Backseat Toy Steering Wheel for a Vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses a backseat toy steering wheel device for a vehicle. The toy steering wheel device is designed to be hung from the back of a driver or passenger seat and used as a fun, entertaining toy while a user is riding in the vehicle. A rim is attached to a central hub using a plurality of spokes and is configured to be rotatable 360 degrees. The toy device comprises signal lights that are configured to be illuminated and a speaker for playing a plurality of audios. The toy has removably secured batteries for providing power to the device.

Claims

1. A backseat toy steering wheel device for entertaining children and adults, the backseat toy steering wheel device comprising: a base comprising at least one through hole; a bushing attached to the base; a central hub rotatably connected to the bushing; and a steering wheel rim connected to the central hub via a plurality of spokes, wherein the bushing allows the central hub and thus the steering wheel rim to rotate.

2. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a pair of through holes.

3. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 2, wherein the pair of through holes are configured to receive a drawing string.

4. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 3, wherein the drawing string is used for suspending the backseat toy steering wheel device from a back of a driver or passenger seat.

5. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 1, wherein the base is manufactured from a plywood.

6. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 1, wherein the steering wheel rim rotates 360 degrees.

7. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 6, wherein the steering wheel rim rotates in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction.

8. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spokes is comprised of three spokes.

9. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 8 further comprising a left turn signal and a right turn signal positioned on any of the three spokes.

10. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 9 further comprising a headset jack positioned on any of the three spokes.

11. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 10 further comprising a push button positioned on any of the three spokes, wherein the push button activates the backseat toy steering wheel device.

12. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 11 further comprising a speaker button positioned on any of the three spokes for sounding an audio.

13. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 11, wherein the central hub further comprises a plurality of electronic components for illuminating the right turn signal and the left turn signal and for playing the audio when the speaker button is pressed.

14. A backseat toy steering wheel device for entertaining children and adults, the backseat toy steering wheel device comprising: a base comprising a pair of through holes configured to receive a drawing string used for hanging the backseat toy steering wheel device from a back of a driver or passenger seat; a bushing attached to the base; a central hub rotatably connected to the bushing; a steering wheel rim connected to the central hub via a plurality of spokes; and wherein the bushing allows the central hub and thus the steering wheel rim to rotate in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction; a right turn signal and a left turn signal positioned on the plurality of spokes; a headset jack positioned on the plurality of spokes; a push button for activating the backseat toy steering wheel device positioned on the plurality of spokes; a speaker button for sounding audio positioned on the plurality of spokes; and a plurality of electronic components for illuminating the right turn signal and the left turn signal and for playing audio when the speaker button is pressed.

15. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 14, wherein the headset jack allows a headset to be connected to the backseat toy steering wheel device.

16. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 15, wherein the plurality of electronic components comprises a speaker for playing audio sounds when the speaker button is pressed.

17. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of electronic components comprises a plurality of LEDs which illuminate the right turn signal and the left turn signal.

18. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 17, wherein the plurality of electronic components comprises a removably placed battery for powering the backseat toy steering wheel device and a memory for storing audio to be played by the speaker.

19. The backseat toy steering wheel device of claim 18, wherein the plurality of electronic components comprises a Bluetooth module configured to connect the backseat toy steering wheel device to a second backseat toy steering wheel device.

20. A backseat toy steering wheel device for entertaining children and adults, the backseat toy steering wheel device comprising: a base comprising a pair of through holes configured to receive a drawing string used for hanging the backseat toy steering wheel device from a back of a driver or passenger seat; a bushing attached to the base; a central hub rotatably connected to the bushing; a steering wheel rim connected to the central hub via a plurality of spokes; and wherein the bushing allows the central hub and thus the steering wheel rim to rotate 360 degrees in both a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction; a right turn signal and a left turn signal positioned on the plurality of spokes and illuminated by a plurality of LEDs; a headset jack positioned on the plurality of spokes for connecting a headset; a push button for activating the backseat toy steering wheel device positioned on the plurality of spokes; a speaker button positioned on the plurality of spokes and a speaker for playing audio sounds when the speaker button is pressed; and a Bluetooth module configured to connect the backseat toy steering wheel device to a second backseat toy steering wheel device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the backseat toy steering wheel device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagrammatic view showing the various potential electronic components of the backseat toy steering wheel device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the steering wheel toy device of the present invention hung on the back of a driver's seat of a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing one potential embodiment of the steering wheel toy device of the present invention in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0027] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0028] As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a fun and unique device that can be used for entertaining adults and children in a vehicle. There is also a long felt need in the art for a unique device that allows users to pretend that they are driving the vehicle. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a toy that prevents children from becoming bored while riding in a vehicle. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a toy that can be used by users while sitting in a backseat of the vehicle. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a fun toy that is in the form of a non-functioning rear seat steering wheel device for a vehicle. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a toy device that offers a way to keep users entertained in a vehicle, allowing them to pretend that they are driving the vehicle.

[0029] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel non-functioning rear seat toy steering wheel device for a vehicle. The toy is comprised of a wooden base with two holes, a plastic rim attached to a central hub using a plurality of spokes, a bushing and a drawstring. Further, the toy comprises signal lights for indicating a left turn or a right turn on two of said plurality of spokes, a speaker for playing audio, and a removably attached headset to allow the user to communicate with other backseat drivers. The toy device is designed to be hung from the back of a driver or passenger seat and is used as a fun, entertaining toy that allows users to pretend that they are driving the vehicle.

[0030] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the backseat toy steering wheel device of the present invention. The backseat toy steering wheel device 100 is designed as a non-functioning rear seat steering wheel for a vehicle, which provides a way to keep users entertained while riding in the vehicle. More specifically, the toy steering wheel device 100 has a base 102 having a pair of through holes 104, 106 configured to receive a drawing string 108 or other attachment feature as is known in the art. Any suitable number of through holes can be utilized as is known in the art depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The drawing string 108 is used for hanging the toy device 100 from a back of a driver or passenger seat as best shown in FIG. 3. Further, the base 102 is manufactured of plastic, metal, or wood, specifically plywood, or any other suitable material as is known in the art depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0031] Additionally, the backseat toy steering wheel device 100 comprises a bushing 110 attached to the base 102, preferably at the center of the base 102, which is used for rotation of the steering wheel rim 112. The steering wheel rim 112 rotates 360 degrees. Specifically, a central hub 114 is rotatably connected to the bushing 110, wherein the central hub 114 is connected to the steering wheel rim 112 using three spokes 116, 118, 120, however any suitable number of spokes can be used as is known in the art depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0032] In use, a user holds the steering wheel rim 112 and rotates the rim 112 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to pretend to steer the vehicle. The central hub 114 then rotates using the bushing 110 to allow a smooth and low friction rotation of the steering wheel rim 112 to 360 degrees. Further, the central hub 114 has electronic components (as shown in FIG. 2) for illuminating a right turn signal 122 positioned on the first spoke 116 and for illuminating a left turn signal 124 positioned on the second spoke 118. A headset jack 126 is positioned on the third spoke 120 of the toy steering wheel device 100 and is used for connecting a headset, enabling the user using the toy device 100 to talk to and communicate with other backseat drivers. The headset may be permanently attached to the toy device 100 or removably attached, and also allows a user to listen to audio played by the speaker.

[0033] Further, the hub 114 of the toy steering wheel device 100 comprises a push button 128 for activating the toy device 100, thus the push button 128 is a power button which turns the device 100 off and on. Additionally, the right turn signal 122 and the left turn signal 124 are configured to be pressed by a user and illuminate upon being pressed. The toy device 100 further comprises a speaker button 130 for sounding an integrated horn or other suitable audible sound, thereby providing a simulation of the horn of a conventional vehicle.

[0034] The steering wheel rim 112, the hub 114 and spokes 116, 118, 120 are preferably manufactured from a smooth, BPA free and durable plastic, that may have a texture similar to a conventional vehicle's steering wheel or can be manufactured of any other suitable material as is known in the art. The steering wheel rim 112 typically has a diameter in the range of approximately 20-25 cm and the base 102 typically comprises the dimensions of approximately 20×20 cm or 25×25 cm, or any other suitable dimensions as is known in the art depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Furthermore, the toy device 100 is designed to be an interactive and educational simulation steering wheel toy for kids, as well as an entertainment toy for adults.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagrammatic view showing the electronic components of the backseat toy steering wheel device of the present invention. As shown, the backseat toy steering wheel device 100 comprises a speaker 202 for playing audio sounds when the speaker button 130 (shown in FIG. 1) is pressed by a user. The speaker 202 can be any suitable lightweight speaker as is known in the art, and is preferably positioned inside the hub 114. The speaker 202 is configured to play different sounds, such as a police siren, ambulance siren, etc., or any other suitable sound as is known in the art depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Further, when the power button or push button 128 is pressed, the backseat toy steering wheel device 100 is activated or turned on and the speaker 202 is configured to produce a sound of an engine starting. Further, the electronic components also comprise a plurality of LEDs 204 positioned within the first spoke 116 and the second spoke 118, under the right turn signal 122 and the left turn signal 124 for illuminating the signals 122, 124. Any suitable number of LEDs 204 can be utilized depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. It should also be noted that the right turn signal 122 and the left turn signal 124 are configured to be pushed by a user and once pushed, the corresponding LED is illuminated. The LEDs 204 can be any suitable color and the right and left turn signals 122, 124 can be of the same or different colors depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

[0036] Additionally, the electronic components comprise a removably placed battery 208 that is used for providing power to the LEDs 204 and to the speaker 202. Typically, the backseat steering wheel toy device 100 requires three AA batteries in one embodiment or two AAA batteries in an alternative embodiment for providing power. However, the backseat steering wheel toy device 100 can be powered via any suitable type of battery as is known in the art. Further, the LEDs 204 and the speaker 202 are connected to the battery 208 using the control circuitry 206 to selectively receive electric power from the battery 208. The control circuitry 206 can be in the form of a printed circuit board or any other suitable control circuitry known in the art, thereby minimizing the complexity of the circuit.

[0037] Further, the electronic components comprise a built-in memory 210, which is used by the toy device 100 to store rhymes, songs or other media and that can be played by the speaker or through the headset. The memory 210 in the present embodiment is configured to store up to 500 Mega Bytes of media, however there is no limit to the storage capacity of the memory 210. The Bluetooth module 212 is configured to connect the toy device 100 to other toy steering wheels deployed in the vehicle to enable communication between the toy devices 100 and also the toy device 100 can connect to the dashboard of the vehicle (via the vehicle's Bluetooth), enabling the speaker 202 or the headset to play songs and enable communication with the vehicle.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the backseat steering wheel toy device 100 hung on the back of a driver's seat of a vehicle. The backseat steering wheel toy device 100 can be used by both children and adults to pretend to drive the vehicle 300. More specifically, the toy device 100 is configured to be hung using the drawing string 108 on the back of the passenger's seat 302. The height of the drawing string 108 can be adjusted to hang the toy device 100 to a desired height. Typically, the drawstring 108 is looped through the holes 104, 106 and is looped around the headrest 304 of the seat 302. Further, the drawstring 108 allows the toy device 100 to hang straight down from the headrest 304, however the toy device 100 can also hang forward at an incline, depending on the weight of the backboard 102, steering wheel rim 112, hub 114 and spokes 116, 118, 120, as well as the position of the seat 302.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a child 400 playing with the backseat steering wheel toy device 100 of the present invention. As shown, the toy device 100 is hung from the driver's or passenger seat 302 using the drawstring 108. The child 400, while sitting in the backseat 306 plays with the non-functioning rear seat steering wheel device 100 by rotating the rim 112 in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction. Further, the turn signals, horn and a headset may also be used by the child 400 for playing. Accordingly, the toy device 100 keeps the child entertained and busy during a trip, thereby allowing the driver and other passengers to enjoy the trip. The height of the toy device 100 can be adjusted by shortening the length of the drawstring 108, as per preference of the child 400 and/or parent.

[0040] The steering wheel toy device 100 of the present invention has a realistic design. The toy device 100 has the basic functions that most conventional vehicle steering wheels have, such as the left and right turn signals, and a horn. The left and right turn signals are also illuminated. The non-functioning rear seat steering wheel device 100 can be hung on any seat of a vehicle, enabling a user to easily play and simulate driving. The rim 112 is configured to comprise 360-degree rotation. Further, the steering wheel toy device 100 comes in a variety of colors and sizes. Further, the rim 112 and the hub 114 can have various designs, cartoon character images, etc., or any other suitable designs as are known in the art depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

[0041] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “steering wheel toy device”, “backseat toy steering wheel device”, “toy device”, “non-functioning rear seat steering wheel device” and “toy steering wheel device” are interchangeable and refer to the backseat toy steering wheel device 100 of the present invention.

[0042] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the backseat toy steering wheel device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the backseat toy steering wheel device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the backseat toy steering wheel device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the backseat toy steering wheel device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the backseat toy steering wheel device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0043] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0044] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.