Motor vehicles – Power – Electric
Reexamination Certificate
2001-02-08
2003-04-29
Dickson, Paul N. (Department: 3618)
Motor vehicles
Power
Electric
C280S267000, C280S093510
Reexamination Certificate
active
06554087
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to children's ride-on vehicles, and more particularly, to a steering mechanism for children's ride-on vehicles and children's ride-on vehicles incorporating the same.
BACKGROUND
Battery-powered children's ride-on vehicles are popular toys for children. Typically, these vehicles are reduced-scale vehicles sized for use by a child. These vehicles often resemble reduced-scale versions of real-life vehicles operated by adults. In such a vehicle, the features on the full-sized vehicles are typically simulated to make the children's vehicle more appealing to children.
Steering mechanisms in children's vehicles typically resemble a steering wheel. Children steer the vehicle by turning the wheel in the desired direction. However, other steering mechanisms are known for full-sized vehicles, which do not utilize a steering wheel. For example, various construction vehicles, such as a skid steer loader, may incorporate a pair of steering handles instead of a steering wheel. Reduced-sized vehicles may want to imitate the appearance and functionality of such alternative steering mechanisms. However, such a children's vehicle using an alternative steering mechanism must be adapted to provide safety features to make the vehicles suitable for use by children, and especially younger children.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a steering assembly for a children's ride-on vehicle having a pair of wheels. The steering assembly includes a pair of pivotal control arms that are coupled to the pair of wheels. The pair of pivotal control arms is also coupled to a pair of moveable handles that operate in tandem and move reciprocally to steer the pair of wheels. The steering assembly also includes a coupler configured to link the control arms, such that they operate cooperatively to steer the vehicle.
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Damon Daniel J.
Drosendahl Steven Robert
Huntsberger Kurt J.
Dickson Paul N.
Kolisch & Hartwell, P.C.
Mattel Inc.
Sliteris Joselynn Y.
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