Patents Assigned to Mattel
  • Patent number: 8926396
    Abstract: An inertia motor for a toy has a housing supporting a rotating flywheel. The flywheel has a disk with generally radially movable elements, movement of which vary the moment of inertia of the disk. Another element is supported by the housing so as to be movable towards and away from the disk and is located so as to be able to engage at least one of the movable elements when the flywheel has slowed sufficiently. Angular momentum and energy in the flywheel at engagement is transferred to the housing. The housing may also include a transmission such as a gear train to connect the flywheel with one of more elements of the toy to be powered by the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Berrigan August Romig Lennon
  • Patent number: 8920207
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a toy building block system that includes a building portion having a housing with a surface and a building component. The building component is extendable from the housing and movable relative to the housing surface. The building component and the housing surface define a configuration of the building portion that is changeable during play. The toy building block system further includes a play component which is engageable with the building component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Beth Ann Hageman, Gerald A. May, Patrick Ritossa
  • Patent number: 8919871
    Abstract: A foldable infant seat includes a support frame including two generally U-shaped support members, each U-shaped support member pivotally connecting with the other at a central location of the U-shaped support member such that the support frame is foldable between a first configuration in which corresponding ends of the U-shaped support members are separated from each other and a second configuration in which the corresponding ends of the U-shaped support members are disposed in close proximity to each other. A flexible seat member is securable to the support frame. In one embodiment, a canopy is pivotally secured to the support frame. The canopy can include at least one pocket configured to store one or more items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Maarten Van Huystee, Gregory S. Young
  • Patent number: 8910787
    Abstract: A protective case for an electronic portable device includes a main body portion having a transparent base and sidewalls defining a recess configured for releasably receiving a portable electronic device. A plate is disposed against or defined by a portion of the base of the main body. The plate covers a portion of the front face or a portion of the display of the portable electronic device. The covered portion of the display is not actuable through the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Damon, Christine A. Drosendahl, Anthony Favorito, Jared P. Pardi, John Thaddeus Smokowski, Gary E. Weber
  • Patent number: 8900031
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a vehicle body configured for moving along a support surface when disposed in a first orientation. A platform is rotatably coupled to an underside of the vehicle body, and a lever is pivotally coupled to the platform. The lever is movable between a first position disengaged from the support surface and a second position engageable with the support surface when the vehicle is disposed in its first orientation. The lever causes the vehicle to be overturned from its first orientation when the lever is moved from its first position to its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Ray Benedict, Keith Hippely, Marlin He, Anthony M. Martino, Eric So
  • Patent number: 8894463
    Abstract: A toy figure assembly is disclosed. The toy figure assembly includes a toy figure and a toy surfboard that can be used with the toy figure. In one embodiment, the toy figure can be coupled to the toy surfboard in an upright or surfing orientation that simulates the toy figure surfing on the toy surfboard. In one embodiment, the toy figure can be coupled to the toy surfboard in a lying orientation that simulates the toy figure paddling on the toy surfboard. In one embodiment, a handle is coupleable to the toy figure to allow a user to move the toy figure into different poses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia Chan, Steven Ryniker, Andrew Wong
  • Patent number: 8888100
    Abstract: An electronic game device including a first sensor section hingedly connected to a second sensor section. One or more proximity sensors and one or more output devices are operatively connected to the sensor sections by circuitry. The first sensor section and the second sensor section each include a sensor space such that placement of an object in the sensor space of the associated sensor section may actuate the one or more proximity sensors of that sensor section. The circuitry is configured to determine whether the proximity sensors are actuated and to emit an output signal. Hinges allow the game device to be folded from a linear game orientation, to a multi-dimensional game orientation, and to a bi-linear game orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl J Kamph, C. Hit Ho, Andrew J. Riggs, Erich Weidetz, Paul D. Middleton
  • Patent number: 8888554
    Abstract: A toy playset is provided. The toy playset may include a base having a first play surface and may further include a first socket attached to the first play surface. The first socket may include a central detent configured to releasably retain a toy wheel with a portion of the toy wheel held inside the central detent. The first socket may include a pair of lateral detents configured to releasably retain a toy axle. The lateral detents may extend across the first socket and may intersect the central detent. The lateral detents may be narrower than the central detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Finizza
  • Publication number: 20140333025
    Abstract: An electronic card game system and method using NFC or RFID electromagnetic communication, including an initiator having a driving coil, a first card having a secondary coil with a capacitor, and a playing piece having a receiving coil. The initiator and the first card may be placed on a playing surface so that at least a portion of the driving coil and at least a portion of the secondary coil overlap. Similarly, the first card and the playing piece may be placed on a playing surface so that at least a portion of the receiving coil and at least a second portion of the secondary coil overlap. These overlapped coils allow a driving signal initiated at the driving coil to be transmitted through the secondary coil and received by the receiving coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas S. Amireh, Vladimir Buzga, Vladimir Sosnovskiy
  • Patent number: 8882561
    Abstract: An electronic toy memory device is disclosed which may include memory, a processor and may depict a character on the housing. The memory device may store audio files and network addresses. Connecting the memory device to a computer may launch a software application with content associated with the character depicted on the memory device housing. Connecting to a server over the internet may launch additional software applications stored on the server with additional content associated with the character depicted on the housing. The character may be depicted on a shell which is frictionally attached to the housing and further includes accessories such as clothes which may be frictionally attached to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Dyer, Paul King, Joy Burns, Kislap Ongchangco, Emily Kelly, Carrie Buse, Kenneth Heimann, Christopher Goff
  • Publication number: 20140326798
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy vehicle play set with 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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Stacy L. O'CONNOR
  • Publication number: 20140329436
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed that is configured to be driven by a pull cord that is inserted through the axle of a drive wheel of the toy vehicle, such that the drive wheel of the toy vehicle is energized through movement of the driving pull cord in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of intended travel of the toy vehicle. This configuration allows a user to launch multiple toy vehicles arranged in a side-by-side arrangement using a single pull cord, and moreover by pulling such single pull cord through a single pull stroke. This configuration also allows the simultaneous launching of multiple toy vehicles aligned in a single row when multiple pull cords are provided an engage a single actuator to withdraw all such pull cords in a single pulling stroke. Launchers for use with such a toy vehicle, and methods of using the same, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Berrigan August Romig LENNON
  • Publication number: 20140329434
    Abstract: A toy appendage assembly includes an elongated member, an offset shaft having a first end coupled to a coupling end of the elongated member, and a wheel coupled to a second end of the offset shaft. The offset shaft is coupled to the wheel at a location away from the center of the wheel. The coupling end of the elongated member is at least partially spherical in shape and is capable of rotating within a support structure. The elongated member has a first axis, and the offset shaft has a second axis, where the first axis is angularly offset from the second axis. The coupling end serves as a pivot point for the elongated member and the offset shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan Saunders
  • Toy
    Patent number: 8876573
    Abstract: A reconfigurable structure for use with toy vehicles is provided, the structure having a first tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the first tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a ramp movably secured to the first tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the first tower; a second tower structure having a plurality of floors each having an entrance and an exit; a lift movably secured to the second tower, the lift being positionable at any entrance of the plurality of floors of the second tower; a ramp movably secured to the second tower, the ramp being positionable at any exit of the plurality of floors of the second tower; and wherein the reconfigurable structure is capable of having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the ramp of the first tower is configured to releasably engage the lift of the second tower when the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy Lynn O'Connor, Michael Nuttall
  • Patent number: 8876572
    Abstract: A toy vehicle launching ramp and landing ramp is a toy vehicle track set that includes a launching ramp or track portion and a landing or receiving ramp or track portion. The toy vehicle track set also includes a booster or launcher which can propel or launch a toy vehicle onto the launching ramp, into the air, and onto the landing ramp. Further the set includes at least one elongate member with distance indicia, such that a user can measure the distance between the launcher and launching ramp, the launching ramp and receiving ramp, or some combination thereof. The toy vehicle track set enhances the play value of toy vehicle track sets by providing reliable and measurable jumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Martino, Kevin Cao, David Alan Sheltman
  • Publication number: 20140323012
    Abstract: A toy figure, with an upper torso; a shoulder flange rotatably mounted on the upper torso; and an extendable arm pivotally mounted to the shoulder flange. The extendable arm may pivot with respect to both the shoulder flange and the upper torso to extend away from the upper torso, and includes an elbow that allows the extendable arm to straighten and bend. The toy figure includes an actuating mechanism disposed within the upper torso that forces the extendable arm to pivot and extend away from the upper torso. A tie rod may interconnect the shoulder flange to a portion of the extendable arm through the elbow so that so that pivotal movement of the arm around the shoulder flange causes the extendable arm to straighten.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Sopinsky, Derek Chan, Binh Luong, Alan Fong, Lu Jiao Xu, Zeng Wu
  • Patent number: 8870623
    Abstract: A toy track set is provided. The toy track set having: a vehicle path defined by a track and a gap disposed between a first end and a second end of the track; a catapult mechanism disposed within the vehicle path adjacent the first end, the catapult mechanism comprising: a platform member and a switch operably coupled to move the platform member from the second position to the first position. A catapult member having a first arm and a second arm rotationally coupled to the track, the first arm movable between a third position and a fourth position. A release mechanism is disposed adjacent the first end, the release mechanism having a trigger operably coupled to retain the catapult member in the third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gustavo Ferreyra, Kurnia Alim, Alex Au, Stacy O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20140315650
    Abstract: An infant swing includes a base, a support coupled to the base, an arm coupled to and movable relative to the support, and a seat portion coupled to the arm. A drive system is coupled to the arm and moves the arm relative to the base. An actuator is connected to the drive system, and is located so that a user can engage the actuator with the user's foot to control the drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Pyrce, Maarten Van Huystee, Jeffrey W. Luchterhand
  • Patent number: D718822
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Tai To Lee
  • Patent number: D720029
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: William Miekina