Abstract: A hand held remote control unit includes a wireless signal transmitter configured to transmit a fixed frequency (tone) signal and a manually operated switch to selectively operate the transmitter to transmit the wireless tone signal. A toy has an appropriate wireless signal receiver and control circuit responsive to the tone signal that controls one or more electrically operated devices that can provide at least two different, electrically activated responses of the toy apparent to an observer. The control circuit provides a sequence of two or more different predetermined responses of the toy in response to sequential reception and loss of the tone signal, the sequence of responses being repeated after completion.
Abstract: A toy vehicle reconfigurable between unfolded and folded configurations includes a generally body pivotally supporting a pair of generally planar driving systems on either lateral side. Each driving system includes a motor and gear train driving a continuous track passed over multiple pulley wheels. One pulley wheel of each driving system is carried on an arm mounted to a frame of the system so as to pivot between retracted and extended positions and spring loaded to the extended position. The tracks are sufficiently elastic to accommodate the movement of the one wheel from the extended position to a retracted position. The arms are pushed into the retracted position when the vehicle is pushed into a combined remote control unit and storage case.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 23, 2011
Date of Patent:
November 5, 2013
Assignee:
Mattel, Inc.
Inventors:
Mark S. Mayer, Allan F. Papp, William Willett
Abstract: A play set for toy vehicles is provided, the play set having: a ramp member pivotally mounted to the play set for movement between a first un-deployed position wherein toy vehicles travelling thereon will be directed under an upper track section and a deployed position wherein vehicles travelling thereon will be launched up into the upper track section; a first mechanism coupled to the ramp member for moving the ramp member between the first position and the second position; and a second mechanism for releasing a floor portion of the upper track section such that toy vehicles located thereon are dropped through an opening in the upper track section, wherein the second mechanism is only actuated after a predetermined number of vehicles are located on the upper track section.
Abstract: An electronic game apparatus for providing a game activity. The electronic game apparatus may include a base unit with a game processor adapted to receive a plurality of input signals including an actuator signal and a plurality of directional signals. The game processor may be adapted to determine the game activity based upon the input signals and to transmit output signals representative of the game activity to a monitor device. The apparatus may also include a handle element extending transversely from the base unit in a substantially fixed position relative to the base unit, and may include an actuator that is configured to be manipulated in order to transmit the actuator signal. Optionally, the apparatus may include a direction element, which may be movable in two dimensions relative to the base unit and adapted to transmit the directional signals, extending transversely from the base unit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 2, 2006
Date of Patent:
November 5, 2013
Assignee:
Mattel, Inc.
Inventors:
Jeffrey Osnato, Nicholas Howard, Gary Collins
Abstract: An electronic game apparatus. The apparatus may include at least a first player input device and a second player input device. Each player input device may have a plurality of buttons adapted to be manipulated by a player, thereby producing player input signals for moving one or more characters within the game environment. The apparatus may also include a base unit coupled to the player input devices. The base unit may include a game processor adapted to receive the plurality of player input signals and to determine therefrom a game simulation. The game processor may transmit output signals representative of the game simulation to a monitor device. Optionally the game simulation may include movements of at least one of the first player and the second player character based upon input signals from the corresponding player input device. Each player character may be selectable from different groups of player characters.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 6, 2006
Date of Patent:
October 29, 2013
Assignee:
Mattel, Inc.
Inventors:
Jeffrey Osnato, Nicholas Howard, Gary Collins
Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a toy track set for at least one toy vehicle is provided, the toy track set having: a track path; and a surface rotatably mounted to a base, wherein a portion of the surface comprises a portion of the track path and wherein as the surface rotates and spins on the base to transfer the toy vehicle from a first portion of the track to a second portion of the track.
Abstract: A figure includes a body with a first portion including an inlet and a second portion including an outlet. The first portion is submersible in a liquid. A conduit extends between the inlet and the outlet. A pump mechanism is coupled to the conduit. The pump mechanism is operable by a user to draw liquid into the inlet, move the liquid through the conduit, and discharge the liquid from the outlet.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 11, 2011
Date of Patent:
October 22, 2013
Assignee:
Mattel, Inc.
Inventors:
Kelly Rae Matheny, Christopher Goff, Jeffrey A. Saunders
Abstract: A carrier and a conventional toy vehicle have mating structures to releasably connect the two together. The carrier is configured to support the vehicle to run along a T shaped portion of the monorail track. The carrier has a main housing having the mating structure and a through channel on upper and lower sides. Rollers support the carrier to move on the upper running surface of the track while other structures extend beneath the running surface to capture the surface in the through channel. Weights are supported from the main housing in legs extending below the main housing, through channel and running surface.
Abstract: A bouncing seat for a child includes a seat support having an opening for receiving the child, a base, a post connected to and extending upwardly from the base, and first and second arms extending outwardly from a distal end of the post. The first and second arms are connected to the seat support, thereby connecting the seat support to the base. The post is aligned with the opening.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 15, 2010
Date of Patent:
October 15, 2013
Assignee:
Mattel, Inc.
Inventors:
Juliette Marlene Welch, John S. Canna, Theresa R. Rojek, Gregory Scott Young
Abstract: A child retaining structure includes a wall assembly defining a child receiving area, a platform disposed within the child receiving area, and a support member connected to the wall assembly and supporting the platform. The support member and the platform are reconfigurable between a raised position so that the child retaining structure functions as a bassinet, and a lowered position so that the child retaining structure functions as a playpen, or alternatively, as a playhouse.
Abstract: A reconfigurable infant support structure includes a frame, a hanger arm movably coupled to the frame, and a seat movably coupled to the hanger arm. The hanger arm is placeable in a moving position and in a fixed position. The seat is positionable in a lowered position and in a raised position relative to the frame along the hanger arm. The seat is releasably securable in its raised position. The frame restricts the seat from being releasably secured in its raised position unless the hanger arm is in its fixed position. Conversely, the hanger arm can not be released from its fixed position unless the seat is in it lowered position.
Abstract: An infant support structure with which an electronic device can be used is disclosed. In one embodiment, the infant support structure is configured to be used with an electronic device that can enhance the experience of an infant or child on the infant support structure. In addition, softgoods for an infant support structure is disclosed.
Abstract: An infant support includes a seat and an upright portion that extends from the seat. A tray has a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member of the tray is configured to be removably coupled to the upright portion. Additionally, the second member of the tray is configured to be removably coupled between the first member and the third member.
Abstract: Toys according to the present disclosure include a body, at least one pivotal member that is coupled to the body and biased toward a first position from a second position, and a user release mechanism configured to release the at least one pivotal member from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, the toys include more than one pivotal member. In some embodiments, a pivotal member is configured to resemble different elements of the toy when in the first position than when in the second position.
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.