PTOISB105 (07--06)
`Approved for use through 01/31/2007. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE@
`Under the C>onon .. ork RAdur-Hnn Act of 1995 no n,,n,nnc are ran, ir<>li to ... ,nond to a collection of inform• lion unle<t.ct � disnlav<: a valid 0MB ,....,nl,nl number ;i;..
`",,.
`, �
`Attorney Docket No.
`MPW3M1
`Albert L. Arendt
`
`First Inventor
`
`(.
`)
`
`,,
`
`:,
`
`?
`
`�.:.
`
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR 1.53(b))
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utility patent application contents.
`1. [8] Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/SB/17) (in duplicate)
`(Submit an original and a duplicate for fee processing)
`2.0
`Applicant claims small entity status.
`See 37 CFR 1.27.
`3.[&] Specification
`Both the claims and abstract must start on a new page
`[Total Sheets
`4.[K] Drawlng(s) (35 U.S.C. 113)
`5. Oath or Declaration
`a. � Newly executed (original or copy)
`b.
`A copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63{d))
`[]or continuation/divisional with Box 18 completed)
`i.
`DELETION OF INVENTOR($)
`Signed statement attached deleting inventor(s)
`name in the prior application. see 37 CFR
`1.63(d)(2) and 1.33(b).
`6.0 Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1.76
`7.0 CD-ROM or CD-R in duplicate, large table or
`<c5'puter Program (Appendix)
`Landscape Table on CD
`Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`a.
`Computer Readable Form (CRF)
`ab/e, items a. - C. are required)
`(if ap
`Specification Sequence Listing on:
`b.
`0
`0
`CD-ROM or CD-R (2 copies); or
`i1. 0 Paper
`c. 0 Statements verifying identity of above copies
`18. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropriate box, and supply the requisite information below and in the first sentence of the
`of prior application No.: .................................
`0 Divisional
`0 Continuation-in-part (CIP)
`0 Continuation
`
`;.,,.
`
`�
`
`0
`
`\...
`
`[Total Pages
`
`55
`
`I
`
`(For Information on the prefem,d arrangement, S88 MPEP 608.01/a))
`
`6
`
`[Total Sheets
`
`2
`
`l
`
`I
`
`8.
`
`i.
`
`Title
`
`Express Mail Label No. EV380368735US
`
`BLOW-MOl.OEO WHEELS HAVING UNDERCUT TREADS, METHODS FOR
`PAOOIXING THE $.AME, ANO CHILDAEN'S RIDE-ON VEHICLES INCt.UOING THE
`SAME
`
`ADDRESS TO:
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria VA 22313-1450
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`9. 0 Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`Name of Assignee
`
`(when there is an assignee)
`
`10. 0 37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement IR)Power of
`Attorney
`(with copy of assignment attached)
`11. D English Translation Document (if applicable)
`12.1&] lnfo�tion Dlsclosure Statement (PTOISB/08 or PT0-1449)
`Copies of citations attached
`(Copies of 1 o foreign/non-patent references attached)
`13. 0 Preliminary Amendment
`14. Ix] Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`15. O Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
`16. O Nonpublicatlon Request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i).
`Applicant must attach form PTOISB/35 or equivalent.
`17. Dother:
`
`(Should be specifically itemized)
`
`(if foreign priority is claimed)
`
`specification following the title, or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1. 76:
`
`Prior application information:
`
`Examiner
`
`19.CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`Art Unit:
`
`I
`
`23581
`
`OR D Correspondence address below
`
`I
`
`[XI The address associated with Customer Number:
`Name
`David S. D'Ascenzo
`Kalisch Hartwell, P.C.
`Address
`520 S.W. Yamhill Street Suite 200
`Portland
`State Oregon
`City
`Zip Code
`I
`97204
`United States
`Country
`I Telephone
`Email
`I Date August23,2006
`Signature
`Name
`Registration No.
`David S. D'Ascenzo
`(Print/Tvoel
`IAttornev/Aaent\ 39,952
`I
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.53(b). The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to
`complete, including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer,
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED
`FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313•1450.
`
`(
`
`-
`
`/ � ..,
`
`(503) 224-6655
`
`If you need assistance in completing the form. ca/11-800-PT0-9199 and select option 2.
`
`1 of 201
`
`Dynacraft BSC, Inc.
`Exhibit 1002
`Dynacraft v. Mattel
`IPR2018-00042
`
`

`

`E.ffecUve on 12/08/2004.
`
`....
`
`PTO/SB/17 (07-06)
`Approved for use through 01/31/2007. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Panerwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are reauired to respond to a collection of information unless it disPlavs a valid 0 MB control number
`,
`"II
`Complete if Known
`Fees pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 {H.R. 4818). Application Number
`FEE TRANSMITTAL Filing Date
`August23,2006
`First Named Inventor Albert L. Arendt
`For FY 2005
`Examiner Name
`D Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27
`Art Unit
`I ($)
`t,. TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT
`1900.00
`Attorney Docket No. MPW3M1
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (check all that apply)
`IX I Check D Credit Card D Money Order D None D Other (please identiM:
`! X I Deposit Account Deposit Account Number: 11-1540
`Deposit Account Name: Kalisch Hartwell, P.C.
`For the above-identified deposit account, the Director is hereby authorized to: (check all that apply)
`Ocharge fee(s) indicated below
`D Charge fee(s) indicated below, except for the filing fee
`[8} Charge any additional fee(s) or underpayments of fee(s)
`[8} Credit any overpayments
`under 37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17
`
`WARNING; Information on this form may become public. Credit card Information should not be Included on this form. Provide credit card
`information and authorization on PT0-2038.
`
`FEE CALCULATION
`1. BASIC FILING, SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`FILING FEES
`Small Entify
`� �
`300
`150
`200
`100
`200
`100
`300
`150
`200
`100
`
`SEARCH FEES
`�
`500
`100
`300
`500
`0
`
`Small Entify
`Ee.eJS)
`250
`50
`150
`250
`0
`
`X
`
`EXAMINATION FEES
`
`Small Entify
`� EH._($)
`200
`100
`130
`65
`160
`80
`600
`300
`0
`0
`
`Fees Paid ii}
`1000.00
`
`Small Entify
`� .E!!.ffl
`25
`50
`100
`200
`180
`360
`Mul!iele Deeendent Claim!!
`Fee Paid {il
`�
`
`Aoelication Tme
`Utility
`Design
`Plant
`Reissue
`Provisional
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEES
`Fee Descrletioa
`Each claim over 20 (including Reissues)
`Each independent claim over 3 (including Reissues)
`Multiple dependent claims
`Total Claim§
`!ixtra Claims �
`FggPaid{i}
`- 20 or HP=
`38
`= 900.00
`18
`50.0Q
`HP = highest number of total claims paid for, if greater than 20.
`lndee, Claims
`Exlri! Sclaim§ .Eu.ill
`F!i!! Pi!id {i}
`- 3 or HP =
`3
`0.00
`0
`X 200.00 =
`HP = highest number of independent claims paid for, if greater than 3.
`3. APPLICATION SIZE FEE
`If the specification and drawings exceed 100 sheets of paper (excluding electronically tiled sequence or computer
`listings under 37 CFR 1.52(e)), the application size fee due is $250 ($125 for small entity) for each additional 50
`sheets or fraction thereof. See 35 U.S.C. 41�)(1)(G) and 37 CFR 1.16��).
`Total Sheets
`fge Paid {I)
`Extra Sheets
`Num er of each additional 50 or raction thereof
`(round up to a whole number)
`- 100 =
`/ 50;
`4. OTHER FEE(S)
`Non-English Specification, $130 fee (no small entity discount)
`Other (e.g., late filing surcharge):
`
`�
`
`X
`
`=
`
`Fees Paid (il
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`Signature(""'
`Telephone (503) 224-6655
`",,�
`Name (PrinVType) David S. D'Ascenzo
`Date August 23, 2006
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.136. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 30 minutes to complete,
`including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments
`on the amount of time you require to complete this fonn and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent
`and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS
`ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`If you need assistance in completing the fonn, call 1-800-PT0-9199 and select option 2.
`
`..... +•rn,gistration No. 39 952
`'
`I IAttomev/Aaentl
`
`2 of 201
`
`

`

`PTOISB105 (07--06)
`Approved for use through 01/31/2007. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE@
`Under the C>onon .. ork RAdur-Hnn Act of 1995 no n,,n,nnc are ran, ir<>li to ... ,nond to a collection of inform• lion unle<t.ct � disnlav<: a valid 0MB ,....,nl,nl number ;i;..
`",,.
`, �
`Attorney Docket No.
`MPW3M1
`Albert L. Arendt
`
`First Inventor
`
`(.
`)
`
`,,
`
`:,
`
`?
`
`�.:.
`
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`(Only for new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR 1.53(b))
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utility patent application contents.
`1. [8] Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/SB/17) (in duplicate)
`(Submit an original and a duplicate for fee processing)
`2.0
`Applicant claims small entity status.
`See 37 CFR 1.27.
`3.[&] Specification
`Both the claims and abstract must start on a new page
`[Total Sheets
`4.[K] Drawlng(s) (35 U.S.C. 113)
`5. Oath or Declaration
`a. � Newly executed (original or copy)
`b.
`A copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63{d))
`[]or continuation/divisional with Box 18 completed)
`i.
`DELETION OF INVENTOR($)
`Signed statement attached deleting inventor(s)
`name in the prior application. see 37 CFR
`1.63(d)(2) and 1.33(b).
`6.0 Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1.76
`7.0 CD-ROM or CD-R in duplicate, large table or
`<c5'puter Program (Appendix)
`Landscape Table on CD
`Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`a.
`Computer Readable Form (CRF)
`ab/e, items a. - C. are required)
`(if ap
`Specification Sequence Listing on:
`b.
`0
`0
`CD-ROM or CD-R (2 copies); or
`i1. 0 Paper
`c. 0 Statements verifying identity of above copies
`18. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropriate box, and supply the requisite information below and in the first sentence of the
`of prior application No.: .................................
`0 Divisional
`0 Continuation-in-part (CIP)
`0 Continuation
`
`;.,,.
`
`�
`
`0
`
`\...
`
`[Total Pages
`
`55
`
`I
`
`(For Information on the prefem,d arrangement, S88 MPEP 608.01/a))
`
`6
`
`[Total Sheets
`
`2
`
`l
`
`I
`
`8.
`
`i.
`
`Title
`
`Express Mail Label No. EV380368735US
`
`BLOW-MOl.OEO WHEELS HAVING UNDERCUT TREADS, METHODS FOR
`PAOOIXING THE $.AME, ANO CHILDAEN'S RIDE-ON VEHICLES INCt.UOING THE
`SAME
`
`ADDRESS TO:
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria VA 22313-1450
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`9. 0 Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`Name of Assignee
`
`(when there is an assignee)
`
`10. 0 37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement IR)Power of
`Attorney
`(with copy of assignment attached)
`11. D English Translation Document (if applicable)
`12.1&] lnfo�tion Dlsclosure Statement (PTOISB/08 or PT0-1449)
`Copies of citations attached
`(Copies of 1 o foreign/non-patent references attached)
`13. 0 Preliminary Amendment
`14. Ix] Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`15. O Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
`16. O Nonpublicatlon Request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B)(i).
`Applicant must attach form PTOISB/35 or equivalent.
`17. Dother:
`
`(Should be specifically itemized)
`
`(if foreign priority is claimed)
`
`specification following the title, or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1. 76:
`
`Prior application information:
`
`Examiner
`
`19.CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`Art Unit:
`
`I
`
`23581
`
`OR D Correspondence address below
`
`I
`
`[XI The address associated with Customer Number:
`Name
`David S. D'Ascenzo
`Kalisch Hartwell, P.C.
`Address
`520 S.W. Yamhill Street Suite 200
`Portland
`State Oregon
`City
`Zip Code
`I
`97204
`United States
`Country
`I Telephone
`Email
`I Date August23,2006
`Signature
`Name
`Registration No.
`David S. D'Ascenzo
`(Print/Tvoel
`IAttornev/Aaent\ 39,952
`I
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.53(b). The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to
`complete, including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer,
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED
`FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313•1450.
`
`(
`
`-
`
`/ � ..,
`
`(503) 224-6655
`
`If you need assistance in completing the form. ca/11-800-PT0-9199 and select option 2.
`
`3 of 201
`
`

`

`E.ffecUve on 12/08/2004.
`
`....
`
`PTO/SB/17 (07-06)
`Approved for use through 01/31/2007. 0MB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Panerwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are reauired to respond to a collection of information unless it disPlavs a valid 0 MB control number
`,
`"II
`Complete if Known
`Fees pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 {H.R. 4818). Application Number
`FEE TRANSMITTAL Filing Date
`August23,2006
`First Named Inventor Albert L. Arendt
`For FY 2005
`Examiner Name
`D Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27
`Art Unit
`I ($)
`t,. TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT
`1900.00
`Attorney Docket No. MPW3M1
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (check all that apply)
`IX I Check D Credit Card D Money Order D None D Other (please identiM:
`! X I Deposit Account Deposit Account Number: 11-1540
`Deposit Account Name: Kalisch Hartwell, P.C.
`For the above-identified deposit account, the Director is hereby authorized to: (check all that apply)
`Ocharge fee(s) indicated below
`D Charge fee(s) indicated below, except for the filing fee
`[8} Charge any additional fee(s) or underpayments of fee(s)
`[8} Credit any overpayments
`under 37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17
`
`WARNING; Information on this form may become public. Credit card Information should not be Included on this form. Provide credit card
`information and authorization on PT0-2038.
`
`FEE CALCULATION
`1. BASIC FILING, SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`FILING FEES
`Small Entify
`� �
`300
`150
`200
`100
`200
`100
`300
`150
`200
`100
`
`SEARCH FEES
`�
`500
`100
`300
`500
`0
`
`Small Entify
`Ee.eJS)
`250
`50
`150
`250
`0
`
`X
`
`EXAMINATION FEES
`
`Small Entify
`� EH._($)
`200
`100
`130
`65
`160
`80
`600
`300
`0
`0
`
`Fees Paid ii}
`1000.00
`
`Small Entify
`� .E!!.ffl
`25
`50
`100
`200
`180
`360
`Mul!iele Deeendent Claim!!
`Fee Paid {il
`�
`
`Aoelication Tme
`Utility
`Design
`Plant
`Reissue
`Provisional
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEES
`Fee Descrletioa
`Each claim over 20 (including Reissues)
`Each independent claim over 3 (including Reissues)
`Multiple dependent claims
`Total Claim§
`!ixtra Claims �
`FggPaid{i}
`- 20 or HP=
`38
`= 900.00
`18
`50.0Q
`HP = highest number of total claims paid for, if greater than 20.
`lndee, Claims
`Exlri! Sclaim§ .Eu.ill
`F!i!! Pi!id {i}
`- 3 or HP =
`3
`0.00
`0
`X 200.00 =
`HP = highest number of independent claims paid for, if greater than 3.
`3. APPLICATION SIZE FEE
`If the specification and drawings exceed 100 sheets of paper (excluding electronically tiled sequence or computer
`listings under 37 CFR 1.52(e)), the application size fee due is $250 ($125 for small entity) for each additional 50
`sheets or fraction thereof. See 35 U.S.C. 41�)(1)(G) and 37 CFR 1.16��).
`Total Sheets
`fge Paid {I)
`Extra Sheets
`Num er of each additional 50 or raction thereof
`(round up to a whole number)
`- 100 =
`/ 50;
`4. OTHER FEE(S)
`Non-English Specification, $130 fee (no small entity discount)
`Other (e.g., late filing surcharge):
`
`�
`
`X
`
`=
`
`Fees Paid (il
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`Signature(""'
`Telephone (503) 224-6655
`",,�
`Name (PrinVType) David S. D'Ascenzo
`Date August 23, 2006
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.136. The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 30 minutes to complete,
`including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments
`on the amount of time you require to complete this fonn and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent
`and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS
`ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`If you need assistance in completing the fonn, call 1-800-PT0-9199 and select option 2.
`
`..... +•rn,gistration No. 39 952
`'
`I IAttomev/Aaentl
`
`4 of 201
`
`

`

`BLOW-MOLDED WHEELS HAVING UNDERCUT TREADS, METHODS
`
`
`FOR PRODUCING THE SAME, AND CHILDREN'S RIDE-ON VEHICLES
`
`INCLUDING THE SAME
`
`5
`
`Field of the Disclosure
`
`
`
`The present disclosure relates to children's ride-on vehicles, and more
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`particularly to blow-molded wheels for children's ride-on vehicles and methods for
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`producing the same.
`
`
`
`Background of the Disclosure
`
`1 o Children's
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ride-on vehicles are reduced-scale vehicles that are designed and
`
`sized for use by children.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`For example, children's ride-on vehicles include a seat
`
`
`
`adapted to accommodate one or more children as well as steering and drive assemblies
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`that are adapted to be operated by a child sitting on the seat. The drive assembly is
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`adapted to drive the rotation of one or more of the vehicle's wheels and may include a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`15 battery-powered motor assembly or a manually powered drive assembly, such as a
`
`
`
`
`
`pedal-powered drive assembly.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`The wheels used on children's ride-on vehicles are often blow-molded from a
`
`
`
`
`
`suitable material, such as a plastic. Blow-molded wheels are conventionally formed
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`using a mold that has two portions, which typically separate in an axial direction. The
`
`20 portions
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`of the mold collectively define a cavity that defines, or corresponds to, the
`
`
`
`shape of the blow-molded wheels, including the tread surface. The seam, or part line,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`between the axially-separating mold portions typically defines, or corresponds to, the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`central circumferential portion
`
`
`process, a parison o� the wheel. During the blow-molding
`
`
`
`of molten plastic is introduced into the mold cavity and a pressurized gas, such as air, is
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`25 used to force the molten plastic against the internal surface of the cavity in order to form
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`
`5 of 201
`
`

`

`
`
`a hollow wheel having a shape defined by the internal surface of the cavity. After a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`cooling period, the mold portions are separated, and the blow-molded wheel is
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`removed.
`
`
`
`Blow-molded articles, including blow-molded wheels, as well as the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`5 corresponding molds and processes used to produce such articles, should be
`
`
`
`
`
`configured
`
`
`
`
`
`to permit removal of the finished article from the mold without deforming,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`tearing, or otherwise damaging the finished article.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Projections or hollows on the
`
`
`
`surface of a blow-molded article typically correspond to hollows or projections on the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`article blow-molded of a completed inner surface of the corresponding mold. Removal
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`10 from its mold withdraws the mold projections from hollows on the blow-molded article.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Similarly, the projections on the surface of the blow-molded article are removed from the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`hollows on the inner surface of the mold during mold removal. When such projections
`
`
`
`
`
`or hollows are oriented generally parallel to the direction of mold removal, the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`projections
`
`
`
`
`
`on the mold or article are simply pulled out of the corresponding hollow
`
`
`
`
`
`15 during mold removal. In contrast, when the projections or hollows on a blow-molded
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`article are not oriented generally parallel to the direction of mold removal, such as when
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`they are oriented generally perpendicular to the direction of mold removal, such
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`projections or hollows may be said to overlap corresponding portions of the mold with
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`respect to the direction of mold-removal.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Blow-molded articles that have projections or
`
`
`
`
`
`20 hollows that overlap corresponding portions of the mold with respect to the direction of
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`mold-removal are commonly referred to as being "undercut."
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Small undercuts may be permissible because blow-molded articles tend to shrink
`
`
`
`slightly
`
`
`
`
`
`during cooling, such that the article may pull away from the mold and release the
`
`2
`
`6 of 201
`
`

`

`overlap.
`
`
`
`
`
`Further, blow-molded articles may permit a small amount of elastic
`
`
`
`deformation or deflection, which may be sufficient to release small undercuts. However,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`undercuts over a certain threshold may effectively lock a blow-molded article into its
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`mold. In particular, if an undercut is too large, the shrinkage and/or potential elastic
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`5 deformation of the blow-molded article may be insufficient to permit removal of the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`finished article without damage. Conventionally, blow-molded wheels must have
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`undercuts of Ya inch (3.175 millimeters) or less so that they may be removed from the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`molds used to form the wheels.
`
`
`
`As discussed above, blow-molded wheels are typically blown in a mold that
`
`
`
`
`
`1 o opens in an axial direction.
`
`
`By using a mold that opens in an axial direction, blow­
`
`
`
`molded wheels may have significant axially oriented projections or hollows, such as
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`may be used to form or detail the hub region of the wheel. However, in order to avoid
`
`
`
`
`
`significant undercuts that might lock a blow-molded wheel into its mold, the design of
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`the tread surface on a blow-molded wheels is typically of limited complexity. In the case
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`15 of blow-molded wheels used with children's ride-on vehicles, which are often intended
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`to resemble full-sized vehicles, the limited complexity of the tread designs typically
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`provided on blow-molded wheels limits the realism of the blow-molded wheels, which
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`are often intended to resemble rubber tires.
`
`
`
`Summary of the Disclosure
`
`20
`
`
`
`The present disclosure is directed to blow molded wheels having undercut
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`treads, methods for producing the same, and children's ride-on vehicles including the
`
`
`
`same.
`
`3
`
`7 of 201
`
`

`

`
`
`The blow-molded wheels may include a blow-molded body that has a tread
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`surface, first and second sidewalls and an axis. The body may be configured to rotate
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`about the axis. The tread surface may extend circumferentially around the body and
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`may extend between the first and second sidewalls. A first region of the tread surface
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`5 may be disposed between the first sidewall· and a part line of the blow-molded body. A
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`second region of the tread surface may be disposed between the first region and the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`part line. A first radial distance from the axis to the first region may exceed a second
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`radial distance from the axis to the second region by at least a first predetermined
`
`
`
`
`
`threshold.
`
`
`
`
`
`providing a wheels may include 1 o The methods for producing the blow-molded
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`mold that has first and second mold portions. The first and second mold portions may
`
`
`
`collectively define a mold cavity that is configured to mold a wheel having a tread
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`surface, first and second sidewalls and an axis. The first and second mold portions may
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`be configured to separate in a direction parallel to the axis of the wheel.
`
`15
`
`
`
`
`
`a first tread-may include At least _one of the first and second mold portions
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`molding portion and at least one second tread-molding portion. The first tread-molding
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`portion may be configured to mold a first region of the tread surface, which may be
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`disposed between the first sidewall and a part line defined by an interface between the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`first and second mold portions.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`The second tread-molding portion may be configured to
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`20 mold a second region of the tread surface, which may be disposed between the first
`
`
`
`region and the part line.
`
`
`
`
`
`The second tread-molding. portion may be configured to move inwardly and
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`outwardly relative to the first tread-molding portion, such as between a molding position
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`4
`
`8 of 201
`
`

`

`
`
`and a release position. This relative movement of the second tread-molding portion
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`may additionally or alternatively be referred to as movement toward and away from the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`mold cavity and/or movement into and out of the mold cavity.
`
`In the molding position,
`
`
`
`
`
`the second tread-molding portion may be positioned relative to the first tread-molding
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`5 portion such that a first radial distance from the axis to at least a first region of the first
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`tread-molding portion may exceed a second radial distance from the axis to at least a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`second region of the second tread-molding portion by a first predetermined threshold.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`relative to may be positioned In the release position, the second tread-molding portion
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`the first tread-molding portion such that a third radial distance from the axis to a third
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1 o region of the second tread-molding
`
`portion may be at least as great as a distance
`
`
`
`corresponding to a fourth radial distance from the axis to a fourth region of the first
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`tread-molding portion that is adjacent the third region of the second tread-molding
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`portion when the second tread-molding portion is in the release position less a second
`
`predetermined threshold.
`
`15
`
`
`
`The methods for producing the blow-molded wheels may further include forming
`
`
`
`
`
`a parison
`
`
`
`
`of molten material, positioning the parison between the first and second mold
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`A pressurized
`
`portions, and closing the first and second mold portions on the parison.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`gas may be injected into the parison to blow the parison into a blow-molded wheel
`
`
`
`having a shape corresponding to the shape of the mold cavity, including regions of the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`20 wheel corresponding to the first and second regions of the tread surface. Each of the at
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`least one second tread-molding portion may be moved from the molding position to the
`
`
`
`
`
`release position, and the first and second mold portions may be separated to release
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`the blow-molded wheel from the mold.
`
`5
`
`9 of 201
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`
`
`The blow-molded wheels may be used in a children's ride-on vehicle. The
`
`
`
`
`
`children's ride-on vehicle may include a body having at least one seat sized for a child
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`and a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the body. The plurality of wheels may
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`include at least one driven wheel and at least one steerable wheel. The children's ride-
`
`
`
`
`
`The steering and a drive assembly. assembly include a steering s on vehicle may further
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`assembly may include a steering mechanism adapted to receive steering inputs from a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`child sitting on the at least one seat and a steering linkage adapted to convey the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`steering inputs to the at least one steerable wheel. The drive assembly may be adapted
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`to selectively drive the rotation of the at least one driven wheel.
`
`6
`
`10 of 201
`
`

`

`
`
`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a children's ride-on vehicle having at least one
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`blow-molded wheel according to the present disclosure.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the children's ride-on vehicle of Fig. 1 with another
`
`
`
`
`
`5 example of blow-molded wheels according to the present disclosure.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative, non-exclusive example of a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`motorized drive assembly suitable for use with a children's ride-on vehicle, such as a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`children's ride-on vehicle having at least one blow-molded wheel according to the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`present disclosure.
`
`10
`
`
`
`
`
`non-exclusive example of a Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`manually powered drive assembly suitable for use with a children's ride-on vehicle, such
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`as a children's ride-on vehicle having at least one blow-molded wheel according to the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`present disclosure.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an illustrative example of a blow-molded wheel
`
`
`
`
`
`
`a children's ride-on 15 that has undercut tread portions and is suitable for use with
`vehicle,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`such as the vehicle of Fig. 1.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`along line Fig. 6 is a partial sectional view of the wheel of Fig. 5, taken generally
`
`6-6 in Fig. 5.
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 7 is a perspective view of another illustrative example of a blow-molded
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`20 wheel that has undercut tread portions and is suitable for use with a children's ride-on
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`vehicle, such as the vehicle of Fig. 1.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a first portion of a simplified mold for
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`producing a wheel that has undercut tread portions, such as a wheel similar to the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`7
`
`11 of 201
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`wheel of Fig. 5, with the pinch-off ring shown separated from the main mold portion, with
`
`
`
`
`
`one of the mold slides shown in a release position.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ring Fig. 9 is a plan view of the mold portion of Fig. 8, shown with the pinch-off
`
`omitted,
`
`
`
`
`
`with one of the mold slides shown in a release position and one of the mold
`
`
`
`position. 5 slides in a retracted
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 1 O is a sectional view of the mold a first portion of Fig. 8, taken generally
`
`
`
`along line 10-10 in Fig. 9, with the pinch off shown attached to the main mold portion,
`
`
`
`with one of the mold slides shown in a retracted position.
`
`
`
`8
`
`12 of 201
`
`

`

`
`
`
`
`Detailed Description and Best Mode of the Disclosure
`
`
`
`
`
`An illustrative, non-exclusive example of a children's ride-on vehicle is shown in
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Fig. 1 and indicated generally at 10. Ride-on vehicle 1 O includes a support frame, or
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`body, 12 that provides a riding space, or passenger compartment, 14 with a seat
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`5 assembly 16 that is sized and configured to accommodate at least one child, including a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`child driver.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Seat assembly 16 may be integral with or otherwise mounted on body 12
`
`
`
`and may have any suitable configuration, including configurations in which the position
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`of the seat assembly is adjustable within the passenger compartment, and
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`configurations in which the seat assembly includes two or more seats or two or more
`
`
`
`
`
`10 seating regions. Typically, vehicle 10 will be sized for use by a child driver or by a child
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`driver and a child passenger.
`
`
`For example, in the illustrated embodiment, seat
`
`
`
`
`
`assembly 16 includes a pair of seats, or seating regions, 18 and 20, with seat 18 sized
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`and positioned to receive a child driver and seat 20 sized and positioned to receive a
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`child passenger.
`
`15
`
`
`
`
`
`Body 12 typically is formed from molded plastic and may be integrally formed or
`
`
`
`
`
`together formed from a plurality of parts that are secured
`
`
`
`
`by screws, bolts, clips or other
`
`
`
`
`
`suitable fasteners. Body 12 may additionally, or alternatively, be at least partially
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`formed from other suitable material(s), such as metal, wood, or composite materials.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Body 12 may include, or be mounted upon, an underlying frame, or chassis,
`or chassis
`
`
`20 portion,
`
`
`
`to as a body portion) is on which the rest of the body (which may be referred