Patents Assigned to Mattel
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Patent number: 9573071Abstract: A toy racetrack including a partial loop section is configured to maintain a partial loop configuration when maintained in an unloaded, freestanding configuration, and to collapse when in a loaded state in which a toy vehicle passes over such partial loop section. When a force is applied to the upper section of the pathway from a traversing toy vehicle, the added force shifts the center of gravity past the balancing point that maintains the partial loop section in its freestanding configuration, and the partial loop section collapses. A spring-loaded head may be provided at the end of the upper portion of the partial loop section, and may be configured to spring away from the partial loop section when contacted by a toy vehicle. A wind-up motor may be provided that drives a diverter in the base of the partial loop section, which may direct a toy vehicle through the partial loop section or onto an alternative racetrack path.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Glenn Yu, Douglas E. Bashaw, Paul W. Schmid, Michael W. Nuttall
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Patent number: 9573046Abstract: A card game and method of play is provided. It includes a plurality of game cards and a multifaceted die having a plurality of characters on the faces of said die. A rule set is also provided. It includes a plurality of rules, one of the rules of being that a player identify an adjective that corresponds with one of the plurality of characters on an upturned face of said multifaceted die.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Brian M. Yu
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Patent number: 9573069Abstract: A toy figurine includes an internal lighting effect. The internal lighting is visible through the outer surface of the figurine and may be manipulated to produce various lighting effects. The internal lighting includes a lighting layer, a visual effects display layer and a diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer may include an external surface of the toy figurine.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Bruce Cannon
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Patent number: 9566528Abstract: A top launcher includes at least one track segment having a guiding path for translating a rotatable top thereon. Also included is a launching member moveable between a first position and a second position, the launching member resiliently biased toward the first position. Further included is an engagement portion of the launching member for engaging the rotatable top and launching the rotatable top as the launching member moves toward the first position.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Christian Colquhoun
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Patent number: 9533233Abstract: One or more methods, apparatuses, and/or systems are disclosed herein for selectively grasping one or more target objects. The apparatus includes a string and a winding mechanism. The winding mechanism is configured to selectively unwind and wind the string, wherein a first portion of the apparatus is configured to be separated from a second portion of the apparatus when the string is unwound and wherein the first and second portions are configured to be adjacent to one another when the string is wound. A plurality of members are pivotally mounted to the apparatus and operably coupled to the winding mechanism, wherein the plurality of members are configured to grasp an object responsive to actuation of a button that is located within an area defined by the plurality of members.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: J. Austin Rucker, C. Evangelos Kafantaris, Susie E. Buckman, Leo Shen, Roy Hu, Josiah T. S. Li
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Patent number: 9510693Abstract: An infant device, such as in infant swing, establishes a wireless connection with a parent's existing portable electronic device, such as a smartphone. The portable electronic device sends messages to control any of the functions associated with the infant device. The portable electronic device also sends video and voice to be output at the infant device, allowing the child to remotely see and hear the parent's face and voice. The infant device sends messages with status information on the system enabling the portable electronic device to remotely monitor the system. The infant device also sends messages to the parent's existing portable electronic device containing audio and/or video information recorded from the child, allowing the parent to remotely see and hear the child in the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Robert Cordier, Kurt J. Huntsberger, John W. Taylor
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Patent number: 9504926Abstract: A relay segment for a toy track set, the relay segment having: an incoming track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for adjustable movement with respect to the relay segment in a first plane; a trigger movably mounted to the relay segment for movement between a first position and a second position, the trigger being located proximate to the incoming track segment such that a portion of the trigger is positioned above the incoming track segment, wherein the portion moves away from the incoming track segment as the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle away from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Stacy Lynn O'Connor, Michael W. Nuttall
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Patent number: 9501750Abstract: Systems and methods for an improved webtop, and a monetization engine that better takes advantage of the interests and life segments of a user, are described. A monetization engine embedded in a hyperspace webtop, is provided which includes a user record having a plurality of information items regarding life segments of at least one user, a presentation engine that presents advertisements to at least the user in accordance with at least one information item, and a plurality of tabs, wherein at least one of the tabs is presented to the user in accordance with at least one information item, and wherein each of the plurality of tabs is indicative of content associated with a third party having available for sale to at least one user at least one selected from the group including of a good and a service.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Robb Fujioka
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Patent number: 9492737Abstract: A game system may provide a plurality of cards, at least one token and a token storage and distribution system. The plurality of cards may each have at least one indicium representing a value. The token(s) may have a value that is substitutable for at least a portion of the value associated with the card. The token storage and distribution system comprises a slot for depositing the token(s) into the token storage and distribution system. The slot corresponds to a storage compartment that further comprises sub-compartments and a diverter to direct the deposited token into one of the sub-compartments. The token storage and distribution system defines one of more locations for positioning one or more build piles for the cards being played. The player may select to access one of the sub-compartments according to a rule set and acquire the token(s) present, if any, in the selected sub-compartment.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Brian M. Yu, Jeffrey W. Bazarko
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Patent number: 9492759Abstract: A play system includes a toy vehicle and a playset for use therewith. A toy vehicle includes a chassis having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface including structure configured to define a pair of substantially parallel grooves across the bottom surface of the chassis, and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis and configured to roll the chassis on a surface in a predetermined rolling direction. A playset includes a first track section adapted to engage the grooves on the bottom surface of the toy vehicle for slidable movement thereon, a second track section adapted to engage the plurality of wheels of the toy vehicle for rolling movement thereon, and a connecting portion to couple the track portions.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: David Sheltman
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Patent number: 9486086Abstract: A reconfigurable infant support structure is disclosed. The infant support structure includes a support frame and a seat. The support frame is movable between a first position and a second position. The first position may movably engage a support surface and the second position may statically engage a support surface. The seat is reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration and may be moved between its first and second configurations when the seat is moved between the first and second positions. The seat may be provided in the first configuration when the frame is in the first position and the seat may be provided in the second configuration when the frame is in the second position. The support frame may be moved between its first and second positions by being flipped upside down.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Cole Micah Ranze
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Patent number: 9480931Abstract: A building or support structure with several mounting components is disclosed. The support structure has a base that is flexible, which allows the base to be positioned into a variety of different configurations. The mounting components of the base allow different objects, such as building components or figurines, to be coupled thereto. A toy building component includes a main body, projecting portions or posts, and receptacles or receiving areas. Projecting portions extend from one side and receptacles are located in another side of the main body. In one embodiment, the building component includes a first portion of a first material and a second portion of a second material. The different materials have different properties, and in some embodiments, different colors. The portions may be co-molded together to form the building component.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Jebraeil Samo, James Franklin Elliott
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Patent number: 9474982Abstract: An improved toy vehicle play set includes a base, a pillar or support, at least one platform, and a retaining mechanism. The pillar is configured to extend substantially vertically from the base. The at least one platform is coupled to the pillar and is configured to receive a toy vehicle. A retaining mechanism coupled to the at least one platform retains the toy vehicle on the platform until actuation of the retaining mechanism. Upon actuation, the retaining mechanism is reconfigured from a retaining configuration that retains the toy vehicle on the platform to a releasing configuration that enables the toy vehicle to roll off of the platform. Where multiple platforms are present, upon actuation, multiple retaining mechanisms are simultaneously reconfigured from a retaining configuration that retain toy vehicles on the multiple platforms to a releasing configuration that enables the toy vehicles to roll off of the platforms.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Stacy L O'Connor
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Patent number: 9457283Abstract: A toy having: an action figurine; an accessory configured to be removably secured to the action figurine; and a housing into which the action figurine and the accessory can be inserted, wherein the housing is configured to releasably retain the accessory and the action figurine therein after they have been inserted into the housing, the housing further comprising: a first actuation mechanism for releasing the action figurine from the housing when the first actuation mechanism is actuated, wherein the action figurine becomes dislodged from the accessory, and the accessory remains within the housing; and a second actuation mechanism for releasing both the action figurine and the accessory from the housing when the second actuation mechanism is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Ruben L. Martinez
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Patent number: 9457284Abstract: A track set is disclosed herein. The track set includes a track portion configured for receiving at least one device configured to traverse within the track portion, and a rotatable track portion. The rotatable track portion includes a receiving member and a generally spiral portion. The rotatable track portion is selectively rotatable about an axis. The receiving member is positioned to selectively receive the at least one device from the track portion as the rotatable track portion rotates. Movement of the device within the spiral portion generally maintains rotation of the rotatable track portion about the axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Eric C. Ostendorff
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Publication number: 20160279534Abstract: A toy building block includes a main body, one or more posts, and one or more receptacles. Preferably, the posts on a block extend from a top side of the main body and the receptacles are included in a bottom side of the main body. The posts and receptacles may have multiple configurations and may be flexible. Additionally, the surfaces or portions of the posts and receptacles that engage each other may be tapered.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2014Publication date: September 29, 2016Applicant: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Edmund (Kin Fai) CHANG
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Patent number: 9452367Abstract: A toy apparatus includes a base having a first surface, a wall movably coupled to the base, and an actuation element located on the first surface of the base. The actuation element is rotatably coupled to the base, the actuation element being rotatable relative to the base in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. The actuation element includes a main body, and first and second extensions coupled to the main body. The first extension has first and second engageable surfaces, the actuation element rotating in the first direction when a force is applied to the first engageable surface and in the second direction when a force is applied to the second engageable surface. The second extension engages and moves the wall relative to the base when the actuation element rotates.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Paul William Schmid
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Patent number: D767314Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventor: Kevin Crane
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Patent number: D770806Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: John S. Canna, Juliette Marlene Welch
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Patent number: D772625Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Devin J. Roberts, Philip R. Pyrce, Robert Dean, Robert M. Goszewski