Ride-on toy having movable footrest

The present invention relates generally to ride-on toys for children, and more specifically to a movable footrest for use in conjunction with such ride-on toys.

Ride-on toys are available in a variety of configurations, including, but not limited to tricycles, bicycles, scooters, cars, and other toys. Ride-on toys generally have a plurality of wheels, and a seat for a child to occupy while utilizing the ride-on toy. Ride-on toys also generally have a steering wheel or handle bars for the child to grip, some types of which are functional for steering the ride-on toy, and some types of which are not. Ride-on toys can be propelled for locomotion in various ways, but are primarily propelled by a child via foot power. Foot power can be supplied, for example, through the use of pedals, or by direct contact of feet on a riding surface such as pavement or grass.

Ride-on toys of the present invention preferably include a body having a plurality of wheels attached thereto, and a seat attached to the body. Generally, a child will occupy the seat while utilizing the ride-on toy. In preferred embodiments, ride-on toys of the present invention have an opening disposed within the body of the toy, through which a child\'s legs and feet can pass to contact a riding surface and propel the ride-on toy. Ride-on toys of the present invention preferably also include features that facilitate propulsion of the toy by a person standing outside of the body of the toy, such as, for example, an adult caregiver.

The ride-on toys of the present invention include a movable footrest. In preferred embodiments, the footrest slidably engages the body of the ride-on toy. It is also preferred that the movable footrest have an operation position and a stowed position. In such embodiments, it is preferred that the footrest have a stowed position that allows a child to operate the ride-on toy in a substantially unhindered manner. The child is able to use his or her legs and feet to propel the toy without banging into or kicking the footrest. In particularly preferred embodiments, the stowed position of the footrest is under the seat of the ride-on toy. In such embodiments, the footrest can be moved from its stowed position to its operation position by moving the footrest forward, towards the front of the ride-on toy, so that a child can sit on the seat and place his or her feet on or in the footrest. In this manner, a child can safely keep his or her feet off of the ground while another person propels the ride-on toy.

In at least some preferred embodiments, ride-on toys of the present invention also include at least one operating handle, which can be used by a person propelling the ride-on toy from outside of the body of the toy. Operating handles can be connected to the body, or can be integrally molded or shaped as parts of the body. The body of a ride-on toy generally includes a front portion and a rear portion. In embodiments having a single operating handle, it is preferred that the operating handle be located at the rear portion, to facilitate the ability of a person to stand behind the toy and push it forwards. It is particularly preferred that the operating handle be a telescoping handle having at least a retracted position and an extended position. In such embodiments, the operation handle can be extended for use by a person propelling the toy from outside of the toy, and can be retracted when not in use, such as when the child sitting on the toy is propelling the toy.

Accordingly, in at least one aspect, the present invention provides a children\'s ride-on toy comprising a body having a plurality of wheels attached thereto, a seat, and a footrest slidably engaging the body. In preferred embodiments, the body further includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail, and the footrest slidably engages the first and second guide rails. In some preferred embodiments, the footrest includes a bottom wall, a front end wall, a rear end wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. In such embodiments, the side walls of the footrest slidably engage the body. For example, in at least one such embodiment, the first side wall includes an outer rim that defines a first guide rail channel, and the second side wall includes an outer rim that defines a second guide rail channel. The guide rail channels of the footrest can slidably engage the guide rails of the body.