Patents by Inventor Gary G. Lenihan

Gary G. Lenihan 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).

  • Patent number: 8366135
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Asbach, Mark J. Bergum, William R. Howell, Gary G. Lenihan, Scott H. McIlvain, David G. Waples
  • Publication number: 20100059968
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Ronald M. Asbach, Mark J. Bergum, William R. Howell, Gary G. Lenihan, Scott H. Mcilvain, David G. Waples
  • Patent number: 7621552
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Bergum, William R. Howell, Gary G. Lenihan, David G. Waples
  • Patent number: 7207588
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Bergum, William R. Howell, Gary G. Lenihan, David G. Waples
  • Patent number: 7195271
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Howell, Gary G. Lenihan
  • Patent number: 7094126
    Abstract: A toy kitchen including a main unit and at least one island. Each island is removably coupled to the main unit in one of at least two positions. The island includes a frame and a coupling mechanism attached to the frame. The coupling mechanism is configured to removably couple the island to the toy kitchen in at least one position. A repositionable toy kitchen includes a first unit extending along a first longitudinal plane and a second unit extending along a second longitudinal plane. The second unit is positionable adjacent to the first unit in a first position, in which the first longitudinal plane is angled with respect to the second substantially vertical longitudinal plane, and a second position, in which the first and second longitudinal planes are substantially coplanar. A toy kitchen also may include a main unit and at least two countertop sections coupled to the main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: The Little Tikes Company
    Inventor: Gary G. Lenihan
  • Patent number: 6736415
    Abstract: A portable toy including a toy push cart frame and one toy attachment. The frame includes a base portion of a predetermined width and at least one projection upwardly extending from the base portion. The projection has a height which is greater than the width of the base portion. The frame interchangeably supports and is removeably coupled to one of a plurality of toy attachments. A toy utilitarian attachment includes a toy body configured for removable and interchangeable attachment to the universal push cart frame. The body is substantially suspended from the base portion of the body, the body formed as one of a shop cart basket, a doll stroller seat, a tool box, a work bench, a refuse container, a garden equipment container; a serving bin and a toddler activity center. A universal push cart system includes a push cart frame and at least two interchangeable attachments or bodies. An injection molded wheel and hub assembly for a toy vehicle. The wheel and hub assembly includes first and second disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Gary G. Lenihan
  • Patent number: 6155833
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary G. Lenihan
  • Patent number: 6120345
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary G. Lenihan, John L. Jones, Jr., Karl D. Lerch
  • Patent number: 5947739
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary G. Lenihan
  • Patent number: D440260
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary G. Lenihan
  • Patent number: D293594
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventor: Gary G. Lenihan
  • Patent number: D375537
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Fisher-Price, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary G. Lenihan
  • Patent number: D377512
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Fisher-Price, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary G. Lenihan