U.S. patent application number 11/213230 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for children's ride-on vehicle.
Invention is credited to Bienz, Brian L., Howell, William R., Huntsberger, Kurt J., Jones, John L. JR., Lerch, Karl D..
Application Number | 20050280217 11/213230 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21691818 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050280217 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huntsberger, Kurt J. ; et
al. |
December 22, 2005 |
Children's ride-on vehicle
Abstract
Children's ride-on vehicles. The ride-on, or ride-on vehicle,
includes a frame having a seat adapted to support a child, and a
drive assembly with a battery-powered motor assembly. The ride-on
vehicle further includes one or more steerable wheels and one or
more driven wheels. The ride-on vehicle includes a biasing assembly
that is connected to the frame and adapted to bias the seat away
from the vehicle's driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on
vehicle includes a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and
travels within a defined range of positions with respect to the
ride-on vehicle's frame as external forces are imparted to the
wheel. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a
high-speed switch positioned for momentary high-speed operation of
the ride-on vehicle and a user-manipulable portion may be provided
to enable a child to select such a high-speed configuration.
Inventors: |
Huntsberger, Kurt J.;
(Chaffee, NY) ; Jones, John L. JR.; (East Aurora,
NY) ; Howell, William R.; (Chaffee, NY) ;
Lerch, Karl D.; (East Aurora, NY) ; Bienz, Brian
L.; (West Seneca, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
520 S.W. YAMHILL STREET
SUITE 200
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
21691818 |
Appl. No.: |
11/213230 |
Filed: |
August 26, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11213230 |
Aug 26, 2005 |
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10877945 |
Jun 25, 2004 |
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10877945 |
Jun 25, 2004 |
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10000509 |
Oct 30, 2001 |
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6755265 |
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10000509 |
Oct 30, 2001 |
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09665195 |
Sep 18, 2000 |
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6656010 |
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09665195 |
Sep 18, 2000 |
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09245579 |
Feb 5, 1999 |
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6120345 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/1.191 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 2200/20 20130101;
B62K 2204/00 20130101; Y10T 74/20287 20150115; Y10T 74/20438
20150115; Y02T 10/70 20130101; Y02T 10/7005 20130101; B60L 2200/12
20130101; B62K 9/00 20130101; B60L 50/52 20190201; Y02T 10/641
20130101; Y02T 10/64 20130101; B60L 2220/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/001.191 |
International
Class: |
A63G 013/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A children's ride-on vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body having
a frame, wherein the body is a reduced-scale body sized for use by
a child and at least substantially formed from molded plastic; a
seat assembly supported on the body and including a seat adapted to
receive at least one child; a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled
to the vehicle body and including a pair of driven wheels adapted
to be rotationally driven by a drive assembly and at least one
steerable wheel adapted to be selectively steered by a child seated
on the seat; a biasing assembly connected to the frame and adapted
to enable oscillating movement of the seat relative to the driven
wheels, and further wherein the biasing assembly is adapted to bias
the seat away from the driven wheels; a drive assembly having a
motor assembly adapted to drive the driven wheels and a battery
assembly adapted to power the motor assembly; a steering assembly
including a steering mechanism coupled to the at least one
steerable wheel, wherein the steering mechanism includes a
handlebar assembly-adapted to be grasped by a child operating the
vehicle to steer the vehicle.
2. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 1, wherein the motor
assembly includes a pair of motors that are selectively
configurable between parallel and series configurations, and
further wherein the drive assembly is adapted to restrict
configuration of the pair of motors in the parallel configuration
when the drive assembly is configured to drive the vehicle in the
reverse direction.
3. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 1, wherein the biasing
assembly includes a coil spring.
4. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 1, wherein the biasing
assembly is adapted to enable pivotal movement of the seat relative
to the driven wheels relative to a pivot point forward of the
seat.
5. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 1, wherein the drive
assembly is adapted to drive the vehicle's driven wheels at least
at a first speed, and at a second speed that is greater than the
first speed, wherein the drive assembly is adapted to selectively
drive the vehicle in a forward direction and a reverse direction,
and further wherein the drive assembly is adapted to restrict
driving of the vehicle in the reverse direction at the second
speed.
6. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 5, wherein the body
includes a dashboard portion having at least a speed switch adapted
to configure the drive assembly to drive the driven wheels at a
selected one of the first and the second speeds and a direction
switch adapted to configure the drive assembly to drive the driven
wheels at a selected one of the forward and the reverse
directions.
7. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 1, wherein the handlebar
assembly includes a pair of handgrips and at least one switch
positioned for actuation by a child sitting on the seat and holding
onto the handgrips with the child's hands without requiring the
child to release either of the handgrips.
8. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 7, wherein the at least
one switch includes a biased switch adapted to be depressed by a
child from an unactuated position, in which the switch is open, to
an actuated configuration, in which the switch is closed, and
further wherein the switch is adapted to automatically return to
the unactuated position upon release of the switch by the
child.
9. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 1, wherein the seat is
adapted to be straddled by a child sitting upon the seat, and
further wherein the body includes foot boards adapted to support
the feet of a child sitting on the seat during use of the ride-on
vehicle.
10. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 9, wherein the drive
assembly includes an on/off switch in the form of a foot pedal
positioned on one of the foot boards.
11. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 1, wherein the
plurality of wheels includes the driven wheels, the at least one
steerable wheel, and at least one non-driven and non-steerable
wheel coupled to the frame generally rearward of the driven wheels
and the at least one steerable wheel.
12. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 11, wherein the at last
one non-driven and non-steerable wheel is adapted to travel within
a range of positions relative to the frame responsive to external
forces imparted to the wheel.
13. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 11, wherein the at
least one non-driven and non-steerable wheel is free from internal
bias.
14. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 11, wherein the frame
includes a track that defines upper and lower limits within which
the at least one non-driven and non-steerable wheel is adapted to
travel as external forces are imparted to the at least one
non-driven and non-steerable wheel.
15. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 11, wherein the at last
one non-driven and non-steerable wheel is adapted to travel within
a range of positions relative to the frame responsive to external
forces imparted to the wheel.
16. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 1, wherein the
handlebar assembly includes a rotatable handgrip adapted to be
grasped by a child operating the vehicle to steer the vehicle and a
switch assembly with a switch having a mechanical contact housed
within the handlebar assembly and which forms a portion of a wiring
harness that selectively interconnects the battery assembly and the
motor assembly of the vehicle's drive assembly, wherein the
handgrip is selectively rotatable within a range of positions that
include an unactuated position, in which the switch is not
actuated, and an actuated position, in which the switch is
actuated, wherein in the unactuated position, the drive assembly is
adapted to drive the vehicle's driven wheels at a first speed, and
in the actuated position, the drive assembly is adapted to
selectively drive the vehicle's driven wheels at a second speed
that is greater than the first speed.
17. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 16, wherein the
handlebar assembly further includes a biasing mechanism that urges
the handgrip to the unactuated position.
18. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 16, wherein the
handgrip includes a cam that rotates with the handgrip and
selectively engages the mechanical contact when the handgrip is in
the actuated position to actuate the switch.
19. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 18, wherein the
handgrip is rotatable about an axis of rotation and further wherein
the cam extends radially outward from the axis of rotation.
20. The children's ride-on vehicle of claim 19, wherein the
mechanical contact is adapted to be urged within a range of
positions extending transverse to the axis of rotation of the
handgrip.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/877,945, which was filed on
Jun. 25, 2004, issued on ______ as U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/000,509, which
was filed on Oct. 30, 2001, issued on Jun. 29, 2004 as U.S. Pat.
No. 6,755,265, and which is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/665,195, which was filed on
Sep. 18, 2000, issued on Dec. 2, 2003 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,656,010,
and which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 09/245,579, which was filed on Feb. 5, 1999, and issued on Sep.
19, 2000 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,345. The complete disclosures of
the above-identified patent applications are hereby incorporated by
reference for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to children's ride-on
vehicles, and more particularly to features that may be
incorporated into manually and electrically powered children's
ride-on vehicles and children's ride-on vehicles incorporating the
same.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Ride-on vehicles for children have become increasingly
popular due in part to the desire of children to drive
self-propelled vehicles resembling full-size vehicles. Such ride-on
vehicles, or ride-ons, are typically propelled by battery-powered
motors and generally include scaled-down features of full-size
vehicles.
[0004] One challenge in designing reduced-scale vehicles is to make
the vehicle resemble a full-size vehicle, while still providing a
vehicle that is safe for use by children. When a ride-on is
designed to resemble a four-wheeled vehicle, such as a car or
truck, the corresponding ride-on tends to also have four wheels.
When a ride-on is designed to resemble a motorcycle, however, a
balance must be reached between safety and the accuracy of the
reproduction. Certainly the most accurate reproduction is for the
ride-on to only have two wheels. However, children may not have the
size, strength or coordination to balance a two-wheeled ride-on,
especially when propelled by the ride-on's motor. Adding additional
wheels to the ride-on detracts from the accuracy of the
reproduction, and thus may reduce the child's desire for the
ride-on.
[0005] The invented ride-on, or ride-on vehicle, includes a frame
having a seat adapted to support a child, and a drive assembly with
a battery-powered motor assembly. The ride-on vehicle further
includes one or more steerable wheels and one or more driven
wheels. The ride-on vehicle includes a biasing assembly that is
connected to the frame and adapted to bias the seat away from the
vehicle's driven wheels. In some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle
includes a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and travels
within a defined range of positions with respect to the ride-on
vehicle's frame as external forces are imparted to the wheel. In
some embodiments, the ride-on vehicle includes a high-speed switch
positioned for momentary high-speed operation of the ride-on
vehicle and a user-manipulable portion may be provided to enable a
child to select such a high-speed configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a children's ride-on
constructed according to the present invention, with a portion of
the ride-on's frame broken away to expose a drive wheel.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the ride-on of FIG.
1.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one of the drive wheels
shown in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of the wheel bearing
and gear shown in FIG. 3.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the free-floating
rear wheel shown in FIG. 4.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the wheel of FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the rear
portion of the ride-on of FIG. 4 on a straight surface.
[0013] FIG. 8 is the side elevation view of FIG. 7, with the rear
wheel raised from the position of FIG. 7 to accommodate travel over
an uneven surface.
[0014] FIG. 9 is the side elevation view of FIG. 7, with the rear
wheel lowered from the position of FIG. 7 to accommodate travel
over another uneven surface.
[0015] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of another children's ride-on
vehicle according to the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a schematic wiring diagram.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a top plan view showing another embodiment of a
ride-on vehicle according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of another children's ride-on
vehicle constructed according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a rear elevation view of the children's ride-on
vehicle shown in FIG. 13.
[0020] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a portion of the biased seat
assembly for the children's ride on vehicle shown in FIG. 13.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the
biased seat assembly of FIG. 15 in an extended position.
[0022] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of a children's ride-on
vehicle, in which the biased seat assembly is in an extended
position.
[0023] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the
biased seat assembly of FIG. 15 in a compressed position.
[0024] FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of a children's ride-on
vehicle, in which the biased seat assembly is in a compressed
position.
[0025] FIG. 20 is a schematic wiring diagram in accordance with the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a switch assembly coupled
with a rotatable handgrip constructed in accordance with the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the switch assembly of
FIG. 21 in an actuated position.
[0028] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the switch assembly of
FIG. 21 in a non-actuated position.
[0029] FIG. 24 is an exploded isometric view of a wheel assembly
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 25 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the wheel
assembly shown in FIG. 24.
[0031] FIG. 26 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of another
wheel assembly constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 27 is an isometric side view of another children's
ride-on vehicle and a sidecar constructed in accordance with the
present invention.
[0033] FIG. 28 is an isometric front view of another children's
ride-on vehicle and a sidecar constructed in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION
[0034] A children's ride-on constructed according to the present
invention is shown in FIG. 1 and generally indicated at 10. Ride-on
10 includes a frame, or vehicle body, 12 with a seat 14, a forward
wheel 16, drive wheels 18 and 20, a steering mechanism 22, and a
rear wheel 24.
[0035] As shown, ride-on 10 generally resembles a reduced-scale
motorcycle, and more particularly a reduced-scale
Harley-Davidson.RTM. motorcycle. It should be understood that
ride-on 10 may be shaped to resemble other motorcycles and
two-wheeled vehicles. Frame 12 typically is formed from molded
plastic parts that are secured together by screws or other suitable
fasteners. As shown in FIG. 2, frame 12 is shaped to resemble
components of a conventional motorcycle, including a head light 26,
front fender and struts 27 and 28, dash board 30, gas tank 32,
engine 34, foot boards 36, exhaust pipes 38 and 40 (shown in FIG.
1), saddle bag 41, rear fender 42, tail lights 43 and swing arms 44
and 45 (shown in FIG. 5). Frame 12 also houses the vehicle's
electrically powered motor assembly, battery assembly, and
electrical and mechanical interconnections (not shown). It should
be understood that the motor and battery assemblies each may
include one or more motors or batteries, respectively. It should be
understood that the shape and configuration of the frame will vary
depending on the particular model and style of motorcycle that
ride-on 10 is designed to resemble.
[0036] It is within the scope of the present invention that the
ride-on may resemble other types of full-sized vehicles, such as
cars, trucks, off-road vehicles, construction equipment, aircraft,
seacraft and the like. Similarly, the ride-on may have a unique
body shape or configuration that is designed to appeal to children
and which does not necessarily resemble a reduced-scale version of
a conventional full-sized vehicle.
[0037] In the embodiment of the ride-on shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it
can be seen that drive wheels 18 and 20 are substantially housed
within the portions of frame 12 forming exhaust pipes 38 and 40. By
"drive wheel" or "driven wheel" it is meant that the rotational
output of the ride-on's motor assembly drives the rotation of the
wheel about, or with, its axle or other mount. This is compared to
a non-driven wheel, which rotates in the direction of movement of
the ride-on, but is not directly coupled to the rotational output
of the ride-on's motor assembly.
[0038] Because its drive (also referred to as driven) wheels are
substantially hidden from view, ride-on 10 has the appearance of a
two-wheeled motorcycle, even though it has at least three wheels
supporting the frame in a stable operating position. In fact, in
FIG. 1 it can be seen that a portion of the frame forming exhaust
pipe 38 had to be broken away to reveal drive wheel 18. Similarly,
drive wheel 20 is almost completely hidden from view by "exhaust
pipe" 40. In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the lower portion of
exhaust pipe 38 is removed to provide additional clearance for
drive wheel 18. It is within the scope of the present invention
that the exhaust pipes may have less of their lower portions
removed, such as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2. Furthermore,
although a pair of driven wheels are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is
within the scope of the invention that more or less driven wheels
may be used, either alone or in combination with one or more
additional non-driven wheels.
[0039] Because ride-on vehicles are often used by young children
who may not have the strength, size and/or coordination to balance
a two-wheeled vehicle, ride-on 10 provides at least three
spaced-apart supports that stabilize the ride-on. More
specifically, front wheel 16 and drive wheels 18 and 20 form a
tricycle. However, by hiding the drive wheels within the frame,
ride-on 10 enables the child to feel and look like it is riding a
two-wheeled motorcycle.
[0040] In FIG. 3, the interconnection between drive wheel 20 and
the ride-on's motor assembly is shown. It should be understood that
drive wheel 18 is coupled to the motor assembly with a similar set
of interconnections. As shown, an axle 46 extends through wheel 20,
which includes an outer recess 48 into which an axle bushing 50 is
seated. Axle 46 passes through bushing 50, and wheel 20 is retained
on the axle by a cap nut 52 or other suitable fastener. Wheel 20
includes an inner face 54 that includes a recess 56 within which a
wheel bearing 58 is received. Bearing 58 is rotatably mounted on
axle 46 and includes plural outer ribs 60 that extend radially
outward from axle 46. Outer ribs 60 are received within
corresponding channels 62 in recess 56. Once seated therein, wheel
20 rotates when bearing 58 is rotated about, or with, axle 46.
[0041] Wheel bearing 58 is rotated by a gear 64, which is driven by
the ride-on's motor assembly (not shown) through any suitable
mechanical interconnection, as is known in the art. Gear 64 is
seated on axle 46 and includes plural teeth 66 that extend into
cavities 68 formed by internal ribs 70 within bearing 58. Closing
an electrical circuit between the ride-on's battery assembly and
its motor assembly imparts an angular velocity to gear 64, which in
turn directs the rotation of bearing 58 and drive wheel 20 by the
engagement of teeth 66 and internal ribs 70. Because bearing 58 is
interlocked with drive wheel 20, the rotation of bearing 58 also
causes wheel 20 to rotate, thereby propelling the ride-on in the
selected direction.
[0042] The circuit described above typically is opened and closed
by a switch, which is mounted on the frame in a position where it
may be operated by the child. Examples of suitable switches are
pedals on one of the ride-on's foot boards 36, a throttle switch on
steering mechanism (i.e. handle bars) 22, or a switch on dash board
30. The ride-on's controls may include a reversing switch 31 to
enable the child to selectively change the direction of revolution
of the above components, and thereby change the direction of travel
of ride-on 10.
[0043] Unlike drive wheels 18 and 20, which are used to propel
ride-on 10, or front wheel 16, which is oriented by steering
mechanism 22 to steer the ride-on, rear wheel 24 just goes along
for the ride. By this it is meant that wheel 24 is neither driven
nor steerable. Instead, it is a free-spinning wheel that freely
rotates and travels along a defined path as external forces are
imparted upon it. By external forces, it is meant forces that
originate from external ride-on 10 and which are imparted directly
or indirectly to rear wheel 24. Examples of external forces are
gravity and bumps or shocks causes by ride-on 10 traveling over
uneven terrain. Wheel 24 may also be described as being free from
internal vertical bias when within its defined range of positions
because ride-on 10 does not include any spring, lever arm or other
biasing mechanism to urge wheel 24 to a particular position. As
such, wheel 24 is neither biased nor otherwise loaded to remain in
a particular position or orientation with respect to the rest of
ride-on 10. Wheel 24 may also be described as traveling or floating
within a defined range of positions to adjust freely to changes in
elevation in the surface over which ride-on 10 travels.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the portions of frame 12 which
form the ride-on's "swing arms" 44 and 45 are in fact spaced-apart
mounts 72 and 74 between which wheel 24 is rotatably mounted.
Mounts 72 and 74 are fixed in place relative to the rest of frame
12, and includes regions 76 and 78 that form a track with vertical
channels 80 and 82. As discussed subsequently, channels 80 and 82
cooperate with axle bearings 84 and 86 to define a race or vertical
range through which wheel 24 may travel as external forces are
applied to the wheel.
[0045] As perhaps best seen in FIG. 5, wheel 24 includes a pair of
bushings 88 and 90 that are inserted into a corresponding pair of
receptacles 92 and 94, one on each side of wheel 24. As shown, the
portions of bushings 88 and 90 which are inserted within the
receptacles are generally hex-shaped. Receptacles 92 and 94 have a
similar shape, thereby enabling wheel 24 to rotate as bushings 88
and 90 rotate. It should be understood that configurations other
than the hex-shaped configuration shown in FIG. 5 may be used.
[0046] An axle 100 passes through wheel 24 and bushings 88 and 90
to provide an axis about which wheel 24 may rotate. Axle 100
includes a pair of ends 102 and 104, which each are passed through
a respective one of channels 80 and 82 and axle bearings 84 and 86.
A pair of cap nuts or other suitable fasteners 106 and 108 are
mounted on the ends of axle 100. Fasteners 106 and 108 secure the
axle bearings, mounts, and wheel together with only a small amount
of side-to-side play, while still allowing bushings 88 and 90, and
thus wheel 24, to rotate on the axle.
[0047] As discussed, channels 80 and 82 define a vertical range of
positions within which axle bearings 84 and 86 are free to travel.
As shown, channels 80 and 82 each have an oval, or racetrack-shaped
opening, through which a stem portion 110 and 112 of one of the
axle bearings extends. While the stem portions extend through the
bearings, the head portions 114 and 116 of each axle bearing slide
up and down the track defined by regions 76 and 78. Movement of
axle bearings 84 and 86 up and down in response to uneven terrain
is limited by top 118 and bottom 120 limits of channels 80 and 82,
which are indicated in FIG. 6.
[0048] From a nominal position on level terrain, wheel 24 can move
up approximately 0.4 inches and down approximately one inch. By
varying the length of the channels or size of the axle bearings, it
is possible to define a range of positions which is larger or
smaller than this range. For most ride-ons, it is expected that a
range of between approximately one inch and approximately three
inches will be sufficient. It should be understood, however, that
the most suitable range of positions will tend to vary depending
upon such factors as the size of the ride-on, the surface upon
which it is intended for use, and the distance between the
ride-on's drive wheels and free-floating wheel. Therefore ranges
outside of those recited above are possible and within the scope of
the present invention.
[0049] In FIG. 7, ride-on 10 is shown traveling over a straight
surface 122. By this it is meant that the surface on which ride-on
10 travels is planar. As shown, surface 122 is level, however it
could also be inclined at an angle. In FIG. 7 it can be seen that
each of the ride-on's wheels are in contact with surface 122. The
position of rear wheel 24 shown in FIG. 7 will be referred to
herein as a neutral or intermediate position, since wheel 24 can
travel upward and downward from this position, as discussed below.
In FIG. 7, the position of axle 100 is generally indicated with a
line 124 extending generally parallel to surface 122. Because wheel
24 is mounted to frame 12 so that it may freely spin and travel up
and down as external forces are imparted to the wheel, the
frictional contact with surface 122 causes the wheel to rotate as
ride-on 10 travels over surface 122. This causes wheel 24 to rotate
in a direction and with a speed that corresponds with the speed and
direction of ride-on 10. This also makes wheel 24 appear to be a
driven wheel, although in reality it is a free-floating wheel.
[0050] In FIG. 8, surface 122 is uneven. Specifically, the portion
126 of surface 122 over which wheel 24 is positioned is higher than
the portions of the surface over which the ride-on's front and
drive wheels 16, 18 and 20 are positioned. Because wheel 24 is not
secured or biased to remain in its neutral position, the axle
bearings have raised upwardly in their respective regions of the
track, thereby also raising rear wheel 24 from its position shown
in FIG. 7. For comparison with the position shown in FIG. 7, the
position of axle 100 in this elevated position is generally
indicated with line 128, and the extent to which wheel 24 has been
raised can be seen by the distance between lines 124 and 128.
[0051] Because wheel 24 is a free-floating wheel and not a fixed
wheel, it may deflect away from its current position when it
encounters an external force, such as when ride-on 10 encounters
the bump between the uneven portions of surface 122. This enables
drive wheels 18 and 20 to remain in contact with surface 122. It
should be understood by looking at FIG. 8 that if rear wheel 24 was
not a free-floating wheel, the differences in elevation between
front and rear wheels 16 and 24 would have resulted in drive wheels
18 and 20 being suspended above surface 122. Since these wheels are
the ride-on's drive wheels, the vehicle would not be able to
continue along its path until the user or other person freed the
ride-on from its stuck position.
[0052] On the other hand, if the portion of surface 122 is at a
lower elevation than the corresponding portions of the surface over
which the ride-on's front wheel travels, then the vehicle also
could become stuck if wheel 24 was not a free-floating wheel.
Alternatively, rear wheel 24 could be suspended above the surface.
For example, in FIG. 9, surface 122 includes a depression 130 over
which wheel 24 is positioned. Once suspended above this portion of
the surface, the illusion of ride-on 10 being an actual two-wheeled
motorcycle would be lost because the rear wheel would be elevated
above the surface. However, by allowing rear wheel 24 to float
within region 76 of the track, the wheel travels downward in the
track to remain in contact with the surface. The position of axle
100 in FIG. 9 is indicated with a line 130, and the relative
distance between this position and the position shown in FIG. 7 is
shown between lines 126 and 130.
[0053] Besides the advantage of preventing the ride-on from
becoming wedged or stuck in a position if the drive wheels lose
contact with the surface over which the ride-on is traveling,
free-floating rear wheel 24 also results in the ride-on looking
more like an actual two-wheeled motorcycle because the wheel
remains in contact with the ground surface at all times. This
frictional contact with the surface causes the wheel to rotate
about its axle, much like an actual non-driven wheel of a vehicle.
Therefore, wheel 24 will spin in the direction of movement of
ride-on 10 and will spin faster or slower as the speed of ride-on
10 is increased or decreased. Furthermore, because mounts 72 and 74
are configured to resemble the swing arm of an actual motorcycle,
upward and downward movement of axle bearings 84 and 86 and wheel
24 as ride-on 10 travels over uneven terrain closely resembles the
visual appearance of an actual motorcycle traveling over uneven
terrain.
[0054] Another embodiment of a ride-on according to the present
invention is shown in FIG. 10 at 210. Similar to the previously
described ride-ons, ride-on 210 generally resembles a motorcycle.
Unless otherwise specified, the elements, subelements and possible
variations discussed above may be included with ride-on 210. In
FIG. 10, it can be seen that the ride-on includes a frame, or
vehicle body, 12 with a seat 14 upon which a child operating the
ride-on sits, a steering mechanism 22, and a plurality of wheels
16, 18, 20 and 24. Ride-on 210 may be formed with or without
free-floating wheel 24, and with driven wheels 18 and 20 with
configurations other than housed within exhaust pipes 38 and
40.
[0055] In FIG. 10, the ride-on includes a switch assembly 212
having a switch (shown in FIG. 11 at 214) and a user-manipulable
portion 216 on the steering mechanism 22 of the ride-on. As shown,
steering mechanism 22 takes the form of a handlebar assembly in the
form of a pair of handlebars 218 having regions 220 adapted to
receive the child's hands while the ride-on is being operated.
Regions 220 may also be referred to as handgrips because these
regions are adapted to be grasped by the child operating the
ride-on to steer the ride-on. It should be understood that the
handlebar assembly may include a single handlebar with a pair of
handgrips, as opposed to the pair of handlebars shown in FIG.
10.
[0056] Preferably, user-manipulable portion 216 is positioned for
actuation by a child without requiring the child's hands to be
removed from regions 220. For example, portion 216 may be mounted
on the handlebar assembly or other suitable steering mechanism at
least proximate the handgrips so that the child's hands do not need
to be removed from the handgrips to actuate portion 216. By "at
least proximate" it is meant that portion 216 is on, adjacent, or
otherwise positioned sufficiently near handgrips 220 so the child's
hands can remain on the handgrips, steering wheel, or other
suitable structure used to steer and control the direction of the
ride-on, without a loss of control when the child selects
high-speed operation of the ride-on by pressing or otherwise
actuating portion 216.
[0057] Switch assembly 212 selectively configures the ride-on's
drive assembly for high-speed operation. Switch 214 and
corresponding portion 216 may take any suitable form, such as
toggle switches, rotatable members, momentary switches, rocker
switches, push-buttons, etc. In some embodiments, switch assembly
212 is configured to require constant pressure from the child to
remain in the high-speed configuration. For example, the switch
assembly may include a biasing mechanism, such as a spring 222,
that biases the switch assembly to return to the low-speed
configuration when portion 216 is released by the child. This
prevents the ride-on from being inadvertently operated in the
high-speed configuration. In such a configuration, switch assembly
212 may be thought of as providing a "turbo switch" that a child
operating the ride-on may use to provide a "boost" of power. More
particularly, when the ride-on is configured to be driven in a
forward direction and the child presses portion 216, the ride-on
will now travel at a higher speed than before the button was
pressed.
[0058] An example of a suitable wiring diagram for ride-on 210 is
shown in FIG. 11. Similar to the previously discussed ride-ons,
ride-on 210 includes a drive assembly 230 that includes a motor
assembly 232 and a battery assembly 234. The motor assembly
includes one or more motors, and the battery assembly includes one
or more batteries. For example, in FIG. 11 the drive assembly is
shown including a pair of motors 236 and 238 powered by a single
battery 240. It should be understood that the drive assemblies for
the ride-ons discussed herein may include two motors powered by a
single battery or a pair of batteries, or alternatively, may
include a single motor powered by one or more batteries.
[0059] Although not required, an advantage of having more than one
motor, more than one battery, or both, is that the speeds of
operation of the ride-on may be varied by selectively connecting
the motors or batteries between parallel and series configurations.
For example, a pair of six-volt batteries will deliver six volts to
a motor assembly if connected in parallel, and 12 volts if
connected in series. Similarly, a battery assembly adapted to
deliver 12 volts to a motor assembly that includes a pair of motors
will deliver 12 volts to each motor if the motors are connected in
parallel, and 6 volts to each motor if the motors are connected in
series.
[0060] Also shown in FIG. 11 are switches 31, 214 and 242. Switch
31 is a reversing switch that includes a user-manipulable portion
33 (shown in FIG. 10) that enables a user to selectively change the
direction the ride-on travels by reversing the polarity of the
current from the battery assembly to the motor assembly. Switch
214, discussed above, is a "turbo" switch that selectively causes
high-speed operation of the ride-on. Switch 242 is an on/off switch
that includes a user-manipulable portion 246 that is selectively
actuated by the user to complete the electrical circuit between the
ride-on's motor and battery assemblies, thereby causing driven
operation of the ride-on. An illustrative example of a suitable
portion 246 is a foot pedal on one of the ride-on's running boards,
such as shown in FIG. 10. A suitable foot pedal is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,319,996, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Other examples include a rotary grip on the ride-on's handlebars
and a pushbutton, shiftable lever or the like on the ride-on's
dashboard. In FIG. 11, switches 31 and 214 are shown as double-pole
double-throw switches, although any suitable switch mechanism may
be used. In FIG. 11, switches 214 and 242 are shown as momentary
switches that are respectively biased, such as with springs, to the
low-speed and off configurations.
[0061] In the diagram shown in FIG. 11, it can be seen that the
drive assembly does not permit high-speed operation of the ride-on
in the reverse direction. This safety feature prevents the child
from being able to drive the vehicle in reverse at high speeds. In
the diagram shown, power is no longer delivered to the motor
assembly if high-speed, reverse operation is selected.
Alternatively, the wiring harness may be configured to produce
low-speed reverse operation regardless of whether high- or
low-speed reverse operation is selected by the child. An example of
another suitable switch assembly adapted to preclude high-speed
operation of the ride-on in a reverse direction is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,644,114, which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0062] It should be understood that the wiring diagram shown in
FIG. 11 is for the purpose of illustration and that other suitable
wiring diagrams, or wiring harnesses, may be used. For example,
reversing switch 31 may be omitted to produce a ride-on that is
driven by motor assembly 232 in one direction only. As another
example, omission of speed switch 212 results in a ride-on that is
driven at a single speed by motor assembly 232.
[0063] It should be understood that the above-described "turbo
switch" may be used on ride-ons having configurations other than
the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 10. For example, it may
be used on battery-powered ride-ons that resemble other forms of
full-sized vehicles, such as cars, trucks, off-road vehicles,
aircraft, and the like, as well as battery-powered ride-ons that
have unique shapes and designs. Furthermore, switch assembly 212
may be used with other types of steering mechanisms, such as
steering wheels, a single handlebar, and steering levers.
[0064] For example, in FIG. 12 a ride-on is shown at 250 that
includes a steering mechanism 22 in the form of a steering wheel
252. It should be understood that ride-on 250 includes any of the
drive assemblies described above with respect to ride-on 210. As
shown, wheel 252 includes user-manipulable portion 216 of "turbo"
switch assembly 212 positioned for engagement by a child holding
steering wheel 252 having user-grippable portion 254. Additional
user-manipulable portions 216 are shown in dashed lines in FIG. 12
to indicate that the ride-on may include more than one
user-manipulable portion 216, such as to enable a wider range of
positions in which the child may grasp steering mechanism 22 and
actuate at least one of the user-manipulable portions without
removing the child's hands from the steering mechanism.
[0065] Another children's ride-on vehicle according to the present
invention is shown at 300 in FIGS. 13 and 14. Any combination of
the above-described elements, sub-elements and components may be
included on ride-on 300. Furthermore, like reference characters
refer to corresponding elements shown on the previously described
ride-on vehicles and are not intended to limit the scope of the
invention. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, ride-on vehicle 300
includes a frame or body 12, a seat 14, a plurality of wheels 15,
and a steering mechanism 22.
[0066] Children's ride-on vehicle 300 is sized for operation by a
child. As shown, vehicle 300 generally takes the form of a
motorcycle, and more particularly a dirt bike. However, as with the
above described embodiments, it is within the scope of the
invention that vehicle 300 may resemble a reduced-scale or
scaled-down version of any other type of vehicle, including, but
not limited to, a car, a truck, a farm vehicle, an off-road
vehicle, a construction vehicle, an airplane, a boat, etc.
Alternatively, vehicle 300 may take the form of a child-sized
fantasy vehicle that does not have a full- or adult-sized
counterpart. Vehicle 300 may also include any number of the
features that simulate features typically found on adult-sized
vehicles, including, but not limited to, storage compartments,
saddlebags, fenders, shocks, struts, foot boards, dashboards,
gauges, exhaust pipes, gas tanks, side doors, truks, hoods,
headlights, taillights, windshields and license plates. The
particular features are not essential and may vary without
departing from the scope of the invention.
[0067] Wheels are rotatably coupled to frame 12 and permit vehicle
300 to travel across a ground surface. For example, and as shown in
FIGS. 13 and 14, vehicle 300 includes a single front wheel 16, two
rear driven wheels 18, 20 and a free-floating wheel 24. As
previously described, having at least three load-bearing wheels
(16, 18 and 20) provides increased stability to vehicle 300
compared to a two-wheeled vehicle, which may be difficult for some
children to balance and stabilize. As shown, two of the
load-bearing wheels (18 and 20) are at least partially enclosed, or
housed, within the vehicle's frame to simulate the appearance of a
two-wheeled vehicle. However, other configurations are possible,
and the number and size of the wheels may vary without departing
from the scope of the invention. For example, vehicle 300 may be
formed without a free-floating wheel, with more than one steerable
wheel, and/or with at least one steerable wheel that is also a
drive, or driven, wheel. Additionally, although wheels 18 and 20
are illustrated as the driven wheels, it is within the scope of the
invention that any combination of the vehicle's wheels may function
as the driven wheels.
[0068] Vehicle 300 further includes a seat assembly 310 that
includes a seat 14, which is adapted and sized to receive at least
one child. Thus, seat 14 is generally sized and positioned to
enable a child seated on seat 14 to operate vehicle 300. For
example, a child seated on seat 14 should be able to easily access
steering mechanism 22. Additionally, seat 14 may be adjustable to
enable children of different sizes to access steering mechanism 22
and operate vehicle 300.
[0069] Seat assembly 310 may be referred to as a biased seat
assembly because it includes a biasing assembly 313 that extends
generally between seat 14 and frame 12. As shown best in FIG. 14,
biasing assembly 313 simulates a shock absorber. More specifically,
biasing assembly 313 regulates the movement of seat 14 relative to
frame 12, such that seat 14 and a child rider may oscillate up and
down, relative to frame 12, to mimic, or simulate, the motion
produced by shock absorbers on a full-sized dirt bike. Described
another way, the seat assembly 310 is coupled for pivotal movement
relative to the frame of the vehicle from a pivot point forward of
seat 14, and the biasing assembly regulates the pivotal,
oscillating movement of the seat relative to the body. Unlike the
shock absorbers on a full-sized dirt bike, which extend between the
frame and the vehicle's wheels, assembly 313 extends between the
seat and frame of the vehicle to simulate the look and feel of
actual shock absorbers without actually dampening the transmission
of forces from the vehicle's wheels to its frame. Biased seat
assembly 310 may also accommodate a child bouncing up and down on
seat 14, even when the vehicle is at a stop or traveling over a
smooth surface.
[0070] Biasing assembly 313 may be attached to frame 12 and seat 14
via any suitable conventional fastening mechanism 311. An example
of a suitable fastening mechanism 311 is shown in FIG. 15. As
shown, biasing assembly 313 includes a fastening mechanism in the
form of an anchor 312 that is adapted to receive a fastener, such
as a pin or bolt, through which seat 14 may be attached. Similarly,
biasing assembly 313 includes a second anchor 314 that is adapted
to receive a fastener through which assembly 313 may be coupled
with frame 12. As another example, the vehicle's seat and frame may
include anchors 312 and 314, with assembly 313 being coupled
thereto by pins or other fasteners, or by mounts on the ends of
assembly 313. As still another example, the subsequently described
telescoping portions of the assembly may be integrally formed with,
or otherwise permanently secured to, the corresponding seat or
frame of vehicle 300.
[0071] Assembly 313 includes an external casing 316, or housing,
which as shown in FIG. 15 resembles a conventional shock absorber,
thereby further simulating the appearance of a conventional dirt
bike or motorcycle. It is within the scope of the invention that
casing 316 may have other configurations. As shown, assembly 313
includes at least one pair of telescoping members 318 and 320 that
extend generally between seat 14 and frame 12. At least one of the
telescoping members is adapted to receive the other telescoping
member so that the members may telescope (i.e. slide) relative to
each other to allow the length of assembly 313 to vary. For
example, and as illustrated in FIG. 15, upper telescoping member
318 has a diameter larger than the lower telescoping member 320,
and thus is configured to receive lower telescoping member 320.
Alternatively, it is within the scope of the invention that lower
telescoping member 320 have a diameter that exceeds upper
telescoping member 318 such that lower telescoping member 320 is
configured to receive upper telescoping member 318.
[0072] A biasing mechanism or biasing structure 322 is contained
within casing 316 and urges the members axially away from each
other to the subsequently described extended position of the biased
seat assembly. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 16, an upper
telescoping member or first tube 318 may be a hollow cylinder that
is adapted to contain a biasing mechanism, such as a spring 322.
Although a coil spring is illustrated, biasing mechanism 322 may
additionally, or alternatively, include other resilient members
that are adapted to urge the seat and frame away from each other.
Additionally, it is within the scope of the invention that biasing
mechanism 322 be contained within lower telescoping member or
second tube 320, and/or partially contained within either or both
of upper tube 318 and lower tube 320. The strength of biasing
mechanism 322 may vary within the scope of the invention, such as
depending upon such factors as the desired "bounce" (amplitude and
frequency at which the biasing mechanism urges the seat away from
frame 12) of the biased seat assembly, the weight to be supported
by seat 14, whether the seat assembly is designed to "bottom out"
(i.e. have a compressed configuration in which the telescoping
members are limited from telescoping together any further by the
casing or other structural portion(s) of assembly 313 instead of by
biasing mechanism 322), etc.
[0073] The operation of biased seat assembly 310 may be better
understood upon reference to FIGS. 16-19. Biased seat assembly 310,
as shown in FIG. 16 and discussed above, includes a first tube 318
with spring 322 disposed within tube 318. Spring 322 operates to
space first tube 318 from second tube 320. Thus, when no pressure
or force is applied to either seat 14 or frame 12, spring 322
maintains seat 14 away from frame 12. An example of such a
configuration is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in which spring 322 is
in an expanded position (where there is no external compressive
force acting on spring 322) and thus, tubes 318 and 320 are
respectively spaced apart. More particularly, and as shown in FIG.
17, when no compressive force is applied to spring 322 by a child
sitting on seat 14, the rear of seat 14 is spaced apart, as
generally indicated at 324, from frame 12 and wheel 24. The
distance that seat 14 extends away from frame 12 may be dictated by
the type of spring used and the arrangement of tubes 318 and
320.
[0074] Upon application of a compressive force that urges the seat
and frame together, either upon seat 14 or upon frame 12, spring
322 is compressed. For example, spring 322 may be compressed by
either seat 14 being pushed downward, such as when a child sits on
seat 14, and/or by frame 12 being pushed upward, such as when the
vehicle is driven over an uneven surface. As illustrated in FIG.
18, this force results in tube 320 telescoping into tube 318. More
specifically, tube 320 slides along the inside of tube 322
compressing spring 322 against an upper internal surface 326 within
tube 318. The amount of compression of spring 322 may vary and may
be dependent on the amount of force applied to spring 322 and to
the type of spring used. FIG. 19 illustrates an example of the
effect of the compression of spring 322 on the position of seat 14
relative to frame 12. Specifically, seat 14 has been depressed
towards frame 12 and wheel 24 when a force, such as force 328, is
applied to biased seat assembly 310. The distance of depression 330
depends on the amount of compression of spring 322.
[0075] Similar to the previously described embodiments, vehicle 300
may include a drive assembly having a motor assembly 232 that is
adapted to drive the rotation of the vehicle's driven wheels and
which is powered by a battery assembly 234. As discussed, motor
assembly 232 may include one or more motors, battery assembly 234
may include one or more batteries. Similarly, motor assembly 232
includes an output that is coupled to the drive wheels so that
rotation of the output causes a corresponding rotation of the drive
wheels, either directly or via a linkage mechanism, such as one or
more gears, a belt-and-pulley assembly, etc.
[0076] When vehicle 300 is a motorized ride-on vehicle, it may have
a variety of power configurations, including one or more of a
single-forward speed, a single-reverse speed, at least two
predetermined forward speeds, at least two predetermined reverse
speeds, and/or a user-selected forward or reverse speed. As used
herein, "speed" refers to the relative amount of power delivered to
the vehicle's motor assembly. It should be understood that this may
correspond to a variable actual speed, such as depending upon the
weight of the child rider, the terrain upon which the vehicle is
being driven, etc.
[0077] In FIG. 10, an example of a wiring configuration, or wiring
harness, for a motorized vehicle having high- and low-speed forward
configurations and a single (low) speed reverse configuration was
shown and described. In FIG. 20, another example of a suitable
wiring harness or wiring configuration for the vehicle's drive
assembly is shown and includes a switch assembly 340 through which
user-inputs are received to selectively configure the drive
assembly between its driving configurations. To illustrate that the
number of motors and batteries in the motor and battery assemblies
may vary, battery assembly 234 is illustrated in FIG. 20 as
including a single battery 344, and motor assembly 232 is
illustrated as including a pair of motors 346 and 348. However, the
number of each of the components may vary from a single component,
to more than two components.
[0078] As also shown in FIG. 20, the switch assembly may include a
plurality of switches that selectively receive user-inputs and
configure the drive assembly between reverse, low-speed forward,
and high-speed forward configurations. The switches may include a
corresponding user-manipulable portion that is adapted to receive
user-inputs. Examples of user-manipulable portions include buttons,
levers, slides, shift mechanisms, foot pedals, and the like, as
shown in the previously described drawings. In FIG. 20, many of the
switches in assembly 340 have been illustrated as various
combinations of single- and double-throw and single- and
double-throw switches; however, variations to this construction are
within the scope of the invention. Similarly, it may be desirable
for some of the switches, such as the on/off switch, turbo switch
and/or reverse switch to be momentary switches that are biased to a
particular configuration (such as off, low, and forward). However,
it is within the scope of the invention that any combination from
no momentary switches, to all momentary switches, may be used.
[0079] As schematically illustrated in FIG. 20, switch assembly 340
includes an on/off switch 350, which upon receipt of a user-input
causes motor assembly 232 to be powered by battery assembly 234.
Thus, when a child rider depresses, or otherwise actuates, switch
350, an electrical circuit is completed, thereby providing power to
motor assembly 232 and enabling the driving operation of vehicle
410. To enable vehicle 300 to be selectively driven in both the
forward and reverse directions, switch assembly 340 may include a
reversing switch 352, which is linked with a user-manipulable
portion, as described previously, enabling a user to selectively
change the direction of rotation of the motors in assembly 232,
thereby changing the direction of rotation of the vehicle's
wheels.
[0080] Switch assembly 340 also includes switches 354, 356 and 358,
which cooperate to selectively configure the drive assembly between
a high-speed configuration and a low-speed configuration. As
described in more detail below, the vehicle's drive assembly may be
configured so that the high-speed configuration may only be
achieved when the vehicle is being driven in a forward direction.
The wiring diagram shown in FIG. 20 includes such a configuration,
which as described previously, is a safety feature that prevents a
child from driving a vehicle at high speeds in reverse. As shown,
switches 354 and 356 take the form of relays, or may be described
as including relay assemblies, 357, and switch 358 corresponds to
the previously described "turbo switch." Switch 358 is adapted to
receive user inputs selecting a high-speed configuration. However,
switches 354 and 356 are not turned on when in reverse, thereby
preventing user-actuation of turbo switch 358 from causing
high-speed, reverse-direction actuation of the vehicle's drive
assembly. Such a configuration leaves motors 346 and 348 in series
and in a low-speed configuration. When a vehicle is in a forward
configuration, switches 354 and 356 are turned on, enabling turbo
switch 358 to be activated. Such a configuration puts motors 346
and 348 in parallel and enables the user to select between a
high-speed and a low-speed configuration.
[0081] As discussed, switch assembly 340 may be actuated via a
variety of hand- and foot-actuated mechanisms, which are positioned
for actuation by a child sitting on seat 14. As discussed and
previously illustrated in FIG. 13, one suitable position for at
least one of the user-manipulable mechanisms is on steering
mechanism 22. In FIG. 13, steering mechanism 22 of vehicle 300
takes the form of a handlebar assembly that includes handlebars 218
with regions, or handgrips, 220 that are adapted to receive a
child's hands during operation of vehicle 300. User-manipulable
portion 216 takes the form of a depressible button that is coupled
with a switch assembly 212. When a rider sitting on seat 14
presses, or otherwise actuates, portion 216, switch assembly 212 is
actuated and selectively configures the ride-on for high-speed and
low-speed configurations.
[0082] Another illustrative construction for this placement of
user-manipulable portions is shown in FIG. 21. As shown,
user-manipulable portion 216 may be integral with at least one of
handgrips 220. In such a configuration, handgrip 220 is rotatably
mounted relative to the rest of steering mechanism 22, such that a
child sitting on seat 14 may grasp the handgrip and rotate the
handgrip, much like a throttle on a full-sized motorcycle. As the
child rotates handgrip 220, this user-input is communicated to
switch assembly 340, and more particularly, switch 358, to
selectively configure the vehicle between its high- and low-speed
configurations. Unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 13, in FIG.
21, switch 358 is completely housed within the vehicle's frame, and
relies upon a linkage 361 between the user-manipulable portion
(handgrip 220) and the mechanical contact 370 of switch 358.
[0083] As perhaps best seen in FIG. 22, switch 358 is contained
within a housing 360, which forms a portion of handlebar 218 and
steering mechanism 22. Linkage 361 includes a cam 362 that is
rotatably coupled to, or extends from, handgrip 220 such that the
cam is rotated with the handgrip. Cam 362 is selectively rotatable
between an actuated position, in which the cam actuates the
mechanical contact 370 of switch 358, and a non-actuated position,
in which mechanical contact 370 is not actuated by the cam.
Examples of the actuated and non-actuated positions are shown in
FIGS. 22 and 23, respectively. Although illustrated in FIGS. 21-23
as a projecting tooth or rib, cam 362 may have any suitable
projecting or eccentric configuration that enables contact 370 to
be selectively actuated by the cam upon rotation of handgrip 220.
Actuation of contact 370 completes the electrical circuit such that
high-speed operation of the vehicle is selected.
[0084] Linkage 361 may also include a biasing mechanism 371, such
as a coil spring 372, which operates to bias the switch assembly to
the low-speed configuration. As seen by comparing FIGS. 22 and 23,
rotation of handgrip 220 extends spring 372, such that release of
handgrip 220 results in spring 372 recoiling, causing both handgrip
220 and switch assembly 212 to return to their respective low-speed
configurations. Thus, high-speed operation of vehicle 300 requires
a child to maintain handgrip 220 in a rotated, or rolled-on,
position. Release of handgrip 220 disconnects the electrical
circuit and returns the vehicle into a low-speed configuration. It
is within the scope of the invention that biasing mechanism 371 may
additionally or alternatively include other resilient members, such
as extension springs, leaf springs, and other deflectable,
resilient members.
[0085] FIG. 23 illustrates switch assembly 212 in a non-actuated
position. In the non-actuated position, cam 362 does not engage
contact 370 such that the high-speed electrical configuration is
not enabled. Thus, vehicle 300 is in a default low-speed
configuration when in the non-actuated position. Additionally, as
described above, biasing mechanism 371 may bias switch assembly 212
to a non-actuated position. A benefit of incorporating the
user-manipulable portion of switch 358 into handgrip 220 is that a
child may select between high-and low-speed configurations of the
vehicle without removing the child's hands from the vehicle's
handgrips.
[0086] As discussed, vehicle 300 includes a plurality of wheels 15.
It is within the scope of the invention that wheels 15 may have any
suitable construction, including molded plastic wheels, hollow
wheels, solid wheels, wheels with integral hubs, wheels with
removable hubs, pneumatic wheels, etc. Each type of wheel offers
various features. For example, a molded plastic wheel will tend to
be less expensive, require less assembly and less maintenance than
a pneumatic wheel. Pneumatic (inflated) wheels tend to be more
expensive and require more maintenance (such as to maintain a
desired air pressure or to replace or repair the wheel or a bladder
within the wheel) but more closely resemble the wheels used on
full-sized vehicles. Hard plastic ground-contacting surfaces are
generally more durable than softer, more resilient surfaces, but
tend to make more noise on hard surfaces than resilient
ground-contacting surfaces.
[0087] An example of a wheel assembly 380 that may be (but is not
required to be) used for any of wheels 15 is shown in FIG. 24.
Wheel assembly 380 includes a core 382. As shown, core 382 is
formed from a first core portion 384 and a second core portion 386
that are selectively interconnected via any suitable mechanism.
Examples of suitable mechanisms include mechanical fasteners, such
as bolts or rivets, mating members on the corresponding portions,
such as a snap fit or threaded interconnection, and by adhesive, or
chemical bonds. In FIG. 25, it can be seen that core portions 384
and 386 include mating interlocks 387. Interlocks 387 may function
to align and secure core portions together. The method of joining
the core portions may depend on the materials used for the core
portions. It is within the scope of the invention that the core may
be formed from more than two interconnected portions, and that the
core may be a single member, such as shown in FIG. 26.
[0088] The core portions may be made of any suitably rigid
material, including, but not limited to, hard plastic and metal. An
example of a suitable material is polypropylene. Core 382 may also
be described as itself providing a wheel for the vehicle. Core
portions 384 and 386 may include any number of the features
typically found on a wheel rim. For example, as shown in FIG. 24,
core portions 384 and 386 include spokes 388, projecting tread
portions 389, and a hub 390, which is adapted to receive an axle.
Examples of other features include hubcaps, rims, and the like.
[0089] In FIGS. 24 and 25, it can be seen that wheel assembly 380
further includes a tread structure 392 that is mounted over the
outer surface, or outer circumference, of core 382. Tread
structure, or tread portion, 392 resembles the appearance of the
external features of a tire, such that completed wheel assembly 380
simulates the appearance of a pneumatic tire on a wheel rim. Any
suitable method may be used to attach tread structure 392 to the
core. For example, tread structure 392 may be formed separately and
then extended or stretched over the outer surface of the core.
Alternatively, tread portion 392 may be over-molded or double-shot
molded with core 382. When core 382 includes projecting "tread"
portions 389, tread structure 392 extends around these
portions.
[0090] Tread structure 392 typically is formed from a resilient
material, such as rubber, soft polyvinylchloride, and the like. The
tread structure may also include various patterns of projecting
ridges and bumps 395 to simulate knobby tires, all weather tires,
snow tires, etc. These projecting portions may at least partially
correspond to the "tread" portions 389 on core 382, or may extend
from regions of core 382 that do not include a corresponding
portion 389. Tread structure 392 provides wheel assembly 380 with
the appearance and feel of an actual rubber tire, without the
construction requirements necessary for assembly of an actual
pneumatic rubber tire. Moreover, because each wheel assembly 380
includes a solid core 382, the wheel assembly does not require
inflation and will not become inoperable if punctured.
[0091] Unlike known wheel rims, which typically have sunken concave
recesses adapted to receive a rubber tube, or bladder, the outer
circumference 394 of core 382 of the present wheel assembly may
(but does not necessarily) have configurations that are not
concave. For example, outer circumference 394 may include, as shown
in FIG. 25, a central projection 396 that extends outward away from
surface 394. Such a configuration enables tread 392 to be securely
coupled to core 382. Additionally, core 382 may include a receiving
structure 398 for ends 400 of tread structure 392. Receiving
structure 398 enables tread structure 392 to be wrapped at least
partially around the sidewalls 399 of core 382. Receiving structure
398 may also be described as providing recesses into which the
tread structure extends.
[0092] It is within the scope of the present invention that the
previously described wiring harnesses, turbo switches, rotatable
handgrips, wheel assemblies and biased seat assemblies may be used
with children's vehicles other than the specific illustrative
embodiments shown in the Figures. Similarly, although illustrated
together for the sake of brevity, these components may be
implemented alone, in selected subcombinations, or all
together.
[0093] Another ride-on vehicle constructed according to the present
invention is shown generally at 410 in FIG. 27. As with the
previously described ride-on vehicles, ride-on vehicle 410 includes
a primary vehicle 411 that includes a frame 12, a seat 14, steering
mechanism 22, and a plurality of wheels, such as including a front
wheel 16 and two rear wheels 18 and 20. Although not illustrated,
vehicle 411 may also include a floating rear wheel, similar to rear
wheel 24 discussed above. In FIG. 27, vehicle 411 is shown
resembling a motorcycle, however, it is within the scope of the
invention that vehicle 411 may have any suitable body
configuration, including, but not limited to, those illustrated in
the previously described Figures.
[0094] Vehicle 411 also includes a drive assembly. The drive
assembly, as with the above-described drive assemblies, may include
a battery assembly with one or more batteries and a motor assembly
to drive at least one of the vehicle's wheels, such as wheels 18
and 20. The motor assembly may be coupled directly to the driven
wheels or may be indirectly coupled to the driven wheels through a
motor output linkage assembly, such as gears, belts, etc. Vehicle
411 may further include a wiring harness and switch assembly, such
as those described and/or illustrated herein.
[0095] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, vehicle 410 finther includes a
sidecar 412 that is attached to a side of vehicle 411. For example,
and as shown in FIG. 27, sidecar 412 is coupled to the right side
of vehicle 411. Sidecar 412 may resemble adult-sized sidecars for
motorcycles. Sidecar 412 includes a body, or frame, 414 and a
passenger region 416 that is adapted and sized to carry at least
one child. In order to accommodate a child, passenger region 416
typically includes at least one seat 418 that is sized to receive
at least one child, and a corresponding cavity 419 into which the
child's legs extend within body 414. Sidecar 412 may include other
features that mimic features found on full-sized sidecars and/or
features that make sidecar 412 appealing to children. For example,
sidecar 412 may include storage compartments, such as a forward
trunk 420, and/or a rear trunk 422. Similarly, sidecar 412 may
include a windshield, a dashboard, a glove box, etc.
[0096] Sidecar 412 includes at least one wheel 424, and may include
at least one additional wheel, such as a second rear wheel and/or a
front wheel. For purposes of graphically illustrating various wheel
configurations for sidecar 412, a single rear wheel 424 is shown in
FIG. 27, and a pair of rear wheels 424 and 434 are shown in FIG.
28. FIG. 28 also illustrates an example of a sidecar 412 having a
front wheel 430. In configurations in which the sidecar includes a
pair of axially mounted wheels, such as wheels 424 and 434, the
wheels may be mounted on a common axle, such as axle 437, which may
rotate independent of, or with, an axle 46 on vehicle 411. In a
variation of this configuration, the wheels may be axially aligned,
yet at least one of the wheels may be separately mounted on an axle
or other mount. In configurations in which sidecar 412 includes
only a single wheel, such as wheel 424, it may be desirable for the
sidecar to include at least one bracket, or support, 426 that
interconnects the bodies of the primary vehicle and sidecar 412 to
provide additional support thereto. An illustrative example of a
suitable support is a metal shaft or rod that extends between
vehicle 411 and sidecar 412. One or more supports 426 may also be
used in embodiments of sidecar 412 that include more than one
wheel. When such a support 426 is used, it is typically spaced
forward or rearward of the sidecar's wheel(s).
[0097] It is within the scope of the invention that none of
sidecar's wheels are driven wheels, in which case the wheels are
rotated by contact with the ground surface as the vehicle is
propelled along the ground surface by its drive assembly. In other
words, non-driven wheels rotate in the direction of movement of
vehicle 410, but are not coupled to the rotational output of a
motor assembly. It is also within the scope of the invention that
at least one of the sidecar's wheels is a driven wheel. For
example, FIG. 27 illustrates an example of a wheel configuration in
which the wheel 424 is mounted on a common axle 46 with the driven
wheels 18 and 20 of vehicle 411. As another example, vehicle 410
may include a motor assembly that includes at least one motor
adapted to drive the rotation of wheel 424, or another of the
sidecar's wheels. As a further variation, sidecar 412 may include a
separate motor assembly to drive the respective driven
wheel(s).
[0098] Sidecar 412 may be coupled to vehicle 411 via any suitable
structure, including configurations in which the sidecar is adapted
to be selectively removed from and reattached to vehicle 411, and
configurations in which the sidecar and primary vehicle 411 include
a common body or frame or are otherwise constructed so that the
sidecar is not designed to be removed and reattached to the primary
vehicle. When sidecar 412 is configured to be selectively removed
from, and reattached to, vehicle 411, vehicle 410 includes at least
one coupling structure 436 that is adapted to selectively secure
the sidecar to vehicle 411. Coupling structure 436 is schematically
illustrated in FIG. 28 and may include any suitable removable or
non-removable coupling device, including, but not limited to,
hitches, latches, bolts, hooks, clamps, pins, and/or any other
suitable fastening devices.
[0099] As described above, a children's ride on vehicle includes a
frame adapted to support a child and a drive assembly adapted to
drive the vehicle. The vehicle may include multiple features that
enhance its appeal to children. For example, the vehicle may
resemble a motorcycle and its various components. Features found on
adult-sized motorcycles may be simulated in the children's ride-on
vehicle. Such features include, but are not limited to, throttles,
sidecars, shocks, struts, wheel assemblies, etc. Additionally, the
vehicle may include high-speed switches to enable a child to alter
the speed of the vehicle. While various alternative embodiments and
arrangements of such a children's vehicle have been shown and
described above, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the
art, that numerous other embodiments, arrangements, and
modifications are possible and are within the scope of the
invention.
[0100] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above
encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility.
While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred
form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated
herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous
variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions
includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and
sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions
and/or properties disclosed herein. Where claims recite "a" or "a
first" element or equivalent thereof, such claims should be
understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements,
neither requiring, nor excluding, two or more such elements.
[0101] It is believed that the following claims particularly point
out certain combinations and sub-combinations that are directed to
one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious.
Inventions embodied in other combinations and sub-combinations of
features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed
through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in
this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether
they are directed to a different invention or directed to the same
invention, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope
to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the
subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.
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