Patents Assigned to Mattel
  • Publication number: 20110021111
    Abstract: An indexing stunt selector for a toy vehicle track set is provided. The indexing stunt selector may be disposed along a toy vehicle track and includes a first stunt element disposed in the vehicle pathway to cause a toy vehicle to perform a first stunt, where performance of a first stunt results in actuation of a first stunt trigger. The indexing stunt selector further includes a second stunt element adapted to be automatically disposed in the vehicle pathway following actuation of the first stunt trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Nuttall, Harold Garner
  • Publication number: 20110021294
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a play implement positioning device including an implement support for holding a first play implement in a play position to be struck. The invention also discloses a mechanism for selectively, automatically placing multiple stored play implements onto the implement support after the first implement has been struck and dislodged from the implement support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Tell, David B. Fisher, Scott H. McIlvain, Ross Rumfola, III
  • Patent number: 7874918
    Abstract: An electronic game apparatus for providing a game activity on a monitor device. The electronic game apparatus may include a contacting member and a signal-emitting member that are each adapted to be manipulated by a user. The signal-emitting member may include a kinetic sensor adapted to produce a kinetic control signal representative of at least an orientation of the signal-emitting member. The signal-emitting member may also include at least one contact sensor adapted to be actuated by the user pressing the contacting member against the signal-emitting member to produce a contact control signal. A processor may be responsive to the kinetic control signal and the contact control signal and adapted to determine the game activity corresponding thereto. An audio-video processor adapted to produce and transmit audio-video output signals representative of the game activity to the monitor device may be coupled to the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Osnato, Nicholas Howard
  • Patent number: 7874892
    Abstract: A playset includes a launching device and one or more accessory toys. The launching device includes a launch tube and a bellows system operable to generate a flow of air through the launch tube. The accessory toys may include vehicles such as air-launched vehicles and surface-launched vehicles. Each accessory toy may include a port that receives the launch tube. In use, an accessory toy is mounted onto the launch tube and the bellows is compressed, causing the air to propel the vehicle into the air or along a surface. In another embodiment, the launch tube may include and interference assembly that selectively prohibits the mounting of an accessory toy onto the launch tube, or prevents the launching of accessory toys already mounted onto the tube. The launching device may further be incorporated into a carrying case or a transport vehicle toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Alan Hippely
  • Publication number: 20110014844
    Abstract: A modular, reconfigurable playset or system is disclosed. The system includes several modules or accessories with which wheeled objects, such as miniature skateboards, can be used. At least some of the modules or accessories include a coupling portion that is configured to be engaged with a coupling portion of a different module or accessory. In one embodiment, the modules or accessories are moved laterally toward each other to engage the coupling portions of the modules together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Henson, David Sheltman
  • Patent number: 7871125
    Abstract: An infant support includes a base member, a tray, a first leg, a second leg and an adjustment member. The base member includes a seat portion and an upright portion. The tray is configured to be removably coupled to the upright portion. The first leg is configured to support the base member and is slidably coupled to the base member such that the first leg can be selectively placed in a first position in which the first leg is retracted and a second position in which the first leg is fully extended. The second leg is configured to support the base member and is slidably coupled to the base member. The adjustment member is slidably coupled to the base member between the first leg and the second leg and is configured to retain the first leg in at least one of the first position or the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald M. Asbach, Maarten Van Huystee
  • Patent number: 7866536
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging concept includes a tubular wall member and end caps. The packaging is constructed from a sheet of flexible material wrapped into a continuous wall and fastened at the ends of the sheet material leaving open tube ends. The open ends of the tube are then closed by an end cap. The end caps are each formed from a continuous blank of sheet material. The blank includes at least three aligned cap layers. The first and second cap layers are adjacent to each other and connected by a tab connector. Each of the first and second cap layers also includes a plurality of bendable support tabs and each of the first and second cap layers includes a plurality of spaces between adjacent respective bendable support tabs. The first cap layer is folded relative to the second cap layer such that the support tabs of the first cap layer enter the spaces of the second cap layer and the support tabs of the second cap layer enter the spaces of the first cap layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: John Calendrille, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7862400
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a plurality of wheels and an electric motor operably coupled to rotate at least one of the wheels. At least the one wheel and preferably each rotated wheel includes a hub and a tire mounted on the hub. The tire has an interior sufficiently hollow to make the wheel buoyant in water and the wheel is sufficiently sealed to prevent water penetration of the interior of the tire with the wheel immersed in water. The tire has a central portion surrounding the hub and a plurality of hollow lobes spaced from one another about the central portion. Each lobe has a pair of opposing outer sides at least one outer side being at least partially inwardly cupped to improve thrust caused by rotation of the wheel in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Discoe, Joseph T. Moll, Kevin Pasko, Paulo Kang, Steven Verbera
  • Publication number: 20100330869
    Abstract: A hair styling doll with a hair styling mechanism is disclosed. The doll includes a body with a head to which a lock of hair is coupled. The doll includes an adjustment mechanism that can be manipulated to adjust the length and shape or configuration of the lock of hair. The hair is braided and the adjustment mechanism includes an elongate member that is coupled to the different sections of the braided hair. The elongate member is coupled to the hair in an alternating configuration or pattern such that pulling the elongate member results in the braided hair coiling and forming a bun-like structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Simon Jung
  • Patent number: 7857454
    Abstract: An image projection system includes an image projection device for projecting a light image onto a wall, ceiling or other designated surface. The image projection device includes a housing within which is disposed separately located light sources. The housing further includes a slot for receiving several image slides. Each image slide has multiple, separated, slide image patterns thereon and each slide image pattern is in a different location on the image slide. Each of the light sources is disposed in a light chamber such that light from one of the light sources projects through only one of the separated image patterns on the image slide. Light from light sources passing through respective slide image patterns can then intersect to project multiple superimposed images on an image viewing surface. Furthermore, an electronic controller controls the light intensity and light timing of each individual light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary G. Mastrosimone-Gese, Gerald A. May, David G. Waples
  • Patent number: 7857679
    Abstract: A relay segment for a toy track set is provided, the relay segment having a trigger moveably secured to the relay segment proximate to a first vehicle track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for adjustable movement with respect to the relay segment, the trigger being capable of movement between a first position and a second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy Lynn O'Connor, Michael W. Nuttall
  • Publication number: 20100323581
    Abstract: A mobile mountable to an infant support structure includes a housing having a drive mechanism, a support arm extending from the housing, and an assembly supported from the support arm. The support arm is connected to the drive mechanism and movable relative to the housing in first and second opposite directions. The assembly includes a hub, a motion portion, and a hanging portion. The motion portion has a resilient component coupled to the hanging portion, which drives the hanging portion in a third direction when the support arm moves in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert M. Goszewski, Patrick J. Murphy, David E. Moomaw
  • Publication number: 20100320821
    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: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Trapp, John DeRubes, Domenic T. Gubitosi, Brian S. Kelly, John Martin Maul, Philip R. Pyrce, Robert W. Salmon
  • Patent number: 7854643
    Abstract: A first doll is supported upon a support base in a substantially vertical standing position. A stunt apparatus includes a torso clasp which releasably attaches to the first doll torso and which includes an elongated rod pivotally secured to the torso clasp on the first doll. A second doll is secured to one end of the rod by a torso clasp and pivotal attachment. The remaining end of the rod is formed into a handle suitable for allowing the user to manipulate the second doll with respect to the first doll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Erika Kane
  • Publication number: 20100317447
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a support frame, a resilient member, a seat, and a retainer. The resilient member has a first end portion configured to be coupled to the support frame and a second end portion, opposite from the first end portion. The seat is configured to be coupled to the second end portion such that the seat is suspended from the support frame by the resilient member. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion includes multiple sleeves, each defining an opening therein. A portion of the retainer is configured to be disposed within a first one of the sleeves and coupled to at least one of the seat and the support frame such that a position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing the portion of the retainer within a second one of the sleeves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventors: David M. Bapst, John DeRubes, Domenic T. Gubitosi, Brian S. Kelly, John Martin Maul, Philip R. Pyrce, Robert W. Salmon
  • Publication number: 20100311485
    Abstract: An electronic question and answer game device in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing that has several side walls or surfaces. A display screen is disposed on one of the sides. The display screen is configured to present a question to the user of the electronic device. The electronic game device includes several mechanisms that vary the methods in which a user can play the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Janice E. Ritter, Brian M. Yu, Tadd L. Callies, E. Ernst Ginkel, Darin Marshal Barri, Robert John Grzesek, Jorge Castro Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7841920
    Abstract: Toy dolls including a body and a fluid-transport mechanism supported by the body and configured to receive a liquid from a liquid delivery device and dispense the liquid from the toy doll. In some embodiments, the fluid-transport mechanism includes a reservoir for collecting the liquid, a plunger disposed within the reservoir, and an activation mechanism configured to move the plunger from a fluid-delivery position to a fluid-receipt position when the liquid delivery device is inserted into the input region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc,
    Inventor: Tim Rettberg
  • Patent number: 7841327
    Abstract: The present invention is a toy projectile launcher in the form of a role play accessory such as a belt. The belt assembly includes a strap, a launcher housing, and projectiles stored on the belt strap. The belt strap feeds through the launcher housing so that projectiles may be launched from the strap. In one embodiment the launcher is hand-held, and includes a handle which serves both for holding the launcher during operation and as a power switch for the launcher. Projectiles may be discharged singly from the launcher or continuously in a rapid-fire mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon C. Sopinsky, Binh Luong, Steed Sun, Peter Fan, Henry Miller
  • Patent number: D630273
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Paulo Kang
  • Patent number: D631061
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jared Pardi