Mattel, Inc.

Fisher-price, Inc.

Gary G Lenihan

William R Howell

Mark J Bergum

David G Waples

Karl D Lerch

Ronald M Asbach

John L Jones, Jr

Scott H McIlvain

A children's ride-on vehicle is disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a body having a seat assembly configured to support a child; and a drive assembly adapted to selectively drive rotation of at least one driven wheel in a plurality of drive configurations, and including a motor assembly comprising at least one electric motor, at least one user input device positioned to receive inputs from a child supported by the seat assembly and adapted to selectively actuate the motor assembly, a battery assembly adapted to selectively energize the motor assembly, and a detection system adapted to detect whether an accessory is coupled to the body. The drive assembly being adapted to restrict driving of the at least one driven wheel to less than all drive configurations of the plurality of drive configurations based on the detection system detecting whether the accessory is coupled to the body.

Children's ride-on vehicles having detection systems

Children's ride-on vehicle assemblies having leading and trailing vehicles that are removably coupled together by a connection apparatus. The leading vehicle is an independently operable ride-on vehicle having a drive assembly that is selectively configured between a plurality of drive configurations, such as responsive to user inputs via user input devices. The assembly further includes a detection system adapted to detect whether or not the connection apparatus is in its coupled configuration and to restrict the plurality of drive configurations responsive thereto. This restriction may be automatic responsive to coupling of the leading and trailing vehicles together, and it may be made regardless of user inputs that otherwise would select and/or enable one of the restricted drive configurations.

Children's ride-on vehicle assemblies having trailing vehicle detection systems

Children's ride-on vehicle assemblies that include a leading vehicle, a trailing vehicle, and a connection apparatus, such as a hitch assembly, that selectively interconnects the leading and trailing vehicles. At least the leading vehicle includes a drive assembly adapted to propel the vehicle along a ground surface. In some embodiments, at least the leading vehicle is a battery-powered ride-on vehicle. The hitch assembly is adapted to interconnect the leading and trailing vehicles and to provide a limited range of pivoting of the vehicles relative to each other. In some embodiments, the hitch assembly includes a pinch-relief mechanism that is adapted to provide at least a predetermined clearance between the vehicles. In some embodiments, the hitch assembly is adapted to provide limited pivotal ranges in at least two planes. In some embodiments, the hitch assembly is adapted to selectively uncouple and recouple the vehicles from and to each other.

Pinch-resistant hitch assembly and children's ride-on vehicle assemblies including the same

Children's ride-on vehicle

A ride simulator for use with a children's ride-on vehicle. The simulator includes a base, and a mechanism for removably securing to at least one of the wheels of an independently operable children's ride-on vehicle. The mechanism includes a fastener that selectively engages a mount on the wheel to support the wheel and at least a portion of the vehicle above the base. Driven rotation of the wheel to which the fastener is engaged causes reciprocating horizontal and vertical motion of the vehicle with respect to the base, thereby simulating ground-traveling movement of the vehicle.

Ride simulator for use with a children's ride-on vehicle

A children's ride-on vehicle with a free-floating wheel is disclosed. The ride-on includes a drive assembly with a battery-powered motor, and a frame that is adapted to support a child and resemble a full-size motorcycle. The ride-on further includes a steerable wheel, plural driven wheels and a free-floating wheel, which is unbiased and travels within a defined range of positions with respect to the ride-on's frame as external forces are imparted to the wheel.

Ride-on vehicle with a free-floating wheel

A ride simulator for use with a children's ride-on vehicle. The simulator includes a stationary base, a first support structure extending upwardly from the base for supporting at least a portion of the vehicle above the base, and an actuator for coupling to the vehicle to effect reciprocating horizontal and vertical motion of the vehicle about a defined location on the simulator, thereby simulating ground-traveling movement of the vehicle.

Teeter totter

Climbing play structure

Toy car

A portable sound system including a body having an audio signal generator, such as a radio receiver or a tape cassette player, a headset and a communication line extending between the headset and the audio signal generator. The headset releasably engages the body such that a portion of the headset forms a load bearing handle for carrying the system. The headset engages the body to form a handle aperture therebetween for carrying the system. The headset includes a pair of opposing recesses in the headband, sized to engage tabs on a body to releasably engage the headset to the body such that a portion of the headset forms a load bearing handle.

Growing community of inventors

East Aurora, NY, United States of America

Gary G Lenihan