Motor vehicles – Power – Battery mountings and holders
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-05
2001-02-13
Swann, J. J. (Department: 3611)
Motor vehicles
Power
Battery mountings and holders
C024S546000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186256
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to battery retaining systems, and more particularly, to a battery retaining system for a children's ride-on vehicle that alerts a rider if the battery is not properly secured within the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
Battery-powered children's ride-on vehicles are a popular toy for children. The batteries for these vehicles are usually carried within a compartment on the vehicle. Typically, the compartment is easily accessible so that the battery may be removed or recharged.
To prevent injury or accident, the battery should be securely held within the compartment. A battery that is loosely held within the compartment may fall on its side and any toxic or acidic contents of the battery may leak out. Furthermore, the battery may fall out of the compartment if the vehicle tips over, thereby possibly damaging the battery and injuring the rider. Even if the vehicle does not tip over, a battery that is loosely held within the compartment may become disconnected from the drive mechanism that propels the vehicle. A loosely-held battery may also shift during operation of the vehicle, thus changing the center of gravity of the vehicle and making the it difficult to operate. Finally, a moving battery may shake or “clatter” within the battery compartment and falsely signal to a user that the vehicle is broken.
One method of securing the battery is to construct a battery compartment that is approximately the same shape and size as the battery. However, the compartment may not have enough room for the wires and connectors that connect the battery to the drive mechanism. In addition, future battery designs would be limited by the dimensions of the compartment.
Another securing method is to install a bracket over the sides and top of the battery. However, this type of bracket is difficult to attach and remove, especially if the battery compartment is relatively small. Furthermore, a rider may not be aware if the brace is inadequately secured within the compartment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a battery retaining system for securing a battery in a children's ride-on vehicle. The invented system includes a battery compartment disposed on the vehicle and configured to receive the battery. Also included is a battery retaining clip coupled to the battery compartment and movable between a locked position in which the clip holds the battery in place, and an unlocked position. In one embodiment, a battery compartment lid is provided to attach to the battery compartment and the retaining clip is configured to block installation of the battery compartment lid unless the clip is in the locked position.
Optionally, the retaining clip is pivotally coupled to the battery compartment and may be pivoted to an opened position to allow the battery to be loaded into, or unloaded from, the battery compartment. As a further option, the battery compartment lid may form a seat of the ride-on vehicle.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3333810 (1967-08-01), Schlapman
patent: 4339105 (1982-07-01), Witt
patent: 4355695 (1982-10-01), Leskovec
patent: 4696508 (1987-09-01), Brautigam
patent: 4716632 (1988-01-01), Perl
patent: 5004081 (1991-04-01), Custer
patent: 5222711 (1993-06-01), Bell
patent: 5307890 (1994-05-01), Huang
patent: 5477936 (1995-12-01), Sugioka et al.
patent: 5845724 (1998-12-01), Barrett
Dunn David R.
Kolisch Hartwell Dickinson & McCormack & Heuser
Mattel Inc.
Swann J. J.
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