Patents Assigned to Mattel
  • Patent number: 8461468
    Abstract: A multidirectional switch includes a base, a weight coupled to the base via resilient member, and at least first and second contacts coupled to the base. The weight is biased toward a neutral position spaced from the first and second contacts. The weight is movable toward and contacts the first contact when a first force is applied to the base, which deforms the resilient member in a first direction. The weight is movable toward and contacts the second contact when a second force is applied to the base, which deforms the resilient member in a second direction different than the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Cannon
  • Publication number: 20130143655
    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: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: MATTEL, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130143467
    Abstract: A toy building block set includes multiple polyhedron blocks of different lengths removably attachable together. Each block includes at least a top and four side walls. At least one connector extends from the top and includes opposing interior and exterior surfaces. A recessed area is provided at the bottom of each block. Engagement projections or depressions are provided on the connector and the remaining engagement structure are provided in the recessed area of each block where they might fully or partially engage or not engage with structures on the connector. The mechanical interference engagements and resulting engagement forces provided between any two of the blocks are less than three and even less than two times the number of engagements and resulting engagement forces provided by a mated pair of the smallest polyhedron blocks of the set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: MATTEL, INC.
  • Patent number: 8453278
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infant support structure. In particular, the present invention relates to an infant support structure with a movable portion that facilitates access to a particular area or portion of the infant support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Aiken, Mark Weppner
  • Patent number: 8454021
    Abstract: A strategy game is disclosed herein. The game comprises a plurality of playing pieces, a plurality of stopper tiles, and a rule set. The rule set includes a plurality of rules, where a first rule provides that a stopper tile is an edge of a game playing area when placed on a playing pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian M. Yu
  • Publication number: 20130134056
    Abstract: A toy package assembly is disclosed. The package assembly configures a product and a light source within a blister pack, where the product is illuminated by a light source. The blister pack contains at least one tapered surface that configures the product within the blister pack to maximize the amount of light from the light source that illuminates the product. The product contains a color changing portion that reacts to the light from the light source by changing color. In one embodiment, the product is a toy vehicle, and in another embodiment, the product is a doll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Mattel, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8444151
    Abstract: An apparatus for playing a game is provided. The apparatus may include a base, a plurality of projectiles and a first target platform moveable with respect to the base. The first target platform may include a collecting position, in which the plurality of projectiles are collected at the first target platform, and a dispersing position, in which the plurality of projectiles are dispersed from the first target platform. The apparatus may further include an actuator mechanism configured to actuate movement of the first target platform from the collecting position to the dispersing position and a first launcher attached to the base and configured to project the plurality of projectiles toward the first target platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Moran, Stephen P. K. Lau, Jeremy R. Fischer, Alan Chung Chi Cheung, Vincent Chen Wen Yong, Tom Lee Tai To, Erick Huang Shi Xiong, Edmond Jiang Xiao Dong
  • Publication number: 20130123031
    Abstract: An infant support structure includes a support frame having a lower member configured to engage a support surface. First and second spaced arcuate posts extend upwardly from the lower member, each of the posts having a distal end portion. A seat portion is disposed between and coupled to the posts. A first end of a toy bar is secured to the distal end portion of one of the posts, and a second end of the toy bar is secured to the distal end portion of the other of the posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Trapp, John DeRubes, Domenic T. Gubitosi, Brian S. Kelly, John Martin Maul, Philip R. Pyrce, Robert W. Salmon
  • Publication number: 20130119725
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an infant seat (for example a bouncer seat) including a base frame and a support assembly having a frame and a pliable support suspended from the frame. The pliable support includes a head support portion and a foot support potion. The foot support potion of the pliable support includes an interactive feature operable to be engaged by the feet of an infant positioned in the bouncer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Matthew T. Choto
  • Publication number: 20130113240
    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: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, Maarten Van Huystee, Gregory S. Young
  • Patent number: 8434827
    Abstract: An infant support structure includes a support frame, a seat portion coupled to the support frame and configured for receiving an infant in a seated position, and a restraint assembly. The restraint assembly is coupled to the seat portion and configured to retain the infant in the seat portion. The restraint assembly includes a strap portion having a polymer coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Young, John S. Canna, Juliette Marlene Welch
  • Patent number: 8430713
    Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle comprising a chassis with opposing, top and bottom sides and opposing, first and second longitudinal ends and a central plane extending in a vertical direction and a longitudinal direction through the chassis and at least generally bisecting the sides and ends; first and second wheels coupled with the chassis proximal the first end so as to pivot with respect to the chassis and steer the first end, the first and second wheels being located on opposite sides of the central plane; a third wheel coupled with the chassis proximal the second end so as to span the central plane and pivot with respect to the chassis at least along an axis located in the central plane, the axis being pitched away from the vertical direction and toward the longitudinal direction in the central plane; and a steering coupling operably connecting the first and second wheels with the third wheel to simultaneously pivot the first, second and third wheels with respect to the chassis so as to steer the toy vehicle at
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: William Willett, Chung Ming (Bryan) Cheng, Chun Wing (Edward) Wong
  • Patent number: 8430712
    Abstract: A track set is provided. The track say may include at least two selectively positionable track arms each with a toy vehicle launcher, each track arm further defining a vehicle pathway, where each track arm may be positioned in at least an extended play configuration and a folded storage configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy O'Connor, Michael Nuttall
  • Publication number: 20130095923
    Abstract: A remote control for use with a media player coupled to an output device. The media player is configured to receive signals from the remote control, to read and execute information stored on a game medium, and to cause the output device to transmit generated signals. The remote control includes a controller, an input coupled to the controller, a transmitter coupled to the controller, and a receiver coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to selectively operate in a first mode that causes the transmitter to transmit a signal upon user actuation of the input, and a second mode that prevents the transmitter from transmitting signals upon user actuation of the input. Reception of a first generated signal by the receiver causes the controller to operate in the first mode, and reception of a second generated signal by the receiver causes the controller to operate in the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Mattel, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8419500
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a main body assembly supported for movement on wheels and having opposing right and left lateral sides, opposing front and rear ends, and opposing top and bottom sides extending between the lateral sides and the ends. The combined opposing right and left lateral sides and opposing top and bottom sides of the main body assembly define a slot that extends through the toy vehicle. An arm is provided for lifting at least one track segment from a level below the main body assembly up and into the slot while one or more other propulsion elements are provided in or around the slot to engage and move the one track segment from the one end of the vehicle entirely through the main body assembly along the slot and out the opposing end of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Zellie Morgan, Matthew A. Lauderbach
  • Publication number: 20130084772
    Abstract: A toy figure is provided that incorporates a torso, rotatably mounted on a spine, a pelvis fixed to the spine separate from the torso, a movable leg mounted on the pelvis, and a movable arm movably mounted to the torso. A lever extending from the movable leg into the torso rotates the torso on the spine as a result of the motion of the leg. The movable arm, attached to the spine by a linkage, is moved as a result of the relative motion of the rotating torso and the spine. The linkage may be attached within the movable arm near the shoulder or near the elbow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Mattel, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8408393
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to product packaging and, more specifically, to product packaging assemblies with try-me toys that may allow a consumer to visualize, experiment, and design various looks available in the product line at the point of purchase while the product remains in the product packaging and after purchase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Buynak, Yuk Ha Mo, Garrett Sander
  • Patent number: 8407832
    Abstract: An infant support structure with a collapsible frame is disclosed. In one embodiment, the infant support structure includes a frame with a coupling or lock mechanism that is configured to maintain the collapsible frame in a deployed or use configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Seth Galley
  • Publication number: 20130078888
    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: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. MAYER, Allan F. PAPP, William WILLETT
  • Patent number: D681742
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony M. Martino, Kevin Kai Cao