Plane Field Patents (Class 105/56)
  • Patent number: 8322660
    Abstract: A relay for a toy track set, the relay having, a first actuator in a first plane; a second actuator in a second plane vertically elevated from the first plane; a conduit fluidly coupling the first actuator to the second actuator; and a release mechanism moveably secured to the first actuator for movement between a first position and a second position wherein movement of the release mechanism from the first position towards the second position causes the first actuator to force a fluid through the conduit, wherein the fluid forced through the conduit by the first actuator causes the second actuator to actuate a second release mechanism, wherein the first actuator is coupled to a first vehicle track segment and the second actuator is coupled to a second vehicle track segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Stacy Lynn O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8006943
    Abstract: A relay for a toy track set, the relay having a first actuator, a second actuator and a conduit fluidly coupling the first actuator to the second actuator. The first actuator having a release mechanism moveably secured thereto for movement between a first position and a second position wherein movement of the release mechanism from the first position towards the second position causes the first actuator to force a fluid through the conduit, wherein the fluid forced through the conduit by the first actuator causes the second actuator to actuate a second release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel Inc.
    Inventor: Stacy Lynn O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6276280
    Abstract: An elevated toy train track is formed from multiple platform sections (12, 14, 16, 18) and a stabilizing ring (48) that are attachable together to form a ring-like structure (10). Each platform section has at least two lateral sides (34, 36), where one lateral side (34) has ridges (42) and the other lateral side (36) has slots (46). During assembly, the ridges (42) on one platform section are placed in snug engagement with complementary slots (46) of an adjacent platform section, until all platform sections are joined together. The stabilizing ring (48) is attached, using threaded fasteners (60), to the joined platform sections (12, 14, 16, 18) to form the ring-like structure (10). A train track (20) is attached to the ring-like structure, or can be integrally molded to the platform sections. The structure is attachable to the central pole (64, 66) of a Christmas tree, thus providing an elevated toy train track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald M. Nitti