Patents by Inventor David G. Waples
David G. Waples has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8366135Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Ronald M. Asbach, Mark J. Bergum, William R. Howell, Gary G. Lenihan, Scott H. McIlvain, David G. Waples
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Patent number: 7857454Abstract: An image projection system includes an image projection device for projecting a light image onto a wall, ceiling or other designated surface. The image projection device includes a housing within which is disposed separately located light sources. The housing further includes a slot for receiving several image slides. Each image slide has multiple, separated, slide image patterns thereon and each slide image pattern is in a different location on the image slide. Each of the light sources is disposed in a light chamber such that light from one of the light sources projects through only one of the separated image patterns on the image slide. Light from light sources passing through respective slide image patterns can then intersect to project multiple superimposed images on an image viewing surface. Furthermore, an electronic controller controls the light intensity and light timing of each individual light source.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Mary G. Mastrosimone-Gese, Gerald A. May, David G. Waples
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Publication number: 20100059968Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2009Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Ronald M. Asbach, Mark J. Bergum, William R. Howell, Gary G. Lenihan, Scott H. Mcilvain, David G. Waples
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Patent number: 7621552Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Bergum, William R. Howell, Gary G. Lenihan, David G. Waples
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Publication number: 20080143966Abstract: An image projection system includes an image projection device for projecting a light image onto a wall, ceiling or other designated surface. The image projection device includes a housing within which is disposed separately located light sources. The housing further includes a slot for receiving several image slides. Each image slide has multiple, separated, slide image patterns thereon and each slide image pattern is in a different location on the image slide. Each of the light sources is disposed in a light chamber such that light from one of the light sources projects through only one of the separated image patterns on the image slide. Light from light sources passing through respective slide image patterns can then intersect to project multiple superimposed images on an image viewing surface. Furthermore, an electronic controller controls the light intensity and light timing of each individual light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: MATTEL, INC.Inventors: Mary G. Mastrosimone-Gese, Gerald A. May, David G. Waples
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Patent number: 7207588Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Bergum, William R. Howell, Gary G. Lenihan, David G. Waples
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Patent number: 6964634Abstract: A base releasably coupleable to a pogo stick tip for added stability and prolonged enjoyment of the pogo stick.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Mark Wojtkiewicz, David E. Grober, David G. Waples
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Publication number: 20030073547Abstract: A base releasably coupleable to a pogo stick tip for added stability and prolonged enjoyment of the pogo stick.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Mark Wojtkiewicz, David E. Grober, David G. Waples
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Publication number: 20030069093Abstract: A sports training device having a line, an anchor coupled to a first end of the line, a glove coupled to a second end of the line, and a ball slidably mounted on the line. The anchor is configured to engage with a stationary support surface so as to retain the first end of the line in a stationary position. In use, one user will hold the glove away from the anchor so as to tension the line and then propel the ball along the line toward the opposite end. Another user can then strike the sliding ball with a bat, or other striking implement, and the one user can catch the ball with the glove.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: Mark Wojtkiewicz, David Grober, David G. Waples, Ross Rumfola
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Patent number: 4842331Abstract: A highchair and a companion tray have first and second latch means movable among three positions, a first position in which the tray may be completely removed from the chair, a second position in which the tray may be moved forward and backward, and a third position in which the tray is fixed in position on the chair. Release means are provided, operable with one hand, for moving the latch means between said second and third positions only.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1984Date of Patent: June 27, 1989Assignee: The Quaker Oats CompanyInventor: David G. Waples
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Patent number: 4768243Abstract: An improved latch for a drop side crib having at least one drop-side movably disposed between two crib ends includes locking means carried by the movable side for engaging at least one of the ends to fix the position of the side with respect to the ends. Inaccessible actuating means on the side are effective to release the locking means, to allow the crib side to be moved. Manually operable control means are provided having a first disengaged position in which movement of the control means does not operate the actuating means to release the side; and a second, engaged position where movement of the control means operates the actuating means to release the side for adjustment or removal.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1987Date of Patent: September 6, 1988Assignee: The Quaker Oats CompanyInventor: David G. Waples
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Patent number: 4750223Abstract: A disassemblable portable crib with a fabric crib body having a fabric floor and fabric sides and a frame suitable for supporting the fabric crib body. The frame comprises a frame base which forms a substantially planar platform held horizontally above the surface on which the crib rests and includes floor supports joined at one end to a central connector which extend beneath the floor of the crib body and feet joined at a second end of the floor supports. The frame also comprises upright corner posts joined to the frame base. The fabric crib body comprises fabric crib body sides joined with a fabric floor to form a box-like structure and means for snugly and slideably fitting the box-like crib body structure onto the corner posts such that the floor of the crib body rests on the floor supports and so that the crib body sides are tautly extended. Side stiffening members are joined to the body sides at their upper edges and extend along the entire width of the body sides.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1987Date of Patent: June 14, 1988Assignee: The Quaker Oats CompanyInventors: Daniel J. D'Arcy, Stanley M. Kujawski, David G. Waples
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Patent number: 4580833Abstract: An improved folding high chair is disclosed of the type movable between a collapsed position for storage and an upright locked position for use by a child. The chair has a safety mechanism to prevent collapse of the chair while occupied by a child. Momentary release of the chair from its upright locked position while occupied by a child could cause rapid collapse of the chair resulting in possible discomfort and/or injury to the child.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1984Date of Patent: April 8, 1986Assignee: The Quaker Oats CompanyInventor: David G. Waples
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Patent number: D294894Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1985Date of Patent: March 29, 1988Assignee: The Quaker Oats CompanyInventors: Daniel J. D'Arcy, Stanley M. Kujawski, David G. Waples