Patents Represented by Attorney Max E. Shirk
  • Patent number: 4141233
    Abstract: A lock encircles the annular locking groove on the kingpin of a travel trailer of the semi-trailer type to prevent the kingpin from entering the receiving slot of the fifth wheel on a towing vehicle and includes locking collar halves each having a semi-annular body portion from the ends of which flanges extend radially outwardly. One flange on one half is S-shaped and has a hooked end engagable in a slot on a flange on the other half for releasably coupling the halves together with the remaining two flanges in abutting relation. These remaining two flanges may be provided with apertures adapted to receive a padlock hasp for locking the two halves together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Inventor: Eugene E. Reyes
  • Patent number: 4141176
    Abstract: In an apparatus for posing a doll, a platform is provided for supporting the legs of a doll and providing relative movement between the so-supported legs, the doll including means for moving the head in response to relative movement of the legs. The movement is accomplished by rotation of a lens member of a toy camera having a viewfinder through which the action can be observed to simulate a photography session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Alcwyn Flicker, Derek J. Gay, Tony Rhodes, Roger H. Sweet
  • Patent number: 4141256
    Abstract: A two-speed inertia motor having a pair of wheels secured to a common axis, one of the wheels being a drive wheel and having a gear portion coaxial therewith for selectively coupling to an inertia wheel through a first or second gear member for providing two-speed ratios between the rotation of the drive wheel and the inertia wheel. A main gear member is coupled to the drive wheel, the main gear member having a splined shaft portion for slidably receiving a clutch member for concurrent rotation therewith, the first and second gear members being freely rotatable on either side of said clutch member. Means are provided for shifting the clutch member into locking engagement with either the first gear member or the second gear member to secure the so-locked gear member into direct coupling relation between the drive wheel and the inertia wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicol S. Wilson, Gary L. Hunter, Derek J. Gay
  • Patent number: 4140276
    Abstract: A track intersection for use with a plurality of other track sections to form a trackway for passage of toy vehicles thereon, the intersection having a curved trackway section having generally parallel opposed sidewalls of height generally equal to the height of the toy vehicle. The intersection is provided with an elevated roadway portion at the height of the sidewalls, the elevated roadway portion having first and second trackways, the first trackway being generally tangential to the exit end of the curve to permit a toy vehicle to enter the first trackway and leave the intersection through the exit end of the curve. The second trackway generally intersects the first trackway to permit a toy vehicle to leap the curve on the elevated roadway portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1979
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne R. Halford
  • Patent number: 4139965
    Abstract: In a device using an impregnated paper with a chemically reactive marker, the device includes a box-like housing having a translucent planar surface with light projected from within the box onto the rear side of the surface. A paper impregnated with an indicator dye resulting in an opaque paper is placed on the surface. Marker pens having substance chemically reactive with the indicator dye are used to mark the paper. The chemical reaction between the marker solution and the coating renders the so-marked areas translucent for passage of light through the paper in the region so-marked. Transparent dyes are utilized in the markers to combine with the color of the indicator dye to form a third color which is a combination of the two colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1979
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Beverly J. Curry, Alan R. Pitkanen, Gary M. Saffer, Robert G. Trout
  • Patent number: 4138127
    Abstract: A two wheel roller skate or the like having two wheels rotatably supported from a soleplate, one at the front and one at the rear thereof, the axes of rotation of the two wheels being normally parallel to each other. Each of the wheels is supported within a cradle for rotation about an axis extending generally in the direction of the longitudinal center line of the soleplate and at an angle thereto, the axis of pivoting of the cradle member being a steering axis disposed below the axis of rotation of the wheel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Kimmell, Benjamin H. Stansbury, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4135761
    Abstract: Each outer sidewall assembly, which includes a top rail and a rear end piece, is hinged to the truck in spaced relation with its associated inner sidewall portion of the load body to form a storage compartment on each side of the load body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Inventor: Charles A. Ward
  • Patent number: 4135645
    Abstract: A self-defense ring having a ring member with an opening for inserting a finger therethrough and a movable member coupled to the ring member, the movable member having a portion thereof within the opening for manipulation by the finger. The movable member has secured thereto a container having a chemical substance therein, manipulation of the movable member urging the container against a piercing member affixed to or integral with the ring member. A rotary safety is provided to permit actuation of the ring only when desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven D. Kimmell
  • Patent number: 4135327
    Abstract: A doll construction having upper and lower generally hollow torso members adapted to be supported in an upright position along the longitudinal center line of the doll and to be pivoted with respect to each other about an axis disposed angularly at approximately 30.degree. from the longitudinal center line. Mating coacting ball and socket means are provided at the connecting midriff portions of the torsos and a flexible connector extends through a bushing aperture formed integrally with the ball to define the axis of pivoting, the connector being fixedly secured within one torso member and rotatably secured within the other, the connector maintaining the portions together under tension with the pivotal connection providing a large range of compound positions and relationships between the upper and lower torsos of the doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jurgis Sapkus, J. Stephen Lewis
  • Patent number: 4135328
    Abstract: A unidirectional clutch mechanism for use in a toy vehicle or the like having an inertia motor energized by a spring-return drawstring mechanism having a drive spool receiving the drawstring and the return spring, the drive spool having a drive disc portion with an integral square shank loosely encircled by a clutch disc with a circumferentially disposed slot engaged by an arcuate projection on the surface of the drive disc, the projection being shorter in length to allow relative motion between the discs. The opposite surface of the clutch disc is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed bearing members, each pivotally receiving a pawl of a unitary spring member having a square portion engaging the square shank with spring portions extending therefrom to pivot said pawls upon relative motion between the shank and the clutch disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Toshio Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 4128949
    Abstract: A toy clock having a housing with a base portion for supporting the clock face thereof in a vertical position, the clock face having an hour hand and a minute hand proportionately coupled and rotatable, the rotatin thereof simultaneously effecting proportional rotation of a coaxial pair of co-planar disc surfaces to effect a digital readout corresponding to the position of the dials. The clock is provided with a rear compartment which houses a conveyor operated by rotation of the dials to elevate marbles from a given location to a marble storage rack in the upper rear portion in the housing. A tuned escapement or release mechanism permits a number of marbles, corresponding to the number indicated by the hour hand, to be released sequentially along a trackway viewable from the front, the track providing a path of travel for the marbles under the force of gravity with periodic interceptions by pivotally supported animated figures to the lower portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1978
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Marason, Jr., John M. Melzian, Alan R. Pitkanen
  • Patent number: 4127948
    Abstract: A play desk in the form of an animated character having the main body portion thereof in the form of an openable compartment with a first surface textured to provide a chalk board and the opposing surface having aligned parallel grooves and slots for receiving removable alphanumeric members parallel with the board by engaging the slots or perpendicular to the board by engaging the grooves. Simulated arm members are pivotable for supporting the desk on an incline with either body surface exposed. Simulated leg members are pivotable between a first position for supporting the play desk on a vertical plane or to a second position in line with the lower edge of the body compartment to permit inclining of the desk. A head portion is configured about the periphery for insertion therein or imprinting therein of a face of a character with the peripheral ridge forming a tray. The arm members may be hollow to serve as additional storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Manuel Goy Yu Chin, Derek J. Gay
  • Patent number: 4126960
    Abstract: A doll having a compressible torso with a neck opening having support means adjacent to said neck opening with a mechanism coupled to the support means and extending into the torso, compression of the torso in a lateral direction actuating a slide member of the mechanism in a direction generally perpendicular thereto to pivot the head. The slide mechanism is provided with a ramp coacting with lever means adapted to urge against the interior of the head of the doll adjacent the lips to displace the lips outwardly during actuation thereof to simulate kissing. Other means are provided within the doll responsive to actuation of the mechanism to emit an audible sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1978
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Guerrero
  • Patent number: 4127251
    Abstract: A doll stand for supporting a doll by one leg, the stand including a base member, a clip member for gripping the lower leg in proximity to the ankle with interconnecting means between the clip member and the base. The interconnecting means include a rod member insertible within an aperture in the base and affixed to the clip member, the rod member being offset in a forward direction to provide clearance for the foot of the doll. The free end of the rod member is secured to the clip member with the rod member and clip member being angularly disposed in a direction generally perpendicular to the offset direction to provide an angle between the supporting direction of the clip and a line generally perpendicular to the base to support the doll with the center of gravity generally perpendicular to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1978
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Jurgis Sapkus, J. Stephen Lewis
  • Patent number: 4125164
    Abstract: A vehicle carries a hydraulic reservoir, a pump, a portable fluid-distributing valve, four or more hydraulic rams and conduits connecting the reservoir, pump, valve and rams in a hydraulic circuit such that the valve and rams may be removed from the vehicle. The rams are then connected to a BOP and beams under the rig floor; the valve is held by an operator a safe distance from the BOP and manipulated to uniformly and safely lift the BOP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1978
    Inventor: William A. Terry
  • Patent number: 4124215
    Abstract: An inertial phonograph device having a flywheel carrying a record member having a plurality of interleaved sound tracks pre-recorded to match the rundown speed of the flywheel. A constant predetermined rotational force is imparted to the flywheel by means of a sector gear selectively engaging a pinion on the shaft of the flywheel, the sector gear being pivoted under the force of a spring. The sector gear is pivoted against the force of the spring out of engagement with the pinion by means of a cocking lever, and after engagement of the sector gear with the pinion rotation is restricted by a brake shoe coacting with the flywheel until the cocking lever is fully returned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Marason, Jr., Harold B. Collins
  • Patent number: 4115042
    Abstract: A pump for use in a doll having a transparent front torso through which is viewed simulated internal organs, the pump being connected to coiled transparent tubing for passage therethrough of a liquid-air mixture. The pump has a main body portion with a generally cylindrical recess having a circular surface with a coaxial annular groove in the surface and an arcuate groove disposed radially outwardly from the annular groove. An inlet aperture is disposed radially outwardly from the annular groove and is in fluid communication therewith while an outlet aperture is in fluid communication with the arcuate groove with the two grooves being interconnected by a groove segment. A one-piece diaphragm is provided with a flange adapted to sealingly engage the surface, the diaphragm having a deformable dome-shaped portion extending outwardly from the surfce to form a chamber, the diaphragm having a skirt portion fitting within the annular groove with the skirt having a cutaway portion in proximity to the groove segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Frederich Schroeder
  • Patent number: 4114309
    Abstract: A toy helicopter having a hollow body member configured to simulate a helicopter with a main body portion and a tail section, the main body portion supporting a helicopter rotor on a shaft member extending through the roof thereof, the shaft being rotatably supported by a pair of bearings, with a reel portion configured in the shaft intermediate the bearings. The reel portion has encircled thereabout a flat constant torque coil spring acting as a spring clutch, the free end of the coil spring being secured to one end of a trigger member, which is pivotally secured within the housing. The main body portion is provided with a pair of aligned openings through which an operator can manipulate the trigger whereupon repeated pivoting of the trigger causes the shaft to continuously rotate in a given direction. The helicopter is also provided with a hand-operated winch and a water-squirting apparatus actuated by a second trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek John Gay
  • Patent number: 4114313
    Abstract: A combination doll and accessory article wherein the doll has a body with a neck opening having a generally hollow head connected thereto by a swivel connection, the head having a weighted mass therein, the mass including an electric motor and speed reducing gears connected to a shaft extending downwardly through the neck opening, the swivel connection being configured to permit the head along with the weighted mass therein to move in an orbital path. An article adapted to be moved to and fro, such as a swing or a cradle is provided for receiving the doll in such a position that movement of the article results in response to orbital movement of the head of the doll. A switch is provided on the interior of the doll's head adjacent the mouth thereof, the switch being normally closed and being opened in response to insertion into the mouth of a simulated pacifier or the like made of an insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin G. Guerrero, Gerard K. Leistikow, Norman E. Sindlinger
  • Patent number: 4108437
    Abstract: A launching and starting apparatus for use with toy racing cars or the like, the starting apparatus having a pathway for passage thereon of a toy vehicle, the pathway including a resettable trigger engageable by a toy vehicle with a flag selectively raised by the trigger. A gravity operated timer is provided and is operable from a raised to a lower position, actuation of the trigger prior to the timer being at its lower position resulting in raising of the flag. An audible signalling device is actuated in response to the timer reaching its lower position to initiate a "start" signal to the user of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas DeAnda, Robert F. Dyer, Roger A. Newbold