect with a harness that is typically fitted around the breast area and front legs of the horse.

[0070] The free end portions 36 are typically wider toward the rear wishbone portion 34 and include bends or tapers sections 38 which bring the free end portions 36 closer together to fit with the body shape and size of the horse and with the harness. In this example, the free end portions 36 includes first straight sections 40 which extend forwardly from opposing sides of the rear portion 34. The free end portions 36 then step or taper inwardly at first tapered sections 38 to second straight sections 42 and then again step or taper inwardly at second tapered section 38 to final or third straight sections 40 which connect in use with the hardness of the horse. The ends of the free end portions 36 may include downward angled portions or sections (not shown) for connection with a harness of the horse (not shown). The locations of the tapered sections 38 and the straight sections 40 may be varied depending on the horse to ensure a correct fit of the forward frame section 16 with the horse.

[0071] The releasable coupling 18 allows several or a plurality of forward frame sections 16 to be interchangeably fitted with a single rear main frame section 12 thereby allowing the sulky 10 to be easily adapted to fit with horses of different sizes and shapes. Accordingly, the sulky 10 as described herein may also be provided as a sulky system or kit 99 including one of the rear frame sections 12 and a plurality or set of the forward frame sections 16. Each of the forward frame sections 16 may be adapted or shaped to fit with a particular horse. Advantageously, this allows a user to purchase a single rear main frame section 12 and use a plurality or set of the forward frame sections 16 unique to a particular horse. This provides cost savings and also performance enhancements as the forward frame sections 16 can be optimised for the best performance of the particular horse.

[0072] The forward frame section 16 and the components thereof may be formed from metal such as steel or aluminium. Alternately, other suitable materials such as carbon fibre may be used. It is noted that as the forward frame section 16 and the rear or main frame section 12 are releasably coupled by the coupling 18, the forward frame section 16 and the main frame section 12 may be formed from the same or from different materials.

[0073] Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, the coupling 18 is arranged to couple the rear portion 34 of the forward frame section 16 to the forward frame cross member 28 of the rear frame section 12. The coupling 18 includes a rotation axis which is substantially aligned with the lengthwise centre axis of the sulky. This allows forward frame section 16 and the main frame section 12 to undergo relative pivotal or rotational motion about the axis of the coupling 18. Accordingly, in use, this allows the forward frame section 16 to compensate for side-to-side or swaying of the horse whilst the rear frame section 12 is maintained generally horizontally with the wheels 14 on a ground surface.

[0074] Turning to the coupling 18 in more detail, the coupling 18 includes a hand operable release mechanism or arrangement 50 configured to detach the rear frame section 12 from the forward frame section 16. More specifically, the coupling 18 includes coupling member 52 which is arranged to connect the rear frame section 12 and the forward frame section 16, and the release mechanism 50 includes a locking part 54.

[0075] The locking part 54 is moveable between a locked condition, as shown in Figure 5b in which the locking part 54 is engaged with the coupling member 52 so as to secure the coupling member 52 between the main rear frame section 12 and the forward section 16, and a released condition (as shown in Figure 6a and 6b) in which the locking part 54 is disengaged from the coupling member 52 thereby allowing detachment of the rear frame section 12 from the forward frame section 16.

[0076] Referring additionally to Figures 6a and 6b, in this example, coupling 18 includes a housing 58 having a through-bore 60 supported by the forward cross frame member 28 of the rear frame section 12 and the coupling member 52 is provided in the form of a rod 56 extending rearward from the rear portion 34 of the forward frame section 16. The housing 58 has a generally cylindrical shape and includes a cross bore or aperture 53 through which the forward frame member 28 passes.

[0077] The rod 56 projects from base cylindrical part 59 attached to the rear portion 34 of the forward frame section 16. The cylindrical part 59 also includes a cross bore or aperture 55 through which the rear wishbone portion 34 passes. The housing 58 and the cylindrical part 59 having correspondingly shaped bearing surfaces 61 which rotate and may bear on one another when the coupling 18 is secured between the rear frame section 12 and the forward frame section 16.

[0078] It is noted that the configuration of the housing 58 and rod 56 may also be reversible with the forward cross frame member 28 of the rear frame section 12 having the rod 56 and the rear portion 34 of the forward frame section 16 including the housing 58.

[0079] The rod 56 includes an aperture 62 located toward its free end to which the locking part 54, which is provided here in the form of a quick release pin 64 (or lynch pin), is receivable. In an assembled condition, the rod 56 is rotatably receivable in the housing 58 and the free end of the rod 56 passes through the housing 58 so as to be accessible on an opposing side of the housing 58 to receive the quick release pin 64.

[0080] Accordingly, when the quick release pin 64 is fitted to the aperture 62, the rod 56 is retained or locked from pulling out of the housing 58. However, the rod 56 is still free to rotate about its axis within the housing 58. This arrangement locks the rear frame section 12 and the forward frame section 16 relative to one another thereby pivotally securing the sulky 10 together.

[0081] The quick release pin 64 includes a pin 66 and a ring 68 which provides a handle 69 moveably connected to the pin 66. When the quick release pin 64 is fitted, a washer 70 is firstly fitted to the rod 56 and then pin 66 is fitted to the aperture 62. The ring 68 is then pivoted or folded over to lie against an opposing end of the pin 66 to which the ring 68 is coupled. This provides a locked condition. Preferably, the coupling between the pin 66 and the ring 68 is such that the ring 68 is biased into the locked condition. In this condition, the washer 70 is captured between the pin 66 and the housing 58 and provides a bearing surface between the pin 66 and the housing 58.

[0082] To release the quick release pin 64, a user may clasp and pivot the ring 68 and then draw or pull the pin 66 from the aperture 62 of the rod 56. This unlocks or disengages the quick release pin 64 and immediately frees the rod 56. The rod 56 may then be removed from the bore 60 of the housing 58 thereby decoupling or unlocking the rear frame section 12 and the forward frame section 16. In this example, the ring 68 is arranged to be easily accessible by a driver seated on the seat 22, or a third party in the event of an accident in which the driver is incapable of accessing the ring 68.

[0083] In this example, the housing 58 includes a lubrication aperture 72 having a grease nipple 74. The lubrication aperture 72 is arranged to extend through to the bore so as to provide lubrication for the rod 56 when received within the bore 60.

[0084] The coupling 18 may also be fitted with a keyway 76 supported by one of the rear frame section 12 and the forward frame section 16, and a key 78 supported by the other of the rear frame section 12 and the forward frame section 16. In this example, housing 58 includes the keyway 76 and the key 78 extends from the rod 56 so as to be receivable by the keyway 76.

[0085] Referring additionally to Figures 7a to 7c, the keyway 76 and the key 78 are arranged to restrict the rotation of the rear frame section 12 and the forward frame section 16 to an angle of less than about 30 degrees, and preferably about 20 degrees being about 10 degrees either side of horizontal.

[0086] In more detail, the housing 58 includes a cutout 80 in the cylindrical body of the housing 58. The cutout 80 extends from the bearing surfaces 61 of the housing 58 toward the forward cross frame member 28 so as to provide opposing angled bearing surfaces 82 between which the key 78 is able to freely move (shown best in Figures b and 6b).

[0087] In a normal position, as shown in Figure 7b, when the rear frame section 12 and the front frame section 16 are aligned with one another, the key 78 is located intermediate the angled bearing surfaces 82. However, in an angled position as shown in Figure 7b, when the rear frame section 12 and the front frame section 16 are angled, for example, the front frame section 16 being at an angle of about 10 degrees from the horizontally aligned rear frame section 12, the key 78 becomes abutted with and bears on a respective one of the angled bearing surfaces 82. This limits or inhibits the relative rotation of the rear frame section 12 and the front frame section 16.

[0088] It is noted that in this arrangement, the cutout 80 allows the key 78 to be freely slidably removable from the keyway 76 which is important when the coupling 18 is unlocked via the quick release in 64 to allow the rear frame section 12 and the front frame section 16 to be quickly and easily detachable without the key 76 becoming caught or snagged.

[0089] The keyway 76 and the key 78 may be provided in a variety of configurations to provide the limit on the relative rotation of the rear frame section 12 and the front frame section 16. In some examples, the key 78 may be removable to provide optional rotation limitation and, in other examples a variety of interchangeable keys 78 may be provided which each have a different thickness so as to increase or decrease the maximum allowable degree of relative rotation between the rear frame section 12 and the front frame section 16. The coupling 18 and components thereof may be formed from metal such as steel or aluminium.

[0090] Referring now to Figures 8 to 11, there is shown a second example of the sulky 10 where like numerals denote like parts. This second example of the sulky 10 shares many similar components and functionalities with the sulky 10 as described above and all of the components and functionalities are not again described herein. The main differences with this example of the sulky 10 relate to the configuration of the pivoting coupling arrangement 18, the foot rests 33 and the seat 22.

[0091] Turning firstly to the coupling arrangement 18, shown best in 12a, 12b, 13, 14a and 14b, in this example, the coupling arrangement 18 includes a similarly configured hand operable release mechanism or arrangement 50 configured to detach the rear frame section 12 from the forward frame section 16. However, in this example the coupling member 52 is provided in the form of a removable coupling member 100, the release mechanism 50 is fitted with a secondary retainer or securing part 102 provided in the form of an fastener or clip 104, more specifically an R-clip, coupled to the ring 68 of the locking part 54 by a tether or lanyard 106, and the keyway 76 and key 78 (shown in Figures 14a and 14b) are concealed as may be best appreciated by Figures 12a and 12b.

[0092] In more detail, in this example, each of the rear frame section 12 and the forward frame section 16, include corresponding cylindrical housings 108 which are coupled together by the removable member 100 so as to form a elongate barrel shaped housing 109. Each of the housings 108 includes a corresponding through-bore 110 through which the removable member 100 is fitted. The removable member 100 includes a stem 112 and a head 114.

[0093] The stem 112 is dimensioned to pass through the corresponding through-bores 110 with the head 114 abutted or fitted with an outer face 116 of the forward one of the cylindrical housings 108 and an aperture 118 of the stem 112 extending free of an outer face 120 of the rear one of the cylindrical housings 108. The aperture 118 being arranged so as to receive and couple with the locking part 54 provided here in the form of the quick release pin 64 so as to secure the cylindrical housings 108 and hence the rear and forward sections 12, 16 of the sulky 10 together.

[0094] The outer face 116 of the forward one of the cylindrical housings 108 includes a recess 122 (shown best in Figure 14b) which is dimensioned to receive and fit with the head 114 of the coupling member 100. In particular, the recess 122 keys with the head 114 so as to inhibit rotation of the removable member 100 relative to the forward one of the cylindrical housings 108. The recess 122 and the head 114 are arranged to fit flush with one another so as to maintain the overall barrel shape of the housing 109.

[0095] Similar to the first example, the locking part 54 is moveable between a locked condition, as shown for example in Figures 12a and 12b in which the locking part 54 is engaged with the coupling member 100 so as to secure the coupling member 100 between the main rear frame section 12 and the forward section 16, and a released condition (as shown in Figure 14a and 14b) in which the locking part 54 is disengaged from the coupling member 100 thereby allowing detachment of the rear frame section 12 from the forward frame section 16. In this example, in the released condition, the coupling member 100 is completely removable from the housings 108, and from the sulky 10. This allows the coupling member 100 to be inspected or replaced for maintenance purposes.

[0096] Turning now to the release mechanism 50 in more detail, in this example the release mechanism 50 is fitted with the secondary retainer or securing part 102 provided in the form of the R-clip 104 secured to the pin 66. The R-clip 104 is then coupled to the ring 64 of the locking part 54 by a tether or lanyard 106.

[0097] The pin 66 includes an aperture 124 located at an opposing end of the pin 66 relative to the ring 68. The R-clip 104 is then secured to the aperture 124 of the pin 66 which further assist to retain the pin 66 within aperture 118 of the removable coupling member 100. Accordingly, in the locked condition, the R-clip 104 assists to inhibit the accidental or undesired removal of the pin 66.

[0098] When the quick release pin 64 is to be activated to move the sulky 10 to the unlocked or decoupled condition, a user which may be a driver or other person, pulls the ring 68 which tensions the tether 106 and removes or pulls the R-clip 104 from the aperture 124 of the pin 66 enabling the pin 66 to be removed. The ring 68 is then continued to be pulled to fully remove the pin 66 from the aperture 118 of the coupling member 100 which allows the coupling member 100 to be removed or pulled out of the rear one of the housings 108 and hence the rear and forward sections 12, 16 of the sulky 10 become decoupled.

[0099] In this example, the coupling 18 is fitted with the keyway 76 and key 78 which function in a similar way to the first example whereby the keyway 76 and key 78 act to limit the rotation of the rear and forward sections 12, 16 relative to one another. For example, the keyway 76 and the key 78 may be arranged to restrict the rotation of the rear frame section 12 and the forward frame section 16 to an angle of less than about 30 degrees, and preferably about 20 degrees being about 10 degrees either side of horizontal.

[00100] Referring to Figures 14a, 14b, 15a, 15d and 15c, in this example, the keyway 76 may be provided in the form of a key recess 126 formed within a inner bearing face or surface 128 of a rear one of the housings 108 and the key 78 may be provided in the form of a key part or lug 130 extending from a corresponding inner bearing face 132 of a front one the housings 108. The key recess 126 may be integrally machined into the inner bearing face 128 and have surrounding walls 134 which define the travel limits the key part 130 and also separate or seal the key recess 126 from the external environment. The inner bearing face 132 of a front one of the housings 108 includes an aperture 136 to which the key part 130 is located and secured. The key part or lug 130 includes a shaft 138 and a rounded head 140 which is adapted to abut with the surrounding sidewalls 134 of the key recess 126 when end of travel is reached (as is shown in Figure 15c).

[00101] Advantageously, the key part 130 may be removed for replacement or maintenance. In this example, each of the corresponding through-bores 110 of the housings 108 may be fitted with a bronze sleave (not shown) which is secured to the through-bores 110. The housings 108 and the coupling 100 may be formed from stainless steel and the bronze sleaves allow for the smooth rotation of the coupling 100 relative to the housings 108.

[00102] Accordingly, in the coupled condition, when the corresponding inner bearing faces 128, 132 are abutted with one other the key recess 126 and the key part 130 are fully contained and at least partially sealed by the housing 108 which coupled to together to form the elongate cylindrical housing 109. Advantageously, in this arrangement, dirt or other material is inhibited from entering the key recess 126 and the key part 130 is shielded and contained so as to not catch or become damaged.

[00103] Referring more specifically to Figures 15a, 15b and 15c the surrounding walls 134 of the key recess 126 are spaced apart from one another so as to allow the key part 130 to move within the key recess 126 between the end of travel limits provided by the key recess 126. More specifically, in a normal or neutral condition, as shown in Figure 15b, whereby there is 0 degrees of tilt between the rear frame section 12 and the forward frame section 16, the key part 130 is located intermediate of the surrounding side walls 134 of the key recess 126.

[00104] From the neutral condition, the key part 130 and the key recess 126 may rotate about 10 degrees either side of the neutral condition or about a total of 20 degrees relative to one another. As has been previously described, this allows the rear frame section 12 and the forward frame section 16 to rotate relative to one another whereby, for example, the forward frame section 16 is able to tilt with the body of the horse, as shown in Figure 15c.

[00105] It is also noted that in this example, the key 78 is arranged to be freely slidably removable from the keyway 76 when the coupling 18 is unlocked via the quick release in 64 to allow the rear frame section 12 and the front frame section 16 to be quickly and easily detachable without the key 76 becoming caught or snagged. Similarly, when the coupling 18 is secured together, the key 76 is fitted within the keyway 76 to locate the rear frame section 12 and the front frame section 16.

[00106] The second example of the sulky 10 also includes other advantageous features to improve the performance and usability of the sulky 10 including a seat arrangement 150, a stand arrangement 170 and a foot support arrangement 190. Each of these arrangements are now further described below.

[00107] Turning firstly to the seat arrangement 150, referring to Figure 16, the seat arrangement 150 includes a seat 152 supported by an adjustable support assembly 154. The adjustable support assembly 154 including a fixed support 156 extending rearward of the main cross member 20 and a moveable support 158 secured between an underside of the seat 152 and the fixed support 156. The moveable support 158 includes a plate body 160 having either multiple apertures or slotted apertures (not shown) to allow the forward to rear adjustment of the seat 152. The moveable support 158 further includes wings or tabs 162 which extend downwardly from opposing sides of the plate body 160 which connect to the fixed support 156.

[00108] In this example, the fixed support 156 includes opposing sides 164 which includes apertures 166 arranged to correspond with apertures 168 of the tabs 162. The tabs 162 and opposing sides 164 of the fixed support 156 may have multiples of the apertures 166, 168 arranged to allow the tilting or inclining and raising and lowering of the seat 152 relative to the fixed support 156. Fasteners (not shown) may be passed through the apertures 166, 168 to secure the fixed support 156 and moveable support together and hence the seat 152 in position.

[00109] Turning now to the stand arrangement 170, the stand arrangement 170 is arranged to include a resilient bumper or rest 172 at the rear of the sulky 10 such that the sulky 10 may be rested on the bumper 172 when in storage. For example, the sulky 10 may be stored in a generally vertical orientation with the rear frame section 12 located toward a ground surface and the front frame section 16 (if not removed) pointing upwardly. In more detail, in this example, the stand arrangement 170 is provided by the plate body 160 of the moveable support 158 of the seat 152. The plate body 160 is dimensioned to extend rearwardly of the seat 152 and provides a rear supporting edge 174 to which the resilient bumper or rest 172 may be secured. In this example, the resilient bumper or rest 172 is an elongate rubber part 176 having a hollow trapezoidal cross section extending along the rear supporting edge 174 of the plate body 160.

Referring to Figure 17, this example of the sulky 10 also includes a foot support arrangement 190 which includes adjustable foots rests 192 moveably coupled to the opposing side members 30 of the main section 12. In this example, the foot support arrangement 190 includes plates or tabs 194 which are located on opposing inner sides of the side members 30. The foot rests 192 include an open rectangular body 193 have an upper serrated gripping surface 195 and an aperture 199 located on an inner side 197 of the body 193 for coupling with the tabs 194. The tabs 194 include a lengthwise slot 196 arranged to receive a fastener (not shown) to couple foot rests 192 via the aperture 199 to the tabs 194. The fastener may be loosened to allow the foot rests 192 to be moveable forwardly and rearward along the lengthwise slot 196 and then secured in the desired location. This allows the foot results 192 to be adjusted to fit with a particular driver seated, in use, on the seat 152.

[00110] Advantageously, there has been described herein a sulky including pivoting or rotation coupling arrangement which allows a forward frame section connected in use to the horse to undergo side-to-side like motion relative to a rear frame section on which the driver is seated. In particular, the pivoting of the sulky allows the forward frame section to rotate or tilt with the body of the horse, for example, when the horse is running around the bend. This overcomes problems with existing sulkies in which the equivalent forward frame sections apply counter acting forces to the horse which may cause discomfort and/or additional energy expenditure of the horse as the horse may fight against the sulky.

[00111] Further advantageously, the coupling arrangement includes a hand operable release mechanism which is configured to quickly release the coupling arrangement and allow the forward frame section and the rear frame section to be separated. This may have significant safety advantages, in particular, in situations where the sulky is overturned or there are other reasons where the rear section of the sulky needs to be decoupled from the forward frame section of the sulky. Furthermore, the release mechanism also allows the sulky to be provided as a sulky system which may include a single main rear frame section and a plurality or set of forward frame sections in which each of the plurality of forward frame sections is arranged or shaped to be fitted with a particular horse. This provides cost savings as only a single rear frame section needs to be purchased as well as performance advantages as the forward frame sections may be optimised for the body size and shape of a particular horse.

[00112] In addition, the detachment of the forward frame sections allows the forward frame sections to be easily and quickly replaced if the forward frame sections are damaged or otherwise need to be replaced. Furthermore, the release mechanism also allows the rear section and the front section to the detachable for easy transport of the sulky, for example, a single rear section may be transported detached from one or a multiple of forward frame sections.

[00113] The sulky described herein provides still further advantages in the simple configuration of the rotational limiter provided by the coupling arrangement. In particular, the coupling arrangement including a keyway and a key which are arranged to restrict the rotation of the rear frame section and the forward frame section. The keyway and key thereby providing a safety advantage to inhibit the overturning of the rear frame member of the sulky and also providing a further safety advantage by being configured to be easily decoupled from one another when the quick release mechanism has been activated.

[00114] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[00115] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[00116] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[00117] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims (19)

The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

1. A sulky for a horse, the sulky including a rear section having wheels and a forward section arranged to be attachable with the horse, the rear section and the forward section being pivotally coupled with one another by a coupling in a coupled condition, wherein the coupling includes keyway supported by one of the rear section and the forward section and a key supported by the other of the rear section and the forward section, the keyway and key being arranged to restrict the relative rotation of the rear section and the forward section.

2. The sulky according to claim 1, wherein the keyway and key are arranged to restrict the relative rotation of the rear section and the forward section to an angle of less than about 30 degrees.

3. The sulky according to claim 2, wherein the at least one housing includes the keyway and the key extends from the coupling member so as to be receivable by the keyway.

4. The sulky according to claim 2, wherein the at least one housing is provided in the form of corresponding housings supported by each of the rear section and the forward section, the corresponding housings adapted to substantially receive the coupling member in the coupled condition.

5. The sulky according to claim 4, wherein one of the corresponding housings carries the key and the other of the corresponding housing includes the keyway adapted to receive the key in the coupled condition.

6. The sulky according to claim 5, wherein the corresponding housings are arranged to substantially conceal the key and keyway in the coupled condition.

7. The sulky according to claim 6, wherein the key is provided in the form of a lug extending from a first abutment face of the one of the corresponding housings and the keyway is provided in the form of a recess provided within a second abutment face of the other of the corresponding housings, the first and second abutment faces being fitted substantially abutted with one another in the coupled condition so as to conceal the key and keyway.

8. The sulky according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the coupling member includes a stem arranged to pass through the corresponding housings and a head arranged to fit with a recess located on the corresponding housing of the forward section.

9. The sulky according to claim 8, wherein the recess and head are arranged to fit with one another such that the coupling member rotates with the corresponding housing of the forward section.

10. The sulky according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the coupling is arranged to pivot about an axis substantially aligned with a lengthwise centre axis of the sulky.

11. The sulky according to claim 10, wherein the forward section is substantially wishbone in shape having a rear wishbone portion and elongate free ends extending from the rear wishbone portion, and the rear section includes a forward frame member supported by a rear frame member which spans substantiality between the wheels, wherein the coupling is arranged to couple the rear wishbone portion to the forward frame member of the rear section at a position substantially aligned with the lengthwise centre axis of the sulky.

12. The sulky according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the coupling includes a hand operable release mechanism configured to detach the rear section from the forward section.

13. The sulky according to claim 12, wherein the coupling includes coupling member which is arranged to couple the rear section and the forward section, and the release mechanism includes a locking part which is moveable between a locked condition, in which the locking part is engaged with the coupling member to couple the rear section and the forward section in a coupled condition, and a unlocked condition in which the locking part is disengaged from the coupling member thereby allowing decoupling of the rear section and the forward section in a released condition.

14. The sulky according to claim 13, wherein the coupling includes at least one housing supported by at least one of the rear section and the forward section, the at least one housing arranged to at least partially receive the coupling member in the coupled condition.

15. The sulky according to claim 14, wherein the locking part is provided in the form of a quick release pin, and the coupling member includes an aperture which is configured to receive the quick release pin so as to releasably couple the coupling member to the at least one housing.

16. The sulky according to claim 15, wherein the quick release pin includes a handle which is oriented toward the rear section so as to be accessible, in use, by a driver seated on the rear section.

17. The sulky according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the rear section includes a seat supported above and between the wheels.

18. A sulky for a horse, the sulky including a rear section having wheels and a forward section arranged to be attachable with the horse, the rear section and the forward section being pivotally coupled with one another by a coupling, the coupling including corresponding housings which are each respectively supported by the rear section and the forward section, the corresponding housings being adapted to substantially receive a coupling member in coupled condition, and wherein one of the corresponding housings includes a keyway and the other of the corresponding housing includes a key, the keyway and key being arranged to restrict the relative rotation of the rear section and the forward section.

19. The sulky according to claim 18, wherein the corresponding housings are arranged to substantially conceal the key and keyway.