RIDE SIMULATOR FOR USE WITH A CHILDREN'S RIDE-ON VEHICLE

Background and Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to children's ride-on

vehicles. More specifically, the invention concerns a ride simulator for a

children's ride-on vehicle. The simulator maintains the vehicle in a supported,

localized position and simulates ground-traveling movement by horizontally

and vertically moving the vehicle along a defined path.

Children's ride-on vehicles come in many different shapes and

sizes to accommodate children of different ages and sizes. Typically the

vehicles are motorized, with a battery source connected to an electric motor

that drives one or more of the vehicle's wheels according to the speed and

direction selected by the child.

To operate the vehicle, a child will sit on or within the vehicle,

and by pressing a pedal or moving a switch or button on a control panel, the

vehicle's motor is energized by the battery source. The child then drives the

vehicle in much the same way as an adult operates an automobile. In addition,

most vehicles have more than one speed, and several have more than one

direction. In vehicles having more than one speed, there is usually a high and a

low speed. In vehicles having more than one direction, the second direction is

usually reverse.

When a child, and especially a young child, is first learning to

operate a motorized ride-on vehicle, the child is often unaccustomed to

controlling and steering the vehicle. As a result, the child may be injured, as well as cause damage to the vehicle or other objects, as the child learns to

maneuver and control the vehicle. Parents also want to let their children enjoy

a ride-on vehicle at a very young age without allowing the vehicle to be

actually driven. In addition, very young children often want to use a ride-on

vehicle, but lack the strength and coordination necessary to control and operate

the vehicle. This can be particularly troublesome when a child has older

siblings that are able to play with and enjoy a ride-on vehicle.

With the above problems in mind, a general object of the present

invention is to provide a ride simulator for use with a children's ride-on

vehicle. The simulator removably supports the vehicle and simulates ground-

traveling movement of the vehicle by moving the vehicle in a reciprocating path

of horizontal and vertical movements about a defined location on the simulator.

The simulator allows a child to become accustomed to the controls and motions

associated with operating a motorized ride-on vehicle, while maintaining the

vehicle in a localized, supported position.

It is another object of the invention to provide a ride simulator for

an independently operable children's ride-on vehicle that enables the vehicle to

be mounted on the simulator to simulate ground-traveling movement, or to be

removed from and used independently of the simulator.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a ride simulator

that supports the entire ride-on vehicle above the surface on which the

simulator is placed. Still another object of the invention is to provide a ride simulator

that is rugged enough to tolerate the abuses expected in the operating

environment, yet is economical to manufacture by virtue of having relatively

few parts, featuring components readily moldable from plastic, and not

requiring precisely fitting parts.

The invention achieves these and other objects in the form of a

ride simulator having a base, a first support structure extending upwardly from

the base to removably and slidably support at least a portion of the vehicle

above the base, and an actuator that is configured to be coupled 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.

These and other objects and advantages are obtained by the

invention, which is described below in conjunction with the accompanying

drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a simulator for a children's ride-on

vehicle.

Fig. 2 is a rear view of the simulator of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail taken along curved line 3 in Fig. 1,

showing one of the simulator's actuators. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the simulator of Fig. 1 with a children's

ride-on vehicle mounted on the simulator and one of the vehicle's rear wheels

removed.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the vehicle of Fig.

4, taken along line 5-5 in Fig. 4 and showing the vehicle's axle, a cam and a

wheel.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective detail of the cam shown in Fig.

5.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary rear detail of a portion of the vehicle's

frame, taken along the curved line 7 in Fig. 4.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the portion of the vehicle's frame shown

in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the portion of the vehicle's frame

shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 10 is a side view of the simulator and vehicle shown in Fig.

4.

Figs. 11-12 are fragmentary side views of the simulator and

vehicle shown in Fig. 10, with the vehicle moved along its reciprocating

horizontal and vertical path about a defined location on the simulator.

Fig. 13 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the simulator

of Fig. 1 with a children's ride-on vehicle mounted on the simulator and one of

the vehicle's rear wheels removed. Fig. 14 is a rear view of the simulator and vehicle shown in Fig.

13.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

A ride simulator constructed according to the present invention is

shown in Fig. 1 and is generally indicated at 10. The simulator has a stationary

base 12, which has a generally T-shaped configuration with an elongate front

portion 14 that extends into a wider rear portion 16. Base 12 includes a

generally planar surface 18 with a side wall 20 extending downwardly from the

surface's perimeter. Side wall 20 terminates at a peripheral flange 22 that

provides support and stability to the simulator 10.

A first support structure 24 extends upwardly from base 12 for

removably engaging and slidably supporting at least a first portion, and

preferably a forward portion, of a children's ride-on vehicle above base 12 in a

manner to be described subsequently. As shown, first support structure 24 is

centrally located on surface 18 and includes a forward region 26, a central

platform 28, and a rearward region 30. The forward and rearward regions are

generally tapered toward base 12 as they extend away from platform 28 and

provide stability and increased support to the stabilizer, and especially the first

support structure.

The first support structure's central platform 28 has a top portion

32 that defines an elongate slot 34. Slot 34 extends along the top portion in a

direction transverse to the base's rear portion. As seen in Fig. 2, top portion 32

has a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration and includes a pair of opposed members 32a that curve inwardly toward each other to define slot 34.

Members 32a further define a slide plane 36 that is beneath top portion 32 and

generally parallel to slot 34. Top portion 28, slot 34 and slide plane 36 may be

collectively thought of as a track into which at the forward portion of the frame

may be slidably received. The track is generally indicated at 40 in Fig. 2.

The first support structure's rearward region 30 extends away

from track 40 in the direction of the rear portion of the simulator. Rearward

region 30 has a generally arcuate cross-sectional configuration, as seen in Figs.

1-2, and extends at an incline between the first support structure's top portion

32 and base 12. Rearward region 30 includes a landing 44 adjacent the rear

portion of track 40. Landing 44 is disposed above base 12, yet below track 40,

and includes a generally planar surface 46 with opposed side walls 48. As

shown in Fig. 1, the front portion 47 of surface 46 is recessed to provide an

enlarged entry into track 40. The landing provides a surface on which the

forward portion of the vehicle's frame may be initially rested and positioned

prior to insertion into the track. This enables the frame to be properly aligned

with track 40 before it is slidably received into the track.

The simulator further includes an actuator for coupling to the

vehicle to effect reciprocating horizontal and vertical movement of the vehicle

about a defined location on the simulator, thereby simulating ground-traveling

movement of the vehicle. The actuator is connected to the simulator and causes

the vehicle to move horizontally and vertically about a defined path when

motion is imparted to the vehicle. Typically, the vehicle includes an axle and wheel assembly that receives power from the vehicle's battery source and

propels the vehicle in a selected direction. The actuator is removably coupled

to the axle, wheels or other source of ground-traveling movement and causes

the vehicle's reciprocating movement. Therefore, even though the actuator

does not require its own power source, it causes the vehicle to move along a

horizontal and vertical path by coupling to the vehicle's axle or other source of

ground-traveling movement, such as the vehicle's wheels or motor source.

Preferably, the vehicle includes a cam mounted on the axle along

an axis laterally offset from, and generally parallel to, the axle's longitudinal

axis. When the vehicle includes a cam, the actuator is configured to receive the

cam and to cause the reciprocating motion of the vehicle when the cam is

rotated about the axle. Because the cam is mounted on the axle along an axis

that is offset from the axle's longitudinal axis, the dual engagement of the cam

by the actuator and the axle causes the entire vehicle to reciprocate along a

horizontal and vertical path as the cam rotates about the axle. When the vehicle

includes a pair of cams, the simulator may include a pair of actuators, each

configured to removably receive and support one of the cams.

As seen in Figs. 1 and 2, a second support structure 50 extends

upwardly from the rear portion 16 of base 12. Second support structure 50

includes a pair of spaced-apart mounts 52 that extend upwardly from the base

adjacent opposite sides of the first support structure's rearward portion. The

mounts are joined by an elongate rib 54 that provides additional support and

stability. As shown, each mount 52 includes an upper portion 56 that is configured to receive and support a rearward portion of the vehicle. The top

surface of each upper portion 56 is best seen in Fig. 3 and includes a forward

region 58, which is generally parallel to base 12, followed by a trough-like

arcuate region 59 into which the vehicle's rearward portion is seated, and

ending with an upwardly inclined region 60 that guides the rearward portion of

the vehicle into the arcuate region.

As shown in Figs. 1-2, simulator 10 further includes a pair of

actuators 62 that are configured to be coupled to the vehicle to effect

reciprocating horizontal and vertical motion of the vehicle about a defined

location on the simulator to simulate ground-traveling movement of the vehicle.

Each simulator is mounted on the upper portion 56 of one of the mounts and is

configured to receive and support a rearward portion of the vehicle.

As seen in Fig. 3, each actuator 62 includes a clip 63 with a lower

surface that generally conforms to the shape of the top surface of upper portion

56. Clip 63 defines a recess 64 into which the rearward portion of the vehicle

is received and supported. Clip 63 includes a race 66 that provides a guide for

the received portion of the vehicle as it rotates within the clip. A resilient

shoulder 67 is attached to clip 63 distal race 66. Shoulder 67 extends upwardly

above the clip to form at least a portion of the race. Clip 63 further includes a

plurality of ribs 68 that are spaced apart on race 66 and extend transverse to the

race. Ribs 68 are configured to engage the rearward portion of the vehicle

when it is inserted into the clip. The ribs reduce the friction between the portion of the vehicle and each clip, thereby reducing the amount of force

necessary to cause the portion to rotate within each clip.

It should be understood that the second support structure could

include a single mount with an upper portion that includes the previously

described actuator or pair of spaced-apart actuators. In addition, actuator 50

should not be limited to the two embodiments described above. Other actuators

are possible and are intended to be within the scope of the invention, as long as

they are configured to be coupled to the vehicle to effect reciprocating

horizontal and vertical motion of the vehicle. For example, the actuator may be

a cam that is rotatably mounted on the simulator about an axis that is offset

from the cam's longitudinal axis. In that embodiment, the cam engages a

portion of the vehicle, such as the vehicle's axle or wheels, and effects the

reciprocating motion of the vehicle when motion is imparted to the axle or

wheels from the vehicle's power source.

Simulator 10 is constructed of a durable structural material that is

capable of supporting the weight of a children's ride-on vehicle and a child.

An example of a suitable material is molded plastic. Furthermore, the entire

simulator may be formed in a single unitary component, however, in the

preferred embodiment, the clips are formed independent of the rest of the

simulator and are mounted on the upper portions of the second support

structure's walls with a suitable mounting device, such as adhesive or screws.

As discussed, the ride simulator is intended for use with a

children's ride-on vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle is independently operable so that it may be used apart from the simulator as well as with the simulator. In

Fig. 4, an independently operable children's ride-on vehicle is shown mounted

on simulator 10. The vehicle is generally indicated at 70 and includes a frame

72, a pair of front wheels (shown in Fig. 10) coupled to a steering mechanism

76, and a pair of rear wheels 78 mounted on the vehicle's rear axle 80. Vehicle

70 further includes a seat 82 on the frame for a child, controls 84 mounted on

the steering mechanism and a power switch 86. Power switch 86 is connected

to a motor source and a power source, which are housed within the vehicle's

frame and which include at least one motor and at least one battery,

respectively. The power switch selectively completes a circuit between the

motor and the power source to provide power for the vehicle. When the circuit

is complete, the motor and power source collectively cause the vehicle's rear

axle to rotate, thereby causing the vehicle's rear wheels to rotate. Preferably,

the power switch is a button on the steering mechanism, as shown in Fig. 4, or

a pedal that resembles a gas pedal on a conventional automobile, although other

power switches are possible.

Rear wheels 78 are mounted in a spaced-apart relationship along

a common axis, namely, the vehicle's rear axle 80. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional

view of the vehicle's left rear wheel. As shown in Fig. 5, wheel 78 is centrally

mounted on axle 80. The axle extends through the vehicle's inner and outer

walls, 88 and 90, respectively. Wheel 78 is secured on the axle by a clamp 92

that is attached to the end of axle 80. The vehicle's other wheels are similarly

mounted on their respective axles. A pair of cams 94 are mounted on axle 80, as shown in Fig. 4.

The cams are mounted in a spaced-apart relationship, one adjacent each of the

vehicle's rear wheels. The cams form at least a portion of the previously

discussed rearward portion of the vehicle and are received and supported by the

upper portions of the second support structure's mounts. Each cam is received

within one of the actuators, and specifically within the recess formed by one of

the clips. As shown, the cams are maintained within the clips by shoulders 67.

As shown in Figs. 4-5, cams 94 are mounted on axle 80 along an

axis that is parallel to, yet spaced-apart from, the longitudinal axis of the axle.

In Fig. 5, the axle's longitudinal axis is indicated with dash-dot line 96, while

the cam's axis is indicated by dash-dot line 98. When the cams are received

within actuators 62 and rotate about the axle's longitudinal axis, the offset

relationship between the axle's axis and the cams' axis causes the entire vehicle

to reciprocate vertically and horizontally about a defined location on the

simulator. The path along which the vehicle reciprocates is generally defined

by the shape of the cam and the actuator.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, each cam has a generally cylindrical

configuration with opposed inner and outer faces 100 and 102, respectively,

through which axle 80 passes. A hexagonal mount 104 is attached to each

cam's outer face 102. Mount 104 is inserted into the inner wall of wheel 78 to

couple the cam and wheel together. A generally circular disk 106 is mounted

on each cam's inner face 100. Disks 106 are positioning guides that maintain

the cams in a desired position when engaged by clips 63. It should be understood, however, that other configurations of cams are possible. By

varying the shape or size of the cam, for example, it is possible to change the

horizontal and vertical path along which the vehicle is moved.

By referring briefly back to Fig. 4, the reader can see that a

central portion 107 of frame 72 is engaged by the first support structure 24. As

seen in Figs. 7-9, central portion 107 includes a slider 108 that extends

downwardly from the frame and is configured to engage and slide along the top

portion 32 of platform 28. Slider 108 extends in the plane generally parallel to

the vehicle's rear axle 80 and has a bottom surface 110 that generally

corresponds to the shape of top portion 32. Specifically, slider 108 includes a

pair of spaced-apart side walls 112 extending generally parallel to the vehicle's

rear axle, and a pair of spaced-apart end walls 114 extending transverse to the

side walls. The side walls and end walls collectively form a sturdy box-like

structure that extends downwardly from the vehicle's frame 72 to engage and

removably slide along platform 28. Side walls 112 have curved lower surfaces

that generally correspond to the shape of the platform's top portion. A passage

116 is also shown in Fig. 8. Passage 116 is defined through the slider's end

walls and may be used to mount foot rests or other accessories on the vehicle.

Adjacent slider 108, frame 72 includes a downwardly descending

portion 118, as shown in Figs. 7-9. Downwardly descending portion 118

extends in a plane transverse to the slider's side walls 112 and further extends

from frame 72 to a centrally-disposed position beneath the slider. A stabilizer

122 is mounted beneath frame 72 adjacent one of the slider's side walls 112 and extends transverse to the downwardly extending portion. Portion 118 has a

generally U-shaped configuration, extending downwardly from frame 72 along

one of the slider's side walls 114, then further extending toward the front

portion of the vehicle and finally returning upwardly to frame 72 along the

slider's other side wall 114.

Downwardly descending portion 118 includes a bottom region

126 that is configured to be received into track 40. Bottom region 126 further

includes a pair of opposed tabs 128, one extending on each side of the bottom

region generally toward one of the slider's end walls 114. As shown, each 128

includes interlocked horizontal and vertical members 130 and 132, respectively.

When bottom region 126 is inserted into the simulator's track, tabs 128 are

received within track 40 and are slidable along slide plane 36. Once inserted

into the track, the tabs, which extend outwardly from region 126 beyond the

edges of slot 34, retain the forward portion of the frame on the first support

structure, as seen in Fig. 4. The tabs cannot be removed from the track except

through the track's rear portion, adjacent landing 46.

In Fig. 10, vehicle 70 is mounted on simulator 10. As shown,

cams 94 are received within clips 63, the top portion 32 of platform 28 is

engaged by slider 108, and downwardly descending portion 118 is received

within the track. As shown, the first and second support structures 24, 50

collectively support the entire vehicle above base 12. Specifically, mounts 52

and clips 63 receive and support cams 94, and thereby support the rearward

portion of the vehicle above base 12, and platform 28 receives and supports downwardly descending portion 118 and slider 108, and thereby supports the

central and forward portions of the vehicle above base 12.

The reciprocating horizontal and vertical path of vehicle 70 on

simulator 10 is shown in Figs. 10-12. In Fig. 10, cam 94 is oriented within clip

63 so that hexagonal mount 104 is closest to base 12. In this position, the

vehicle is in the central-horizontal and low- vertical extent of the defined path

of the vehicle about simulator 10. In Fig. 11, the cam has rotated

approximately 90° in the counter-clockwise direction from its position in Fig.

10. This is seen by looking at the relative position of the cam's hexagonal

mount 104 in Figs. 10 and 11. In this position, the vehicle is in the forward-

horizontal and central-vertical extent of the path. The change in horizontal and

vertical position is also seen by looking at the relative positions of the slider

108 with respect to platform 28. In Fig. 12, the cam has rotated another 90° in

the counter-clockwise direction. This position represents the central-horizontal

and high-vertical extent of the vehicle's reciprocating path. It should be

understood that as the cam rotates another 90°, the resulting position will be the

rearmost-horizontal and central-vertical extent of the defined path. Therefore,

as the cams rotate about axle 80 along the path defined by the actuators and the

shape of the cams, reciprocating horizontal and vertical motion is imparted to

the vehicle about a defined location on the simulator. This reciprocating

horizontal and vertical path simulates ground-traveling movement of the

vehicle, although the vehicle is maintained in a supported position above base

12. To use the ride simulator, the downwardly descending portion is

inserted into the track in the simulator's first support structure. This step may

include the substep of placing the downwardly descending portion on the

landing to properly orient and balance the vehicle, then inserting portion into

the track. Next, the cams are removably received into the clips on the

simulator's second support structure. As the cams are inserted into the clips,

the resilient shoulders deform slightly away from the base to allow the cams to

be received. Once the cams are fully received and supported, the resilient

shoulders return to their original positions, where they are biased to maintain

the cams within the clips as the cams rotate about the vehicle's axle.

An alternate embodiment of simulator 10 is shown in Figs. 13

and 14 and is indicated generally at 140. Simulator 140 generally resembles

simulator 110, and unless otherwise specified, has the same components and

subcomponents. Simulator 10 includes a stationary base 142 and a first support

structure 144 that extends upwardly from the base for removably engaging and

slidably supporting at least a portion of the vehicle above base 142.

Simulator 140 further includes a pair of actuators 146 that are

connected to base 112 and are each configured to be removably coupled to one

of the vehicle's rear wheels 78 for effecting reciprocating horizontal and

vertical motion of the vehicle about a defined location on simulator 140 when

motion is imparted to the vehicle's wheels. This reciprocating motion

simulates ground-traveling movement of the vehicle, although the vehicle

remains fully supported above base 142. As shown, simulator 140 further includes a pair of spaced-apart mounts 150 that extend upwardly from base

142. Mounts 150 each have upper portions 152 on which one of the actuators

is mounted and thereby connected to base 142. Mounts 150 are connected by

an elongate rib 153, which collectively forms a second support structure 154

with the mounts. Second support structure 154 cooperates with actuators 146

to support at least a portion of the vehicle above base 142 by removably

engaging the vehicle's rear wheels and thereby support the wheels and at least a

portion of the vehicle above base 142.

As shown in Fig. 14, the vehicle's rear wheels 78 have opposed

outer walls 156. Each outer wall includes a socket 158 that is offset from the

vehicle's rear axle 80. Furthermore, each actuator 146 selectively engages one

of the sockets on outer walls 156. Specifically, each actuator 146 is removably

coupled to one of the sockets and causes the reciprocating horizontal and

vertical motion of the vehicle when the socket revolves about the actuator as

the vehicle's wheels are rotated about their axle. Preferably, each socket 158

includes a receptacle 162 that extends from outer wall 156 into rear wheel 78

and is configured to receive actuator 146. The reciprocating horizontal and

vertical path in which the vehicle is moved is generally defined by the shape of

the actuators and the sockets, as well as by the placement of the sockets on the

outer walls of the wheels. As the distance between the sockets and the axle is

increased or decreased, the horizontal and vertical extents of the vehicle's path

are also increased or decreased. As seen in Figs. 13 and 14, each actuator 146 includes a fastening

mechanism, namely, a pin 164 with a shaft 166 that extends into the receptacle

on one of the vehicle's rear wheels. The pins are received into wells 167 on the

mounts, and each pin includes a spring 168 that is biased to urge shafts 166 into

receptacles 162 and to resist the unintentional removal of the shafts from the

receptacles. Although the pins are configured to resist being unintentionally

removed from the receptacles in the vehicle's rear wheels, the pin may be

retracted from its resting position to allow the vehicle's wheels to be mounted

on or removed from the pins. Each pin further includes a grip or handle 170

that a user can use to grasp that pin to remove it from the rear wheel's

receptacle. As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, grip 170 is a generally circular ring

that extends outwardly from the exterior walls of members 150.

Other suitable embodiments of fastening mechanisms are possible

and are intended to be within the scope of the invention. The fastening

mechanisms should removably engage the socket on one of the vehicle's

wheels and provide a moment about which the socket can revolve as the wheel

rotates about its axle. For example, each fastening mechanism could include a

pin that is completely removable from its corresponding mount or a cam or

push rod assembly that removably engages the vehicle's rear wheels. It should

be further understood that the simulator could include a single actuator that is

removably coupled to both of the vehicle's rear wheels, instead of the

previously described pair of actuators. It should be understood that children's ride-on vehicles come in

many different shapes and sizes. In addition, the number of motors, power

supplies and wheels may vary, as well as the specific wiring and structural

configuration of the vehicle. Furthermore, the previously described ride

simulators could also be used with a manually powered ride-on vehicle in

which the power switch motor and power source are replaced by a mechanical

user-powered drive assembly, such as a series of pedals that are coupled to the

vehicle's axle by a belt or gear assembly. The ride simulators can be used with

any of these ride-on vehicles to simulate ground-traveling movement of the

vehicle by cooperating with the vehicle's power supply to cause reciprocating

horizontal and vertical motion of the vehicle about a defined location on the

simulator.

As discussed, the vehicle is removably mounted on the simulator.

This enables the vehicle to be used either with the simulator or independently

of the simulator. This is particularly useful when children with different ages,

sizes or experiences wish to play with the vehicle. In addition, parents do not

have to purchase multiple vehicles. Instead, older children can use the ride-on

vehicle either with the simulator or independently of the simulator. Younger

children, on the other hand, can use the vehicle mounted on the simulator until

they become experienced at controlling and steering the vehicle. After that

time, they can selectively use the vehicle either with or without the simulator. While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been

described, it should be obvious that variations and modifications thereto are

possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.