Patents Assigned to Mattel
  • Publication number: 20110252467
    Abstract: A trusted communication system and methods of ensuring trusted communications are provided. A trusted communication system may comprise: a first token identifying a first portable memory device, a second token identifying a second portable memory device, a database configured to store tokens and associations therebetween and a trusted communication server configured to (i) receive a request from a second client, said second client configured to operate with the second portable memory device, to allow said second client to access a first network resource related to a first client configured to operate with the first portable memory device, the request including the second token, and (ii) query the database to determine whether there is an association between the second token and the first token, wherein upon a determination that the database server contains an association between second token and the first token, the trusted communication server permits the second client access to the first network resource.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Sucher, Paul King, Rosie O'Neill, Christopher L. Goff, Carrie Buse, Joy Burns
  • Patent number: 8033901
    Abstract: An electronic game system is provided. The system may include a base station operable to communicate with an electronic system and one or more character units operable to communicate with the base station. The one or more character units store data associated with one or more characters. The data are utilized to play a game using the electronic system. The character units may have substantially similar appearances to characters in the game. The base station also may have a character appearance. The character units may be removably attachable to the base station, alone or simultaneously, at an exterior or interior portion of a body part of the character appearance such as a head, a limb and a torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Ethan Wood
  • Patent number: 8029330
    Abstract: A remote control unit is electrically connected to a toy only by a two conductor cord. An electronic control unit located within the toy includes a signal generator and a controller for receiving the output signals and controlling at least two actions of the toy by detecting predetermined period variations in the received output signals, a first action enabled by a first predetermined period variation and a second action enabled by a second predetermined period variation. The remote control unit is electrically connected to the signal generator only by the cord and includes a switch array having at least a first switch in parallel with a second switch so that when the first switch is closed to cause the first predetermined period variation and when the second switch is closed to cause the second predetermined period variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander L. Baytman, Albert J. Ferrigno, Charles R. Mahoney, Konstantin Degtyarev
  • Publication number: 20110236869
    Abstract: An electronic learning device for receiving a book having a plurality of successive page spreads, at least one page spread having selectable content and an optically readable page identifier. The device includes a housing configured to receive the book, a position sensor in the housing configured to determine the location of the selectable content on the at least one page spread, an optical sensor in the housing configured to irradiate and detect the page identifier on the at least one page spread and control electronics in the housing operatively coupled to the optical sensor and to the position sensor and configured to synchronize sequential operation of the position sensor and the optical sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: John W. TAYLOR, James P. MEADE, Christopher D. CIMERMAN, Stephen M. ERNST
  • Patent number: 8025551
    Abstract: A toy vehicle has first, second and third wheels for movement over a surface. Each of the first, second and third wheels has a respective first, second and third axis of rotation that lies between the remaining two other axes of rotation such that the three axes of rotation are mutually adjoining. Each of the three axes of rotation crosses over the other two axes of rotation such that an angle is formed between each adjoining crossing pair of the axes of rotation where each angle is other than a multiple of 90 degrees. Each wheel is individually powered so that the toy vehicle can translate in any horizontal direction regardless of its facing direction. Two of the wheels can be realigned so their axes of rotation are collinear for conventional movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Torres, Christopher J. Hardouin, Mark S. Mayer, Tin Hung Ngai, Chun Wing Wong
  • Publication number: 20110225737
    Abstract: An infant support structure includes a frame and a receptacle configured to receive a power source. The frame includes a hub and an infant support portion coupled to the hub. The hub defines the receptacle. A cover is coupled to the hub and is pivotally movable between an open position for providing access to the receptacle and a closed position for restricting access to the receptacle. The cover defines a handle portion for moving the infant support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: John Dave DeRubes, Matthew Alan Szymanski, Juliette Marlene Welch
  • Publication number: 20110230272
    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: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Pyrce, Maarten Van Huystee, Jeffrey W. Luchterhand
  • Publication number: 20110227384
    Abstract: A reconfigurable support system for children a universal seat and a plurality of base frames such as a toddler seat frame, a high chair frame, an infant seat frame, and a swing frame. The arms of the seat define receptacles that receive a portion of each frame. A locator assembly enables the seat to be coupled to each frame in a predetermined orientation. A lock mechanism removably secures the seat to each frame. The support system further includes support legs that selectively connect to the frames and support the frames over a supporting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Huntsberger, John S. Canna, Daniel Dignitti, Michael J. Lundeen, Todd J. Huthmaker
  • Publication number: 20110230271
    Abstract: An infant support structure includes a frame, a seat portion rotatably coupled to the frame so that the seat portion is movably coupled to the frame, an engagement member coupled to the seat portion, and a lock bar pivotally coupled to the lower portion of the frame, the lock bar movable between a first position disengaged from the engagement member thereby permitting swinging motion of the seat portion, and a second position engaging the engagement member and inhibiting swinging motion of the seat portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Matthew Alan Szymanski
  • Publication number: 20110227375
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Ronald Asbach
  • Publication number: 20110227871
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic device, and in particular, to the input and output of data from the electronic device. The present invention also relates to an object that is identifiable by an electronic device having a touch screen. The object includes contact members that can engage or be positioned proximate to the touch screen. The contact members create contact points that are sensed or detected by the touch screen. The object is at least partly conductive and includes at least a first contact member and a second contact member spaced from the first contact member. The first and second contact members define the pattern of contact points. An output is generated and displayed by the touch screen when the object engages or is proximate to the touch screen and is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Cannon
  • Publication number: 20110223829
    Abstract: A play system includes a toy vehicle and a playset for use therewith. A toy vehicle includes a chassis having a bottom surface that is at least partially magnetic and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis. A playset includes a base, a launch ramp mounted to the base and having an upper end and a lower end that includes an upwardly-inclined section terminating in a jump lip, and a magnetic element selectively positionable within a predefined range of positions relative to the jump lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: David Sheltman
  • Publication number: 20110221260
    Abstract: Improved blow-molded wheels, methods for producing the same, and children's ride-on vehicles including the same are disclosed. The blow-molded wheels may include a blow-molded body that has a tread surface, first and second sidewalls and an axis. The body may be configured to rotate about the axis. The tread surface may extend circumferentially around the body and may extend between the first and second sidewalls. A first region of the tread surface may be disposed between the first sidewall and the central circumference of the blow-molded body. A second region of the tread surface may be disposed between the second sidewall and the central circumference of the blow-molded body. A recessed region may be positioned between the first region and the second region with the radial distance to the recessed region being less than the radial distances to the first and second regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Albert L. Arendt, James R. Carducci, Christopher F. Lucas
  • Publication number: 20110220528
    Abstract: A packaged item including one or more packaging tie-downs configured to retain objects secured with a retention strap in association with packaging material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Chiu Wah Wong, Lu Jiao Xu, Charles H. DeVoe
  • 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: 8007339
    Abstract: A video toy is provided which may include a video screen and first and second housing segments. Each housing segment may have a diorama displaying features and objects to simulate a scene such as an apartment or room. The video screen may move from a position in front of a first diorama to a position in front of a second diorama. The diorama behind the video screen may be visible through the screen. The video toy may be programmed to display characters on the screen that engage in activities consistent with the diorama visible through the video display and simulate interacting with objects in the diorama. Players may interact with the characters through inputs such as buttons. Virtual characters may be programmed to have activities and interactions with the player that are modified based on type and frequency of user inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Hardin, Dominic Ambriz, Evelyn Viohl
  • Patent number: 8002606
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a chassis, a right turning member that supports a right steerable road wheel and a left turning member that supports a left steerable road wheel. A rigid steering link extends across the chassis and has right and left ends that are operably connected to the right and left turning members. An actuator provides a pivoting motion on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally forward and rearward in the vehicle. The motion provided by the actuator moves the steering link side to side across the vehicle. The right and left road wheels are pivoted by the motion of the steering link. An adjustable trim mechanism includes a bias member that helps to maintain a neutral position of the steering link and a trim adjustment that modifies a position on the chassis at which the steering link and road wheels are maintained in the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun Wing Wong, Chung Ming Cheng
  • Publication number: 20110198905
    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: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Juliette Marlene Welch, John S. Canna, Theresa R. Rojek, Gregory Scott Young
  • Patent number: D646340
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Magers
  • Patent number: D646724
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Ruiz, Erich Weidetz